This is my alternate ending. Read this chapter in place of chapter 9-21. This is the tragedy ending for the story. I pieced it together from the other parts I wrote, but changed some obvious things. If there's something weird in it (accidently left in), let me know.

Disclaimer: I don't own Gakuen Alice.

Chapter 22: Alternate Tragedy Ending (Chapter 9)

Natsume sat alone in the dark, surrounded by an immense sadness. He watched as the faces of people he loved sink away into the darkness. His breath quickened. A fire erupted from his heart and surrounded him.

Faces of people Natsume had killed surrounded him. Natsume could feel Persona's oppressing aura, who smiled cruelly as each person perished in the flames. "No!!!" Natsume screamed out, but no one could hear him.

Suddenly, a bright light shone beside him in the darkness. "Who's there?" Natsume demands. No answer. He grew angry until he saw Mikan standing in the light. She was calling to him. "Natsume…" Natsume tried to reach out to her, but he couldn't seem to get near her light. "Natsume…" Mikan called again. She suddenly doubled over in pain. Natsume screamed out to her, but she couldn't hear him.

Mikan stood up again, holding a baby in her arms. "Natsume… it's our son. Won't you hold our son?" Natsume tried again to reach her, but he couldn't. "Natsume…" He could hear Mikan call him, as she disappeared with the baby. "Mikan?" He tried to call out, but couldn't muster a sound.

"Natsume… Natsume…" Mikan's voice surrounded him as he realized it was a dream. He opened his crimson eyes slowly. Mikan was standing beside him, holding his hand. Her face was streaked with tears. He tried to call her name, but he couldn't muster a sound. All he could do was look at her. His beautiful Mikan. I made it back. But how? He shrugged off the question. It didn't matter at the moment.

The only one in the hospital room with him was Mikan. He knew she had arranged it that way. "Natsume! I love you so much!" Mikan cried as she tried to gently embrace him. Natsume was covered in horrible burns all over his body. His body roared in pain, but he didn't give it away. "Natsume, I'm so glad you made it back!" Mikan gently kissed his forehead. She wiped her tears away and gave him a weak smile. I'm glad I made it too, Mikan.

The door opened and a nurse came in looking distressed. "Excuse me miss, but the doctor has to inspect Natsume now that he's conscious. We'll notify you when you can enter again." Mikan nodded in understanding. She gently caressed Natsume's face and gave him a loving look before leaving the room.

The doctor solemnly approached Natsume. "I'm sorry, but you will most likely die within the hour. Please try to make peace with your friends." Natsume was devastated. He had made it back to Mikan, only to die in her arms. How cruel.

The doctor wordlessly exited the room and sent Mikan back in. This time, some friends joined her. "Natsume!" Mikan exclaimed as she raced to his side. Hotaru, Ruka, and Youichi followed her less enthusiastically. "I'm glad you made it back." Ruka faithfully told his best friend. Amidst all their other friends, Natsume saw Koko at the back of the room, looking grave.

Koko. Natsume called to him. I need your help. I'm going to die. Koko made his way towards Natsume's bed, and nodded in reply.

Koko began to speak. "Natsume can't speak right now, so I'm going to speak for him." Koko's face was pale and bothered, but he tried to continue as best he could. Everyone looked at him in wonder. "Thank you for being my friends. I am told that I will die today, so I don't have much time." Sumire let out a squealed cry. Mikan squeezed Natsume's hand in terror. She searched his eyes in question. Natsume nodded at her solemnly.

Mikan's beautiful hazel eyes welled with tears again as she crumpled onto her knees. Koko continued. "Mikan, I miss your smile. You look ugly with that frown on your face." Mikan giggled at the words Koko spoke. She knew in her heart that Natsume couldn't stand not seeing her smile. Even though she couldn't stop the tears, she smiled brightly for him. She smiled genuinely and gazed lovingly at Natsume.

Natsume smiled weakly at Mikan. Even such a weak smile was almost a miracle coming from Natsume. "Mikan, I love you. I love you and I love our son. I'm so glad I found you." Mikan sobbed as she kissed Natsume gently. "Natsume, I love you so much." They had a personal moment before Koko continued.

"Ruka, you've been an excellent best friend. I love you too." Ruka blushed a bit. "I'm going to miss you, Natsume." Hotaru sighed. "Crybaby." Koko gave her a faint look, perhaps knowing what she really meant to say. "Hotaru, Ruka, please take care of Mikan and the baby for me. Please protect them. Hotaru, I know you love Mikan. You are her best friend, and I know she will follow your advice and care." Hotaru tinged pink before nodding slightly. "Of course I'll take of the baka. She'd be useless without me." And without you too, Natsume.

"Youichi, please grow up strong. Protect the ones you love. I love you." Youichi nodded sternly as he tried not to cry for his dying friend.

Mikan attempted to stifle her tears as she clung to Natsume. Please don't leave me! I love you, Natsume! Natsume acknowledged everyone in the room. Thank you, Koko. Koko nodded. "I'll miss you, Natsume."

He looked to Mikan and kissed her gently. I'm sorry I can't stay and see our child grow. His breath caught and he suddenly found that he couldn't breathe. "Natsume?" Mikan questioned. "Mi… kan…" He struggled to breath as doctors rushed into the room. Mikan shrieked in agony, "Natsume!" Mikan… I love you. Koko, please tell her I love her.

Natsume listened to his friends' tears and Mikan's cries. I'm so sorry. His eyes gently closed as Mikan's gentle face encompassed his vision. Natsume was dead. "Noooooooo!!!" Mikan's screams echoed through the hospital and carried outside. I'm so sorry, Mikan. Koko and all their friends embraced her and tried to comfort her.

Mikan grasped onto Hotaru tightly as she gasped for air between her body wracking sobs. Softly, she rubbed Mikan's back, trying to soothe her. "Hush, Mikan. Don't cry. He wouldn't want you to cry." Mikan didn't believe her best friend. Their other friends sobbed in silence since they knew their pain was nothing like Mikan's.

Tears poured from Mikan's eyes as her knees grew weak. Hotaru gently sat down with Mikan, whispering to her lovingly. "Mikan, don't cry. He'll miss your smile if you cry. Don't you want Natsume to be happy?" Natsume… Mikan thought to herself. He loves it when I smile. Can I smile for you, Natsume? Mikan's crying slowed, even as the immense sadness tore at her heart. Ruka watched Hotaru comfort Mikan. His heart wanted to follow Mikan, but he was a man, he could be strong. Sumire cried silently to her friends. Youichi's eyes held back his tears. I need to see Rini.

