---The Date---

Summary:

A teddy bear exhibit is ongoing at Central Town and Mikan is dying to go. But on her way to ask Hotaru to go with her, she saw Natsume and asked him instead. The members of Class B saw them together and thought they were on a date. They decided to follow them. What kind of ending would this have? Clue: Great Ending. ONESHOT MxN only. Long fanfic…By the way, they are still 10 years old in here…

Author’s notes: This is my first fanfic on Gakuen Alice. Actually, I deleted my real first one because I got bored in continuing it after I had great ideas. Anyways, my classmates read this before and they said it was super so I thought that maybe you could read it as well. It’s really funny. Well, enough talk, more read.

Disclaimer: Does ‘FAN’ mean anything to you? How about ‘FICTION’?

“I can’t wait to ask Hotaru to go with me to the exhibit. I’m really excited. I love teddy bears. We are going to have so much fun.” Mikan said as she skipped happily to the lab. Narumi announced about the Teddy Bear Exhibit this morning. After hearing about it, Mikan couldn’t stop talking about it.

On her way, she passed by a certain Black Cat, reading his manga at their Sakura tree.

‘Natsume? He usually sits their reading his manga. He’s in his lonely mood. But, when he’s at class, he’s always glaring at everybody. Natsume…” she thought.

Mikan walked to him and held his shoulder. Natsume looked at her.

‘His eyes changed…’Mikan thought as she kneeled down and sat beside him. Natsume held the arm that was holding his shoulder.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“Nothing. It’s just that…um…Natsume-kun…I was wondering…um…would you like to go with me to the teddy bear exhibit at Central town on Sunday? Don’t worry, it’s only us. I didn’t invite anyone else.” The brunette said as she let go and sat nearer to him.

‘Mikan…I don’t think…This might be the only chance I get…What now...’ Natsume thought as the young brunette looked at him curiously.

“Natsume-kun, don’t you want to go? If you know it’s going to ruin your reputation at the academy, I don’t mind. I could ask somebody else.” She said. The raven-haired boy woke up from his thoughts.

“I’ll go. Why not?”

“People might think you’re a different person from the Hyuuga Natsume-kun they know. Are you sure?”

“I’m sure. I don’t care what they think. It’s not their business.”

“Ok then. I’ll meet you here on Sunday at 10:30 in the morning. Um…”

“Is there anything else?”

“I was wondering…can you wear something casual aside from your uniform?”

“I can as long as you wear a long skirt or a dress that is longer than your mini skirts.”

“Well, if you have no more questions, I’ll go.” Mikan said as she stood up and dusted herself. She then left off.

‘Natsume never says things like that. His nice side is really great. I wish he was like that all the time. I have a long red skirt that’s two inches below my knees. I think I have a jacket that can match it. I could wear my white long-sleeve and my gray boots can match my jacket. I should let my hair down, too… winter season is so cold…’ the young girl thought as she walked towards her room.

The brunette walked and as soon as she got to her room, she prepared her clothes without delay even though she knows she was too excited. However, as she reached out for her jewelry box on the top of her cabinet, a raven-haired girl opened the door and caught Mikan surprised.

“What are you doing? You’re too excited for the exhibit. Just wear something casual. Don’t try to reach your jewelry box so that you’ll look nice for me.” Hotaru said.

“Sorry, Hotaru-chan. I can’t come with you. You see, I’m going with Natsume-kun. Sorry…” Mikan replied as she still tried to reach the box.

“Apology accepted. Natsume-kun is allowed to go with you. Thanks Mikan-chan. You’re going to give me fame and fortune.” Hotaru replied with an evil smile and she left.

“Finally, I got it. How did it get there in the first place?” Mikan said as she dusted the box and put her feet on the floor.

‘I don’t know why but...I really want to look good for Natsume-kun…’ she thought as she took out a silver bracelet with a peach-colored sakura as one of her charms.

In Natsume’s side…

The raven-haired boy was looking in his cabinet for clothes to wear as well.

