Edited 11/6/10: Yes, I realize that I haven't updated in almost a year. Sorry. Truly sorry. I fail at updating. Please enjoy this chapter. It has a few changes.
I'm back after being so mean and leaving you all with a cliff hanger. I'm getting so many reviews for my story Complicated. X) I am so happy! -happeh face- :D I'm going to try to type this chapter in third person point of view. Ah, and also if you have a request for a NatsuMikan scene (that has to do with this story plot, mind you), please do request. I will try and put it in the story. :)
Disclaimer: I do not own.
Happeh Reading! :D
Rush
By Tsuki's Angel
~Chapter 6~
-A Mystery-
Mikan stared in shock as she saw Natsume walking towards her. She looked frantically for a way to run. Where to? She turned her head and unfortunately spotted Victoria. She smirked and mouthed two words to her. Two words that made all the difference.
Run. Now.
Mikan didn't have time to think. All she knew was that Persona was standing a few yards behind her, and he had his eye on Natsume. Something was up—she doesn't know what, but believe her, she will find out. She quickly glanced at Isabella with a knowing look. Isabella nodded and whispered in Ivan's ear. All at once, their silent plan went into action. Isabella used both her Alices—fire and ice—to create a smoke bomb that covered the entire area. The humidity increased and pretty soon everyone was yelling and wondering what the heck happened. Through all the pandemonium, Isabella stared at Mikan incredulously. Had Mikan lost her mind? What was she doing just standing there?
Mikan couldn't move. Victoria was staring at them with an expression of pure fury. She knew it, even though she couldn't actually see it. There was only one other time that she, Ivan, and Isabella decided to escape from the Academy in London, and that was not even funny. The attempt was pathetic and all it brought for them was hurt and a whole lot of unnecessary attention from the student body saying—look, there are the freaks who wanted to escape. Mikan was beginning to feel dizzy, and her breathing became heavy. Her neck had a very disturbing burning sensation. It was hurting and her head throbbed.
"Mikan you bloody idiot! Run!" Isabella screeched.
Natsume glanced at Isabella then at Mikan. He didn't know what came over him, but what he did next was completely on his own whim.
"Mikan," Natsume said, taking her hand. "Let's go."
Natsume ran. He ran off the stage and away from the commotion. The farther they got away from Central Town the better. He went straight towards the forest, not knowing where to go or what to expect. The one thing Natsume did know, though, was that Mikan felt highly uncomfortable with Victoria standing there. Natsume stopped near a tree on the edge of the forest. They covered some ground but not enough. He leaned against the tree to catch his breath. He looked at Mikan and she looked terrified.
Mikan stared at Natsume as he stared at her. What has he done? Does he not see that now that he's run away with her, he's going to be caught up in the stupid mess she brought upon herself? The whole of Mikan's existence was to not get her loved ones—mainly Natsume—hurt! But now that Victoria and Persona saw what they did, they're not only going to be after her but after him if she didn't do something quick.
"Polk—" Natsume started uncertainly, but Mikan cut him to the chase. She grabbed his arm and dashed into the forest. She had an uneasy feeling that someone was watching her. As she calculated the surrounding forest's area, she figured out where to go. It was a safe place that she knew nobody would ever think to go and find her. It was time to visit an old friend.
. . .
Hotaru stared at the smoke around her. She nearly popped a vein in her forehead. She took out a remote control and pressed a big red button on it. Almost immediately after, the smoke was blown away by a fan. Where the fan was, nobody knew—or will ever know, according to Hotaru.
"Hyuuga and Mikan are gone," she stated to Luca.
Luca glanced at her. "I know," he said.
"Where did she go?" Koko said stupidly. Sumire nearly smacked him.
"We don't know," Hotaru said, sighing.
"I wonder if she's alright…" Anna said worriedly.
"I really hope she is," Nonoko added. "The poor girl seems like she's in a fix, always showing up to class injured like that."
"Mikan can take care of herself," Hotaru said, not turning to face them. "She doesn't need a babysitter anymore."
"…Hotaru's right," Yuu said all of a sudden. "Mikan wouldn't do anything too rash."
"I bet she and Natsume are safe right now!" Kitsuneme said.
"What are we going to do?" yelled a voice. Everyone turned around to find Isabella in a blind fury. "She should have run away when I sent the cover! I'm positive that Victoria and Persona saw her!"
"I-Isabella," Ivan said. "Calm down. She's probably far away by now. She can teleport."
"Yes, I know," Isabella countered. "I'm no moron, but do you think she can fully use her abilities with the fact that she has that boy with her? She has that cursed necklace, remember?"