Mikan sat up away from Hotaru. A weak smile graced her lips. She wiped the tears from her eyes. "Yeah, I guess you're right, Hotaru." Hotaru nodded at the girl sternly. "Come on, baka. You need to sleep." Hotaru and Ruka helped Mikan back to Hotaru's room. They knew she couldn't sleep by herself tonight.

Youichi's body shook. He tried to hold back his tears. Onii-chan is really gone. He slowly made his way to Rini's room, where he knew the girl was sleeping. Finally making it to the room, he knocked on the door. Youichi heard a rustling inside. The door slowly opened.

A sleepy blue haired girl was waiting for him. Her hair flowed over her shoulders, and she wore a blue nightgown. "Youichi? What is it? Why are you here so late?" Rini opened her eyes a little further and noticed Youichi's body shaking. Fear gripped her. What's wrong? She took him into her arms and closed the door behind them.

Before she could ask Youichi another question, she felt the dampness of his face. Youichi's crying? Rini held him until he spoke. "N-Nat-sum-e… o-onii-chan… is… dead." He barely whispered out the last word and Rini understood. "Shh…" Rini hushed Youichi. She gently stroked his silky silver hair. "You can stay here tonight." Youichi nodded and curled up on Rini's bed. He quickly fell asleep in the girl's loving arms.

The morning light pierced Mikan's eyelids. She stirred and felt nausea overcome her. Groggily, she got out of bed and rushed to the bathroom. When she was finished, she came back into the bedroom, looking for Natsume. Usually he's awake once I get up. As soon as she saw the bed, she knew something was off. This is Hotaru's room. That's Hotaru's bed with her and Ruka on it. Why am I here? Suddenly, the previous night came rushing back to her.

Hotaru woke to petrified shriek and knew it was Mikan. Mikan was on her knees on the floor, crying her eyes out. Ruka stirred beside her, and looked to Hotaru. I'll do it this time. Ruka told her with his eyes. He gently cradled Mikan and soothed her. No! Natsume's gone! How can this be happening?

Mikan quieted quicker than before. However, she couldn't seem to smile. Hotaru and Ruka were heartbroken. Hotaru felt a pain stab her chest. Will Mikan make it through this?

There was no funeral. Apparently, the school had already disposed of Natsume's body. His friends were quite mad. Yuu fumed at lunch. "Natsume deserves a funeral! He even died for their stupid missions! How can they deny him a funeral? How can they deny him recognition?" His friends were shocked. They've never seen him so worked up before.

Mikan was sitting at the lunch table with them, seeming wilted. She didn't look up as Yuu ranted. She merely poked her food, eating a bite occasionally. He doesn't even get a funeral. A tear slipped down her face. Finally, Yuu noticed her pain, and dropped the subject. My dear Mikan. I hope you will be okay.

Anissina's blue eyes shown as her methods were accepted. What a wonderful man! Just then the door to the lab opened. A young man about Natsume's age entered. He had black hair, black eyes, and wore a black school uniform. He's got to be Japanese.

Graduation took place. The students morbidly accepted their diplomas and decided to set off for their future. Natsume wouldn't be graduating with them. Natsume… who was the genius of the class. Natsume… who should have been able to graduate much earlier than them due to his intelligence. Natsume… who was their friend.

After the ceremony, Mikan sought comfort in Narumi. "Otou-san… what am I to do now?" Narumi's sad face tried to give her a reassuring smile. "You'll have your baby and live happily ever after. Besides, Natsume would want to see your beautiful smile right now." Mikan nodded in understanding and tried to smile weakly.

Narumi couldn't bear seeing his pretty daughter like that. He hugged her to his chest and held her. Mikan, I hope you can live. Hotaru came over to the family with Ruka trailing behind. "Narumi-sensei, don't worry. I plan on taking care of Mikan." Mikan was stunned. "Wh-what?" Narumi gave a genuine smile.

"Come on, baka. You're going to live with me and Ruka. We're going to have this baby together. We'll be a family together." Mikan smiled brightly for the first time since Natsume's death, though it was nothing compared to her usual smile. "I love you, Hotaru!" She hugged the woman who had been her best friend through all these years. The woman who would help her keep on living if it took everything she had.

Hotaru picked out their home. It was a large, three bedroom home with an underground basement that was converted into a lab. This way, Hotaru would be able to work mostly at home. For large projects, she would have to rent a space, but that wouldn't be very often. With all the money Hotaru had been making and hoarding during school, they had no problem purchasing the home.

Upon moving in, Hotaru immediately began working on new projects, and selling inventions to her loyal companies, usually the ones with the highest bid. Ruka enrolled into a veterinary program at a local university. Mikan was permitted by Hotaru to have a temporary part time job at a local café.

The home was rather comfortable. Mikan was lying on the couch at home since it was one of her days off work. "Work is hard…" Mikan whined to no one in particular. Ruka was in class and Hotaru was working hard down in her lab. Mikan gazed at her swollen fingers. I guess they are pretty swollen.

Mikan's fingers and feet had been swelling a little due to her pregnancy. It wasn't anything real noticeable, but it made the already clumsy Mikan even more clumsy. At work she had already broken three cups and spilled tea on two customers. As Mikan lied on the couch, she began to cry.

At first, the tears began from thinking about her horrible clumsiness. However, they quickly grew into tears of heartache. She missed Natsume so much. It had already been a month since his death, and she wasn't taking it much better. The hormones didn't help.

Hotaru opened the lead door from the lab. Immediately she heard Mikan's sobs. She's at it again… Hotaru scowled but didn't make a comment. She quickly made a cup of hot tea and brought it over to the sobbing girl on the couch.

Upon smelling the deliciousness, Mikan's sobs quieted. She hadn't heard Hotaru come out of the lab, so was thoroughly surprised to see the woman standing above her. Mikan attempted a weak smile, and solemnly accepted the tea. "Thank you…" Mikan managed to mutter. Hotaru simply nodded. Mikan made room for Hotaru to sit on the couch, and Hotaru gladly took the seat. She placed one arm around the thin shoulders beside her. "It will get better."

The days passed slowly. Mikan's stomach grew a little more round each day. Mikan looked forward to dinners with Hotaru and Ruka. Ruka always had exciting stories to tell about his classes and classmates. Mikan would always listen with wide eyes. Hotaru only cared about the detailed technical information.

Every week that passed Mikan got a little more used to her pregnancy. Occasionally, someone new would notice her pregnancy and congratulate her, which always made Mikan smile and a pain strike her heart. Mikan's job at the café became a bit easier as she learned to deal with the customers and the drinks.

