DISCLAIMER: GAKUEN ALICE BELONGS TO HIGUCHI TACHIBANA.

Summary: Childhood. A magical moment for old friends like Natsume and Mikan. They both belong to one of the most prosperous families in the world. If they found out they’re betrothed to each other, what will happen? Will they remain friends and relive the moments shared one faithful day?

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Author’s Notes: Okay! I’m back with a whole new story! I hope you’ll support this new fic like my others! This idea actually came from my other GA fic ‘Kindergarten’ but this one is AU. I’m also planning to make a sequel to my first fic, ‘Crossing Paths’ but when I made its first chapter- I wasn’t satisfied cause this ideas was bugging me! Please don’t forget to leave a review in the end! I really put a lot of effort in making this! Thanks and enjoy!

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Dedicated to musicandlyrics :D

Reminisces Through Rhymes

By ‘orange-ideas’

XoXo… PROLOGUE …oXoX

-RAIN-

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November 27

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“It’s raining, It’s pouring

The old man is snoring.

He went to bed

And bumped his head.

He couldn’t get up in the morning!”

A little girl, with long auburn hair tied in two braids, sang the rhyme as she watched the droplets of rain fall from the window, covering her view of the garden, particularly, the Sakura tree that she was fond of. She sat on the floor crossed legged, still wearing her dainty pink dress.

A Japanese bobtail with the Mi-ke color combination lay on her legs purring contently as she strokes its fur gently.

“Oh Tama…” the girl said sighing.

The door opened and a young woman, wearing the white-and-black maid’s uniform entered. The brunette glanced at the person and gave a small smile.

“Misaki-san…” And she went back to watching the rain and stroking her cat.

The young woman stood behind her. Then she spoke up.

“Gomen Mikan-chama. I know how excited you were to attend the party but…” She stood at the child’s back, fiddling with her fingers looking extremely sorry.

“Huh? Why so sad Misaki-san? It’s not your fault father couldn’t attend the party with me. Besides, it’s really raining hard outside. The birthday boy must be really upset about this…” was the answer of the little girl giving a faint smile.

Beneath that smile of hers, the maid could see, was sadness and disappointment. If it was to be called a smile that is. It was forced. And Misaki knew it very well after spending most of the time with her.

“Oh Mikan-chama…” said Misaki-san, one of the girl’s governesses. “Are you sure you’re alright about this?”

“Well… what I’m really sad about is that father still has to go to work…” she looked sadly at the raindrops dripping from the window.

Then she felt arms embrace her from behind. “Your father is really busy Mikan-chama.” Misaki said pulling her closer.

“I know”, she sighed. “But I wish he was busy with me. Oh Misaki-san, sometimes I get the feeling he was going to attend the party only because the celebrant is the son of one of his business partners… Ah! Business, business, business. Is that what he only has time for?” Tears welled up in her eyes.

Misaki didn’t reply but hugged the girl tighter. She pitied the girl. For the 5 years she spent with her, even when she was still an infant, she knew how lonely she was. Not having parents to care, Misaki, together with her aunt who also serves the Sakura family, practically raised the child. They were like sisters. But still, Misaki could never manage to make her smile, a genuine smile when it was about her father. It always had a mixture of sadness.

Mikan enjoyed the company of her onee-chan, as she calls her. Misaki is like a big sister and a best friend. She loves her a lot and knows Misaki will do anything to make her happy. She felt lucky to have someone like her. But still, she wants the attention of her father.

The 2 stayed in that position for a while, sitting in silence. It wasn’t uncomfortable silence. It was serenity. Enjoying each other’s company… and comforting emotions of sadness. Then suddenly, Tama snuggled out from Mikan’s hold and ran towards the door, the bell on its bow jingling. Tama scratched the door ever so lightly, and as if on cue, it opened up.

An old woman, about in her 50’s stepped in. Tama went towards her and she picked her up. Then she glanced at the two, looking annoyed and walked towards them, her hands on her hips. Her black hair with few gray strands was tied up in a bun and she had a few wrinkles on her face. She frowned a bit at the two, looking displeased.

“Misaki-san. Please. For the thousandth time I had been calling you to make the snack for our princess.” The lady said sighing. When she said ‘Princess’ she meant Mikan.

For most people, calling somebody a ‘Princess’ meant the person is a spoiled brat or she is too ‘refined’. But this moniker was different for Mikan. This nickname was given to Mikan, for she always imagines being the princess in the fairytales in Himiko-san’s stories.

Himiko Harada is the name of the lady in front of them. She is the old aunt of Misaki and one of the Sakura family’s trusted attendants. She has been with them ever since Mikan’s father’s toddler years. She has been taking care of Mikan ever since she was born. Himiko-san is like a grandmother to her. She is just as precious to Mikan as Misaki is.

Mikan giggled and watched Misaki drag her lazy butt outside to attend to her duties.

She then rubbed the tears from her eyes.

Grandma Himiko put down Tama and it followed Misaki to the kitchen.

When Misaki closed the door, her obaa-san kneeled in front of her and used her handkerchief to wipe Mikan’s tears.

