Chapter 4
Playing with fire
"Imai? Ruka?" Natsume asked. He was stunned. He never thought that he would ever see both of them again. How the fuck did they find them?
"What did you do to her?" Hotaru hissed at him while aiming her baka gun closer to him.
"Hotaru, honey, calm down. I bet it's not what you think it is." Ruka soothed his wife.
"I saved her life." Natsume stated flatly.
"I don't believe you! Why did you bring her here?" Hotaru asked him furiously.
Natsume was silent for a moment. Piercing crimson eyes collided with shrewd lavender ones. "I don't know myself." Natsume muttered almost inaudibly.
Mikan was just starting to become aware of her surroundings again. She coughed and painfully struggled to catch her breath. "Hotaru?" She managed to croak.
"Mikan, are you alright? Did he do this to you?" Hotaru inquired worriedly.
"No, I'm alright now. I almost drowned. He... Natsume saved my life."
"She fell off the boat. There was suddenly a huge tide." Natsume proclaimed. Mikan raised her grateful eyes to his. Good thing he covered up for her. Hotaru would have scolded her to death if she learned she tried to be heroic and swim to the island.
"Err... I'm glad both of you are all right then. Thank God." Ruka laughed nervously, he was trying to lighten up the very tense atmosphere.
Mikan shot an appreciative look to Ruka.
"So... Natsume, long time no see! Where have you been? It's been a really long time!" Ruka asked, trying again to start up the conversation.
"Still the same. I can see that you've been very busy, Ruka." Natsume grinned as he motioned to Hotaru's rounded tummy.
"Would you believe this is our second child?" Ruka grinned back.
"No kidding?" Natsume looked absolutely dumbfounded.
"Hotaru got pregnant during college. You should meet their eldest, little nana-chan. She's three years old she's really cute." Mikan smiled as she remembers her goddaughter.
"Congratulations! I'm really happy for you guys." Natsume shook Ruka's hand ardently.
Hotaru rolled her eyes. "I really hate to interrupt this touching reunion but we really have to go now. Christopher is worried sick about you Mikan."
"Oh my God, Christopher! We have to hurry then." Mikan flushed with guilt because she almost forgot about her soon-to-be fiancée. She hurriedly stood up and followed Hotaru.
Natsume took a sharp intake of breath. A familiar sting pierced his heart, an emotion that he had not felt for a very long time. Dammit! He cursed passionately. He should have known better than to take Mikan Sakura back into his life.
"Mikan!" Christopher sighed with relief as he enveloped her into his warm comforting arms.
"I'm really sorry, Christopher..." Mikan murmured softly on to his chest.
"Where the heck were you? I was almost out of mind with worry. " Christopher said as he caressed her cheek gently.
"I was unconscious and there was an accident. Don't worry, I'm fine now. I'll explain it to you later."
"It doesn't matter, sweetie... as long as you're alright." Christopher beamed at Mikan.
Natsume clenched his fist so hard that blood might as well ooze from it. It took every ounce of his control not to pry Christopher Fujioka's arms away from Mikan. He shifted his gaze away from the loving couple, and his eyes immediately collided with Hotaru's meaningful gaze.
"Christopher, I would like you to meet Natsume Hyuuga. He's our friend and an old schoolmate." Hotaru declared.
"It's my pleasure to meet you, Natsume." Christopher held out his hand to him.
"Same here." Natsume replied as he shook his hand.
"I'm sure Mikan and Natsume are exhausted. Why don't we show them to our rooms and let them rest?" Ruka suggested.
"Good idea. Hey Natsume, you are welcome to stay at my mansion for as long as you like. Mikan's friends are my friends as well." Christopher announced eagerly.
Mikan stared in shock at Christopher. No! It can't be! He cannot possibly stay here! How the hell can she explain the situation to Christopher? He doesn't have the faintest idea about her past. Her mouth opened to protest but no sound came out.
"Thanks Christopher. It would be my pleasure." Natsume grinned as he looks mockingly at Mikan.