Every day that Mikan had off work, she tried to occupy herself at home. Sometimes she would lie on the couch and slip into memories as she gazed at her engagement ring. Since her fingers were swollen, Mikan wore the ring on a necklace and seldom took it off her neck. On those days, either Hotaru or Ruka would find Mikan sobbing and comfort her.

Months passed this way. Six months into Mikan's pregnancy, they began preparing for the baby. Mikan was only allowed to work two days a week now. Hotaru was extremely strict on how much energy Mikan used. The third bedroom in the house had not been used since it was reserved for the baby.

"Hotaru…" Mikan started one night during dinner, "We can start decorating the baby room now, right?" Hotaru thought for a moment. "Sure. That's a good idea. You are welcome to decorate it as you wish. I'll give you an allowance." Mikan smiled. She knew she could never afford the baby by herself.

"Are you going to help me decide?" Mikan questioned the silent woman. Hotaru shook her head. "Babies aren't my business. If you want help, ask him." Hotaru noted, pointing to Ruka who had been silent. "I think that's a great idea, Mikan!" Ruka exclaimed, excited that he was going to be included in something.

"Will you really help me, Ruka-pyon?" Mikan's eyes grew wide with pleasure. She loved spending time with the blonde. Ruka was busy with school a lot, plus he was often more fun than Hotaru. Ruka nodded back with a pleasant smile. "Of course! We can start making plans this weekend." Mikan tittered with excitement.

That weekend, Mikan and Ruka began making plans for the baby room. "I want to paint the walls a boy color." Mikan ranted to Ruka while they were looking through paint samples. Ruka nodded in agreement. "Did you ever ask the doctor if it was going to be a boy for sure?" Mikan shook her head. "I don't have to. I just know." Ruka didn't argue with Mikan, she was stubborn and wasn't going to change her mind. I guess we'll see when the baby comes.

Ruka found picked a few paint samples and showed them to Mikan. "This bluish-gray is Eminence, this blue has a bit of a green tint and is Shallow Sea, and this is greener than blue and is Gem Turquoise, then there is this soft bluish gray and is Tender Twilight. Do you want to continue in this area or stray towards different color shading?" Ruka questioned Mikan, but she wasn't listening anymore.

Mikan's hazel eyes were intently staring at one of the colors in his hands. "This is it!" Mikan shouted as she yanked one of the colors out of Ruka's hands. Ruka chuckled. "Okay then." He went up to the clerk. "I'd like eleven liters of Gem Turquoise please."

Since Mikan wasn't supposed to inhale dangerous fumes like paint, Ruka ended up painting the entire room that weekend. Occasionally, Mikan would wander in to inspect the work. The color was so beautiful on the walls. Mikan could only imagine how great the room would look once they had the room set up. It's going to be so pretty!

Exhausted from painting, Ruka didn't want to do anything else that weekend. "That's okay, Ruka-pyon! Thank you for painting! Can we go shopping next weekend?" Mikan's hazel orbs looked eagerly into Ruka's tired blue ones. He couldn't resist her childish happiness. It was too rare these days. "Of course! Just don't work me too hard or I won't be able to pass my classes!" Ruka joked.

At work that week Mikan couldn't stop talking about the baby room to be. All her co-workers were exhausted from all the baby talk. However, they did seem to notice that she had a childish happiness about her so they didn't complain.

Hotaru came up from her lab on one of Mikan's days off. Please don't let her be crying again. Hotaru hoped as she opened the lead door. Mikan was seated on the couch again. Hotaru closed her violet eyes and pleaded. No… please… this can't continue. She opened them and prepared for the task of comforting Mikan. However, to Hotaru's surprise, Mikan wasn't crying.

"Hi, Hotaru! How are you doing?" Mikan beamed up at her best friend with a brilliant smile. Hotaru couldn't resist smiling back. "Fine. I'm almost done with a new invention. I already have 100 bids on it, but I'll probably get a better bid from one of my contractors once it's finished." She took a seat in a nearby chair.

"That's great!" Mikan enthusiastically added. Hotaru was puzzled. "What are you up to?" Hotaru questioned. Mikan visibly got excited. "Oh! I'm thinking about what I'd like to do to decorate the baby room, see?" Mikan held out a magazine with lots of circles and exes marked all over the pages. Hotaru chuckled. "I see. Is Ruka going to help you shop?" Mikan nodded. "Yeah! He's so great to do these things. He's really good at shopping and stuff." Hotaru laughed. "Yeah, he sure is."

Speaking of the devil, Ruka came home. He noticed the girls in the living room and got a bad feeling, but he was immediately relieved when he saw them smiling. He joined the party.

That weekend, Mikan and Ruka went shopping for baby supplies. At the local baby store, Mikan picked out a beautiful crib, a matching changing table, and a matching dresser. After finding the main pieces, Mikan dragged Ruka all over the store picking out clothes for a baby boy.

"Ruka-pyon! Look at this! Isn't it adorable?" Ruka stared at the miniature sailor suit and just nodded in reply. This poor child… "Look! Over there!" Mikan rushed over to a display of flashing ducks. "Look! They flash in the bathtub! We need lots of these." Ruka followed the excited brunette over to the ducks and inspected them. "Yeah, they are pretty cute." He touched the heat sensors on the bottom of a duck and it flashed in multiple colors. "Look! Over there!" Mikan rushed off to another part of the store.

The two left the store with Ruka carrying bags upon bags upon bags of baby stuff. The large pieces were being delivered later that week. Ruka groaned as they trotted home.

The day the furniture arrived, Mikan spent the day in the baby's room decorating it and putting thing away. Hotaru was in her lab and Ruka was at school. The baby is going to love this room! He's going to look so cute in all of his new clothes! Even Hotaru and Ruka like what I bought, so I know I'm not entirely crazy.

Mikan sighed as she took a break and sat on the floor. I wonder if the baby is going to look more like me, or Natsume? As Mikan thought of Natsume again, tears began to fill up in her eyes. She rubbed her round stomach, soothing the baby living inside. I wish you could meet your daddy, little one… you would have loved him, just as I do.

When Ruka came home from class, he didn't see Mikan or Hotaru in the kitchen or living room. He knew Mikan didn't have work today, so he was a little worried. He opened the lead door leading to Hotaru's lab and went in. Hotaru didn't look up from her work. "What do you want?" Ruka didn't argue with her tone. "Have you seen Mikan? She wasn't in the living room." Hotaru shrugged. "I think the baby stuff came in today, maybe she's upstairs."