"Oh," Ivan said. "Sorry, I seemed to have forgotten."
"What are we going to do?" she wailed.
"What necklace?" Hotaru said, butting in. Isabella and Ivan swerved their heads to face her. Their eyes widened and they glanced at each other.
"U-um," Ivan said.
"I'm sorry, um, Mikan's friends, but—" Isabella started.
"But nothing," Hotaru hissed. "Mikan is my friend and I demand to know what the hell she's been up to the past years—starting now, starting with that necklace."
"You should've let me finish," Isabella said, sighing. "I'm sorry, but it's not really my place to tell you."
"Who said?" Hotaru asked, growing angrier.
"I'm pretty sure Mikan doesn't want anyone to know anything," Ivan said, a bit nervously. "She, um, considers her recent past dark and classified, I believe…"
"What?" Luca said. "That's not like Mikan at all!"
"Mikan said that…?" Anna asked, not believing what she heard.
"I am terribly sorry," Isabella whispered. "But we can't tell you anything."
Hotaru stared at them with burning anger in her eyes. Ivan flinched at her evil look. Hotaru turned around swiftly and started to walk away.
"…If you can't tell me, fine. But mark my words, I will find out," Hotaru bit out, and walked away, leaving Ivan and Isabella relieved that they didn't have to say anything about Mikan's recent past.
. . .
She stopped running as soon as she was standing in front of the cottage. They were panting slightly from the long run, but they were okay. This place brought back memories of the first time Mikan had come to Gakuen Alice. This was one of the first obstacles she had encountered. Mr. Bear's cottage.
"We're here," Mikan said.
Natsume looked at the cottage. "Why did you bring me here?" he asked, stoically.
"Doesn't this place bring back memories?" Mikan said, letting go of his hand and walking over to the cottage. She gently touched the door. "I remember the time we all came over here when Kaname got sick…Mr. Bear was all alone and Kaname made him so happy…" Mikan knocked on the door. Natsume tilted his head to one side and stared at Mikan, comprehending what she had just said. He walked behind her, and stopped her hand from knocking on the door again.
"Bear doesn't live here anymore," Natsume said gently. Mikan's body froze. She turned her body so that she looked up at Natsume. He was so much taller than her. She knitted her eyebrows, confused.
"Where did he go?" Mikan asked with no sign of emotion in her voice. Natsume sighed. This girl asked too many questions.
"When Kaname graduated along with Ando and Harada, Bear left with them," Natsume explained. "He's long gone, and this cabin has been deserted ever since." Mikan turned around and faced the cabin once again, this time, opening the door, revealing the small cabin. She walked inside, taking in her surroundings.
Once Mikan stepped inside, she saw the dining table she once sat upon with her friends. She saw the kitchen that they remodeled as a gift for Mr. Bear. And last but not least, she saw a small bed in the corner and a fireplace holding nothing but ashes of past fires that must have brought warmth to the previous occupant. The cabin was spacious, having a couch, and a bookshelf with a vase which contained some wilted lilies. Mikan trailed her hand along the dining table, feeling the cold wood, and also taking off dust at the same time. One of the cabin windows flew open from the sudden gust of wind. Mikan held her hand up to shield her eyes. She ran to the window and closed it, shivering. She took a good look around again. The place looked so…barren. It was saddening. Mikan looked down, hugging herself for warmth.
"Missing someone?" Natsume's voice rang. When Mikan didn't reply, he sighed and walked outside once again. Curious, Mikan's head came up and she silently followed him. Natsume was holding onto an ax, and not just any ax, Mr. Bear's ax. He held it and cleanly hewed a nearby peace of firewood in half.
"What are you doing?" Mikan asked.
"Getting firewood," came Natsume's bland reply.
Mikan rolled her eyes. "I know that," Mikan said.
"Good for you," Natsume said. He picked up some of the chopped firewood and carried it inside to the fireplace. He settled the wood into the hearth, catching it on fire with his Alice. "There." He said, satisfied. Mikan walked over and crouched down, right next to him, embracing the warmth of the flames. Of course, she could use her own Alice to warm herself, but she didn't quite feel it at the moment. Her necklace was also becoming a bother. It was not agreeing towards her actions.
"Natsume, were you ever afraid?" Mikan asked all of a sudden. Natsume turned to face her with a perplexed expression.
"What are you talking about?" he said, sitting down on the floor, now that it was warmer. Mikan did the same thing, bringing her knees up to her chest, kicking off her heels, and throwing them far away from her.
"When you had all of those scary missions," Mikan explained. "Were you afraid?"
