Hey errbodyy. Sorry for the little delay. Here's the latest chapter :)

Enjoy! x

I woke up the following morning with a loud ringing. It was a Saturday, which meant I didn't have to work today so my alarm clock was turned off. It took me about two minutes to figure out that it was my phone ringing. Reaching up groggily to my bedside table, I answered my phone.

"Hello?"

"Mikan? Did I wake you up?"

I sat up immediately at the sound of the voice. "Sumire?" It had been two days since we last talked, and right now she sounded awfully calm.

"Yeah, it's me. Is this a bad time, or..."

"No, it's fine." I got out of bed quietly, careful not to wake Hotaru who was sleeping on my extra mattress on the floor. My bed was only meant for one person, and this was the same mattress that we used during sleepovers. I went to the bathroom, and closed the door.

"Are you okay?" I asked. "How'd everything go?"

Sumire let out a sigh. "I'm fine. But... I'm keeping the baby."

I gasped. "Oh."

I heard her laugh a little. "I know it's a lot to take in. I mean, I just told you the other night I was pregnant. But as I said, I told my grandparents and they were beyond shocked. But they weren't mad at me. They said they felt responsible for what happened because they should have been keeping an eye out for me. Which made me feel even guiltier because this was all my doing. Anyway, I told them I'd get rid of it, and my grandparents being old-fashioned, I could tell they didn't want me to. But they said it was my call and my parents still had the right to know. So I told them I'd tell my parents once it's gone, and my grandparents agreed.

The next day I settled an appointment, and my grandparents were there with me. And when the nurse finally called me, I just... couldn't. I couldn't do it, Mikan. I thought about it since the day I found out, and I was so keen on getting it out of my body, but I just couldn't. No matter how I put it, I was killing someone, taking someone's life. And my own child? I just can't."

I heard her crying now, and once again I felt frozen in place, taking in everything she just told me. To be honest, I felt relieved that she was keeping the baby. At the back of my head, even if I knew Sumire wasn't ready for this, it felt wrong to be killing something inside of her. This baby had the chance to live, unlike my brother whose life was taken in a second.

"Did I do the right thing?" Sumire asked.

"Of course," I told her. "I told you, I'd support you in whatever you make."

"Thank you, Mikan. I mean it. You're the best friend ever."

"Anytime," I replied.

"I can't believe I'm going to be a freaking mother! I thought that only happened in reality shows."

I smiled, feeling relieved that she was reverting back to her usual self. "So, what's going to happen now? Have you told you parents?"

She sighed. "Yeah. They didn't take it well. They didn't want me to keep the baby, and when I told them otherwise I was afraid they were going to disown me. But they said I had to go back home and take care of things there. Can you imagine the rumors? God, I'll even be sluttier than Luna."

"Fuck those people," I said. "What they think doesn't matter."

"Wow, when did my girl get so fierce? So enough about me. How are things going? And don't even think I forgot about that hot lifeguard you were talking about. Did you two hook up?"

"Well..." Blushing, I remember the events from last night. It was probably the most magical night of my life. And I didn't care how fairytale-y that sounded like.

"Oh my God you did!" she shrieked. I had to pull the phone a little farther from my ear since it hurt my ears a little.

"I'm awake now," I muttered.

"Were you sleeping when I called? Oh God, I'm so sorry. I didn't know. Maybe I'll call later..."

"Sumire, it's fine. What I meant to say that your shrieking just made me wide awake now. Anyway, to answer your question earlier, I did um, hook up with him but not really."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, we're together now."

I heard Sumire gasp. "Like together, together?"

"Yes."

"Oh my God! Mikan's got a boyfriend! I am so happy for you. But wait, you two haven't slept together yet?"

"No," I said. "We only got together recently, and honestly, I don't know if I'm ready yet. But he does respect that, and he's willing to wait."

"Damn," she muttered. "There are still boys like that?"

"Thankfully, yes. We've known each other all our lives and I love him, Sumire. Like all along. I just haven't realized it since a few days ago. And he loves me too."

Sumire sighed dreamily. "Oh God, how romantic. I'm really happy for you, Mikan."

"Thank you. I'm happy too."

"Good." There was a pause, and then she said, "Do you think I'd ever find a guy like that? Someone who'd accept me fully? Considering, my situation now."

"Sumire, of course. And if you meet a guy that would freak out because of it, then obviously he's not the one. You deserve someone who'd love you for everything you are. Someone who'd love your baby as much as you do."

I heard sniffing now, and surely Sumire was already crying again. And I was on the verge of tears too. "Thanks. I love you for saying that. And I do love this baby. Of all the things I've done in my life, this is the one I'm most sure of."