“Mikan-chama, how many times do I have to tell you not to rub your eyes?” said the kind voice of Himiko, smiling down at her.

Mikan hugged her obaa-san and cried lightly in her chest. “I want my daddy…” cried the princess.

“Hush dear. Don’t worry, he says he’ll be here in time for dinner-”

“NO! He still won’t have time for me… He’ll have some visitors and ignore me again!” she cried.

It was always like this. Always.

“If only mother was still alive…” said the young brunette.

Himiko frowned and pitied the girl. She stroked Mikan’s hair softly, trying to comfort her.

“The rain will pass…” her obaa-san said.

And Mikan dozed asleep in her arms.

“Rain, rain go away,

Come again another day.

My Natsume-kun wants to play

Rain, rain go away.”

“Mother! I’m not a kid anymore, I’m 6 years old now!” said a little boy with raven hair and crimson eyes sitting on her mother’s lap.

“Not a kid anymore? But you’ll always be my baby.” The woman said pulling the little boy, named Natsume, closer.

“Humph! I don’t remember you doing this to onii-chan!” he said crossing his arms in front of his stomach.

“Oh? So you don’t want your mommy around anymore?” Natsume’s mother said sadly.

Natsume looked at her. “That’s not what I mean.” He said looking at her directly in the eye.

She smiled at him and gave him a kiss on the forehead. “You grow up too fast Natsume.”

“I do not”, he said annoyed.

“I’m sorry if your birthday party got cancelled baby.”

“It’s not your fault that it rained.” He replied.

“I know. But it makes me sad seeing you sad. I’ll make it up to you next time, I promise.”

Natsume sighed. “It’s really not your fault-”

“I know! Why don’t we go to the amusement park next time? Just the two of us.” She said.

“What about dad and onii-chan?” he asked his bangs covering his eyes. He had a tone of disappointment in his voice.

His mother’s face suddenly turned down. “Well… they’re busy Natsume…”

“Just like always. I should really stop hoping… I always end up getting disappointed in the end…” he answered.

Then he felt his mother embrace him tight. He hugged her back.

“But then, if we don’t hope, that means we never will have a chance then? Even if it is just a tiny speck, it changes everything.” She replied.

Natsume smiled a bit. He could always count on his mother to be his own hope.

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December 24

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Mikan peered behind the curtain at the guests in the Sakura mansion. Her father, the president of Silver Lining Corporation, always held extravagant Christmas parties inviting his colleagues, business partners and their families. It was always a formal occasion that Mikan rarely saw kids of her age in the party. The ballroom hall was decorated beautifully and there was an enormous Christmas tree in the middle. The men and women wore tuxes and evening gowns and they danced in the music of the octet.

Mikan saw her father in the middle, talking animatedly to the guests with a wine glass half full in his hand. She had a sudden urge to approach him. She frowned a bit, thinking that if she would go over there, he’ll just push her away or ignore her since he’s too ‘busy’ mingling.

“You look really lovely in that dress Mikan-chama”, a voice familiar voice said.

Mikan turned around and saw it was Misaki with Tama.

“Misaki-san! Tama!” The cat leaped into her arms.

“Having fun princess?” she asked.

Mikan just smiled. Then she remembered. “But what are you doing here? I thought obaa-san needed you in the kitchen?”

Misaki sighed. “She says I’m too noisy. It’s not my fault I whistle while I work.” She winked at her. Mikan giggled. “So she told me to keep an eye on Tama, incase she tries to go to that umm… crowd and scare half the females.”

Mikan stroked Tama’s fur and continued to watch them. Misaki stepped beside her.

“Why don’t you go down there and have fun?” she suggested.

“Fun? But there are adults.” Mikan replied.

“The more reason to liven up the party. Come on! There’s bound to be some kid amidst that ‘population’. Let’s see… There! See that raven haired boy standing beneath the Christmas tree? He seems friendly enough.” Misaki said looking at Mikan.

“I don’t know… I’m not really used to-”

“Making friends? You won Miss Friendship in that Little Pageant you joined when you were still nursery!”

“I meant making friends with boys.” She replied.

“It’ll be fine.” And Misaki gave her a slight push.

Mikan, now unconcealed from behind the curtain, walked down the stairs nervously towards the boy. She was so anxious that she forgot, she had Tama with her. It was a long walk towards her ‘destination’. She received a couple of stares, greetings and compliments from people she doesn’t know. It was hard keeping a smiling face while inside she was nervous and embarrassed.

Mikan finally saw the boy from a close distance. Aside from his raven hair, the boy had deep crimson eyes and a bored expression. Mikan thought he looked cute, but quite enigmatic as well. Then he saw her looking at him and her bright hazel eyes locked with his dull crimson ones. She felt a different sensation in her body. Mikan flashed a smile to him. Her anxiousness disappeared.

“Nice to meet you! My name is Mikan Sakura! What’s yours?” she said.

The boy stared at Tama before replying. “Natsume. Natsume Hyuuga.”

“Oh! So you’re the birthday boy! I’m very sorry if I wasn’t able to attend.”

“It’s okay. It rained anyway so it got cancelled.”

