So I was bored. I haven't updated this in the longest time. What to do? Update Don't Forget, of course! This story is probably going to have a maximum of seven to ten chapters. Just a heads up.
Do me a favor and type your review as you read, so that I see your opinions as it hits you!
Disclaimer: Pish posh, dahlings! I own absolutely nothing! But I do own the ideas in this story.
Happy Reading!
Don't Forget
By Tsuki's Angel
~Chapter 4~
-Tonight, You and Me-
Mikan took a sip of her green tea. It was Natsume's birthday today, and she was not too happy about it. There were many reasons as to why this is. One of them was that she had a song due today, that she couldn't find any inspiration for. She couldn't finish it by the twenty first, so they decided to have it due on the twenty seventh. Sure, she started one, and it was pretty nice, but it got boring after a while and she just threw it into her waste bin along with a million other song failures. Another reason was that she had to shoot a music video for that song, which just had to include the notorious Natsume Hyuuga. It would be the dream of many girls, yes, to star in a music video with the most eligible bachelor in the US, but not Mikan's. No, she hated the man's arse.
"Mikan, have you written the song yet?" Hotaru asked, suddenly wary.
"No," Mikan said. "And I won't have a dang song until I get some dang inspiration."
"Well you better get some inspiration quick, because you are losing me some cash," Hotaru said, dead serious.
"Just cancel the whole thing!" Mikan yelled, tired. "I've tried, but I don't want to do the song!"
Everyone in the small café turned his or her heads to stare at the yelling woman. Mikan's jaw became taut as she sat down again, angry that she couldn't come up with anything.
"Well, if you insist," Hotaru said, dialing a number. Mikan glared up at her manager. Hotaru should know she was being a bit sarcastic. Hotaru rolled her eyes and got up to leave. "Well, if you need anything, I'm back at our penthouse."
"Hn," Mikan replied, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Why the long face, buttercup?"
Mikan rolled her eyes, "Cut the act, Tsubasa."
Tsubasa fake pouted, "Aw, I'm hurt. After all we've been through…"
Mikan slapped his arm playfully, "Shut up."
"Hey, we should get going," Tsubasa said, checking his watch. "We have a date."
Mikan scoffed and got up, grabbing her coat, "Let's go."
They headed out of the restaurant. Today they were going to a photo shoot together. Well, Mikan was going to a photo shoot accompanied by Tsubasa. Mikan and Tsubasa were caught by the paparazzi (no surprise there), and they were officially an 'item'. The thing was that Mikan's new single, Don't Forget, was selling like crazy. They needed a picture of Mikan for a billboard, some magazines and other advertisements, so she agreed to a photo shoot right before the filming of the music video to her new song started. Tsubasa called a cab, and they were on their way. They made it there right in the nick of time, too. As they entered the said building, Mikan caught a glimpse of someone she really didn't want to see. Was fate playing something here?
"Fancy meeting you her," Mikan retorted, as she walked right past him.
"Nice to see you, too," Natsume said with equal sarcasm.
"Mikan! Wait up!" Tsubasa yelled after his supposed 'girlfriend'. Mikan turned around, and held out a hand.
"Sorry," she said. Tsubasa took her hand, but he felt a bit guilty for doing so in front of a man who was madly in love with the woman. Mikan gave Natsume a glance before she swept right past him and into the building. Mikan didn't catch the apologetic look he gave Natsume, who in return, glared ice daggers at him.
"Tsubasa, do you remember which room we go to?" Mikan asked.
"Room two-oh-six. It's on the seventeenth floor," he replied. Mikan nodded and headed towards the elevator. She let go of Tsubasa's hand as she reached for the button to click. However, before she got the chance to click it, Natsume walked right into the elevator, and then Mikan's hand clicked the button. The elevator door closed, and Tsubasa found himself very uncomfortable.
"Well," Mikan said.
"Well," Natsume replied with the same annoyance.
"Well indeed," Tsubasa said nervously.
The whole thirty seconds they were in that elevator, Mikan and Natsume glared at each other—Mikan, with pure hatred in her eyes, and Natsume, with clear amusement in his. Mikan turned her head sharply away as the elevator door opened. Once the doors parted, she grabbed Tsubasa's hand and furiously rushed out and to room two hundred six. To Mikan's surprise, Natsume followed them to the same room. Mikan glared at him.