‘Clothes…she said something casual aside from my uniform…it’s hard to decide for a top. I have black pants and brown shoes. What top…’ he thought. He closed his cabinet as soon as he heard a knock on the door. He opened and it was…

“Ruka-kun. What are you doing here? Is there anything you need?” Natsume asked nervously however he didn’t show it.

“I might as well ask you. You seem busy looking for something. I think you’re the one who needs help here. I only came here to check on you that’s all.” Ruka said.

Silence was between them. Ruka looked more curious and then Natsume sighed.

“Ruka…do you know a top that matches black pants and brown shoes?” he asked.

“Yeah. Why’d you asked?”

“Just answer the darn question.”

“No need to say things like that. Wear a blue long-sleeve and a red t-shirt. Since it’s cold, add a white scarf.” Ruka answered. Whoever knew he knows style.

“Thanks. You can go now. Bye.”

“O…Ok…Bye.” Ruka said as he left the raven-haired boy.

‘What is he thinking?’ he asked himself. He was curious to know what his best friend was thinking, asking him for advice on style like that.

Suddenly, he spotted Hotaru and Yuu. In return, they saw him as well.

“Ruka, were you from Natsume’s room just now?” the blackmailing queen asked.

“Ye-yeah…He was acting strange. He asked me advice on style.”

“That explains it. You’re part of the team now, Ruka.”

“What team?” the blonde boy asked curiously.

“I’ll explain for you. You see, Mikan is going out with Natsume on Sunday so…you know what goes next.” Yuu explained. The blonde boy was surprised.

“You’re going to spy on them. I’m out of that activity. I don’t want-” he was cut off as soon as he saw a picture of him with Piyo.

“Either go with us or this will be on sale tomorrow.” The blackmailing queen said. Ruka had dozens of sweatdrops.

On the day…

‘I’m so excited. We’re going to see lots of teddy bears. And for once, Natsume will go with me…’ the brunette thought as she brushed her long golden-brown hair.

After a minute of brushing, she dropped her brush and looked at her hair, and then she eyed herself on the mirror. She sighed.

“I think I look good enough now. I’m just plain and simple. I’ll never be as cute as a puppy or as beautiful as a flower. Well, I better go…” she said.

She stood up from her chair, wore her favorite bracelet, picked up her bag and had gone. As she walked through the path of her favorite Sakura trees, she remembered her grandpa, telling her stories every time they were in a place with a Sakura tree.

‘He used to tell me about legends and stories that were still fresh. I came to notice why he was always told stories about two lovers.’ The maiden thought.

‘Plus, we own a shrine related to Sakuras. After all, my family’s last name is Sakura and the shrine is named by our last name. The shrine’s legend is mainly about two lovers and a Sakura tree.’

Mikan walked till she reached the meeting place. Surprisingly, she was right on time. Whoever thought that Mikan wouldn’t be late for something like this and be only late in school?

“10:30. you came exactly on time and that’s a surprise. Don’t tell me you have an alice of predicting.” Natsume complemented.

“I’m pretty amazed myself. I guess I was too excited. You……look handsome.” Mikan said blushingly.

“A beautiful combination of clothes, Mikan-chan.” Natsume said.

Zoom in on Mikan’s face The brunette blushed hard and the wind blew her hair sideways.

“Arigatou.” They said in unison. Natsume blushed then he smiled and so did ‘his girl’. I just wanted to replace Mikan with something…Go for it Natsume-kun

The wind blew again and it made a few petals of the Sakura tree follow its trail.

“It’s weird. Its winter season and it’s really cold. I wonder how this Sakura tree keeps on blooming while the others don’t.” Mikan said, gazing at the blooms.

“Maybe it’s somehow special. It’s a mystery and I think this mystery doesn’t need to be revealed. It’s a wonder and we just need to keep it this way for it to be this way. The way we like it.” Natsume replied. Mikan looked at him.

“That’s enough talk. Let’s go or we’ll be late for the 11 o’ clock bus ride.” He continued as he faced the other direction and walked. The golden-brown haired maiden ran to caught up with him and they walked together… Sweet, don’t you think?