Mikan closed her eyes exhaustedly as Hotaru combed her hair. She just took a hot shower and she is now staring moodily into space. Her life that she worked so hard to create for the past six years crumbled right before her eyes. Damn you, Natsume! Why do you have to come back? Are you here to make me suffer again? Because what you did to me seven years ago scarred me for life, literally and figuratively. She absently traced the faint white scar on her wrist. Memories of pain and suffering are hunting her yet again.
"You have to rest now, Mikan. Go to bed and sleep." Hotaru ordered her softly.
"Hotaru..." Mikan whispered.
"Ssshhh... Everything will be all right. I'm here for you." Hotaru smoothed back her hair that has covered her face.
"What am I going to do? Just seeing his face is enough to bring back a lot of hurtful memories..."
"I know, Mikan. I understand... But you have to be strong. This day is inevitable. It would eventually happen. If it did not happen today, it certainly would still have occurred in the future."
"I don't think I can be strong, Hotaru. I hate him so much." Mikan cried vehemently.
"You have to Mikan. You have to get over him. You have to forgive him in order for you to be truly happy with Christopher. Let go of the past."
Hotaru's words echoed repeatedly in to her mind.
Let go of the past...
Let go of the past...
Let go of the past...
flashbacks
A cold and forbidding Natsume faced her during their graduation day.
"I had fun during our times together. You are really the diversion that I needed to take my mind off my missions. Thought I have to say it is not exactly one sided isn't it? I must say you really enjoyed yourself as well."
"Na-Natsume?" Mikan stuttered, her body shaking with fear.
"I'm leaving this academy. This is probably the last time we are going to see each other again. Don't even bother trying to look for me." He ordered harshly.
flashbacks
Mikan, hurt and bedridden on the hospital after the car accident.
"I'm sorry. But you lost the baby. We really tried to save him, but you were terribly hurt from the accident."
"I was pregnant?" She whispered brokenly. A vision of a tiny baby that she created with Natsume brought painful tears to her eyes. She would have loved that baby! If only she had known, she would have guarded him with her life. If only Natsume was at her side, the accident could have been avoided.
"I'm sorry, you didn't know? I really hate to tell you this but I'm afraid the accident caused permanent damages. I'm sorry, but... you will never be able to have children again."
flashbacks
Mikan sitting on the bathroom floor, talking to Hotaru on the phone.
"He would come back, Hotaru. He's coming back for me!" Mikan sobbed on the phone.
"Mikan, are you alright? I'm sending Ruka there right now."
"Why didn't he come back Hotaru? Why? Didn't he love me at all?" She cried hysterically.
"Mikan, we are here to help you. Let's start college together. We can all start a new life together!" Hotaru pleaded.
"I don't want to live if he is not with me!" Mikan yelled and hang up the phone.
She took the razor sharp blade and slashed her wrist violently.
end of flashbacks
Mikan surfaced from the memories of the past dazedly. Finally, she knows what to do.
"I'm sorry, Hotaru. I can't. I cannot let go just yet. He has to pay." Mikan thought determinedly.
And revenge is a dish best served cold...
"It's really good to see you again, Natsume." Ruka smiled at his long lost friend.
Natsume returned the smile. God knows how much he missed Ruka. He is practically a brother to him! He was the only person he to whom he can tell everything.
"Are you back for good?" Ruka asked hopefully.
Natsume shook his head woefully. "I still have a couple of years to go."
"We were really devastated when you left. Especially Mikan."
"It was for the better. I cannot possibly ask her to wait for me. That's too selfish."
"Did you know what happened to her after you left?" Ruka asked curiously.
"That she was hospitalize because of a car accident? Yes. I was actually here at that moment. I thought about visiting her but changed my mind."
Ruka nodded strangely. It seems like Natsume don't know the entire story, about the baby and the attempted suicide. Should he tell him? He pondered uncertainly and decided against it. It is not his story to tell.
"There is not a damn day that I do not regret my decision, Ruka." Natsume confessed unsteadily.
"She changed so much, Natsume. There's not even a glimmer of the old Mikan anymore."
"I notice."
"Then there's Christopher Fujioka. He made it even more complicated."
"He seems to be a nice guy. But he is not the man for Mikan!"