"Why are you stalking me?" Mikan growled. Natsume raised an eyebrow.
"For your information, I am not stalking you," Natsume said, amusedly. "I am here for a photo shoot with a celebrity. Don't tell me—is it you, Rose?"
Mikan's jaw dropped, "You? Why does it have to be you?"
"I am deeply honored," Natsume replied, mockery heavy in his voice.
"Deeply honored my arse! You knew about this, didn't you?" Mikan accused.
"Guilty as charged," Natsume smirked, walking into the room. Mikan let go of Tsubasa's hand and marched in after him.
"M-Mikan," Tsubasa started. "I can head down to Starbucks to get you coffee. I have no problem with it. Honestly."
"You—" Mikan said, turning to face Tsubasa with a clever smile. "—are staying with me, sweetie."
Natsume fake gagged. Mikan stuck her tongue out at him.
"Someone tell the assistant to go get the crew doughnuts!" the photographer yelled.
"That's me!" Tsubasa yelled, running out of the room, leaving the actual assistant confused.
"Tsu—" Mikan started. She turned around to glower at Natsume. "You scared him off!"
Natsume sneered, "Yeah. I scared him off."
"He's probably not even going to come back…" Mikan said.
"Places! Someone get Rose into her dress!" the photographer yelled. Mikan turned around to see the said photographer.
Aveeno? She thought, before she was pulled away into the dressing room. The woman held her, stripped her down and forced a dress over her head. Mikan nearly died. Mikan took one look at herself and cringed. It was a strapless black gown with tons of netting underneath the sleek silk exterior. It had a sweetheart neckline. Well, looking at the bright side, at least it was black. Mikan was thrown into a chair and my makeup and hair was done. She looked at herself in the mirror to find herself with seductive smoky eyes, glossy pink lips, and her hair was curled. Mikan was then shoved out of the dressing room and thrown on set.
"Ah, beautiful," Aveeno complimented. "Now let's get started. This might take a couple of hours. I lost my inspiration waiting for you."
Aveeno moved her so that Mikan's position was on the window seat. She was supposed to be staring out the window into the rain, but then Aveeno said, 'Nonononono! This won't do!' She changed Mikan's position again…and again, and again. That's when Natsume walked out. Mikan's breath nearly died out. She found herself unable to breathe.
Natsume was clad in a black dress shirt with the first four buttons undone. His jeans were dark and had rips here and there, which complimented his converse. Mikan looked away, hoping that Aveeno would adjust her position soon. There was no telling what the photo shoot would hold for the two, and Mikan tried not to dwell on the fact.
"Yes, yes, good," Aveeno said. She motioned Natsume to stand next to Mikan. A scary grin appeared on her face as she snapped her fingers. "Rose, honey, sit on the floor."
Mikan raised an eyebrow but did as she was told. Aveeno positioned Mikan until she was lying on the floor, with her left hand next to her head. Natsume was positioned on top of her, his elbows on either side of her head, his legs on either side of her hips, and his face dangerously close to Mikan's. Mikan's right hand caressed Natsume's cheek, and he looked deeply into her eyes.
"Yes, yes," Aveeno complimented. "Take the picture! I want it from all angles!"
Mikan was too occupied with Natsume's eyes. They were just as beautiful as she remembered. They were intoxicatingly crimson. Why didn't she forgive him again…? Oh yes, he was a good-for-nothing jerk. Natsume looked just as mesmerized as her. He even looked content. The thing about it, though—he was smirking. After what seemed like forever, Mikan noticed that Natsume was inching closer and closer to her face. Her eyes started to droop close and her lips parted. His lips were a millimeter away from hers. Mikan abruptly turned her head, facing the cameras, and shut her eyes closed.
"Yes!" Aveeno said. "I love it!"
Natsume smirked. So Mikan was avoiding him now, eh? Instead of kissing her lips, Natsume kissed her cheeks. He chuckled at the color that rose. Her face had gone tomato red. Her eyes were still shut, and they shimmered from the eye shadow she had on. Natsume trailed butterfly kisses down her neck, finally kissing her collarbone. She flushed wherever he touched her. It was amusing. The crew had no suspicions as to why he was so into work today. They had no idea that the two had a memorable history before.
"Get it at this angle!" Aveeno said.