Ruka nodded. "That makes sense. Do you want to check on her with me?" Hotaru sighed but gave a nod and followed Ruka upstairs. They didn't hear any noises coming from the baby room and wondered what Mikan could possibly have been doing quietly.

Hotaru opened the door and gasped. Mikan was lying on the floor in a puddle of tears. She was still grasping some baby clothes in one hand, while the other while lying on her stomach. Ruka and Hotaru rushed to her side. "Mikan, are you okay? Do you hurt anywhere?" Ruka frantically asked her, worried something might be wrong. Mikan shook her head. "I-I'm fine… I just… miss… Natsume…" The name barely a whisper on her lips as she burst into tears again. Hotaru nodded at Ruka. I knew it. Ruka took the hint and carefully carried Mikan to her bedroom and placed her on her bed.

Hotaru and Ruka soothed Mikan until she fell asleep. They then went downstairs to begin dinner preparations. They didn't say anything to each other. They didn't have to.

Crimson eyes penetrated the darkness. "Natsume?" Mikan watched as his face became clear in the distance. He was alive and lying in some type of glass bed. "Natsume… can you hear me?" Mikan tried to move towards him, but the darkness faded around her. "Natsume!" Mikan begged for a reply.

"Baka. Stop screaming. I'm fine." His nonchalant voice pierced the darkness around her, clouding her with happiness. "Natsume, is it really you?" She twirled around, looking for his face in the dark. His eyes appeared again in the distance. "Oi, little girl. Pay attention! It's time."

Mikan grew confused. "Time for what?" Natsume scoffed at her stupidity. "It's time for the baby, Mikan. I love you…" Natsume disappeared entirely and Mikan begged for him to return. "Natsume? Are you there?" Mikan shrieked into the darkness.

"Nat-su-me!" Mikan was sitting up in her bed, her stomach in pain. Hotaru and Ruka burst into the bedroom door. "Mikan, are you alright?" Ruka gasped. Hotaru rushed to her, checking her forehead and stomach. I was dreaming… but it was Natsume… A stab of pain hit her and she gasped for air. "The baby! I'm in labor!"

"Push, Mikan. You can do it. Breathe." The nurse urged Mikan through her labor while Hotaru held her hand. Ruka waited outside in the lobby. He paced nervously until people began to stare. Beads of sweat dripped down Mikan's face as she struggled to push. Occasionally a ragged grunt would rip through her. I never want to give birth again.

Hotaru squeezed Mikan's hand and smoothed her sticky honey brown hair. Her violet eyes emanating warmth when they met with the nervous hazel ones. "You're really doing this. It's okay, Mikan. You can do this." Hotaru gave Mikan a reserved smile and gently kissed her forehead. Mikan closed her eyes for a moment. Thank you, Hotaru.

Not much later, a newborn's screams were heard down the hall. Ruka rushed to the door of Mikan's delivery room where Hotaru met him with a complacent smile. "It's a boy." Ruka's baby blue eyes rimmed with tears as he threw his arms around her.

A little while later, Ruka was cradling the baby while Mikan was resting. "He's so beautiful." Ruka whispered to Hotaru, who was sitting in a chair next to Mikan's bed. She gave him a pure smile. "He sure is. Ruka, do you want to have one after we get married?" What? Ruka gazed at her with the question burning in his eyes then smiled when he realized she was serious. "Yeah, this one will be lonely." He gave the small child a kiss on the forehead.

When Mikan woke up, Hotaru placed the baby in her arms, instantly knowing her need of his warmth. Mikan smiled at the darling staring up at her with soft crimson eyes and black wisps on his head. Tears of joy ran down her face as she cradled her newborn son.

"Daisuki."

Hotaru turned her head at the whisper. "What?" She questioned the new mother. Mikan smiled at her best friend's questioning look. "Daisuki. His name… is Daisuki." Hotaru's eyes narrowed. She heard a soft chuckling behind her. She didn't need to see it was Ruka, attempting to stifle his laughter. "Baka. If you weren't holding that baby I would knock you upside the head."

Mikan laughed, an angelic smile crossing her face. Hotaru grew even more serious. "Mikan. Think about it. This kid is going to get laughed at the rest of his life if you name him that. How could you seriously name your child 'I love you/it'? It's not even a name!" Mikan smiled knowingly. "I know… it just… fits him." Hotaru growled. "You can name him Daisuke. That's a name! Don't name him Daisuki!" Her fuming went unnoticed. Mikan gently kissed her son. "I love you very much, Daisuki." His looks suit you.

"Mommy!" The ungraceful brunette turned towards the tiny voice and lost her balance. "Ouch!" Mikan murmured as she hit the counter. She watched as her two year old son toddled towards her. "Wow! Daisuki, you're walking much better now!" Joyous crimson eyes caught hers.

"Look mommy!" Mikan turned her attention to the drawing in her son's hands. It was a crude drawing of perhaps a person, and perhaps fire. With this child, one could never be sure. "Wow!" Mikan exclaimed. "What did you draw?" Daisuki smiled brightly up at his mother, who was attempting to cook dinner. "Fire!"

A pain shot through Mikan at the sound of the word. Fire? What does he mean fire? Mikan bent down and scooped the happy toddler into her arms. She ruffled his feathery, velvet hair. "What kind of fire did you draw?" Mikan questioned, hoping to get some kind of comprehensive answer.

Daisuki smiled. "Fire!" He cheered. The picture in his palms began smoking. A trickle of flames crept across the paper. Fire. He has the fire alice. Great. However, Mikan didn't show any hesitation about praising her beloved child. "Wow! What a great fire! You can make fire, but you have to be careful. No fire while Mommy isn't around, okay?" Daisuki nodded. "Okay!" Mikan quickly nullified the flame.

Hotaru peeped open the lab door. "What's all the yelling for?" She scowled. Daisuki scowled back. "Fire." He proclaimed, as if it meant everything in the world. Hotaru chuckled. "Oh, I can see." She pointed towards the charred piece of art. Mikan sighed and rolled her eyes. "Hotaru… seriously, fire." Her 'what am I going to do now?' look was written all over her face. Hotaru laughed. "I know! I know! Let me catch my breath and I'll play with him for a bit."

Hotaru sat carefully down into a chair, rubbing her very pregnant belly. At the word 'play' Daisuki's ears perked up. "Play? Play with Hotaru!" He wiggled out of Mikan's grip, and tottered towards the exhausted Hotaru. Her violet eyes glazed over his happy figure. "Yes, Dai-chan. I'll play with you in a minute. Can you show me your fire?" Daisuki's crimson eyes flared under his black locks. "Fire!" He exclaimed as the picture caught a spark of fire again. Mikan gave Hotaru a death glare and nullified the fire once again.