"…Why are you asking me this?" Natsume asked, staring into the fire.
"Why can't I ask you?" she countered. Natsume sighed.
"Truth be told, no, I was not afraid. Not too much, anyways," Natsume said.
"Why?" she asked.
"…Because there was nothing to be afraid of. I knew what to expect, and I knew that if I didn't come back the next day, Luca would be alone and—" he turned to look at Mikan. "—I knew that I wouldn't be able to see you." The last part was barely a whisper. Her breathing was cut short as she abruptly turned her head away. The fact that her neck was burning didn't help.
"I wasn't always there, Natsume," Mikan said. "I came way after you came to the academy."
Natsume shrugged, "Then it goes back to the reason that if I didn't come back, Luca would be alone." Mikan was too shocked to say anything, even though she did not show it on her face. Natsume was just messing with her. He always had and always will.
"I am guessing we are staying here for a while," Natsume said, changing the subject. "I take it that you're hiding from someone?" Mikan was confused. How on earth did he know?
"I guess we are," Mikan muttered as her reply. They were quiet for a while. Mikan felt a question she's wanted to ask bugging her. She glanced at Natsume. He looked content, sitting like that. Heck, he looked good, and Mikan wanted him so. She decided to ask him. "…Natsume?"
"Hn?" Natsume said, leaning against the couch behind them.
Again, Mikan did the same. She turned her head to look at his profile. He was perfect with his black hair being illuminated by the fire just so. She decided it was safe. No one was here to watch her. She leaned her head onto his shoulder and buried her face into his neck. His hair tickled her face. He stiffened, but then relaxed as he moved his position so that Mikan could sit closer and more comfortably to him. Her necklace was being a pain in the butt. She flinched as her throat started to tickle, causing her to have the urge to cough. She held that urge back. Mikan sighed and continued her question.
"…Do you hate me?" Mikan asked, barely a whisper. Her voice was cracking. Natsume was taken aback. Why would she ever pop the question?
"No," Natsume said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "Why would you eve—"
Suddenly, Mikan heard something. Her body jolted. Natsume heard it too, judging by the expression on her face. She quickly used her Alice to nullify the fire in the fireplace. She got up and silently crept to the window. Her eyes widened as she saw Persona lurking outside, getting closer to the house by each and every second.
"Oh my God," Mikan whispered.
Natsume got up and followed her, and when he caught sight of Persona, he flinched. Mikan didn't know what to do. If Persona caught Natsume here with her, she was dead meat. Her only choice was to transport Natsume back to his dorm, safe and sound.
"What's wrong?" Natsume asked, as he saw Mikan's expression change from worried to a dark, mysterious aura.
"Natsume, listen carefully," Mikan said. Natsume raised an eyebrow.
"Tch," he said, which was a signal to go on.
"I'm going to transport you back to your dorm room, and when you get there, don't come back," she warned. "I'm dead serious. If you do come back, I'll have your head."
"What makes you think that I'll listen to you, idiot?" Natsume retorted. Mikan popped a vein in her forehead.
"Listen to me, or else," Mikan said, glaring at him.
"Stuuuupid," Natsume said, sticking his tongue out at Mikan. Mikan's jaw dropped.
"Really? Really Natsume? Are you that immature?" Mikan said, holding her hands on her hips.
Natsume heard the bushes rustle. He was coming. Natsume took Mikan by the hips and pulled her down with him under the windowsill, away from sight. He clamped his hand over her mouth, preventing her from screaming. Little did he know that Mikan was actually suffocating from the pain in her neck. She didn't make any move to shove him off, though.
"Mmff," Mikan said. She tore Natsume's hand off her mouth, and turned around to face him straight in the eye, her face only millimeters away from his. "I'm sorry," Mikan said, as she wrapped her arms around Natsume's neck. She closed her eyes and imagined Natsume's dorm. A small white glow surrounded them as Natsume started to disappear. Natsume knew what was happening, so as quick as he could, he hugged her back, and Mikan's eyes widened. She began to disappear, too, and pretty soon, they both plopped down onto Natsume's bed. Mikan was angry, until she noticed the position she was in. She was on top of Natsume—her hands on either side of his head and her legs on either side of his torso. She frowned. It wasn't the most awkward position she's been in, but it was up there.
"M-my bad," Mikan said, throwing herself back, plopping onto her bottom onto the bed in front of him. Natsume got up, only to be face to face with Mikan again. Mikan backed up, rubbing the back of her neck. Natsume raised an eyebrow.
"Why do you always do that?" he asked stoically.
Mikan gave him a hard glare. "Do what?"