Mikan felt her breathing shorten. She was beginning to feel dizzy. Her mind swirled with the very scent of him. Wait—did Natsume have a scent? Well, he must, because he smelled good. She relaxed her eyes and focused on breathing evenly, but it was very hard when your ex-boyfriend was kissing you senseless. Which was very true, because Mikan was very much losing every sense she had. She was beginning to feel hot.
"Did you forget it was my birthday?" Natsume whispered in her ear. Mikan opened her eyes halfway.
"Of course not," Mikan's reply came. She immediately regretted the words that came out of her mouth.
Natsume smirked, "What's my present, Polka?"
Mikan took in a deep breath, making sure she hadn't stopped breathing, "Nothing."
Natsume kissed her cheek again, "How about a kiss?"
"You seem to have taken plenty," Mikan scowled, turning her head to face him. Oh my, that picture's going in the trash.
Mikan sat up, leaning on her left hand and her right holding Natsume a good distance away. He simply took her hand in his and wrapped it around her neck. What came next caught her off guard.
Mikan's eyes widened as Natsume crashed his lips down onto hers. He kissed her without her consent. She shut her eyes and did everything in her power not to kiss him back…but, he smelled so good, and he was such a good kisser.
"Perfect!" Aveeno yelled. "We've got our picture!"
Mikan then realized the position she was in, and shoved Natsume off of her, wiping her lips off with the back of her hand. She glared at him with all of her might. She got up and started walking towards the dressing room, when Aveeno stopped her.
"Where do you think you're going?" she said, her hands on her hips. "We still have one more shoot."
Mikan groaned, "You have got to be kidding me!"
Aveeno shook her head, "Go back on set."
Mikan tried to hurry it up. Aveeno placed them in a position in which they were standing. Mikan's back was set against Natsume's chest. She had one arm on his head, holding in down on the crook of her neck. The other was holding onto Natsume's arm. Natsume's arms were wound around Mikan's waist, and the position appeared as if Natsume was kissing her neck. She flushed. Aveeno was very pleased with her work for this shoot. It took half the time the first one did. It was over before she knew it. Her dress flowed around her legs as she scurried to her dressing room.
She crossed her arms and sat on the vanity chair. She tried to even her breath out. Why was she still breathing unevenly when Natsume was far away? The answer was simple—she felt as if she was going to cry. The photo shoot brought back so many memories of that time. She didn't want to forget the memories, but she didn't want to remember them either. What was wrong with her? She was glad that nobody was in the dressing room with her because nobody should see her when she broke down and just sobbed.
Natsume was going to wait outside the dressing room to tease her some more, and probably steal another kiss. After all, he did vow that he would get her back. He was a man madly in love, what else was he supposed to do? He would not give up. He was standing outside the room when he realized the door was open just about a crack. He heard a weird noise. He peeked through the crack and saw Mikan with her head buried in her arms on the vanity, sobbing. He immediately backed away from the door and began to walk away. He didn't want to know that he was the reason for her tears. Hasn't he done enough damage?
. . .
Natsume stood outside the building, waiting for his limo to arrive. He was frustrated with himself and wanted to just go home and sleep, and maybe read some manga. He heard the clicking of heels behind him, and he turned around to find Mikan, puffy-eyed and distraught. She looked tired, he thought. Mikan glanced up at him and looked away quickly. She had a migraine right now, and was completely not in the mood to deal with him.
Natsume's limo came over and he opened the door. "Well? Are you getting in?"
"I'm waiting for Tsubasa," Mikan said. Natsume frowned. He forgot about him.
Suddenly, a silver car came swerving around the corner and it stopped right in front of Mikan. The window rolled down, and Tsubasa grinned. "Hey. This is the company's car. Isn't it nice? I only get it for the week, though."
"It's nice," Mikan said blankly, opening the door. She was about to step into the car, when Natsume stopped her.
"You're coming with me," he said, dragging her towards the limo.
Mikan flushed bright red, "What are you doing? Let go!"
"No," he said bluntly. He opened the limo door and shoved Mikan in. He shut the door and walked over to the open window of Tsubasa's car. "You. You two are over. Don't touch her. Got it?"
There was a slight pause, but then Tsubasa smirked, "Sure thing. Have fun with her."
Natsume blinked. He didn't expect this from him. He was expecting something along the lines of 'What? She's my girlfriend', and the whole fight over her.