The front door opened and Ruka tumbled inside. With Daisuki's attention diverted, Hotaru was saved. "Ruka!" The toddler bee-lined for the blonde. Ruka gave his blissful smile before dropping his book bag on the floor and grabbing Daisuki in a bear hug. "Dai-chan! How's my favorite man?" Daisuki smiled gleefully, enjoying the attention.

Ruka glanced at his wife, who was scowling. Well, that's almost normal. He glanced at Mikan, who was faking a smile. Uh oh, something's wrong. "Ruka! Fire!" The gorgeous raven haired boy in his arms proclaimed. Oh. That's what's wrong. He just had to be one of the difficult types. Ruka patted the boy's head and gave a relieving smile. "That's great, Dai-chan. Just like your daddy." He turned towards the frighteningly angry women. "At least the Academy is now just like a regular school and he can still live at home. Right?"

Mikan gave a sigh. "Yeah, I suppose so, thanks to Father. Do you think You-chan will be visiting us this weekend?" Ruka shrugged. "Perhaps." Looking to his wife, Ruka was met with a rare smile. "Hey, Daddy. It's baby time."

Ruka's blue eyes grew wide with panic. Daisuki's crimson eyes grew confused. "Baby?" Mikan shrieked with joy as she galloped to Hotaru. "Really! You're going into labor? Yay!" Mikan grasped Hotaru's hands and helped her out of the chair. "Ruka-pyon! Get the car ready!"

Ruka's mouth was dry so he couldn't speak. Instead, he nodded and quickly took Daisuki with him to the car. As Ruka strapped Daisuki into his car seat, the toddler became excited. "Yay! Car ride! Yay!" Watching the cheerful child, Ruka calmed down. He smiled and patted the child's velvet hair. "Yes, Dai-chan. We're going for a ride in the car."

Mikan played with Daisuki in the waiting room at the hospital. Ruka was in the delivery room with Hotaru. Surprisingly, Daisuki remained reserved and calm. "Mommy, read." Daisuki said in a quiet tone. He was holding out a child's book, waiting for Mikan to accept it. Mikan smiled at her son. "Daisuki, what do you say when you ask for a favor?" Hotaru is about to have a little miracle of her own. Daisuki smiled shyly. "Mommy, read, please?" He extended the book out to Mikan again. Placing Daisuki in her lap, Mikan accepted the book and began to read to him.

Hotaru panted heavily, struggling to push out the baby. "Damn you, Ruka! I'm going to kill you if you ever make me do this again!" Hotaru shrieked as she squeezed the life out of Ruka's hand. With his other hand, Ruka calmly wiped the sweat off his wife's forehead. "Just a little more, Hotaru." The blonde gave her a gentle kiss. Hotaru gritted her teeth and pushed again.

A nurse appeared in the waiting room and beckoned Mikan. The brunette turned to her son. "Daisuki, we're going to visit Aunt Hotaru now. You need to be very quiet, and be a very good boy, okay?" Daisuki nodded.

The two entered Hotaru's room and saw Hotaru sleeping quietly. Ruka was cradling a small bundle in his arms. He gave Mikan an astonishing smile and his sapphire eyes sparkled clearly. "It's a girl." He bent down as Daisuki approached him. "Dai-chan, this is your new cousin, Akari."

The boy's scarlet eyes widened at the sight of the small infant before him. "Wow! Tiny…" Daisuki extended one hand to touch the baby's face, but drew it back. Ruka chuckled. "Do you want to hold her?" Daisuki met his uncle's unwavering eyes and nodded.

"Okay! But you have to sit down, and you have to be very careful with her." Daisuki toddled over to a chair and sat down. Mikan watched as Ruka carefully situated Akari within Daisuki's arms. Mikan and Ruka took a seat on each side of the children.

Daisuki held the baby carefully in his arms. She cautiously opened her eyes, and they met with the large curious crimson ones. "Pretty blue eyes…" Daisuki murmured. Mikan watched over her son's shoulder to inspect for herself. "Wow, Ruka-pyon. She really is your daughter with those crystal blue eyes. But… with that hair, she's definitely Hotaru's daughter too!"

Hotaru awoke and noticed the gathering on one side of the room. "Of course she's mine, baka. I just gave an excruciating birth to her." Mikan chuckled and raced to her friend's side. "Look, Hotaru! Daisuki is holding Akari. I think they're going to get along great!" Mikan's smile filled Hotaru up with joy. I like it better when you smile.

"Youichi! Wait up!" Rini panted as she ran to catch up with her inconsiderate boyfriend. Youichi scoffed, "You're so slow, little girl. I told Onee-chan we would be home an hour ago." Rini's sapphire eyes gleamed with excitement. "I know… but I just couldn't help buying Akari-chan a present. Besides, you stopped to buy Dai-chan one too!" Youichi couldn't argue with that. "Hurry up."

The front door opened and a crazy, honey brown woman pounced on Youichi. "You-chan!" Mikan ruffled Youichi's silver hair and hugged him tightly. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Rini and rushed to embrace her. "Rini!"

Rini blushed, still not used to Mikan's enthusiasm. "Hi, Mikan-chan." Youichi snickered at Rini behind Mikan's back. I'm so glad I'm not her only target. Suddenly, tiny arms wrapped themselves around Youichi's thigh. Youichi chuckled when he saw Daisuki hugging him.

Tousling the five year old's hair, Youichi smirked. "Hey, Dai-chan. How are you?" Daisuki smiled and released the young man's leg. "Hi, You-Onii-chan. I'm good, how are you?" Youichi refrained from answering. Instead, he held out a present. "This is yours."

Daisuki's crimson eyes sparked as he yanked the present out of Youichi's hands. He gave his mother a cute face. "Can I open it now?" Mikan smiled and waved him off. "Yes! It's your present. Open it!" Daisuki immediately sat down and ripped into his present. The child's eyes darkened with delight. Daisuki threw on his new leather jacket. It was rather large, but it looked very fitting.

Youichi graced a smile. "I knew it would look good on you. It's going to take you a while to grow into it, but you can still wear it around." Daisuki nodded with a serious, but happy look. "Thanks."

"Wow!" A tiny voice invaded the picture. Akari wandered into the entry. Mikan ushered everyone inside and close the door. "Dai-chan, cute jacket!" Daisuki blushed but didn't reply. Akari then noticed the visitors. "You-Onii-chan! Rini-Onee-chan!" She hugged them both and smiled brightly.

