Woop woop! So, I guess you guys like it? Well, if you do, you're reading it right now! XD

Well, I wouldn't want any of you to get restless for the new chapter. So let's start this party! See you at the bottom, ne?

And sorry for updating so late! Ugh, internet. You can never trust it. DX

DISCLAIMER: I do NOT own Gakuen Alice.

Selfless

~Chapter 2~

Mikan's stomach filled with what seemed like butterflies as Natsume sauntered his was towards the girl and teacher. He looked laid back with his jeans and t-shirt, hands in his pockets with his bag slung over only one of his shoulders. Mikan forgot how to breathe.

"Mikan, this is-"

Mikan shook her head, smiling at the boy now positioned in front of her. "I know. It's Natsume Hyuuga, right?"

Natsume looked shocked. But, quickly, that expression was replaced with one of monotone thoughts. Mikan just smiled.

"And you're Mikan Sakura." His voice was like velvet, sounding smooth and breath-taking in Mikan's ears.

Unlike Natsume, Mikan let the look of surprise stay know in her expressions. "You remember me?"

"Who wouldn't?" Natsume said sarcastically. "You were all over the place in that hell-hole."

"Middle school wasn't that bad…" Mikan muttered. "And it's good to be in lots of clubs in school! It's fun and it gives you something more to do! Not only that, but it looks good on college résumés."

"Hn," Natsume said, looking away from her.

"Well, since you two seem to know each other, I'll leave him to you, okay Mikan? Show him around and make him feel welcome." Fujisaki smiled, heading back to the teacher's offices to get a few pieces of equipment for the class.

"Yes, ma'am!" Mikan called after her.

Mikan twirled around and gave Natsume and excited smile. "Why don't we get introduced to some awesome people?"

And before he could say a word, Mikan grabbed Natsume's hand and dragged him off towards the track, giggling by the way Natsume tripped on himself from losing his balance.

Natsume watched Mikan as she jogged her 6 laps around the large track. He noticed that it was much bigger than the middle school's. Huh. Things really changed since he left.

Natsume had to admit that he was ecstatic to find that his guide around school was Mikan Sakura. He remembered her from 7th grade, when he first moved here. She was the only one who had noticed him as a regular person, giving him a small smile or wave whenever they happened to pass each other in the hallways.

To him, she was like an angel. Whenever he was around, she'd be surrounded by friends, smiling happily and laughing her beautiful laugh. He was attracted to her for some reason. And he could never figure out why. And every day, he'd wish that he'd get to see her, may it be at the school he barely ever attended, or on the streets where he was doing jobs to help out his parents. He'd long to talk to her, hear her words in his ears, wondered how her skin would feel like beneath his fingers. He craved everything about her.

And now, here he was, watching the girl participate in Physical Education, showing off her skills to the world. And she'd be helping him around school. He honestly thought things couldn't get any better.

Natsume watched as Mikan finished her last lap, calling out time and placing her hands on her head as she breathed heavily. He had to admit that she was one hell of a girl. She's athletic (seeing as she was the first to finish the run), friendly, sexy, and a great singer. Well, the singing part was from eavesdropping on a couple of guys talking about her. But he didn't doubt it. There were many things that he doesn't know about Mikan. And he was going to find out.

Natsume was snapped out of his thoughts when he noticed Mikan make her way to Natsume's side and sit down, her breathing already calming. He leaned back on his back pack, acting indifferent to her presence when in all reality he was having a mini panic attack.

"So, when are you going to get your gym clothes?" Mikan asked him, tilting her head to the side.

Natsume had a hard time stopping his blush. Closing his eyes, he responded, "Can't afford it."

Immediately, Mikan's face reddened as a guilty feeling stuck in her heart. She asked a really bad question. But, she was determined to make it up.

"You don't have to buy one, silly! It isn't mandatory to have the exact one the school gives out. All you need are some black basketball shorts and a white t-shirt. Then, you'll be fine." Mikan smiled. After all, it was true.

Natsume opened one eye to look at Mikan's cute expression. "Is that so…"

"Mhm! It'd be fun having you participate in some of the activities! We could play games and partner up on the same teams!" Mikan grinned, looking out to the track to see if any of her friends were close to finishing.

Natsume had a faint blush coat his cheeks. But it was light enough not to be noticed. He sighed and sat up, crossing his legs and looked out at the others. "Guess it can't be helped."

"Huzzah!" Mikan giggled, throwing her arms in the air.

Natsume turned his gaze to her, raising an eyebrow at her statement. "Huzzah…?"

Mikan's cheeks turned a bright red as she looked down and fiddled with her fingers. "O-oh… well, I like to use weird words when I speak. I guess you can call them my catch phrases. But, really, it's just a huge part of my vocabulary. L-like this one thing that I use to say hello… I go…Oh-llo! Like in that movie Megamind!"

Seeing as Natsume's never seen that movie, he just nodded slowly. He really didn't register what she was saying. All he could think about was how cute she was. The way her eyes lit up when he said he'd get what was needed for class was the most adorable thing he's ever seen.

"How do you finish so fast?" said a girl that Natsume remembered was named Misaki (since earlier in class, Mikan introduced him to everyone in her group, including those in other classes) as she sat down next to them.