"That's it?" Natsume said.
Tsubasa shrugged, "She never shuts up about you. Most of the stuff she says about you isn't pleasant, but you can so tell you're something special to her."
Natsume was taken aback. "Just get the hell away from me before I murder you for going out with her."
"No problem," he said. "As long as I keep the car."
"Whatever," Natsume said. He wants the car? Fine. He can have it. He'll just pay it off to the company. He briskly walked back to the limo as Tsubasa drove off with his new car.
"I hate you," Mikan said bluntly as Natsume stepped into the limo with her.
"My place," Natsume ordered the driver.
"I'm not agreeing to this. I have a song due today," Mikan explained. "Hotaru's waiting for me back at our penthouse. And knowing you, you probably have a ton of work to do, too, so just drop me off at my place, and get on with your life."
Natsume ignored her and tried to make small talk, which he never does, but oh the things he will do for this woman. "How's your grandfather doing?"
Mikan raised an eyebrow at him. "Dead," Mikan said, crossing her arms.
Natsume leaned on the armrest, unfazed. It was a surprise, but he wasn't going to show it. He had pride. "What's your song about?"
"I haven't one to talk about," Mikan growled. "So, just let me off."
"No," he said. "We're here anyways."
"I'm not going," Mikan said.
"You can write your song there," Natsume said. "If you don't come, I'll carry you."
"I don't care," Mikan said. She didn't believe him. "I'm staying here."
"In the limo?" Natsume asked.
"Yup," she replied.
Natsume sighed. He got out of the limo and walked over to Mikan's side. Opening the door, he pulled her out of the vehicle and threw her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes in one, swift motion. She pounded his back in frustration, but no words would come out, since the position was highly uncomfortable and she could barely breathe with his shoulder digging into her stomach.
As Natsume moved into the elevator, Mikan stopped resisting. Trusting her not to run, he set her down, but Mikan fell limp. He shook her shoulders to see if she had fallen asleep or something, although he highly doubted she could fall asleep that fast.
"Oi, Polka," he said.
She lifted her head, slowly, and glared at him, "What?" She shoved him off of her.
"Never mind," he grumbled moodily. She was beginning to get on his nerves.
"Just to have you know, this is technically kidnapping." Mikan put straight forwardly.
"I don't care," he said, sticking his hands in his pockets.
"Of course you don't," Mikan said.
They entered Natsume's penthouse, and Mikan took a seat on the couch after taking off her shoes.
"Make yourself at home," Natsume mumbled sarcastically, seeing how she didn't care where she sat or what she did.
"Whatever," Mikan said. She took out her phone and called Hotaru.
"Hello?" came a voice.
"Hotaru, I won't be coming back for a while," Mikan said.
"Where are you?" Hotaru said.
"Natsume's place," she replied. "The stupid arse forced me to come here."
"Did you write your song?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"I couldn't," Mikan said exasperatedly. "I hate that topic. I'm not writing to it."
"Fine," Hotaru said. "If Hyuuga does anything to you, you call, and I'll have him arrested."
Mikan sighed, "Okay."
Hotaru hung up on her. Mikan didn't realize that Natsume had sat right next to her.
"I need a guitar," Mikan said.
"My room," he said. "I'll show you—"
"I can find it myself," Mikan interrupted.
She got up and started walking towards a hall. She found his room quickly. Mikan wandered into it, and looked around. It smelled like him. A lot like him. In fact, she thought it was a bit too much. Mikan looked around and found herself gazing at familiar items. He had the same scarf he always had, sprawled across his bed. She let her hand gently touch his dressing table, where he kept not many items. One of the items, though, caught Mikan's eye. It was a black ring box. She opened it, expecting to find a ring, but she didn't. She wondered what an empty box like this was doing there.
"You shouldn't be snooping in other people's stuff."
Mikan set the box down, turning away from him. She didn't want to think about the fact that the ring may be on some other girl's finger. She knew she was supposed to hate him. The back of her mind was telling her that, but the rest of it was telling her to look at him. So she did. Once she turned around, she couldn't turn away.
He always did have the most gorgeous eyes a woman could ever gaze into. He made her feel like she was floating. She stared into his swirling crimson eyes. They were pulling her in deeper, making it hard for her to breathe. Natsume was hesitant to what he was about to do next. He hurt her pretty bad earlier today, and permanently ended her relationship by buying off the guy. He slowly took her hand in his. He was a bit surprised that he held her hand back.