Rini crouched down and handed Akari a present of her own. "Akari-chan, this is a present for you. Why don't you open it?" Akari's eyes beamed with pleasure. "Yay! Present!" She tugged at the wrapping, but couldn't quite get it open. Daisuki watched the sad process and moved to help her. "There." Akari thanked him and finished opening her gift. It was a dazzling princess dress with matching shoes and tiara. "Wow! I can be a princess!"

Akari immediately began undressing. Daisuki's eyes widened. "Akari! I told you not to do that!" The boy scolded her and escorted her to her bedroom to change. Rini smiled knowingly at Youichi. "Youichi… I wonder if Daisuki thinks about girls yet." Youichi met her gaze and smirked. "I'm not sure… but he seems to be conscious about it at least." Mikan's eyes widened. "What? My son's too young for that! Noooo…." Youichi chuckled. "Onee-chan, don't exaggerate. It will be a while before he realizes anyway." Mikan sniffed, "I hope so."

Akari came out of the bedroom. The toy tiara sparkled upon her silky, black, short hair. Her sapphire blue eyes sparkled with enjoyment. The white, princess dress danced around her tiny frame, supported by tiny princess shoes. "Dai-chan! I'm a princess!" The girl exclaimed to the boy waiting for her, looking cool in his oversized leather jacket.

Daisuki blushed a bit, but didn't say a word in response. Akari danced around a bit for the adults. "I want to play princess!" The girl exclaimed, loving the attention being lavished on her. Youichi noticed Daisuki as he moved from his place along the wall. "Come on Akari. You play the princess, and I'll play the hero. Okay?" Akari smiled delightfully. "Okay!" The children ran off to another part of the house to play.

Hotaru and Ruka came up from the lab. Ruka was blushing and Hotaru was giggling. "Ah, you finally made it."

Mikan served everyone tea as they sat down. "I'll get straight to business." Hotaru started. "As you know, Dai-chan has the fire alice. We are starting him at the academy this coming term." Youichi nodded, "I'll look out for him."

"Thanks You-chan!" Mikan exclaimed. Hotaru sighed and continued. "We aren't sure, but we think Dai-chan may have… unlimited powers. It will be arranged for him to get evaluated with the dangerous abilities. Please take care of him." Youichi's face became serious. "Understood."

Since the academy was no longer secluded, the dangerous ability class was not the same either. Persona was recently replaced by another teacher, and the section was more for control and support. The teacher was out often, so Youichi assisted with any assigned tasks.

Mikan sighed, a slightly worried look on her face. "I can't believe Daisuki's going off to school already…" Ruka smiled, "At least he can still live at home, Mikan. It won't be that bad." Mikan grinned, "You're right, Ruka-pyon!" She turned to Youichi with a curious look. "Who's the new sensei, anyway?" Youichi smirked and Rini chuckled. "Actually… it's Koko's cousin, Yuuri."

The new semester started. Mikan walked Daisuki to school and cried when it was time to part. "Mom! You're embarrassing…" Daisuki complained as she latched on to him sulking. "I'm your mother; I have the right to embarrass you." Daisuki groaned. Youichi met them at the school's gate. He saved Daisuki from Mikan and led him to his classroom. "If you have any problems Dai-chan, just let me know." Daisuki nodded and entered the classroom.

About 20 children Daisuki's age where chattering away in the classroom. Some were playing with toys, while others just talked. Daisuki walked towards an unoccupied seat. Suddenly, a few girls screamed. "He's so cute!" They ran towards Daisuki and immediately began questioning him. Overwhelmed, Daisuki sat down in the seat and only answered a few of their questions.

"What's your name?" "How old are you?" "Do you have a girlfriend?" "Do you like girls?" "Will you marry me?" "Are you eyes crimson?" "What's your alice?"

"Call me Dai-kun, and my alice is fire." A small fire erupted in his hand. "You're giving me a headache, please stop questioning me." The girls squealed and moved to a corner of the room where they could continue to observe him. Daisuki sat in his seat, extremely bored. He didn't know how to socialize with the other kids, and he had just scared off the only ones who tried to talk to him. I didn't mean to… they were just so annoying.

The teacher entered the room and began role call. "Daisuki Hyuuga." Daisuki groaned inwardly. Did he have to call out my full name? "Just Dai is fine." He calmly stated, even though he was extremely embarrassed. The class erupted in laughter over his name. The teacher tried to calm them down, but it was no use. Daisuki slammed his hands on his desk and lit a fire in his hand. "My name is of no concern to you. Use Dai when you call me. My alice is fire." The class became silent immediately. Great, now they're all afraid of me. Daisuki sat down in his seat and extinguished his fire.

The class split into alice groups and went to the corresponding classroom. Daisuki entered the dangerous abilities and was surprised to see so few students. Youichi was at the head of the classroom with Yuuri. "Uncle Yuuri? You're the teacher?" Yuuri chuckled. "Yep! I just started here recently. Take a seat Dai-chan; we're just filling out some forms." After filling out the forms, the class had free time.

Yuuri pulled Daisuki aside. "Since you're new to the class, Dai-chan, we have to test you alice." Daisuki looked at him questionably. "What kind of tests?" Yuuri smiled. "We already know you have the fire alice, but we have to know what kind of alice it is. Do you know the kinds of alice?" Daisuki nodded. "A little. Why do we need to know?" Yuuri thought for a moment about how to explain it. "Each type of alice needs to do different things. For example, you may only be able to use short amounts of power. Or, your alice may disappear after some time. Things like that." Daisuki nodded. "Okay, what do we do?"

Yuuri led Daisuki into a cement lined closet. He strapped a helmet onto Daisuki's head, and place clamps on each finger. "Now, I want you to focus on making fire. Don't put a form to it, just imagine it filling you. Do that for as long as you can until I tell you to stop."

Daisuki focused on the fire within him. He could feel it boiling up within him and flowing over. He glowed red hot with his fire. Yuuri took a few steps back. He studied the screen in his hand, and Daisuki's stability. Daisuki's aura expanded a thin line of sparkling blue light around him. Yuuri set down his screen. "Okay, you can stop now."

The fiery aura around Daisuki dissipated. The helmet and finger clamps were removed. Yuuri smiled at the boy. "That wasn't so hard, was it?" Daisuki smiled, "Nope!" They returned to the classroom in time for Yuuri to dismiss the class for the day. "Tell your mom hi for me!" He called out to Daisuki before he left.

