Hello everyone! Thank you for the reading Do What You Love, Love What You Do, and reviewing as well. They are deeply appreciated. Today, I'm back with a new chapter, I hope you all enjoy!

Disclaimer: Holy, must I always start with this disclaimer? I don't own Gakuen Alice.

~ Chapter 1 ~

"I expect you to be there, cousin. Don't forget our little," she paused, "deal."

A faint snort could be heard from the other side of the line.

The initial speaker's amethyst eyes narrowed. Maintaining an icy tone, she warned, "You know full well of what I am capable of. Remember that."

"Hn. Whatever."

"Perfect. My place. Eleven o'clock. Don't be late."

Another snort. "What the he–"

Click. The line was dead.

I was grinning from ear to ear as I ended Rachmaninoff's Flight of the Bumblebee with a flourish.

Bowing before the audience, I was elated. I loved my music, I love piano, but most of all, I loved performing. As I was greeted by thunderous applause, a few people threw whistles at me whilst shouting my name. Acknowledging the spectators' requests for yet another encore, I gladly grinned at the conductor, signaling that we were ending this concert in the flashiest way possible: With Igor Stravinsky's The Shrovetide Fair from Petrouchka.

.

I stumbled offstage with an armful of roses, cards and who-knows-what else. Beaming like a madwoman, I was pleased with my evening's performance. Flashing one last smile at the crowd, followed by a wave attempt, I disappeared backstage.

I snorted. "What the he–" Click.

Glaring at the red iPhone in my hand, I cursed under my breath, tempted to throw it against the bald man in front of me. Contemplating the fact that I didn't have the time to waste an hour on buying another cell, I satisfied my urge by stuffing the useless piece of crap deep into the pocket of my leather jacket instead.

"Damn that Imai," I muttered. Hissing, I glanced at my Bvlgari wristwatch – 9:47pm. I still had time.

I stalked towards the entrance of the concert hall. What the hell did Imai want? I ran a hand through my messy raven hair. Hell, if she weren't such a notorious blackmailer—… Who knows what crap she has planned out now? I leaned against a nearby pillar. This deal. What the fuck is this damn 'deal' about anyway. Hn. I'll burn her if she—"

"—But Hotaru! I don't have time!" A high-pitched voice yelped, tearing me away from my scattered thoughts. Hotaru. Pushing off from my spot on the pillar, I swiveled my head around, scanning the crowd for the source of the voice.

Flipping on my dark shades, I shoved through the sea of people, ignoring the girlish shrieks squealing of my name. Pinpointing my target, I strained my ears to catch her voice.

" –Big meanie! You know very well that I," a pause. "Jeez." The brunette pouted, looking down at her phone in dismay. Shaking her head, she muttered, "Stupid Hotaru! Stupid phone! Stupid everything!"

I arched an eyebrow as she fumbled with her phone and pulled on a pair of dark maroon shades that mirrored mine.

Stomping down the steps of Carnegie Hall with her coat practically floating around her, she hopped into a waiting limo and disappeared into the night.

I glanced down. 10:46pm.

Crap.

"You're late."

Leaning against a wall of Hotaru Imai's residence, I couldn't care less.

"Let's not keep our company waiting. Follow me," her emotionless voice commanded.

"Hn. Just hurry up already. I don't have time for your stupid guests."

"I made time for you," She pointed out.

I said nothing as my crimson orbs narrowed at her comment.

A childish voice drifted towards them, "Ne, Hotaru! Do you have any more of this chocolate?"

"Those weren't for you in the first place. If you keep eating like the pig you are, you'll get fat," A monotone voice replied.

Leading me into an expansive room, I took in my surroundings. Not bad. Despite the large size, I was impressed by the simplicity and elegance present. Not that she'll ever know that. The dark leather furniture was contrasted to the pure white walls. Large windows that stretched from the floor to the ceiling overlooked a brightly lit city in the distance. To the left, there were two 9-foot Steinway concert grands, further boasting my cousin's wealth. On one of the pianos sat a disgustingly cheerful-looking brunette dressed in dark jeans and a long sleeve shirt

The brunette girl pouted. "Hotaru, you meanie!" Bouncing up from her spot on the piano bench, she scampered over to Imai. "Oh please, please, Hotaru! Just one more piece! Hotaruu! I love you! Please! Hotaru please!"

Imai dismissed the girl's whining with a wave of her hand. Nodding at me, she instructed for me to introduce myself.

"Introduce? What's the need for an introduction?" I asked cockily while taking off my shades with a flare, "We already met anyway." Tossing them onto a nearby couch, I blinked lazily, turning my crimson orbs towards the girl bouncing around Imai.

At this, the brunette's eyes widened with curiosity, "Good midnight! If my met you, hm, I don't really remember, but… oh well," She beamed, interrupted by a large yawn, "I'm Mikan Sakura, pleased to meet you!" Holding out a hand, she grinned again.

"Jeez, I'm not shaking your hand… Tangerine," I drawled.

The airhead drew her hand back in, flashed a pout, and crossed her arms with a huff.

I smirked. "I'm Hyuuga Natsume. Amazing actor, model, singer, and all that crap."

"Jeez. Big ego, much?" She quipped.

Keeping my smirk in place, I stared straight into her eyes. She took this as a staring contest; holding each other's gazes until Imai interrupted, clearing her throat in annoyance.

"If you two are done flirting, cousin, I suggest you start talking."

Tearing my gaze away from Mikan in annoyance, I glared at my cousin. Catching the little girl's I win expression, I turned and stalked away from the living room.

"We're rearranging. Change of plans. Text me," I growled at Imai.

With a blink, my cousin shrugged, and nodded, "Not my problem."

"Wha? What, wait! We didn't even 'get down to business' yet!" Tangerine cried. She scuttled over to me, prepared to protest against my departure. Managing to trip over her own feet, she landed on her face. Unfazed, she grinned stupidly up at me just as she was interrupted by a large yawn.

I smirked, turned around, and continued moving away. With a wave of my hand, I called over my shoulder, "See you, Polka dots."

Just as I was heading out, I shook my head. 3, 2, 1.

"You Pervert! Come back! Waah, Hotaru! Now I'll never get married!"

"As if anyone would marry you," Came Hotaru's reply.

Stepping into my black Lamborghini, I sped away, allowing the smallest of smiles to take over my features.

A/N: Well, that's it for the time being! I hope you all enjoyed reading this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it. I didn't take too much time in terms of editing, but I'm open to critiques on my grammar and spelling and all that.

Got any ideas you would like me to include in future chapters? PM me or let me know in comments, I will be sure to acknowledge them once I get a chance.

And so here our journey begins.

XxLady