"Why did you leave?" Mikan asked, never letting her gaze fall.
"I already told you," Natsume said.
"When?" she asked.
"When you were drunk and we…" Natsume's voice drifted off as he saw Mikan's uncomfortable blush.
"You know that I wouldn't remember," Mikan said. "So why don't you tell me?"
Natsume breathed out, "My father set up an arranged marriage for me."
"You left me for another woman? One you've never met?" Mikan asked incredulously.
"It's not like that," Natsume reasoned. "You know that."
"Then how is it?" Mikan asked, taking her hands back, and crossing her arms over her chest.
"I told my father immediately that I didn't want to marry her," he said.
"Then why the hell did it take so long to tell him that?" she asked, still not believing him.
"Because my father is hard to persuade," he said.
"I'm sure he is," Mikan said sarcastically.
"I came back for you, didn't I?" Natsume said, almost pleading.
"Yes," Mikan said. "You did." She turned around again and saw the guitar she was looking for. "But have you ever thought that it might just be too late?"
"Yes," he said, reluctantly.
Mikan picked up the guitar and walked back to living room, where she sat on the couch, strumming random notes. She had a long day ahead of her.
. . .
Night had fallen. Mikan had been at it for hours. She was to perform the song today, after all. She only had a couple of hours to perfect it. She had come up with a perfect song, but only in the nick of time. Natsume came from the kitchen, where he was drinking a cup of coffee. He saw that Mikan was on the verge of sleeping. He found that hardworking quality in her amazing.
"Oi," he said. "Do you need a ride to the showground?"
"No," Mikan said. "I'll get a taxi."
"Why do you do that?" Natsume asked.
"Do what?" Mikan said, acting innocent.
"Push me away," he said.
"Gee, I don't know," Mikan said. "Maybe it's the fact that you broke my heart, or even the fact that if I get close to again, you might leave me."
Natsume remained quiet for a while. He walked to Mikan and sat down right next to her. "What if I promised to stay forever?"
"I still can't trust you," Mikan said, fiddling with the guitar strings.
"Why not?" Natsume said, taking her chin in his hands and turning her to face him.
"You already said that you loved me, and that we would be together forever," Mikan whispered, avoiding his gaze. "And who's to say that your fiancée won't come back for you?
"She won't come back," he said. "I'll make sure of it."
"You already said goodbye once Natsume," she sighed. "I don't want another one."
"What if there's no goodbye this time?" Natsume said.
"I don't know," Mikan said. "Natsume, why would you do that to me?"
"I had no choice," he replied.
"You always have a choice," Mikan said. She decided it was time to end the conversation. "I think this time, I'm the one who's saying goodbye. I don't think it will work between us, Natsume."
"Who said?" Natsume said, refusing to give her up.
"I said," Mikan replied. "I'm obviously not the only woman in your life. You can choose someone else. I'm just another human being."
"I don't want anyone else," Natsume said, acting like a spoiled child.
Mikan sighed, "Why are you making it so hard? I know for a fact that a million other women will kill to be your wife. Plus, there are other matters in your busy life. Go to them." Mikan got up and began to walk.
"The only thing that matters to me, is you, Mikan," Natsume said, getting up and grabbing her hand. "You're my life, woman.
Mikan slowly turned her head to look him directly in the eyes. "How do I know that?"
"I want to give you everything you want," Natsume said, tightening his hold on her hand. "I want to be yours and yours only. The only thing that matters in my life is you."
"Everything I want, huh?" Mikan said. "Well, what if I want to end this conversation? And what if I want to get the hell out of here so I can go get ready to perform? Would you give that to me?"
Natsume let go of her hand and balled his hands into fists. "Fine."
Mikan's eyes widened. She didn't know that he would say yes. She thought he would definitely say no, and keep her hostage here. She didn't let the opportunity go. She rushed to put her shoes on, and decided on leaving. Before she changed her mind, and before she tackled him then and there, kissing him senseless.
. . .
Mikan took a deep breath as she heard the crowd cheer her stage name. She couldn't believe she was about to pull this song off. She was glad it was simple. Otherwise, she would be doomed. She smoothed out her dress and walked out onto the stage as the music began to play. She heard blaring screams. She almost smiled as she held the microphone to her lips and began to sing.
