The original author of this story goes to Aileria. Everything plot-wise and anything else necessary goes to her.

Gakuen Alice owned by Higuchi Tachibana

Summer Madness

Chapter 5: Invitations

Nogi Ruka was sitting upright on his bed; his gaze fixed on the scenery outside his large window. His fingers were lightly brushing his small white rabbit that was sleeping and cuddling against his silky covers.

A soft knock came from the doorway. "Ruka? Are you awake?" a muffled but distinguishable voice interrupted the blond's thoughts. It was his mother.

"I'm awake," Ruka replied, tearing his gaze away from the window.

The door opened and revealed a woman with the exact same shade of blond as the veterinarian. Her eyes were a dark shade of blue and her skin was quite tanned. "Good morning, Ruka," she smiled.

"Morning, mother," Ruka greeted. His smile easily matched the weight of hers. "I thought you would be at work by now."

The woman chuckled and walked towards her son's bed. "I decided to head in a little later today." She stuck her tongue out a tad. "I see that you're up quite early today. Something on your mind?"

Ruka shook his head. "Not really. Just couldn't sleep, that's all."

"Well, you'll be jumping out of bed once I tell you the great news," his mother laughed, almost as if she was teasing him about her little secret.

The male blond raised a brow, "What?"

"Your father is coming back from Europe tomorrow!"

Ruka's eyes widened. "Really?" He gasped, almost kicking his sleeping rabbit out of his lap. His mother scooped up the rabbit in her arms and nuzzled his stomach.

"I am just as excited as you are," she grinned.

"Around what time?" Ruka asked eagerly.

"Sometime around seven. We'll be the ones to pick him up," Ruka could feel his heart race from excitement. It's been two years ever since he last saw his father and a few months since he last heard from him. "I was thinking of holding a party for him. What do you think, Ruka?"

"A party?" Ruka questioned.

His mother nodded, "A formal one of course. Surely, you haven't forgotten about your father's hatred of jeans and street-wear clothing."

Ruka laughed loudly. Oh no, he surely had not. The veterinarian knew well that his father hated to see jeans, t-shirts, sneakers at any kind of party the Nogi's hosted. He claimed it was 'disrespectful' and 'outrageous.'

"I think a party sounds great! I'm already certain a lot of people are going to show," Ruka beamed at the thought.

Ruka's mother gave him a playful wink, "Of course, there won't be just adults there Ru-Ru."

"Stop calling me by that nickname," Ruka frowned, his cheeks turning pink. Ru-Ru was one of his mother's favorite nicknames for him when he was a child.

"Sorry, sorry." His mother laughed, "Force of habit."

"Anyway, what do you mean when you said there won't be just adults there? Who else are you planning on inviting?"

"Your friends of course. I heard Aoi and Natsume are doing quite well and I'm sure they'll be glad to come. That is, if you want them too. You can make your own list of guests," Ruka's mother started swaying the rabbit back and forth gently, treating it like a sleeping baby.,

Ruka was not sure what to make of this. Should he feel happy or awkward, he was not sure. The blond knew for a fact that Aoi and Natsume were bound to tag along; that was a no brainer. The ecstatic brunette that he happened to meet on the train to Tokyo was a guest that Ruka wouldn't mind inviting as well. However, the so called 'ice-queen' and young prodigy who went by the name of: Imai Hotaru would not be easy to convince.

His mother patted his head and flashed him a smile, "I'll let you think about it. I already invited a few of our close friends and co-workers."

"Do you need any help in decorating the courtyard?" Ruka asked as his mother stood up.

"Oh, don't worry about that. I have that all under control," Ruka's mother placed her index finger and thumb together to make a 'o' shape, telling Ruka that it was a-okay.

"If you need any help, I'll be home most of the day," Ruka smiled.

"What are you talking about? No work today?"

The blond shook his head, "Not today. I'm on my vacation, remember? I only came back to train the new beginners."

"Riiight. Well, another pair of hands would be nice."

Ruka chuckled. "Just let me take a quick shower and I'll be down in a second."

"Take your time," his mother sang out as she exited the doorway, still carrying the young rabbit. "I'll have the maids prepare your breakfast!"

Confused, horrified and stunned. Those three words sums up what Sakura Mikan was feeling as she entered the grand office that morning. People were sprinting and jogging in all different directions; seems like a extremely busy day. Didn't have anywhere else to go, Mikan decided to tag along. Besides, it wasn't any fun doing things by yourself. At least, Mikan would prefer to have someone else around. Though the brunette could call Aoi, her new friend or Ruka but Mikan felt like she would be a bother.