"And you are?" Ruka asked softly.
"I want her, Ruka. It's always been her. Only her." Natsume admitted hoarsely.
"I know Hotaru will kill me for this, but you have my support Natsume." Ruka replied seriously.
"Even until now, I still cannot fully give myself to her. I have to fulfil my duties."
Ruka looked at his friend pityingly. "If you only knew, Natsume. You should have listened to what I said to you seven years ago."
"What is that?"
"Leaving her is going to be the biggest mistake of your life."
Mikan kissed Christopher lips gently, loving the taste and feel of him against her.
"You miss me, darling?" Christopher murmured as he trailed his lips and nipped her neck gently.
"Hmmm...Very much... I've been wanting to asked you something..."
"What is it?"
"I think we should get married."
"What?" Christopher was shocked to stillness.
"You heard me." Mikan grinned at him.
"Oh my, darling Mikan. You made me the happiest man alive." Christopher laughed as he carried her and twirled her round and round.
"But do you mind if we keep it a secret for a while? Only the two of us should know. Let's wait for the perfect moment to announce it."
"I guess so, fine by me." Christopher shrugged.
"Thanks, darling. I promise that it would definitely be perfect." Mikan smiled in satisfaction.
The following morning, everybody is eating breakfast at the huge veranda of the mansion. Everything seems peaceful at the moment. The morning sunlight is basking them in a cheerful glow, the sound of birds chirping and singing happily from the distance.
However, what Natsume is feeling inside is in definite turmoil. He is having doubts whether he will to continue stay here at the mansion. It would be torture for him. Any moment from now, his superiors may call and order him to continue his mission. Just like that, he can disappear out of their lives yet again. It just wouldn't be fair to them, especially to Mikan.
"Nana-chan, want more syrup with your pancakes?" Mikan asked the little girl on her lap.
Nana-chan nodded vigorously with her huge violet eyes sparkling. Mikan felt her heart squeezed painfully. Nana is really a beautiful girl, a mixed between Hotaru and Ruka. She managed to get the good things between her two parents. Like Ruka's golden hair, Hotaru's unique eyes, Ruka's kind temperament and Hotaru's brain. A flicker of pain briefly entered her eyes. If only her baby had live, he would definitely be older than Nana. He would be about seven.
"Mikan, little Nana really missed you. She loves the gifts you always send to her in Russia." Ruka said.
"I miss my god daughter too. She grew up a lot since the last time I saw her."
"Nana, big girl." Nana gushed at them.
"She is really the spitting image of both of you." Natsume smiled at Nana who beamed back to him. Even until now, kids still love him.
"By the way, Mikan, don't forget that you have a photo shoot in the afternoon. You know the one for Vogue together with the other top models?" Christopher spoke.
"I totally forgot about that. Thanks for reminding me. Do you have time to drive for me?" Mikan asked. Driving is one thing that Mikan is adamant to learn. Ever since the accident, she has a little fear of cars, especially driving them.
"I'm sorry honey, but I'm leaving immediately after breakfast. Maybe Ruka can you give a lift."
"I'm sorry, we're leaving instantly too. Sumire ordered us to visit her and Mochu; she said we have to arrive before lunch time." Ruka replied apologetically.
"Oh... That's okay then. I'll call for a cab." Mikan smiled.
"I'll take her." Natsume volunteered. Silence greeted his announcement.
"Maybe we can give Mikan a lift after all, Ruka. Sumire can wait. " Hotaru smiled forcefully at Ruka, her eyes daring him to contradict her.
"It's not possible, darling. We have to leave immediately." Ruka laughed nervously. He felt himself sweat profusely. He is definitely going to pay big time later!
"You know what, its okay you guys. Natsume can drive for me." Mikan smiled innocently at them.
"Really?" Hotaru asked sceptically.
"Yes, of course, it's very convenient." Mikan wave her hand uncaringly.
"I guess it's settled then. Thanks Natsume." Ruka grinned.
After breakfast, Hotaru dragged Mikan to the courtyard and confront her.
"What the hell are you doing, Mikan?" Hotaru snapped at her.
