DISCLAIMER: I DON’T OWN GAKUEN ALICE.

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Note: Rating’s gone up because of the profanities (blame Natsume… and also Mikan I guess). Sorry ‘bout that!

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Chapter Three: Nightmares and Delusions

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Natsume’s POV

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I swore out loud as we (as in me and the clown in frills) fell unto the floor. Or more likely, as I fell on the floor and she crashed on top of me.

“Oh my Natsume-sama! I love you! I love you!” the clown proclaimed in a high pitched voice.

“Get off me you freak!” I tried pushing her away but she held on tighter I almost choked. “Get the fuck away!”

“Excuse me Miss, but my friend seems to be uncomfortable.” Ruka interjected, giving an uneasy yet at the same time, amused smile. This was the first time I ever got attacked by a fan girl.

The clown, who was sniffing me by the neck, looked at Ruka in silence for a moment then let out another ear-piercing scream.

“Kya! Ruka-sama! I am your biggest fan ever!” She, thankfully, released me and shook his hands. Her eyes sparkled in fascination. Ruka let out a nervous chuckle.

“Who the heck are you?” I asked as I stood up and massaged my neck.

She turned her attention back to me. I could imagine her eyes shaped like hearts as she spoke in an extra-sweet and very, very annoying, tone. I took two steps away till my back felt the door.

“I’m Mikan. Mikan Sakura. I’m in love with you.” She declared proudly. She didn’t even bat an eyelash.

Ruka and I sweat dropped. God, not another confession!

At that moment, we heard footsteps coming down the stairs. An old geezer, who I haven’t seen before, and Rosy, another cow, descended. They looked curiously at us.

“We heard you scream Mikan. What happened?” the old geezer asked, looking disdainfully at me and Ruka. What? Did he think we attacked her or something? He’ll be surprised if I sued her for physical abuse!

“Ji-chan! Ji-chan! Look! It’s my Natsume-sama!” the clown said as she hugged my right arm. I tried to shrug her off but no avail.

“Oh that’s right, I remember. That’s why you look so familiar dear. You are Mikan-chan’s first love.” Rosy told me.

“First and only love.” ‘Mikan-chan’ whispered to me. I shuddered. She looked like she was going to devour me.

I glared at Ruka, trying to relay a message.

“We came here for Mrs. Otonashi’s party. We brought cake.” He said handing the box to the geezer. Oh good. That’s so helpful Ruka-senpai.

“Yes of course. Let’s head upstairs then,” Rosy said, her eyes still focused on me and the clown. “And Mikan, I thought you were going to change?”

The clown, who was ogling me, finally released my arm. Her eyes grew wide with shock and her face became red. Then came ‘The Clown’s Scream Part 3’.

“Ohmygosh!” And then she dashed away without another word. I heard a door slam shut. Good. I hope she locks herself in there forever. I’m going to scram.

“Right this way boys.” Rosy ushered us. Ruka took a step towards her but stopped and looked back at me. I had my hand on the doorknob.

“Natsume?”

“I’m going back. You go and have some fun.” I doubt if he will though.

“Won’t you stay? Mikan’s going to be so happy with your company.” Rosy said as she approached me tentatively.

“It’s better if I leave. Trust me. Too much enthusiasm can kill.” I replied sardonically, my hand gripping the doorknob tighter.

“We’ll need to talk to her Natsume.” Ruka told me. I see. He doesn’t want to be left alone now that there’s a nightmare in frills on the loose.

“About what?” the geezer interjected.

“About keeping a secret sir.” he answered politely.

I wanted to get away as soon as possible. But Ruka’s right. I can’t leave without fixing this mess. She might want to brag about this incident with her other deluded friends. One is already a nightmare, more would cause a sleep terror disorder.

Ruka tilted his head towards the stairs, motioning me to join him.

Great. I had no choice again.

With a groan, I advanced up the stairs, swearing mentally.

God, why the heck did this happen?

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Mikan’s POV

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I think I’m in heaven. Or Kami-sama granted me my longtime wish…

To be with my one and only. -Sigh-

Of course there was the misfortune of having met him wearing the most ridiculous outfit. Then there came his swearing as we tumbled down the floor. But all in all, the night with him was great.

I realized that Natsume-sama wasn’t one for PDA. I mean, he tried to push me away whenever I tried to cuddle up with him. But I know, deep down inside (I wonder how deep though…), he wants me too. –Sigh-

So it wasn’t a surprise when he asked me over to his place after the party.

“Your place my love? But we just met!” I exclaimed, trying to act bashful.

“Don’t be stupid. I didn’t mean it that way! I just need to talk to you.” He told me.