"Koko! Make sure you-!"

A pile of papers flew from the girl's hands. Mikan, along with the female were both on the ground with a rain of papers fluttering down on them.

"I'm sorry-" Mikan started as she turned her head to gaze at the female.

"What are you doing standing in the middle of the hallway? Do you have any idea how dangerous that is?" The female bellowed.

"I-I-"

"Look what you made me did! It's going to take forever to sort all these papers out again. Do you know how much effort-"

"Now, now Sumire. Mikan didn't do it on purpose. Besides, the papers are already marked. It'll be easier to sort," Nonoko's cheerful voice interrupted the harsh shrill. The one named Sumire hauled herself up to her feet and gave Mikan a stern glare.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Help me pick these up!" Sumire shouted. Well, more like ordered.

The brunette nodded without any hesitation. Her legs felt wobbly, scared of what this girl was possibly capable of. She was so demanding and loud, much louder than Mikan could ever be.

"Sorry about this," Nonoko whispered as she whisked past Mikan. "She's a bit-"

"Nonoko! Get back to work!" Sumire huffed.

Mikan watched as Nonoko jogged off, carrying a tight bundle of papers in her hands. As the brunette collected the last of the papers that were sprawled on the floor, she piled them up neatly and got to her feet.

"I-I'm sorry," Mikan apologized quickly before Sumire could shout at her anymore.

A heavy sigh escaped Sumire's lips. "Who are you anyway?" She grabbed the papers from Mikan's hands.

"Sakura Mikan."

Sumire raised a brow, "Ah, I've heard about you. The girl who's 'best friends with Imai.'" Sumire would have air quoted her words if her hands wasn't full. "Do you know how to photocopy things?"

Mikan blinked several times, "P-Pardon me?"

Sumire frowned, "Follow me." At first, the brunette felt hesitant. However, Sumire shot her a dangerous glance, making Mikan force herself forward. "I'm surprised someone like Imai is friends with someone like you." Sumire's tone came off quite rude and unpleasant.

"Why do you say that?" Mikan asked, trying to sound polite. After all, the last thing she wanted was to make any unnecessary enemies.

Sumire shrugged, "Imai is so distant with others. A klutz like you being friends with someone as sophisticated like her surprises me."

"I'm not always a klutz!" Mikan grumbled, crossing her arms over her chest. "Hotaru and I have been good friends since elementary!"

The two girls came upon a maroon colored door. Sumire pushed it open using her heel and stepped inside. "I don't need to know your life story. I'm simply expressing my shock." She placed the papers onto a large brown table and started up the photocopy machine. "Start photocopying," Sumire ordered.

"M-Me?" Mikan pointed towards herself. She wasn't even working here and she had to do work during her vacation?

"Yes you. Who else do you think I'm referring too? At least start photocopying and I'll come back and do the rest. I need to drop these letters off to the boss first."

The brunette sighed. Well, it beats standing around doing nothing. Feeling defeated, Mikan picked up a small bundle of papers from the pile and walked towards the photocopier. "What a waste of paper."

"What was that?" Sumire growled as she poked her head back inside the room.

"Nothing," Mikan chirped as she flashed her a smile.

Sumire narrowed her eyes and swiftly exited the room. As the brunette watched a bunch of papers being filed out, a boy who looked around her age knocked at the door. Mikan jumped slightly and quickly directed her attention towards the individual at the doorway.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you."

"N-No, not at all," Mikan smiled, seeing the kind expression on a boy's face.

The boy had sandy brown hair and wide amber colored eyes. His smile was sweet and his gaze was fixed on the brunette who was slightly leaned over.

"I came to apologize for Sumire's harsh attitude towards you earlier. She's just naturally like that," the boy laughed.

Mikan chuckled, "It's quite alright. She gave me something to do; so she's not all bad."

"Who is not all bad?" The sound of fingertips tapping on a hard surface echoed throughout the printing room.

Both individuals turned to see Sumire standing with one hand on her hip and the other tapping against the door. Her lips were curved into a small scowl.

"Sumire!" the boy grinned. "Glad to see you."

"Yeah, glad to see you too Koko," Sumire huffed. "I see you two are hitting it off pretty well."

"Actually, I came in here to give you two invitations," Koko chuckled.

"Invitations?" Mikan arched a brow. "From who?"