"I'm glad to hear that, because I'm really looking forward to being an aunt. And it's going to be tough, but just know I'm always here for you. Okay?"

"Yeah, I know that." She sniffed. "Jesus, I'm being hormonal already. Anyway, I better go. I'm going back to Tokyo first thing tomorrow. I'll call you when I get there. Love you!"

"Take care of yourself and the baby, okay? Love you too."

It was now the middle of August, and I had to say, things were going smoothly. Natsume and I'd been going strong, but we still haven't done it yet. Although there were some times when we almost did, but somehow I always got to ruin the moment by panicking. The good thing was, Natsume was always sweet about it, and didn't pressure me in anything I didn't want to do. Sumire was doing fine too. We talked on the phone occasionally, and she seemed so excited about having the baby, despite all the "absolute pregnancy crap" she had been going through. Her parents have finally come to acceptance about her decision, but they decided that Sumire would be going to college in the next school year. As college for me, well I still haven't figured that out. I was planning to go to college next year as well, so I could still think about what I want longer, but I haven't told anyone about that yet.

"So how's Sumire doing?"

My mom and I were having breakfast on the front porch on a Saturday morning, eating her famous pancakes. I already told her what was going on with Sumire, and I told Hotaru and Natsume too. I asked Sumire if it was okay if I told, and she didn't have a problem with it.

"She's fine," I answered. "You know, just vomiting every morning and peeing every five seconds."

Mom smiled. "That's normal."

"Oh yeah, she tells these things to me in detail, like it's the most casual thing ever."

My mom had been totally cool about this news. She was shocked at first too, of course. But like me, she wanted to support Sumire too.

We ate in silence for a few moments, until she cleared her throat. "Mikan, honey, don't get mad at me when I ask this, okay?"

"What is it?" I asked, warily.

She took a deep breath. "Are you and Natsume using protection?"

Oh my God. I couldn't believe my mom was asking me about sex. Since Natsume was my first boyfriend, "the talk" came later than expected. Most teenagers would have this awkward situation when they were fifteen or sixteen. But since those years haven't been the best years of my life, so I guess now was the right time.

"Mom," I groaned. "Please don't even go there."

"I'm serious, Mikan. I mean, look what happened to Sumire. I'm not judging her or anything, but I really do not want to be a grandparent yet. So if you and Natsume are... sexually active, then you both have to be responsible. Do you want to take the pill? Because I could take you to the clinic if you want. Although your dad might not be so thrilled about the idea, but at least we're prepared..."

I have never felt more embarrassed in my life. My cheeks were already a deep red, and I just stared at my mom in pure shock. Jesus, did she just suggest what I think she suggested?

"Mom," I managed to say. "I'm not... We're not... I'm still a virgin."

I didn't know what was more embarrassing. Admitting out loud that I was a virgin, or admitting out loud to my mom that I was a virgin.

"What?"

"Natsume and I aren't having sex," I said through my teeth. "At least not yet."

My mom let out a sigh of relief. "Oh thank God. Wait, but you said, 'not yet'? So you are going to have intercourse with him?"

"Jesus, please don't say it like that. Yes, okay? But he's willing to wait for me, Mom. So don't think badly of him. And yes, we are going to be responsible. Can we please have a different conversation now?"

"Well I'm glad. That you're still a virgin, I mean. But if you are going to do... it, then just remember what I told you."

"Oh my God can we please stop the sex talk now? Oh look at the pretty clouds, Mom."

She just smiled at me. "I just can't believe you're practically a grown woman, honey. Next thing I'll know you're going to get married. Which I hope is in ten years or so."

I laughed. "That, I can assure you."

"So. Where are we going?"

Natsume just smiled at me from the driving seat. He looked so gorgeous today, as always. His hair was tousled, which looked like he just got out of bed. Might I say, the sexiest thing I have ever seen.

It was in the late afternoon after I had breakfast with my mom, and Natsume called if I wanted to go out. But I still didn't know where we were headed.

"You'll see," he replied.

"Oh now I'm nervous."

Natsume just chuckled in reply, and we drove in silence after that. A few moments later, I felt a hand nudging me softly on my shoulder.

"Mikan. Wake up, beautiful."

I opened my eyes, and saw Natsume's smiling at me. "We're here."

I sat up straight in my seat and let out a tiny yawn. "Woah, I fell asleep? Where are we anyway?"

"The cemetery."

I stared at him, confused for a second and then I understood. "Oh."

"I hope that's okay with you. I mean, it's been a long time since I last visited. And I know you want to visit him too."

I kissed him softly. "I do. Thank you."