OMG! So he doesn’t want just my aesthetics but also my intellect! My god, he is so my type!

I giggled and agreed. Then I went towards Ji-chan who was tinkering with the karaoke machine. I tapped him on the shoulder and told him to go on home without me. I’ll be back later.

“Mikan, it’s a school night. Plus I’m not leaving you with those boys alone! Especially with a guy like him.” he sent a glare to where Natsume was standing.

“But Ji-chan!” I wailed. Come on! He knows I’m not that type of girl! Thank god Rosy came to rescue me.

“She’ll be fine, don’t worry. Those boys are ethical- perfectly behaved.” I gave Rosy a grateful look.

“But look at what time it is-!” I cut him off.

“You can wait here Grandpa! It’ll be just an hour or less!” I told him. An hour is better than none. It’ll have to do. For now.

Ji-chan looked skeptical but agreed in the end. “Only an hour.” He reminded me with a serious face.

I raised my hand. “I promise. Thanks Ji-chan. Thanks Rosy.” Then I rushed back to Natsume-sama and Ruka-sama who were standing near the door talking seriously.

About me, I suppose? Hihihihi!

I wonder what will happen next.

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Natsume’s POV

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I was glad that clown-girl had finally left my side. She headed towards the old geezer- her grandpa to ask for permission.

I headed towards Ruka who was leaning casually by the door, looking amused. I knew he was watching the clown-girl fondle me the whole time.

“You were pretty nice to her Natsume. Considering all the-”

“Nice? You bet I was! Goddammit! This day is so fu-” I was about to curse to my heart’s content till he stopped me.

“And we shall stop with the profanities for today,” He said. Some of the elders stared at us, or more exactly, me. “Remember we’re a guest here. We don’t want to offend these people, now do we?” He put his hand on my shoulder to relax me.

“I should’ve never left my room.” I murmured under my breath as I crossed my arms in front of my chest, glaring outside the window.

“Calm yourself Natsume. We still need to talk to the girl.” Ruka glanced at the other direction and I followed his gaze. The clown-girl skipped merrily towards us, her eyes focused only on unlucky me.

“I’m sorry we had to ask you out on such a short notice,” Ruka said as she stood beside us. “But we really need to talk to you about something important.”

“I don’t mind at all,” she said. With that, she stood next to me and smiled. “Anything for my Natsume-sama.” I swear, if she winked at me, I’ll loose all my control not to hurt her. What a deluded primate.

“Let’s go.” I said as I slipped away from her and hurried downstairs. The sooner we get this ‘talk’ over with the better.

“Where are you guys staying by the way?” she asked.

Ruka grinned at her. “You’ll see. And that’s the reason we wanted to talk to you.” He explained.

Her brows furrowed in confusion.

And so we headed downstairs and left the building. The street was dimly lit by old lampposts, a cold breeze blew and we heard the sound of the waves hitting the shore. We headed towards the building we were staying. The clown-girl paused in front of the entrance.

“No way. You guys are staying here?” I ignored her and went inside. She turned towards Ruka for an answer and he nodded.

The lobby was full of production members busy with their work when we entered, they hardly even noticed us. I glanced to see if Kishi was around but remembering the time, she must be already in bed now.

“Oh. My. God.” The clown breathed out in fascination as she looked around. I rolled my eyes.

“Let’s take her upstairs, Natsume. To your room perhaps?” Ruka suggested taking her by the arm and pulling her away from where the seamstresses were working on the costumes. She immediately diverted her attention back to me at the mention of ‘my room’.

I glared at Ruka. No way was I taking this stalker to my room.

“Then let’s head to mine instead. Let’s get going then.” Ruka walked on ahead.

“Wait. Shouldn’t we get the director or the producer or at least a body guard first?” I told him.

Ruka looked back and grinned at me. “Oh, I think we can handle this for the time being.”

I glanced back at clowny who had her eyes glued on the fake swords and shields. “Maybe…”

“Miss Sakura,” Ruka called.

“Call me Mikan.” She said.

“Mikan-chan then. Well, let’s head up to my room for tea, then we three can talk.” He told her.

The girl smiled brightly and nodded. I was about to head upstairs first when Ruka called me. “Escort her up, will you Natsume. I’m going to get some tea for us.”

The girl squealed and I clenched my fists. I turned towards ‘Mikan-chan’.

“This way.” I said through gritted teeth. Without waiting for her, I bounded up the stairs. His room was on the fourth floor and I, or we, arrived there in record time. Clearly because I was trying to get as far away from her as possible. We reached Ruka’s room and I opened the door. The snacks that I left on his desk earlier were still there.