"I'm doing what you said, I'm moving on. I'm letting go of the past." Mikan shrugged.
"So soon?" Hotaru asked incredulously.
"Why not?" Mikan answered back.
"Because it's You, baka. I know you! What the hell are you planning?" Hotaru inquired angrily.
"Nothing, Hotaru. I am just taking your advice! I've forgiven him. What is so wrong about him driving for me? After all, we were friends once."
"You were never good friends, Mikan. You were better lovers."
Mikan stared into Hotaru's eyes seriously. "It's all in the past, Hotaru. No use being obsessed about it."
Hotaru sighed in defeat. Nothing can change Mikan's mind when she is in this state of mind. "Fine, I still don't believe you, baka. But let me remind you one thing about Natsume Hyuuga. I think you forgot how dangerous he can be."
"What is it?"
"Don't play with fire, Mikan. You can easily get burn."
Hi guys! I was unable to update for quite some time (a couple of months), and I lost track with some of the friends I made. I am really sad about this, because it was so good to bond with people to whom I have something in common with... which is the love for anime particularly, Gakuen Alice. That is why I thought that hearing from me personally, about your comments will be really good isn't it? I read some fan ficts where some of the authors are doing it. I think it's really touching when the author mentions or appreciates my comment. During my first fan fict, which by the way is still unfinished (author sobs), I always made it a point to reply to my comments thru personal message (PM). But I think this would be fun, don't you think so? Let me know, guys. and please continue to support my fanfict! Feel free to ask questions. Hopefully, no flames!!
To the following awesome, people who caught my attention:
--bitteRswEetcHocolatelove-- I hope you like the new chapter. Mikan really suffered a 360 degrees turnaround with her emotion.
--kuroneko1815-- Arigatou for forgiving me... Hotaru and Ruka managed to get there in record breaking speed because they used their respective Alices. Ruka ordered his animal friends to spot their location (probably his bird and fish friends) while the yacht they travelled on is invented by Hotaru, which makes it super fast!
--shana.rose.--- yes, Hotaru did came to soon. But don't worry, there will be other Natsume x Mikan moments in the upcoming chapters
--secular cladestine-- the nth time is really cute. You're persistent. Which is really touching. Thanks! Your pen name is really unique. What does it mean?
--GreyXCat94-- I'm really thankful you put my story in to your favourite stories. I really find it touching when people do that... awww... so nice of you to say it was worth the wait...
---My Hopeless Romantic-- so flattered you reviewed my story. I just visited The Reader's Choice Awards 20072008!Most people voted you for their favourite author. Wow... that's amazing. Which part is Natsume acting weird? I have some flashbacks on this chapter. I hope it cleared some of your questions.
--k0nek0--- wow, you reviewed all my chapters... thank you! I'm glad I made your day.
--Crazicrystal--- Natsume did not manage to get hit by Hotaru's baka gun... this time... but who knows? Hotaru is really pissed at him.
--Cutenatsumexmikan-- thanks for reviewing all my chapters!! Mikan did suffer a lot in this story. I really intend to create a new side of Mikan, a darker one. How will Natsume handle her, I wonder? Mikan loves Christopher (what's not to love with the guy?), but she is not in love with him.
--dominiqueanne--- yeah, NxM forever!
---AzurEaquA-- sorry for making you wait for it for such a long time... hope you like the new chappie...
--macino20--- Mikan and Natsume back together? I think it's still going to take quite a while...
-- Irumi Kanzaki-- thanks for reviewing all my chapters! Hotaru is actually not sick, Ruka is just worried she may become stress and hence, harm their baby...
-- Sakiru Yume-- gomen ne, I do have a tendency to make the characters a littke OOC... whenever I am writing, I totally transport myself to my very own dreamworld... everything ceast to exist... but I hope you like the chapter anyway! Thanks!
-- niceladysakura-- I hope you don't hate me, because Christopher and Mikan just got engage... though not officially... about Mikan giving Natsume a second chance? I think it is till going to take a while... hmmmm... I really like this chapter because I think the story has a lot of wonderful possibilities... and it's definitely something new to read...