Sumire stepped into the room and snatched the two envelopes that Koko was holding in his right hand. "Miss Sakura Mikan" She read from one. Sumire threw the envelope towards Mikan's direction and to her surprise, Mikan caught it with ease. "Miss Shoda Sumire."

"Ruka dropped by earlier and asked me if I could give those to you," Koko explained.

"Ruka?" Mikan asked, her face brightening. She quickly tore open the envelope.

I received news that my father will be returning home from Europe tomorrow evening. Knowing my spontaneous mother, she is going to host a grand party for his arrival. I know that it's quite short notice but I hope you can make it! Tomorrow at 7:00pm at the Nogi household. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Please note that it is a formal gathering.

Mikan took notice of Ruka's elegant cursive writing; it was certainly pleasing to the eye. "Ruka writes so formally." Mikan remarked.

"That's Ruka for you," Sumire replied while slipping the invite into her pocket. "He always sounds so formal, even to his friends."

"Are you two planning on going?" Koko asked the two.

Sumire nodded enthusiastically. "Of course I am!"

"Excuse me but-" Mikan started, feeling hesitant whether she should ask the question that was on the tip of her tongue. "Did Hotaru get an invite?"

Koko nodded, "Of course. Everyone who works here got an invite."

Mikan grinned childishly. Even if Hotaru refused, the brunette would surely find a way to convince her. And, she couldn't possibly use the: I did not get an invite excuse.

"I must go shopping for a dress," Sumire sighed.

"But- it's only for a party," Koko replied, raising a brow. "Besides, you have plenty of dresses already."

Sumire scoffed, "This is not just a party. This is Nogi Ruka's party! Also, it's to welcome back his father who has been working in Europe for the past couple months. It's extremely important to look presentable."

Presentable. Mikan bit her bottom lip. Now that she thought about it, the brunette didn't bring any formal dresses or skirts with her. She never thought she would be needing one.

"Mikan, what are you going to wear?" Koko asked, turning his attention onto the brunette.

"Huh?" Mikan shook her head lightly, snapping out of her thoughts. "M-Me? I don't know. I didn't bring any dresses or skirts-"

"What? How could you travel without bringing at least one skirt or dress?" Sumire gasped as she threw her hands upwards to show her shock.

Koko leaned over. "Sumire will die if she travelled without one of those," he whispered.

Mikan chuckled. Koko and Sumire were certainly unique people.

"I guess I should go shopping for one," Mikan remarked. After all, she would hate to be the person who didn't look classy enough.

"Maybe you should ask Imai to lend you one?" Koko suggested.

"Now that you mentioned it-" Sumire started as she took the photocopied papers from the photocopier and placed them onto the table. "I've never seen Imai in a dress before."

"Actually, you're right," Koko gasped.

Mikan remembered the one night during her elementary school days where Hotaru was forced into a dress. Let's just say she wasn't the happiest little girl out there.

A light yawn escaped Hotaru's lips. She took a quick glimpse at her gold watch and found herself paper clipping a few documents together.

"You seem tired," a voice interrupted her thoughts.

The young inventor shifted her gaze towards the door and her lips curved into a small smile that could be taken as a smirk. "You seem energetic, Natsume."

Natsume scoffed, "Very funny."

"So? What business do you have with me?" Hotaru spat.

"Ruka's party-"

"I'm not going," the inventor interrupted abruptly. "If that's what you came to ask me then you've wasted your time."

Natsume rolled his eyes discreetly, "And what reason would you be giving me for your decision?"

"I'm busy."

"With?" Natsume was not buying a single moment of Hotaru's lies.

"Work."

"Oh please. Don't give me any-"

Hotaru's hand rested on the brass handle of the door. She spun on her heel to give her boss a stern stare. "What gives you the right to nose yourself into my personal life? Going to his party is my decision, not yours."

Natsume heaved a sigh. He knew that she was right. Of course, Natsume had his own intention of why he was putting up with Hotaru's stubbornness. "Do whatever you want," Natsume muttered.

Hotaru pushed down the handle and escorted herself out, leaving a irritated Natsume behind. As the inventor turned the corner, her gaze fell upon three individuals who were eagerly chatting with one another.

"Ah, Imai!" Koko spoke up, breaking the conversation.

"Hotaru!" Mikan exclaimed.

"Finally, we've been waiting," Sumire crossed her arms over her chest.

"For what?" Hotaru asked, raising a brow.

"I'm sure you received an invite from Ruka a few hours ago?" Sumire answered.