“Oh… sorry.”

“You say sorry too much.” Natsume said.

“Huh? What did you say?”

He shook his head. “Never mind. So is that your cat?”

Mikan nodded. “Uh-huh. This is Tama, she’s a Japanese bobtail.”

Natsume went closer and stroked its fur, Tama purred in delight. Tama jumped unto him.

“Wow! She likes you Natsume-kun!” Mikan said.

“She does? I never had a pet cat before. I’m more of a dog person.”

“Well Tama is a gift from my dad. See her color combination, it’s called----” And they continued chatting.

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An hour later, Mrs. Hyuuga began to look for her son.

“Tsubasa”, she asked her eldest. “Have you seen Natsume?”

“No. I haven’t seen the brat anywhere.” He replied dully.

Mrs. Hyuuga frowned. Where could he have gone to?

Then she heard sounds of giggling at her back. She looked behind and her son was sitting on the stairs with a girl she recognized as Mikan Sakura. They were happily chatting and laughing like old friends.

“I haven’t seen him so happy like that with his other age mates”, she thought smiling. And she went off to find her husband.

“Do you think it’s really true that cats have nine lives?” Mikan asked.

She stroked Tama’s fur who lay on her lap, napping.

“I don’t know. Why don’t we try it?” Natsume said.

“NO!”

Mikan suddenly grabbed a fistful of Tama’s fur in surprise and the cat ran away scared.

“Oh no! Tama! Look what you did Natsume!” and she ran after her.

“I was just joking!” Natsume said following her.

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Misaki, who was watching from a far, slapped her forehead. She forgot to get Tama from Mikan! She chased after them.

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“Tama! Tama! Where are you Tama?” Mikan called out in the deserted hallway.

“Where could that cat be?” Natsume said out loud, looking behind a big jar.

“Tama! Come back!” Mikan cried out desperately.

She was close to tears.

Natsume felt partly guilty. He sighed and held out his hand.

Mikan looked at him confused.

“Mother told me that as a 6 year old, I should act more responsibly now. Since you’re just a kid and a cry baby, I’ll help you look for it…” he said looking away.

Mikan smiled and took his hand.

“Arigato Natsume-kun!” Mikan said.

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“AH! Natsume-kun look! Tama! She went over there!” Mikan released her hand and ran towards the open room where Tama went.

Natsume followed after her.

The room was dark and cold. A bit of moonlight shined the room but it wasn’t enough. The wind blew and the curtains flew back almost hitting Mikan on the face. She shivered. There was nothing much in the room. She could see a few armchairs, a coffee table, a carpeted floor, like any other room in the mansion, a shelf of old books but that’s about it.

Mikan has never been in this part of the mansion before. She always feared it would be storming with ghosts. The Sakura mansion was quite old. It belonged to her great-grandparents. She knew, in time, this place will be passed on to her as well, along with the company.

“Tama?” Her voice echoed throughout the room.

“Is there a switch here or maybe a lamp?” Natsume said, looking for it.

They bumped at each other and fell on their behinds. Another cold yet this time, stronger, wind blew. The door closed shut.

Natsume stood up to open the door but it won’t budge. The door knob must be broken.

“HEY! Open up! Get us out of here!” Natsume banged his fists on the door.

Then Mikan heard a meow and some scratching of cushions.

“Tama!” she cried running towards her cat.

Tama was scratching an old armchair. But when she saw Mikan, she stopped and ran towards her. Mikan hugged her tight.

“Oh Tama, of all the places, why did you bring us here?”

“Meow”, it replied as if understanding. It leaped from her arms and ran towards a side table where an old book lay.

Natsume stopped banging on the wall and walked towards her.

The leather bound book had the title engraved in gold in the front.

Nursery Rhymes

“This is… my mother’s…” Mikan said carefully opening the book.

No doubt about it. Sayako Miyake, her mother’s maiden name, was scribbled on the first page.

“I want to show this to dad.” Mikan said hugging it.

“I couldn’t open the door.” Natsume said shrugging. He carried Tama in his arms.

“Then we’ll wait then. Misaki-san must be looking for us. Someone’s bound to notice.” Mikan said. Being stuck in a place like this didn’t worry her much. In fact, she was happy. She found something wonderful.

“Fine.” And Natsume sat on the floor, stroking Tama.

“I know. Let’s read some nursery rhymes to pass the time.” She said gleefully.

Mikan sat down beside her and turned the page.

To be continued…

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XoXoXoX END NOTES XoXoXoX

-chama: is a modified word of ‘-sama’, it is used to refer to a young lord/lady or master

Mi-ke color: most popular color of a Japanese bobtail, red, black, and white combination. Tradition says that a cat with this coloring brings good luck.

Onee-chan: older sister

Obaa-san: grandmother

Arigato: Thank you

Well, how was it? Don’t worry, the whole fic is not going to be focused on Natsume and Mikan as kids. For every chapter, there’ll be a flashback of moments wherein they were stuck in the room followed by a nursery rhyme related to the chapter- if I can find one that is! Please review! Well, see you!

‘orange-ideas’