They rode the bus and got to Central Town in 15 minutes. Unfortunately, several students also rode in the bus to go and see the exhibit. Lot of them were staring at the couple who sat at the back.

“Natsume and Mikan? Together?” one whispered.

“Then, Natsume must have a crush on her. Every girl who tries to ask him out always got rejected. It’s hard to believe she was approved.” The other one replied.

Well, sorry for them but the Black Cat can hear everything and threw a death glare at them. However, our little brunette was just looking at the sights and caught Natsume, death glaring at everybody.

“Is there anything wrong?” she asked. The Black Cat came to his senses and stopped death glaring. Everyone settled down and discontinued their stares. Natsume, on the other hand, went back to calm mood.

“Nothing. Don’t worry.” He answered. The golden-brown haired maiden gave him a sweet smile.

‘She’s happy. This smile is really one of a kind. No wonder I liked her a lot.’ Natsume thought.

They arrived at Central Town after that. The other passengers went on ahead to avoid getting in trouble with the Black Cat.

Natsume and Mikan were the last ones to get down. Natsume was first and as Mikan was about to take the last step, Natsume held her hand and helped her down.

“Arigatou.” Mikan said.

“Hn.” Was his only reply as he blushed deeply. The brunette understood and smiled.

‘He’s back to arrogance. I don’t care. He’s only doing this so no one would interfere.’ She thought as they walked to a restaurant with Natsume walking two steps ahead.

They arrived at an exquisite restaurant. They sat down at a table not near the windows.

“Two of your specials for the day. Add also two soup specials of the day.” Natsume ordered as the waiter took notes and left.

Mikan, on the other hand, looked sideways and down.

‘She’s blushing. I guess she must be embarrassed.’ He thought.

“What’s wrong? It’s my treat, remember?” Natsume said. Mikan came back to her senses and looked at him.

“But…I’m the one who…” she couldn’t continue any more due to Natsume, glaring at everybody looking at them.

“It’s alright. I don’t mind.” He said. Mikan felt better by that and…

“Natsume-kun, why are you death glaring at everybody.”

“It’s because they keep on staring on something not their business. If you insist then I’ll stop for now…”the Black Cat said as he returned his eyes on Mikan.

In a table three tables far from them, some money-making group is spying on the latest lovebirds.

“That was a smart move. Treating a girl unconditionally is smart of you, Hyuuga-san. She’ll be yours in no time.” Hotaru said. Yuu and Ruka sweatdropped.

“Honestly, I don’t understand you. Are you trying to get them together or just getting fortune?” Ruka asked.

“I’m doing both at the same time. You have objections with that?”

“No. I was just asking…”

“They always look cute together so for some reason, I’m with Hotaru-chan.” Yuu said.

“Then you have to pay the food.” The blackmailing mistress replied coldly. Yuu sweatdropped. However, he had no choice but to pay. Nobody wants to be an enemy of Hotaru.

Anyways, back to the so called lovebirds. The two finished eating and went to the exhibit afterwards.

“Hello Ma’am, Sir. Welcome to the Teddy Bear Exhibit.” The welcome lady said.

“Do we need to pay to go in?” asked Mikan.

“No ma’am. Strolling around the exhibit is free however buying teddy bears is not. Oh, you also get a free teddy bear keychain. It is optional though.” She answered.

“Give her one. Your favorite color is yellow, right?” Natsume said.

“How’d you know?” Mikan asked.

“That’s a secret.”

“Here you go. Have fun.” The lady said as she gave Mikan the cutest yellow teddy bear keychain she ever saw.

Afterwards, they continued walking as Mikan, seeing every teddy bear, complimented how cute each one was. However, one teddy bear caught her attention.

It was a brown teddy bear with an orange checkered ribbon on the neck. Among all the teddy bears, Mikan didn’t shout any compliments but she just gazed at it.

“It’s so cute.” She whispered. Natsume walked up to her and put his hand on her shoulder which made Mikan come back to her senses.