Yuuri collected the screen from the closet and went to his office. He plugged the screen into his computer. The readings spewed into the program on the computer. Finally, the readings were clear. Yuuri gazed at the computer. "That's interesting…"

Mikan picked Daisuki up from school. "How was school?" She beamed, happy to be with her son again. He remained quiet, and she realized something was wrong. "Daisuki? What happened?" Mikan wrapped her arms around her son and pulled him close to her. He turned his face away from her gaze. "I didn't really talk to anybody."

Mikan smiled, "Is that all? It's okay, you can talk to them tomorrow!" Daisuki shook his head. "No… I was scared, and they made fun of my name! So… I just got mad and scared them with my alice. No one will talk to me now." Tears brimmed in the child's crimson eyes. Mikan brushed his black locks out of his face and kissed his forehead. "Don't worry, Daisuki. You have a wonderful name, and I'm sure they will talk to you again. Besides, your father was pretty scary in school and he had friends. He even met me!" Mikan giggled at the thought of how Natsume had scared everyone out of their wits in school.

Daisuki wiped his eyes and gave his mother a smile. Mikan returned it. "That's my boy!" She stood up and took his hand.

Daisuki entered the door to his house after another day at school. It had already been a year since he started, and he was learning how to control his alice pretty well. Akari raced to the front door when she heard it open. "Dai-chan!" She leapt onto the boy, causing him to fall to the floor. He laughed, pushing her off himself. "Akari! You can't do that anymore." The four year old girl simply smiled at him bashfully.

Akari's sapphire eyes sparkled up at Daisuki. She smiled slyly, which caused Daisuki to suspect something was up. "What is it?" Daisuki demanded to know, glaring at the glowing girl in front of him. She giggled. "Dai-chan, look what I can do!" She spread her hands, palms up in front of her. Small pools of water formed her hand. As Daisuki's crimson eyes widened in surprise, the water snaked up out of her hands, curling into a spiral.

"Akari! You have the water alice!" Daisuki exclaimed, smiling at her. "Does Aunt Hotaru know?" Akari giggled and shook her head. The water disappeared into the air. "Isn't it pretty? Now I have an alice like Mommy, Daddy, Auntie Mikan, and you!" As if on cue, the front door opened behind them. Ruka tumbled in, his blonde hair a little frazzled.

"Uncle Ruka! You're home already? How was your day at the hospital?" After finishing his degree, Ruka was finally a veterinarian and opened his own practice. Unfortunately, he still had to do a lot of the grunt work. Ruka groaned a hello and stumbled into the closest chair he could find. Akari screamed joyfully and hugged her father. "Hi, Daddy!" The blonde smiled weakly.

Daisuki walked up to his uncle with a serious look in his eyes. "Uncle Ruka, Akari has the water alice." Ruka's baby blue eyes widened and a grin spread on his face. He scooped Akari up into his arms and hugged her tightly. "I'm so proud of you!" Daisuki watched the cheery girl with an amused look.

WOOOSH! Water was all over the table and dinner. Daisuki glared at the villain, sending sparks from his eyes. "Mom! Akari ruined dinner! Can't you nullify her or something?" Mikan smiled blissfully at her aggravated son. "Daisuki, you know she's still getting used to her alice. It's not dangerous like yours, so we can let her learn control on her own. It's much faster." Daisuki huffed and aimed a flame at Akari's dinner plate. Unfortunately, it quickly fizzled away from the pool of water already sitting there.

"Akari." An ice cold voice loomed over the table. Hotaru's cold eyes were staring down her daughter. "Do not do that." She spit out the command in a strict tone, and Akari shrank back in her chair, nodding her head silently. Ruka watched in amusement. She never changes.

"You know Dai-chan…" Ruka began, sending a sly smile to Mikan, who grinned back at him. "Akari will be joining you at school next year." Daisuki stood up immediately, his hair on end. "WHAT! I'm going to have to deal with her at home and at school?" The boy scowled and sat back in his chair. Akari was cheering quietly, very excited about the news. "Don't be so angry, you'll be in different grades. You just have to watch out for her." Hotaru reassured the steaming boy. He crinkled his nose. I suppose… He glanced at the devious girl at his side. She met him with an indescribable smile.

"Dai-chan! Wait for me!" Akari cried out to the ruffled boy walking quickly in front of her. "Hurry up, stupid girl. I don't want to be late to school because of you." Akari ran quickly to catch up, sticking her tongue out when she finally was able to walk next to the older boy. He sighed at her childish behavior and frowned. "Don't talk to me at school, you're too childish." Akari huffed. "Fine." Her pace slowed slightly as her face fell slightly and her eyes glistened. She wiped them quickly and increased her pace.

Daisuki led Akari to her classroom and quickly walked off without saying good bye. Akari watched his proud form until he turned a corner. She entered the classroom and was surprised to see so many children her age. "Wow!" A shy looking boy with dirty blonde hair smiled at her as she approached. He was playing with a couple of large toy cars.

Akari glanced around; noticing most of the other children were playing in groups, except for this boy. "Can I play too?" Her sapphire eyes sparkled brightly with her smile. The boy was mesmerized, quickly nodding and handing her a car. They laughed together as they played. "I'm Akari Nogi, what's your name?" The boy blushed, smiling at her with dark green eyes. "Yuki Maki." Akari patted the shy boy's head. "Nice to meet you Yuki-kun. Let's be friends!" He nodded bashfully, basking in her smile. Nice to meet you, Nogi-chan.

Mikan lie awake on the couch, gazing at a dual picture frame. One picture was of her and Natsume from the night of their engagement. The other picture was of her and Daisuki having a picnic. Mikan sighed closed her eyes. Thank you for everything, Natsume.

Flashback

"How could you not tell me you were on another mission?" Natsume stroked her hair as she sat next to him on the bed. "I didn't want you to worry." Mikan glared at him, unsatisfied with his answer. "I worry more when I don't know! I'd rather know that I need to worry, instead of being unsure!" Tears trickled down her face.

Natsume stared in awe as he brushed her hair out of her face. She looked like a fallen angel. Her flattering silk gown stained with his impurity. The trails of tears down her face reflected soft white light. Her gorgeous honey brown hair flared in disarray. Her moist, caramel eyes pleaded him.

He brushed her tears away with his thumbs. "I promise I'll tell you next time. I'm sorry." His lips brushed her forehead. He gently raised her face to his. "You look like an angel. Why are you wearing such a nightgown?" Mikan gave a small smile, "I got it to wear for you. Do you like it?" He gently brushed his hand over the silky fabric on her shoulder. "I love it."