Things I'll Never Say
(Avril Lavigne)
I'm tugging at my hair
I'm pulling at my clothes
I'm trying to keep my cool
I know it shows
I'm staring at my feet
My cheeks are turning red
And I'm searching for the words inside my head
'Cause I'm feeling nervous
Trying to be so perfect
'Cause I know you're worth it, you're worth it
Yeah…
Mikan walked from one end of the stage to the other, dancing a little the whole way. She wanted to keep her stage actions simple, just like her song. As she prepared for the chorus, she stopped in the middle of the stage and walked forward.
If I could say what I want to say
I'd say I want to blow you, away
Be with you every night
Am I squeezing you too tight?
If I could say what I want to see
I want to see you go down, on one knee
Marry me today
Guess I'm wishing my life away
With these things I'll never say
Mikan was completely oblivious that a certain black haired man stepped into the arena. He stood in the absolute back, so it was no surprise she didn't notice him. He leaned against the doorway, watching her intently, and listening to the lyrics that she was hiding from him all day.
It don't do me any good
It's just a waste of time
What use is it to you what's on my mind?
If it ain't coming out, we're not going anywhere
So why can't I just tell you that I care?
'Cause I'm feeling nervous
Trying to be so perfect
'Cause I know you're worth it, you're worth it
Yeah…
If I could say what I want to say
I'd say I want to blow you, away
Be with you every night
Am I squeezing you too tight?
If I could say what I want to see
I want to see you go down, on one knee
Marry me today
Guess I'm wishing my life away
With these things I'll never say
(What is)
What's wrong with my tongue?
These words keep slipping away
(I stutter)
I stutter
(I stumble)
I stumble like I've got nothing to say
'Cause I'm feeling nervous
Trying to be so perfect
'Cause I know you're worth it, you're worth it
Yeah…
If I could say what I want to say
I'd say I want to blow you, away
Be with you every night
Am I squeezing you too tight?
If I could say what I want to see
I want to see you go down, on one knee
Marry me today
Guess I'm wishing my life away
With these things I'll never say
If I could say what I want to say
I'd say I want to blow you, away
Be with you every night
Am I squeezing you too tight?
If I could say what I want to see
I want to see you go down, on one knee
Marry me today
Guess I'm wishing my life away
With these things I'll never say
With these things I'll never say…
Mikan was out of breath when she finished the song. She took a small curtsy and waved goodbye to all of the fans out there. She ran backstage where Hotaru was waiting for her.
"That had nothing to do with Guilty," Hotaru said.
"I told you that I wasn't going to follow that topic," she said.
"I know," Hotaru said. "You're in luck, anyways. The record company loved it."
"Good," Mikan said.
After the all of the other singers had gone, Mikan and Hotaru prepared to leave. Mikan put on her coat, and Hotaru led the way out of the showground.
"By the way," Hotaru said. "I saw a certain man leaving the concert as soon as you finished."
"Really now? Who was that?" Mikan said, pretending she had no idea that Natsume was at her concert.
"You are being so difficult."
Mikan turned to see who the deep, masculine voice belonged to because that obviously wasn't Hotaru. Natsume had stalked her…again.
"Mikan, we need to talk," Natsume said.
"We already did," Mikan replied. "I want to go home, so be on your way."
"I don't give a damn," he said. "We're talking and you're going to listen."
Mikan swerved around to face him. She glared daggers at him. "Fine. Let's talk."
"I'm going to sleep," Hotaru said, concisely. "See you later…or tomorrow. Whichever time he prefers to return you."
"Hotaru!" Mikan said. "I'm not an object!"
"I know," she said, and then she leaned closely to Mikan's ear and whispered only for her to hear. "And I know that you can take care of yourself. Careful."
Mikan nodded, as she left with Natsume, and they parted ways. Mikan stepped in pace with Natsume. They stood in the VIP parking lot. There was nobody there. Natsume motioned for Mikan to step into his car. Mikan did so. It was warm. She wrapped her coat around herself tighter after she fastened her seatbelt. Natsume began to drive.
Mikan stared out the window. She had no idea where they were going. Hopefully not to Natsume's. She would probably fall asleep there, not returning to the comfort of her own home until the next day. The ride was silent. They weren't talking just yet. The car was getting warmer by the second.