"Rub your neck," he replied, rolling his eyes. "Whenever I'm with you, you do that." Mikan's eyes widened. Natsume was more observant that she inquired. This was, of course, a bad thing.
"You're just imagining things," Mikan muttered.
Mikan got up off the bed and walked over to the window seat. She stood on it with her knees and pulled one of the maroon curtains back. She peered outside. Nobody was there. The coast was clear, so she pushed back the curtains and threw back the windows wide open. She looked down once more, calculating if she would live if she jumped this height in her current condition. She thought, and decided that she would get away with it if she was careful, but this dress wasn't too helpful. It was uncomfortable. No doubt that Natsume had something she could borrow to wear, but there was no chance of her asking for that. She crossed her arms and huffed. Must there always be a problem?
Nonetheless, Mikan mounted the window looking for a comfortable position to jump out in when Natsume's eyes widened behind her.
"Are you going to jump out the window?" Natsume asked, stunned. This girl was looking for a death wish.
"Of course," Mikan said, unfazed. "It's the only way out, in which no evidence will be left that I had been in your room."
"You sound like it's a crime to be with me," Natsume countered. Mikan scoffed. If only he knew.
Mikan was about to jump, when Natsume grabbed her waist from behind, and picked her up off of the window's edge, carrying her securely in his arms. Mikan tried not to scream. That had scared the living daylights out of her. Natsume would not let go while Mikan struggled to be let free.
"Stay with me," Natsume ordered. "At least for tonight."
Mikan stopped struggling and fell limp in his embrace. She could not tell him that it caused her pain to be with him—in many different ways, including physical and emotional.
"Natsume," Mikan said, sighing, and completely ignoring the searing pain in her neck, letting it fade into a subtle burning. "I can't. She will find me. She'll—"
"She'll what?" Natsume asked, suspicious. She had kept excessively much from him. He needed to know what was up—now. Mikan glanced into his eyes only to find sincere confusion and curiosity.
"No," Mikan said. "I can't tell you. I need to leave now."
Natsume held her tighter, not letting her go. Mikan felt something caught in her throat. She wanted to stay. She wanted to stay and never leave him. She wanted to give him everything he wanted, and to make sure he was never unhappy again. Oh, how she wished that she could just run away with him, and never return. What sane person wouldn't? Natsume was everything Mikan wanted. He was the whole deal, and she didn't want to miss him.
"Please?" he murmured into her ear. "Please, Mikan?"
Mikan bit her lip. Why was he so irresistible? He had his eyelids half closed in a nostalgic expression that made your heart just melt like butter on a frying pan. She looked into the eyes of her personal miracle as he set her down in front of him, wrapping his arms around her waist after putting hers around his neck. His eyes were a smoldering crimson—like swirling rubies. They were captivating. He took one of her hands in his and pressed his lips gently to it with closed eyes. She felt her eyes droop, enjoying just the presence of him, for she had not even had a decent conversation with him since she got back to the academy.
"Maybe one night won't hurt…" Mikan concluded, sighing.
Natsume smiled against her hand with his eyes still shut gently. Ever so slowly, he opened his eyes and glanced up at Mikan, and then lifted his head to hold her. She was wrapped in his arms, and she did not resist. No, instead, she held him close, making sure to make the moment last. Natsume let go of her, but not all the way. He still held her hand as he led her to the couch. Mikan sat down hesitantly, her hand still intertwined with Natsume's.
"What's going on, Mikan?" Natsume asked. Mikan sighed. That's the exact question the whole academy had for her. The only problem was that if she answered it, it meant that she had a death wish. She suddenly felt tired.
"Natsume…I can't tell you," she whispered, slipping her hand out of his. "I can't ever tell you."
"Why not?" Natsume pressed. "Does it have to do with the man you love?"
Mikan smirked. It was cute how he was so clueless, "Yes, Natsume. It has everything to do with him. I'm madly in love with him, and this whole silly nonsense I'm going through is all for him."
Natsume's face hardened. Had she been too harsh?
"Who is he?" he asked, teeth clenched. "I have the right to know at least that much."
"Nope," Mikan replied. "You're going to have to find out yourself. It's just like a mystery."
"Damn it, Mikan!" Natsume yelled. "I don't want any mysteries!"
Mikan found it amusing—the way he was acting. He was like a jealous kid. She grinned and decided to have a bit of fun with his mind.
"How about I give you a clue?" Mikan tested. She waited for his answer.
"…Fine," he finally replied. "Shoot."