I pointed towards an armchair by the window and commanded her “Sit.” I sat on her opposite, facing her.

We sat there in silence for a moment. She was staring at me, and probably trying to figure out what was this ‘talk’ about and I, glaring at her- trying to think of a way to start this ‘talk’ without me loosing my temper.

After a few minutes of silence, lost in our own thoughts, Ruka arrived with the tray of tea and biscuits.

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Mikan’s POV

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I took a sip of tea, it was Genmaicha- Natsume’s favorite. Grandpa often drinks it every night so I was familiar with the taste. Genmaicha can be a substitute for a light dinner you see. It also has a low caffeine level so it’s- OH WHAT THE HECK!

I glanced towards Ruka-sama and Natsume-sama who were quietly enjoying their tea. I felt queasy. No, it’s not the tea silly! If Natsume likes it then I do to! But for some reason, I’m nervous about this ‘talk’.

What are they going to tell me? Surely my Natsume would want to know me better before starting a relationship with- and why is Ruka-sama here? Don’t tell me he fancies me too! I wouldn’t want to break his heart! It might affect his writing or something! I wouldn’t want them to fight against me as well!

Oh Kami-sama! What will I do?

“Mikan-chan?” Ruka-sama finally broke the unnerving silence.

“Y-yes?” I croaked. Oh no! This is it!

“We have something important to tell you. Actually, it’s more of a favor really…” he put down his tea cup and looked directly into my eyes. I glanced at my one and only and he seemed… indifferent. Is he jealous inside?

“A favor? What is it?” I asked, looking at Natsume.

“We need you to keep all this a secret.” Ruka-sama said to me seriously.

Secret? SECRET!?! What does he mean??? A relationship? OH SHOOT! A threesome! Oh god! Oh god!

Panic must have been obvious in my face. “Don’t get so hyped up,” Natsume-sama said. “We just need you to keep your trap shut. From your friends and especially the media.”

Media? MEDIA!?! I think I started to hyperventilate at that moment.

“Mikan-chan? Are you alright? You look pale…” Ruka approached me and I quickly stood up, almost knocking off the tray on front of me. I exploded.

“I can’t! I can’t! I’m so sorry!” I said.

“What? Why?” Natsume demanded and stood up, his fists clenched and his eyes burning with… passion? Oh no! He’s going to declare his undying devotion to me! Maybe he thought I didn’t want him and Ruka!

“I don’t want a threesome! I only want you Natsume!” I declared fiercely.

I saw his and Ruka-sama’s eyes widened in shock. And then there came silence.

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Natsume’s POV

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Ruka let out a nervous cough. “Mikan-chan, y-you’ve got it all wrong… uh… it’s n-not…” My senpai started to stutter, clearly embarrassed.

And I finally snapped. She better be prepared for the worst.

“The hell! Are you daft woman?!? What the heck are you thinking?!?”

Christ, this is irritating! Someone needs to talk some sense into this girl! A threesome! What a pile of rubbish! Clown girl stared at me in confusion for a moment. I could barely control my temper…

She tilted her head in puzzlement. “If that’s not what you wanted to tell me then, what do you really want to tell me anyway?”

Ruka started to explain, but I beat him to it. “We just want YOU to shut the fuck up about US being HERE! In THIS location, you airhead!”

I guess it took a moment for her to comprehend fully what I said. But when she finally did, her reply was unexpected.

“That’s it? Well of course I won’t say anything!” she said.

Ruka and I blinked in bewilderment. This clown must be lying. I mean, who wouldn’t want to brag, especially a very devoted fan like her, about meeting with us. This girl simply had her own way of thinking. Or worse, she doesn’t think straight at all…

“Will you keep your word?” Ruka asked, breaking the ice once more (and finally recovering from shock, seeing as he didn’t stutter anymore).

She smiled brightly. Was she even embarrassed by her outburst earlier?

“I told you, anything for my Natsume-sama.”

This deluded clown girl is my nightmare.

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To be continued…

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Thanks again a bunch for your reviews!

Writing this chapter was a… challenge. (I decided that the whole story will be written in Mikan and Natsume’s POV) Especially writing Mikan’s POV… I mean, you know how she described the moments with ‘her Natsume-sama’. And with the latter…okay, using profanities isn’t exactly my thing. But it’s the most obvious Natsume-ish reaction I could imagine. But in a way, I enjoyed writing this. :) Hahaha!

Please don’t forget to leave a review! And if you spot mistakes (I know there will be, I was too lazy to proofread nowadays…), please please please tell me. I would really appreciate it:) Ja!