"I just… jog." Mikan replied, shrugging.

"Jog? Jog? Girl, you run!" Misaki said, incredulous.

"No, that's jogging… at least… to me it is," Mikan bashfully replied. Once again, Natsume was in awe.

Slowly but surely, the rest of Mikan's friends –in this class- finished their laps and headed to sit with them, cheering for the others to keep trying their best. Soon, they only had a minute to finish their laps and everyone was cheering for those who were still running. Natsume felt a warm feeling as he watched the group of friends cheer the others on. Especially when he watched Mikan.

"Go Patty!" Mikan cheered, Tricia's nick-name echoing into said girl's ears. "Don't give up! Make Sumire run! Haha!"

Soon, Tricia was done, walking over to the group. Immediately, Mikan stood up and jumped up and down, patting Tricia on the back. And then, she did something that surprised everyone. She ran to Sumire, who had half of the track to run in 30 seconds, and said something that no one could hear to her. And then, they were off.

Natsume watched the little race, amused. What had gotten into her? He didn't care. He thought that it was nice watching her so full of energy. He hoped that he and she could have fun running together too.

"Wow, Sumire's never ran like that before," Misaki said.

"Mikan must have bribed her," Anna giggled.

"It has to be about a boy for Sumire to move that fast," Nonoko joined in.

And just a second before the timer hit 20 minutes, the two girls made it in. Sumire laughed in triumph, jumping up and down. "You gotta do it now, Mikan! I won the bet!"

"Yeah," Mikan laughed. "By one second."

Sumire pouted. "But a win is still a win…"

"And right you are," Mikan sighed, grinning. "So, here I go!"

The group watched as Mikan ran to Natsume and kneeled down. To his secret delight, her arms flew around him and she pressed a soft kiss onto his cheek. The eyes of the girls went wide as they watched the scene before them. When Mikan pulled back, she tilted her head as she looked into Natsume's eyes, a small blush on her face. "Sorry if I startled you. A bet's a bet!"

"That wasn't the bet! You said you'd kiss him!" Sumire exclaimed.

"Yeah, but we never agreed where," Mikan smirked playfully.

Natsume's stomach was invaded with butterflies as he saw her smirk. To him, it was… whoa.

"I'll get you next time, Mikan Sakura!" Sumire cried, curling her hand into a fist and shoving it in the air.

"If you're lucky!" Mikan laughed, mimicking Sumire's stance.

P.E went on with the usual antics and the girls made sure to bring Natsume into the fun, teasing him about the little smooch Mikan gave him. Some guys came to talk to him too. And, for once, Natsume felt himself starting to fit in with people his own age. Maybe, things will be better than before. Because, now, he had friends to look forward to seeing. Especially Mikan.

This day was 6th period tutorial, which was Mikan's and every other student in the school's final class of the day (and next class after lunch which is right after tutorial). So, once she and her girlfriends were finished dressing into their regular uniforms -white button up, red tie, black blazer, red and black plaid skirt, and either white or black knee high socks with school platforms- they all headed out and looked for Natsume.

He was surrounded by a group of people asking him questions and trying to make conversation, not to mention swooning fan girls. But, once he spotted Mikan and the others, he immediately excused himself from their presence and made his way over to them. He sighed when he was away from them. To be honest, he wasn't exactly comfortable with all the attention he was getting from random people. He just wasn't used to it. Usually he'd be all alone. He was fine with Mikan because… well, she's Mikan. He thought that she was a great person and he was absolutely comfortable as long as she was next to him. Weird, but true. And he had a feeling it always would be.

"Hey, Natsume, what class do you have next?" Mikan asked him once he was in front of the group.

He took out his schedule, not yet used to it, seeing as it was his first day and all. "German 1 with Schmidt."

"Really?" Mikan's eyes lit up. "Me too! Hey, do you mind if you let me see your schedule?"

Natsume handed her the parchment, feeling a small jolt of electricity as he felt her fingers accidently brush his. He didn't know if Mikan felt it as well, but for him, it was totally real.

Mikan decided to ignore that little current of electricity that ran through her as she looked at his schedule. Her eyes widened when she found she had all but one class with her. "Woah! We have all our classes together… except for second period!"

Natsume's eyes widened slightly. But, he immediately got his surprise under control and said, "That makes everything easier."

"Mhm!" Mikan hummed. "I can help you around school much easier!"

Natsume stopped himself from smiling at the thought. "Yeah."

Soon, the bell rang, signaling all the kids to go to their tutorial. "C'mon, Natsume!" His heart fluttered when he heard her say his name, "Let's get to tutorial!"

Mikan and Natsume walked down the hallway and weaved their way through the crowds of people. Mikan sighed when she got to the door of their awaiting destination. But when she turned around to smile at Natsume, she noticed that he was no longer behind her.

Worried slightly, Mikan walked into the classroom, put down her things at her desk, and explained where she was going to her teacher. Mikan immediately left the classroom with her teacher's permission and started her search for Natsume.

It didn't take that long to find him, since he was leaning against a wall where she had probably lost him in the crowd. When he saw her, he stood up and sauntered over to her, looking down at her relieved expression.