“I’ll buy it.”

“Are you sure, sir? It costs 500 rabbits.”

“Yes.”

“Natsume-kun…”Mikan said in surprise. Then Natsume gave the money and the saleslady gave the teddy bear to Mikan.

“You have a nice boyfriend, miss.” She said. Mikan blushed. She never thought people would think that way especially if Natsume and she were together.

After that they continued their walk as Mikan cuddled her teddy bear. She suddenly held Natsume’s wrist and stepped in front of him.

“Arigatou Gozaimasu, Natsume-kun.” She said then smiled. Natsume, however, unnoticeably blushed. They continued afterwards with Mikan, still cuddling her teddy bear.

Inconspicuously, members of Class B saw them and are with our spies, spying on the two lovebirds.

“I wish that could have had happened to me. A boy giving me a teddy bear would be so romantic.” Anna said.

“I’m surprised to see Natsume allow a girl, especially Mikan, to go out with him.” Mochu explained.

“You’re not the only one. I asked Natsume out a hundred times and every try got discarded. Mikan must have done something to him…she’s going to pay if she did something unwanted to ‘my’ Natsume…” Sumire explained angrily.

“And that something you’re talking about changed Natsume a lot, don’t you think? One of those things was made him fall for her.” Hotaru replied.

“Since when did Natsume fall in love with her?” one of the girls asked.

“You’re all idiots. Since that dodge ball game, Natsume changed a bit. When you saved him from Reo, Mikan enlightened him. Plus, in the play of the Somatic types, he threw an apple at Mikan to prevent her from kissing Ruka. That shows jealousy. Are you happy with my points?” Hotaru answered. Everyone sweatdropped after seeing Hotaru’s evil eyes.

Anyways, back to Mikan and Natsume. They’re at the center of the exhibit. This place has a huge teddy bear with normal sized teddy bears around it. Kids are playing around in here.

“What a huge teddy bear.” Mikan assumed.

“If normal people would make it, it would take at least 50 persons. But if alices do it, it would only need 5-10.” Natsume explained. Mikan was really surprised.

“How are we going to get through?” asked Mikan. A lady walked up to her after hearing her question.

“There’s a ride there that will lead you out of the center and lead you to the other half of the exhibit. 5 rabbits for each person for the ride.” She explained.

“That’s surprising. I have enough change for both of us. Shall we go, Natsume-kun?” Mikan asked.

“All right. Let’s go.” He replied in an emotionless voice.

Unknown to them, there are two familiar persons in the place as well.

“Tsubasa-kun, you idiot. You bring me here only for a stroll? Buy me at least one teddy bear.” Misaki said.

“Then tell me where the cheapest teddy bear is. I don’t want to waste my money too much.” He replied. Misaki smacked his head and then he caressed it.

“What did you that for?” he asked.

“It’s because you are being unpredictable nowadays. And you-” before Misaki could continue, she spotted…I think you know who THEY are…

“Hyuuga-san and Mikan-chan? On a date?” she exclaimed.

“What are you talking about now?” Tsubasa asked.

“Look behind you, you idiot. Use your eyes as well.” Misaki said. Tsubasa turned his head and spotted the two.

“That’s impossible. I’m gonna kill that guy…RIGHT HERE and NOW.” He said angrily. But before he could continue, a bullet of a Baka Gun hit his head. The spies walked closer to him. Hotaru was in the lead.

“Leave those two alone. You can’t just butt in and disturb their privacy. Besides, if you do that, you’ll ruin my chances of fame and fortune.” Hotaru explained as Tsubasa got up.

“I have to agree on Hotaru. Except for the money part though…” Misaki added. Hotaru shot her Baka Gun on her.

“Why do you hate Hyuuga-san anyway?” one of them asked.

“Hey, I only said that so he could strengthen his feelings for Mikan-chan, making him feel jealous and angry at me for being with her is fun, too.” Tsubasa explained.

“Oh…I understand now...”Anna said.