We both got out, and Natsume grabbed a bouquet of daisies from the back of his truck. I guess I didn't notice them earlier. As we now approached the gate, I felt nervousness build up in me. I suddenly felt guilty that I didn't visit him sooner.

Natsume squeezed my hand, feeling my unease. "You okay?"

I nodded. "Yeah."

When we arrived at Tsubasa's grave, I felt tears prick my eyes. It was no longer just the soil covering him up the last time we were here. Now there were grass and flowers. Natsume set the bouquet down, and we both sat down on the grass. At this point, my vision was already getting blurry because of the tears, and I couldn't find the words to speak. Thankfully, Natsume spoke first.

"Hey man," he said. "I've missed you so much. I'm sorry if I haven't visited you in a while. A lot has happened, and I know that you already knew those things. Anyway, I guess you probably want to kill me right now since I broke that promise we made. But hear me out, okay? I've loved your sister for a long time, and trust me, I tried hard to get rid of those feelings. But I just couldn't. The past two years have been agonizing. You were gone, and your family moved. I've never felt so alone in my life. But now they're back here. And this time, I knew I couldn't let go of Mikan anymore. She made me feel whole again, Tsubasa. I love her so much, and I promise I'd do everything to protect her. Just like you'd want me to."

I saw a tear slide down from Natsume's cheek, and I held on to him tighter. He put an arm around my shoulder protectively, and kissed the top of my head. I knew it was my turn to speak.

I wiped some of my tears with my hand, and took a deep breath. "Hey, Tsubasa. I hope you're doing fine, wherever you are. I'm doing great now. But these past few years without you sucked. I was a in a horrible place. I fought with Mom and Dad all the time, and I pushed everyone away. I thought coming back here was a bad idea, but now I'm glad because that meant I could see you again. You're probably wondering why I didn't visit you right away. I was in so much pain, that I didn't know if I could handle seeing you again. But now I think I'm strong enough. Especially with Natsume here with me." I leaned my head against his shoulder, and he wiped the tears on my cheeks.

"I'm happy, Tsubasa," I continued. "I love Natsume and I'd know he'd never do anything to hurt me. I trust him with my life. So please don't be mad at him. I really miss having a big brother, Tsubasa. I miss the camping trips, the late night movies, and our little walks on the beach. I miss your overprotectiveness. I really miss you so much it hurts. Mom and Dad miss you too. I now understand why we moved. And I'm glad we came back. Another thing you probably know is that I stopped swimming too. I know you're upset about that, but I just can't bring myself in the water anymore. Maybe someday, I would, and I'd be thinking of you. But right now is still a hard time for me. Just know that I'd do anything to have you here again. But in the meantime, thank you for watching over us. I love you so much, Tsubasa."

This time, the tears didn't stop flowing. And I cried in Natsume arms, and I felt him crying too.

"Thank you for today. I really needed that."

Natsume kissed the top of my head. "No problem. I needed it too."

We were now by the pier, eating sundaes after visiting Tsubasa. The whole experience was painful, but it felt good too. It was like a heavy weight has been lifted off my chest. And it felt better with having Natsume there.

"So," Natsume said, "there's something that I forgot to tell you."

"What's that?" I said, taking a spoonful of my chocolate fudge sundae.

"My parents are in LA next weekend, and they want Aoi and I to go there, since they'd be in Netherlands next month. And as much as I'd hate to go, I knew Aoi would want to, and I wondering if, um..."

I waited, and I was surprised to see a blush coming up to his cheeks. Oh God he was so adorable.

"I was wondering," he continued, "if you wanted to come? I mean, it's cool if you don't want to, but you know, I'd like to formally introduce you to my parents."

I smiled. "Of course I'd want to go. But Natsume, don't your parents already know me?"

"Well yeah. But the last time they saw you was years ago. And besides they don't know you're my girlfriend yet."

"Count me in, then."

Natsume grinned. "Really? Well, um, my parents are staying at a hotel so they booked an extra room for me and Aoi. Unfortunately, they weren't able to reserve anymore rooms since the hotel was fully-booked for the weekend. Is that okay?"

"Yeah of course. I don't mind sharing."

The blush went back to Natsume's cheeks again, and he cleared his throat. "So when I asked Aoi what she thought of the arrangement, she said she wanted to sleep in our parents' suite, since she doesn't get to see them that much. So, um, we have the room to ourselves."

When I realized what he meant, it was now my turn to blush. "Oh. T-that's fine too."

Natsume gave me a smirk, and whispered in my ear. "Don't worry, I'll behave myself."

Yeah, like it was him I was worried about.

Gahh this was so short haha. Hope you liked it though :) can you guess what happens in the next chapterrrr? *wink wink* I promise to update as soon as possible! I lubb you guys. Ciao!~ xx