Hotaru frowned. "Yes, but I'm not-"

"We were just about to go dress shopping!" Mikan said. "And, we were wondering if you wanted to join us."

"Dress shopping?" Hotaru arched a brow and gave Koko a look.

Koko chuckled and responded by giving her a small shrug. "Like I said-" Hotaru started. "I'm not-"

"Imai! You have to go," Sumire growled. "You'll be missing out!"

Actually, Hotaru didn't really mind. As antisocial this may sound, she would prefer a evening just sitting in her bathtub, reading a good book or working on blueprints for new inventions. Mikan approached her and grabbed Hotaru's hand.

"Please? You promised me that we would spend some quality time together this evening," the brunette gave Hotaru a small frown.

Hotaru sighed, "Fine. But that doesn't mean-"

"She's coming!" Mikan beamed at her two friends who was standing behind her.

"This will be so exciting!" Sumire sighed heavenly. "Well, we better get a move on before the shops close!"

From the girly looks Mikan and Sumire were giving one another, the color drained from Hotaru's face. Just what had she gotten herself into?

"This one looks nice!" Mikan ruffled the dazzling knee-high yellow dress.

"Yellow doesn't suit you," Sumire replied as she took the dress from Mikan's grasp. "Imai, what do you think?"

Hotaru was sitting on a comfortable sofa and sipping on a hot cup of hot chocolate from her mug. Her amethyst orbs weren't even focused on the colorful dresses that was flooding the store. She was more interested in the book store next door.

"Imai doesn't seem very enthusiastic," Koko informed.

Suddenly, the brunette grabbed Hotaru's hand pulled her upwards from her seat. "Hotaru, we need to find you a dress too. Don't just sit there!"

"I already said I was not going to the party," Hotaru growled.

"But, you agreed to come on this shopping trip," Sumire smirked.

"That means nothing," Hotaru took another sip from her mug.

"Since you agreed to come, you might as well buy a dress too," Mikan insisted. "Besides, I want to go to Ruka's party."

Hotaru rolled her eyes, "Just because you want to go, doesn't mean I have to go."

"But-" Sumire started.

"If you come, I'll treat you to an all-you-can-eat buffet," Mikan suggested.

Hotaru's ears perked up by the mention of "treat" and "all-you-can-eat-buffet." It was tempting but not enough to persuade the seemingly cold-hearted inventor.

"Tempting but I'll pass," Hotaru smirked. Being the evil person she was, Hotaru wanted to see how far they would go just to persuade her to go to this party.

Sumire placed her hand on Mikan's shoulder, "Just let it go. I doubt you'll be able to convince her."

"Why don't you want to go?" The brunette gave Hotaru a saddened look which in turn made the inventor feel slightly guilty.

"Just my personal decision," Hotaru responded casually as her eyes lingered on the dresses.

Mikan dug out her wallet and purposely flipped through her multiple bills. This immediately caught Hotaru's eye. "Well, I was planning on buying you a dress or any formal clothing that you might want to wear to the party." The brunette slowly placed the bills back inside. "But, oh well."

Hotaru twitched at the amount of bills Mikan had buried in her wallet. If there was anything that could convince Hotaru, it was the sweet scent of money. Koko and Sumire watched anxiously; the inventor's grip tightened around her mug and her eyes narrowed slightly at her good friend.

"So, which dress are you going to get?" Mikan asked cheerfully, turning her attention towards Sumire.

"O-Oh, I haven't decided yet," Sumire jumped slightly at Mikan's sudden question.

"Look at this one-" The brunette gasped as she pulled out a bright roseate dress that had a small black belt attached around the waist. It was a V-neck and as Mikan placed it in front of her figure, it reached right up to her knees.

"That looks great!" Koko exclaimed. "I vote that one out of all the other ones that you showed me."

Mikan laughed, "Me too! What do you think, Hotaru?"

The inventor took a quick glimpse at the dress Mikan was waving. "It looks nice."

Sumire placed her hands on her hips, "Well, I guess I'll be getting this one." She held up the yellow strapped dress that was made out of silk. The front reached just above Sumire's knees while the back flowed all the way down towards her feet.

"Good choice," Koko grinned. "What about you Imai?"

Before Hotaru could give an answer, the harmonious ring of the bell that was hung above the entrance echoed throughout the store. The female retailer gave the three individuals that walked in an ecstatic greeting and disappeared towards the back of the counter.

"Natsume!" Sumire exclaimed happily.