“Enough talk. More spy. How many times do I have to say that to remind you, idiots?” Hotaru said with money signs in her eyes. Everyone, including Tsubasa and Misaki, sweatdropped.

“Can we join in, too?” Misaki asked.

“Just follow my instructions. If you don’t strict punishments will be applied.” Hotaru said.

Tsubasa and Misaki are now spying on Mikan and Natsume. What will happen next?

On Mikan and Natsume’s part, they rode the ride and are sitting next to each other since reach row has two seats. By the way, the ride has 15 rows.

The ride was medium paced but it only took 5 minutes to get there. BTW, the spies are at the back and Mikan and Natsume are at the second row. Hotaru scared the operator so that they can get behind them. Then they arrived.

“This is the last half of the exhibit. This day is really worthwhile.” Mikan said as held more tightly on her teddy bear.

‘The only reason this day is worthwhile is because of you, Natsume-kun…” she thought.

‘You’re not the only one. This day is a memory I can’t forget because you are here, with me, Mikan-chan…” Natsume thought.

“Natsume-kun…”Mikan said.

“What is it?” he replied.

“Nahh…may be later…I want to save it till later to be more memorable…” Mikan said. Natsume raised one of his eyebrows.

“Don’t get too excited. Just wait…I’ll do it later…” she added. Natsume understood however he DIDN”T knew what she meant.

They walked and now they are one hall away from the exit. And the spies are planning something before they exit.

“Misaki-chan, can you do something for me? I need a distraction…” Hotaru said as Misaki turned to her and listened to her whispered instructions.

“Can you do it?” Hotaru asked.

“Of course.” She replied as she used her alice to make another Misaki. Hotaru then took out a few disguise objects for her.

“Here you go. You know what to do.” Misaki said as she handed the items to her. She put them on and everyone looked curious to see what their leader had planned.

Then Misaki’s double passed by the lovebirds, and when she was in line and near enough to them, she stretched out her arms and hit Mikan’s head.

“Ahh…I’m tired…hahh…” she said. She walked slowly then she ran as fast she could back to Hotaru.

As for Mikan, she landed on the chest of Natsume. She opened her eyes and found herself, landing on Natsume. She blushed and pulled herself away.

“Gomen ne, Natsume-kun.” She said. Unknowingly, Natsume blushed as well when Mikan landed on him.

‘That hurt…I landed on Natsume-kun…It was sweet though…his perfume smelled so nice but there was a smell that will always be around whenever his there…it’s not the perfume…but something unexplainable…’ the maiden thought.

‘Mikan-chan…I never thought you would be that sensitive…You smelled nice as well…I wished I could have hugged you…but…there’s too many people…we don’t have privacy…” the raven-haired boy thought.

“Let’s go now.” Natsume said, breaking the silence between them. Then he noticed the people staring at them. He threw another death glare at them. Mikan caught him again.

“I thought you said you would stop glaring?” she asked.

“I said ‘I’ll stop FOR NOW’…” he replied.

“The ‘for now’ is over that’s why you continued. Let’s go now.” The brunette said as she grabbed his arm. This made Natsume stop from glaring.

The little brunette then spotted a picture booth.

‘A few pictures can be my remembrances.’ She thought.

“Natsume-kun, can we go take some pictures at that picture booth?”

‘Pictures, ei? There’s no harm. But I got this feeling someone’s been following us the whole time. Pictures…Imai…’ the Black Cat thought.

“So can we?” the maiden asked once more.

‘Mikan-chan…all right…if Imai’s responsible for this…then fine, whatever. I don’t care.’ He thought.

“Sure, let’s go.” Natsume replied.

They went to the picture booth and took at least five pictures. Seeing the machine can know how many persons there are, it made another copy for Natsume.

They left and are now outside the exhibit. Mikan stretched out her arms then put it down. She then took her portable watch out of her bag.

“4:30 p.m. We’ve been there for four hours. That was long…” Mikan said.

“Hey, where’d you get that watch? It’s not like you to have something as expensive like that.” Natsume asked.