"Thank goodness I found you!" Mikan gushed. "I gotta be more careful with leading you through hallways…"

"Hn. Especially since you're so short," Natsume smirked down at the shorter girl. "You can disappear in a crowd so easily."

"I-I'm not that short!" Mikan turned red.

"Hmm, really?" Natsume's smirk grew as he noticed just how much shorter Mikan was than him. Her head only reached his shoulders, and she had to bend her head a ways back in order to look him in the eye. "Because to me, you're pretty short."

"I'm not short!" Mikan said stubbornly. "I'm just fun sized."

Natsume held back a chuckle that was urging its way out of his lips. Of course, his will won. It always did. And he was proud of it.

Natsume tried not to blush as Mikan grabbed hold of his hand for the second time that day, leading him carefully but quickly down the hallways to get to class. He relished in the feel of Mikan's soft, warm hand in his. So this is how her skin felt like: soft and warm. He could hold her hand forever.

But, of course, there was no forever, because, immediately as they reached the classroom, Mikan let go of his hand and walked in through the door, motioning Natsume to follow her. He sighed at the loss of her warm, soft hand, and followed her, the both of them walking towards the teacher's desk.

Schmidt-sensei, called Frau Schmidt in this class, introduced Natsume to the class after dismissing Mikan to her seat. And then, she told him to pull out one of the extra chairs stacked in the back and to sit at the side of Mikan's group table. And then, tutorial officially started, all of the students not even doing class work and just messing around. But, Frau Schmidt was cool like that. She didn't mind as long as all the students didn't make a huge ruckus.

Mikan laughed at how her friend Uta was being harassed by Usui, him pretending to be in love with her and calling her his 'best friend'. She found it absolutely hilarious. Kitsu kept on making that weird noise Perry the Platypus on Phineas and Ferb always makes. And she and Kyo wondered how in the world he was able to accomplish such a feat.

Mikan had introduced Natsume to everyone in the table group and all of her friends in the class room, letting them get acquainted. She included him in every conversation and gave him the basics of what they had been learning in class this year. She learned that he was a fast learner, a big help to him since he didn't go to school all that often.

And when lunch came, she showed him where the group ate lunch and introduced him to all of her other friends. Natsume was half surprised that she had known so many people but he had also suspected something like this. In middle school, she'd known practically the whole school. Of course she'd know this many people.

Class came and everything seemed to be sort of… normal to Natsume. He could see himself getting used to coming to class, learning with his peers and Mikan. And during passing periods and lunch, he'd hang out with Mikan and her friends… but mostly Mikan. Because she's the one that has been there to show him around first. She was the first to notice him three years back. And she was the first to ever interest him.

And that day after school, as he started his walk 'home' after parting ways with a sport-bound Mikan, he couldn't wait to see her again.

~Chapter 2 End~

Like it? Hate it? Tell me what your opinion is in a review! I'd really appreciate it! And thank you to all of those who have put this story on favorites/alerts and/or have reviewed! I'm glad that you all like it! And the list of thanks goes to…

Alerts/faves:

muffins and sprinkles

muzikchic4eva

Chocovani

emina1124

My Pen Writes Pictures

Razux

Syao Blossoms

GAKUENALICEROCKS

mannna

black neko hime

mangareader54

Akatsuki Utaou

The Kookie Monster

Tsuki-chama

OoO-Ashee-OoO

Amai Youkaiko

crimson-angel

Reviews:

muzikchic4eva- I'm glad you like~! And sorry for such a late update!

Razux- Here's your update! I appreciate the review!

black neko hime- Kewl! Thanks for the review!

Akatsuki Utaou- I'm glad you liked!

Anonymous- thanks! Thank you so much for reviewing!

XxpuffpuffxX- I'm glad you like it! Sorry for such a late update! D:

papaya1212- I'm glad you liked!

OoO-Ashee-OoO- Thanks for such a warm welcoming! :D I'm glad that you liked this story.

Thank you all for the awesome reviews! BUT, please, for all of you phantom readers (cause I know you're out there, you're on my stats) please REVIEW! If you review, it gives faster updates! AT LEAST 10 REVIEWS for the next chapter, ne? I'm so mean, I know. But, I just want some feed back and maybe some ideas and thoughts from others.

So, it's Winter break now, and I finally know just how evil finals can be. XD

First time taking finals, ya know? I swear, I think that, because I've taken Honors English, I've gotten way better! It's kewl! :D I think I'll just keep getting better from here on out!

Oh, and before I forget, here's a little something you have to know about the story: they are all in high school; ninth grade, first year, 14 years old. All of them. Except for Natsume. He's 15. But, that's only necessary, since he doesn't go to school all that much. Of course he's gonna be held back! He's not super man! The school goes by block schedule. So on Mondays and Thursdays, its periods 1, 3, tutorial, then 5. Tuesdays and Fridays are periods 2, 4, tutorial, and 6. Wednesdays are 1, 3, 5, 2, 4, 6. They also get out early. So, yeah. I hope that settles everything.

Well, I'm tired and I gotta go. :D

~xXPaintingRealityXx logging off! XD