"Okay," Mikan started. "Here is your one and only clue—he never listens, but can be as sweet as honey if you give him the chance. He's actually more like a pineapple."
"A pineapple?" Natsume blinked.
Mikan nodded, grinning, "Rough on the outside, but sweet on the inside."
Natsume nearly popped a vein. "That's it? That's the stupidest clue I've ever heard."
Mikan smiled, "You may think that now, but if you give it some thought, just maybe you'll figure it out."
Natsume scoffed, "Yeah, right."
Mikan sighed as she leaned her head on his shoulder. Her own thoughts occupied her when Natsume bolted up, leaving Mikan to fall onto the couch in the space he was sitting. Natsume looked somewhat worried. Mikan got up and asked him what was wrong.
"Shh," Natsume said. He walked over to the open window and peered outside, but then immediately backed away. He closed the windows and went to Mikan. "I think Victoria's looking for you."
Mikan's eyes bulged out of her head. She started to panic a bit, "Okay, okay. Natsume, don't panic. She won't come here if she doesn't know where I've been…um…"
"Mikan," Natsume said, grabbing her shoulders. "Calm down. You're the one that's panicking. Chill."
Mikan took a deep breath and let it out, "I feel…worried sick."
Natsume laughed, "I won't let her hurt you."
You see how funny that is? That's supposed to be Mikan's line. She yawned. She needed some rest. She's been at it all day. Natsume smiled faintly at the sight of Mikan rubbing her eyes. She had the same stupid habits, as she was a kid. She sat down on the couch. Natsume took one look at her, and then left, coming back a few minutes later with a pair of black sweatpants and a dark navy blue tee in his hands. He threw the clothing items at Mikan.
"Here," he said. "Wear these."
Mikan took the clothes off her head, "Why?"
"That dress can't be comfortable," he replied. Mikan, not bothering to thank him, got up and went to her bathroom, changing into his clothing. She came back out feeling baggy and utterly comfortable.
"Thanks," Mikan said, as she folded the dress and placed it on a nearby dresser. Mikan suddenly felt a spasm of shock. She wobbled, and then she started to cough violently.
"Mikan?" Natsume asked, worry in his voice. He walked over to her. She looked dizzy.
"Hn?" Mikan replied. Her legs gave out underneath her and she held onto Natsume for support. She held a hand to her mouth to cover her cough.
"We need to get you to the infirmary," Natsume said immediately. Mikan tugged at his shirt and shook her head no.
"No. Not…there," Mikan said, coughing. She looked at her hand and her eyes widened. She coughed up blood.
"What the—?" was the last thing she heard before she blacked out.
Natsume picked her up and led her to his room. His first priority would be taking her to the infirmary, but he knew very well himself that if Mikan said that, there must be a reason behind it. He just tucked her into his bed and hoped for the best. Natsume sat down next to her, watching her sleep. She looked so peaceful. He felt a sudden hatred towards Persona and Victoria. They were nothing but trouble. He suddenly thought of an idea. If Mikan wouldn't tell him, then maybe Persona would. After all, he was sure that Persona would want his old black cat back.
. . .
Later that night, Mikan woke up to find a sleeping Natsume sitting in a chair next to her bed. Had he slept there the whole night? She got up and sat right in front of him with a hand placed on his cheek. He was freezing. She suddenly felt bad for taking his bed. Using what little strength she had left, she got up and slung one of Natsume's arms over her shoulder, and dragging him to the bed. She set him down and he slept peacefully. She put the comforter over his body, and decided to make her leave. As she opened the window, Natsume woke up.
"Mikan?" he said, groggily. Mikan stared at him for a bit, and then closed the window.
"Yeah, I'm here," Mikan said, as she got into bed again. She made herself comfortable and Natsume would his arms around her. She shivered at his iciness, but then relaxed into his embrace as she snuggled deeper into his chest.
Wow, short chapter. Ah, I hate to admit it, but I'm beginning to get a writer's block. Any of you out there have any ideas?
IMPORTANT NEWS:
I will be hosting a contest. The contest is to draw a scene—any scene—from any of my stories. (It can also be an AMV or short video or whatever.) The best entry wins either a one shot or you get to appear in Rush or any of my other stories as a character you make up! To enter, EMAIL ME (E-mail is in my profile!) your entry with the subject as follows: Story Name, Your Name. There are no specific requirements—just let your artistic abilities flow!
Due December 2O
Didn't bother to check for mistakes. Find any? Point them out, please!
Edited 11/6/10: Yeah, okay. I added to Mikan's clue. If you haven't read it, read it because it is almost certain to show up in upcoming chapters. The contest is over, by the way.
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