“Oh this… Hotaru-chan gave it to me when I received my letter from Grandpa…It’s cute and has sentimental value to me that’s why I only use it on very special occasions.” Mikan explained.

“Why’d you asked anyway?” she added.

“Well, before you were here, she sold that for 500 rabbits. Now she sells it for 300 rabbits. She keeps bugging me, asking me for money so I gave her the amount. But, she never even gave the watch. She said there’s only one left and she remembered her best friend. She reconsidered giving it to me, yet she kept my money.” The annoyed Black Cat explained.

“That’s Hotaru-chan for you. Oh, let me guess, you burned one of her tools and she stopped bugging you and gave you back your money, right?” the brunette said. Natsume just nodded and looked back.

‘I found you.’ He thought as he saw a silhouette peeping from an alley. He burned his hair. Unfortunately, it was his dear friend, Ruka whose hair got burned.

“It’s hot…What the...FIRE, FIRE, FIRE, GET IT OFF, GET IT OFF.” He exclaimed as he ran around in circles. Suddenly, a splash of water hit.

“Be quiet or they’ll-” but before Hotaru could continue. A certain someone interrupted.

“So I was right. It was Imai-san. You were spying on us the whole time, weren’t you? That picture booth was yours and Misaki’s double was the one who bumped Mikan-chan, right?” Natsume stated.

Tsubasa and Misaki were amazed that they just blinked a dozen times. Class B, however, are shaking and looked at him nervously. Hotaru just stood their, looked at them emotionlessly. Mikan, on the other hand, was surprised to see her friends, once more; they were spying on her and Natsume.

“Well, we were surprised to find you and Mikan on date. How was it, Mikan-chan?” Misaki asked.

“A date? I know it’s the number of the day of the month on the calendar. What’s a date?” Mikan asked. Everyone was surprised.

“You mean, you didn’t even know that you were on a date?” Nonoko asked.

“What’s a date? Come on, tell me…onegai…” Mikan asked once more. Natsume, being in love with her, knew she has a low IQ and you know…he knows that she may not be aware they were on a date.

“A date is when you ask a person out. However, this person must be the opposite sex of yours. If you’re a boy, you’re on a date if you ask a girl. If you’re a girl, you ask a boy. Plus, only the two of you are out. No friends are allowed to join.” Misaki explained.

“Then, why’d you spied? Does that mean we’re not on a date?” Mikan asked once more. Everyone never thought about that point. In payment, they apologized to Mikan and Natsume.

“Shall we go now? I’m tired.” Anna asked.

‘Oh…I almost forgot…’Mikan thought.

“Natsume-kun…” the brunette called.

“What is it?” he replied.

“Arigatou.” Mikan said again. Then she kissed Natsume…on the LIPS. Everyone stared at them. Even Ruka was surprised. Hotaru took out her camera. Natsume…blushed and turned into a thousand shades of red. A few seconds later, Mikan broke the kiss.

“Aishiteiru, Natsume-kun.” She said. Natsume was surprised.

“A-a-aishiteiru…Mikan, chan.” He whispered. Only Mikan was able to hear. She smiled.

“I’ll go ahead. See you tomorrow.” She said as she ran and waved her hand goodbye.

Tsubasa walked closer to Natsume and so did the others.

“Everything worked out fine. Now, both of you are officially a couple. You work smooth, Black Cat.” He commented.

“Finally, Mikan has a boyfriend and Natsume has a girlfriend.” Anna said.

Unfortunately, the fan girls cried their hearts out. The boys just laughed at them yet they envied their leader, Natsume, for having a girlfriend already. Hotaru, on the other side, rode on her duck and flew away. The only reason for that was to develop the pictures.

“You beat me fair and square. She’s yours. I like someone else now…” Ruka whispered. Natsume just grinned.

“Of course I did…”he replied.

THE END

How’d you like it? Please send me your reviews, thank you. I’ll be posting a sequel to it if I get good reviews….Oh, I just got the ‘What’s a date?’ idea from another story.

Once again, ARIGATOU GOZAIMASU

-mikanXDnatsume