"Ruka!" Koko gasped. "What are you two doing here?"

Natsume's lips were formed in a neat line. His eyes narrowed and he didn't look too ecstatic to see the four individuals standing a few feet away.

"Good evening!" A cheerful female voice drowned out the building tension.

"Aoi!" Mikan screamed slightly.

Aoi's eyes widened to the size of dinner plates. "Mikan!" The two girls embraced one another while Natsume rolled his eyes in annoyance. "Let me guess, you're dress shopping too?"

"Yup!" The brunette chuckled as she released her.

"So, are you coming to the party tomorrow?" Ruka asked with a warm smile.

"You bet," Sumire grinned.

"I hope there will be lots of food," Koko wondered out loud.

Ruka laughed, "Don't worry, there will be."

Natsume took a step forward and grabbed the red dress that Mikan was holding. "Don't tell me you're planning on buying this."

The brunette shot Natsume a menacing glare. "Yes, I am. Got a problem?"

Natsume arched a brow, "You do know that this is a V-neck."

"No duh," Mikan spat, not liking Natsume's attitude.

"You have no boobs to show off. Why would you be buying a V-neck?" Natsume's lips curved into a small smirk.

Sumire placed a hand over her mouth; Aoi's eyes widened. Ruka took a step back; Koko had to bite his lip to stop himself from bursting into laughter. Hotaru's fingers were placed on her lips and her eyes were shifting from the brunette to her boss.

"W-W-What was that?" The brunette demanded, her face turning completely scarlet.

"Do you really want me to repeat myself?" Natsume sighed, obviously not amused.

"D-Do you know how rude that is to-"

"How did you even notice?" Hotaru asked, interrupting the brunette.

"Hotaru!" Mikan screamed in frustration. In these types of situations, friends would usually stay quiet or defend one another. In Hotaru's case, she was helping the enemy.

"Her small breasts aren't that hard to notice," Natsume shrugged.

"P-Pervert!" The brunette screamed.

"You're so loud," Natsume muttered. "You're disturbing the other customers."

Indeed, there were quite a few stares from others in the area. Some had a amused expression while others glanced worriedly at one another if there really was a pervert wandering in the store.

"N-Natsume, that wasn't very-" Aoi started with a hesitant chuckle.

"Suck it up," Natsume scowled.

"Natsume," Ruka had to hold his laughter back.

Feeling extremely amused, Hotaru grabbed a strapless dress that was hanging elegantly nearby. The strapless bust line had a playful polka-dot overlay while the black velvet drifted towards the floor. The dress seem to wrap around the waist comfortably, exposing the wearer's curves.

"That dress looks beautiful," Sumire commented.

"Imai, does that mean-" Koko gasped.

"Just for kicks, I'll go," Hotaru smirked, still feeling amused at Mikan's enraged expression towards Natsume.

Sumire shook the infuriated brunette. "Did you hear that? Imai's going!"

"Oh, great," Mikan muttered, not feeling her best at the moment.

Hotaru approached the brunette and placed the dress over Mikan's red one. "You did say that you were going to pay for me," Hotaru stated.

The brunette tore her gaze away from the perverted boy and glanced at the price tag. Her eyes widened drastically while the color rapidly drained from her face.

"Mikan?" Aoi asked. She glanced at the price tag. "T-That's so expensive!"

"How much?" Koko leaned towards the brunette's side to get a better look. "W-What the!"

"Imai, you really want to make her broke, don't you?" Sumire chuckled hesitantly.

Ruka gazed over the brunette's shoulder while Natsume turned his head slightly. Even they were speechless at the large amount.

"Are you kidding me?" Mikan wanted to scream. "Three hundred and twenty dollars for this?"

"Is that a problem?" Hotaru asked.

"Um- yeah, I think so!" Mikan scowled. "This is way too expensive! Mine is only fifty dollars!"

Hotaru shrugged, "You're the one that offered."

"But-" The brunette wanted to protest.

"Unless, you are going to go back on your word," Hotaru stated, causing a wave of guilt to pour over the brunette.

"Y-Y-You're ridiculous," Mikan muttered through clenched teeth.

"Well, think on the bright side-" Koko laughed. "We're all going to the party now!"

"Yes. Totally," Mikan spat as she sulked towards the cashier.

Natsume and Ruka exchanged an amused look. The blond never would have thought that Hotaru would accept the invite but thanks to the brunette and Natsume's ruthless comment, everything might just end up peachy perfect. Or, that was what he thought.