Natsume kissed her shoulder, pulling the nightgown askew. Mikan moaned gently. Natsume met his lips with hers and took her in a passionate kiss. He played lightly with the gown, pulling it, teasing her. They made out on the bed for a while when he felt his want of her rise within him. He tried to suppress his carnal emotions, not wanting to scare her. However, she surprised him.

"Natsume, I'm ready." Those simple whispered words seemed seductive. He gazed at her with steady eyes. "I'll be gentle." He muttered into her ear. Done with playing, Natsume tugged the blood stained nightgown off and threw it on the floor. They made love for the first time that night.

End Flashback

"Oh, Natsume. I was such a child then. I had no idea how my life would be changed by that night. I'm sorry you couldn't be here to share this wonder with me."

Suddenly, Mikan's cell phone rang. Startled, she quickly answered it. "Hi, Mikan. It's Lee." Lee was Mikan's long time co-worker at the café. "Hi, Lee. How are you?" She gently placed the picture framed down on the end table. "I'm great. Well, I was wondering if you'd like to have dinner with me tonight." As in a date? Mikan shook her head. Am I ready for a date? After a short pause, she smiled and answered, "I suppose I could, Lee. Where would you like to go?"

Not long after Daisuki entered the house, he heard a car pull up outside. Mikan jumped out of the car, giggling. "Thank you, Lee. That was a wonderful evening." Lee stooped to gently kiss her hand. "Goodnight dear Mikan." Actually looking happy, Daisuki watched his mother walk up to the house and come inside. She giggled a moment before she realized he was there.

" Who was that outside?" Mikan smiled dreamily and her statement floored him. "That's Lee. I'm sort of dating him now." What? Daisuki glared warily at Mikan. "What do you mean you're dating him? How long?" Mikan smiled. "Just today, but I think I like him. Besides, I've never been with anyone besides your father. I think it's time for me to try dating." Daisuki sighed and gave up the fight.

"Mikan, I'd like to meet your family." She grinned and nodded, "That's a great idea! I'm sure they'd love to meet you, Lee." Lee grinned and gently kissed Mikan on the lips. Mikan gently fingered the ring around her neck before leaning in to deepen the kiss.

Flashback

Natsume got down on one knee and took the box from her shaking hand. He smirked as he opened the box and gazed at what was inside.

A gold ring glittered inside the small silver box. The large diamond glistened in the light as the small red ruby hearts on each side complimented it. Natsume turned the open box towards Mikan. "What is this?" He teased her.

"It's for you." Mikan's eyes widened further. "Wha..." she tried to speak. Natsume caught her gaze and locked it with his passionate crimson eyes.

"Mikan..."

Natsume smiled. Not a smirk, but a genuine, handsome, smile.

"Will you marry me?"

End Flashback

A tear softly fell down Mikan's cheek, but she didn't pull back. I'm so sorry, Natsume. If only you were here… but it's time for me to allow someone else in my heart. Lee brushed his hand across his cheek and pulled back as he felt her sorrow. "I'm sorry, Mikan. Is it too soon? Am I going to fast?" Mikan shook her head and sadly chuckled. Rubbing her glistening eyes she said, "No. It's not that. It's that I think I'm ready to move on."

At the sight of Lee inside his house, sitting next to his mother, stroking her hair… he couldn't stand it anymore. "Don't touch my Mom!" He bellowed as Lee's hair caught on fire. Panicked, Lee began shrieking, trying to put the fire out. Mikan gaped before dampening the fire with her Alice. "Natsu- … Daisuki! What on earth are you thinking! I thought you were able to control your Alice, and were smart enough to know not to set people on fire!" She was standing and quickly approaching the angry boy. "I do know how to control myself, Mom. Why don't you? How could you let that man touch you like that?"

Mikan paused at the accusation. Staring at her son, she was almost destroyed by how much he looked like Natsume in his angry demeanor. Half angry and half sad, Mikan was choked up, "Don't talk to me like that, Daisuki! You know that I have always loved your father, but he's dead. Do you really expect me to live forever in the shadow of his memory?"Daisuki's crimson eyes shot sparks at her and Lee. Instead of pushing the argument, he angrily stomped to his room.

Akari heard the door near hers slam. Frustrated, she pounded on Daisuki's door. "What's your problem?" Angry, Daisuki threw the door open and kept walking until Akari was pressed against the hallway wall. "Don't mess with me, little girl."

Mikan broke into tears as soon as she heard the door slam upstairs. Lee soothed her, "It's not you, Mikan. He's just confused because he's never been in this situation before. Give him some time." Mikan nodded, tears streaming down her face. "I know…"

Weeks passed as Daisuki watched brooding silently. Mikan continued dating Lee. He hated that she laughed and smiled with him. She looked happy. Does he really make you happy?

After some time, Daisuki learned to accept that his mother had finally moved on.

"Stop wasting time, little girl! We're going to be late to the wedding!" Daisuki scolded the girl until she finally left the bathroom. He looked her up and down, amazed at how pretty she looked in the sapphire blue dress that matched her eyes. "Do I look good, Dai-chan?" She gave a short spin, and Daisuki shrugged. "You don't look ugly."

Family and friends gathered as Lee and Mikan were wed. At the reception, Daisuki cautiously approached Akari. "Dance with me." She gave him a look, but agreed.

Mikan glanced at her son, and noticed the smile he was trying to hide. Natsume… I think our son is in love. Lee noticed Mikan's faraway look, "What's wrong?" Mikan shook her head. "Nothing, I was just thinking about something."

Flashback

"You two should go dance together." Ruka gave Natsume a smile as they looked at him with disbelief. "I'll go over there." Ruka walked off and ignored Natsume as he tried to call him back.

Mikan stood there in a daze until Natsume suddenly laced her hand into his and pulled her closed to him. She gazed into his crimson eyes in question. "What? You want to dance." He blatantly replied to her unasked question.

As they danced, her heart pounded. This feels so strange. His hand is holding mine. Why does this feel so strange? Lost in Natsume's gaze and his intense presence, she couldn't even hear the music anymore. Why isn't she smiling? "When you danced with Ruka, you had this foolish grin… You… At least smile a little! You super ugly girl."

"What did you say you horrible fox!?" Mikan exclaimed. They continued dancing, trading insults. I feel like me again.

End Flashback

Mikan smiled up at Lee. "I love you, Lee." He returned her smile and gave her a sweet kiss. Natsume… I still miss you after all this time. I love you, Natsume.