She saw that they were going to Natsume's place. Natsume parked and opened the door for her.
"Must we come here to talk?" Mikan asked.
"Just follow me," he said, stepping into the building after Mikan.
"I know where your penthouse is," she said. "I was forced there earlier this morning, remember?"
"Sure," he shrugged.
As soon as they stepped into the penthouse for the second time that day, Mikan took off her coat, placed a hand on her hip and said, "Talk."
Natsume rolled his eyes, "I gave you what you wanted; now you give me what I want."
Mikan's face flushed bright red, "And what exactly is that? And why should I give it to you in the first place?"
"Because it's my birthday, after all."
"No." Mikan said, absentmindedly walking towards Natsume's room.
"Just one thing," he said, following Mikan into his room. Mikan sat on the edge of his bed. Mikan couldn't believe that he was smirking at a time like this.
Mikan sighed. She felt a bit bad. It was his birthday. "Fine. What do you want?"
"Anything," Natsume asked mischievously.
"Why not?" Mikan said, falling back on his bed.
Natsume's smirk widened. "Pretend you're my girlfriend again."
"Absolutely no," Mikan said, getting up.
"You said anything," he said.
"Anything but that," she said.
"Just for the night," he said.
Mikan bit her lip, "Don't you dare try anything funny."
"I can't promise that," Natsume smirked.
Mikan gave him the look. Natsume held his hands up in defeat. Mikan didn't want him to figure out that in reality, she didn't mind at all that she got to be his girlfriend for the night. She missed him, as much as she didn't want to admit it. She put herself on her feet and moved towards Natsume.
"I love you," she said.
She could say anything she wanted. He would think it was fake, anyways. She could do anything she wanted. It was only them tonight. Natsume's hands snaked around her waist and her arms went around his neck.
"You don't know how much I've wanted to hear that again," he said, kissing her full on the lips.
Mikan was enthralled. She didn't get why this felt better now than at the photo shoot. Maybe it was because she was allowed to kiss him back without any regret. She was allowed. She could be allowed all the time, but something was holding her back. She could be his girlfriend again for real, but she was afraid. This whole scenario could play over again, and then she would be left again. Even if Natsume did promise her, she had no way of verifying it. Her trust in him was broken.
Natsume's lips moved down to her shoulders.
"This is only for tonight," she said.
"Hm," he said.
"I mean it," she replied.
"Whatever you say," he said, completely ignoring her.
Mikan closed her eyes and decided she might as well enjoy herself. Maybe this could be a good thing. She took his hand and led him to sit on the bed with her. She kissed him. It felt right. Like they were meant to be together. And Mikan was beginning to think that might as well be true.
Mikan pulled back and lied down on the silk pillows. Natsume did the same, lying down right next to her. He held her waist and pressed his chest against her back. He kissed her neck. Mikan began to turn around, but Natsume stopped her.
"Let's stay like this," Natsume mumbled.
Mikan didn't object. She made herself comfortable, turning herself around to face Natsume. She got as close as possible to him, kissing his jawbone, and settling down, closing her eyes. They fit together perfectly. Mikan's eyes began to droop. It was pretty late, but she didn't want to sleep. She wanted today to last, for some, odd, reason.
Natsume held her closely.
"Are you sure you want to go to sleep already?" Mikan asked. "It is your birthday."
"It's just you and me tonight," Natsume said. "It's all I need."
Mikan's breath hitched, "Really?"
"Really," he said.
"I love you," Mikan repeated, but only, this time, she felt that it might have a bit of truth behind it.
"Hm," he said.
Mikan closed her eyes contentedly. Several minutes went by, and Natsume opened his eyes. Mikan had fallen asleep. He smiled. It was a small smile, but a smile nonetheless. He carefully leaned over her and blew out the candle on the bedside table. The room went dark. Natsume kissed Mikan's forehead, before pulling her even closer and falling asleep.
"I love you, too," he whispered, although he knew she couldn't hear him.
But somehow, he hoped the message had gotten across. He hoped that she knew.
And she probably did.
What do you think? Was it fluffier than Howalon? I'm sorry I haven't updated in forever. Forgives?
Didn't bother to check over. Tell me any mistakes I made.
Reviews are love.
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