Disclaimer: Gakuen Alice belongs to Tachibana-san. I only own the OCs here, so no suing!

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Yummy Love

“Love Never Tasted So Delicious…”

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Special Dish

Heaven’s Kitchen Specialty: Sweet Fluffy Howalons

(Note: Beverages are on the table. Just take what you want.)

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“Sakura-san!” The brunette turned her head, happy that the voice wasn’t another fan boy. She stopped in her tracks as her blonde friend neared her with a few folders and books in his hand. “What can I do for you, Iinchou?”

“Could you take these to Serina-sensei? Misaki-sensei asked me to do it but I have a class meeting to attend to.” He explained as he handed the items to the hazel-eyed girl. Mikan gave him an accepting smile as she fixed her position to be comfortable with the items she was carrying. “Ok, but where is Serina-sensei?”

“She’s at the senior cooking room supervising. Thanks a lot for this.” He replied with an appreciative smile plastered on his face.

“No problem. See you later then…” She turned her heels and left as they parted ways.

Mikan stopped in her tracks once she reached the stairs, securing her hold to make sure she doesn’t fall off. As soon as that was done, she carefully took on one step at a time, cautiously yet moderately climbing up the stairs. Soon she arrived at the third floor, a sigh escaping her lips. “Senior cooking room…senior cooking room…”

“Excuse me, but are those for Serina-sensei?” She turned her head, finding a pair of black eyes and long straight hair. She examined the face, wondering whether he was male or female. However, judging from his uniform, he must be male.

“Y-Yes.” She stammered, looking at the other one behind him. The girl tailing him had curly blue hair and eyes, her height a few inches above hers.

“We were asked to get them from Misaki-sensei, but I guess he already requested for you to deliver it. We’ll take care of them from here.” He said, smiling at the brunette reassuringly.

“Okay then. Here you go…” She handed them the items, the lad giving some of it to his companion. Mikan threw them a smile, “Thanks a lot.”

“No problem.” With that, they left off, going back to their class. The brunette checked her wristwatch, her expression turning into a frantic one. “…Shoot! I’m late!” She immediately ran back the stairs, her satchel bouncing up and down due to her rapid movements.

As soon as she was out of the building, her eyes focused themselves unto the raven-haired lad leaning leisurely on his sleek black sports car. She increased her pace, reaching him with a series of gasps for air.

“You’re late, strawberry.” He teased.

“Sorry, I was asked to do an errand for someone and would you please stop the names?” She retorted, freely expressing her annoyance of his never-ending name-calling.

“Live up with it.”

“Meanie…”

“Whatever.”

“Humph!”

He let out a small titter as he held her head and gave her a small peck on her forehead, watching her pout and blush. “Let’s go.” Nodding, the brunette went to the other side, opening the door as she entered the vehicle simultaneously with him.

“Where are we going this time?” She asked, securing her seatbelt. Usually he would walk her home, but if he has a car with him, it meant that he was planning on taking her somewhere.

“A bar.” He replied, adjusting the mirror. Mikan immediately pouted irritably, looking at him in disgust. “Dream on, pervert.” She retorted as he started the car and began driving. A smirk formed on the crimson-eyed lad’s face as he replied. “I will.”

“So where are we going?” She asked again.

“Kiss me and then I’ll tell you.”

“You’re driving. Forget it.”

“Then forget that I’ll tell you…How’s it going with the apartment?”

“Better than I expected. Nobara-senpai is really nice. How about Youichi?”

“He’s fine. He took a day off and lazed around. I bet it’s because of his fan girls.”

“Still, I was surprised when you introduced him to me as your younger brother.”

“Yeah, well, he keeps a low profile. You free on Sunday?”

“After 6 PM…”

“I thought you didn’t have work on Sunday…”

“They changed the schedule because some were fired for habitually being absent. Basically they had a shortage of employees. Why did you ask about it anyway? Don’t we have a date on Saturday already?”

“I know. My family was invited to another banquet, this time from the Nogi’s. Ruka asked you to come with me.”

“I see…What’s the banquet for?”

“When the Nogi’s gets the harvest from their farms, they hold a banquet with it before selling them. It’s an annual thing.”

“Oh…”

Natsume parked the car by the roadside, in front of a small store. He unlocked his seatbelt as Mikan did hers. They both exited the car, the lad locking it afterwards. The brunette waited for him beside the vehicle, staring at the small shop before her. “A dress shop?” she thought, examining the gowns on display.

“Natsume, what are we doing here?” she asked, eyeing her boyfriend as he grabbed her arm, dragging her inside. “To buy you a dress for the banquet, what else? I know you don’t have anything suitable in your closet.”

“You went into my room again!?”

“Duh.”

“Pervert!”

They entered the shop, greeted by one of the welcoming employees. The chocolate-eyed girl looked in awe at the gowns, her mouth gaping openly. She couldn’t help but show her amazement at the dresses, finding them simply elegant and not too overstated. It was definitely her type of clothing, and she was pretty sure he knew that.

“Are you just going to stare?” Snapping out of her thoughts, she shook her head and threw a grateful and annoyed smile at the raven-haired lad. “Of course not, pervert.”

With that she went to the rack of white gowns, looking for the one that would suit her. She didn’t want something with a long trail, afraid that it might be wrong for the occasion. Narrowing her search, she went to the ones that reached her knees, picking out three dresses of her size from it. She turned her head to look back at her companion, a smile on her face. “I’ll try these on, ok?”

She then headed towards one of the fitting rooms with her choices, locking it tight so as to ensure her security from her perverted companion. She removed her uniform, hanging it on one of the hooks planted on the door.

While she was trying on the gowns, Natsume waited patiently outside, browsing at their shoe collection, wondering which one would suit her. Soon his thoughts wandered off to the time wherein he got rid of the witch. He smirked as he remembered the news on TV the following day after Mikan was discharged from the hospital.

The CD he handed out was a video recording of Luna sleeping with a governor for a certain amount of money. He paid one of his father’s employees to follow the witch around and plant a camera in the room she was staying in case something would happen. It was a little payback after he found out that she was the one leaking out rumors about his girl which gave her a huge problem. Also, he was dumbfounded when his own father told him about it and that the engagement was just part of his plan to expose it.

The engagement felt nothing to that witch, considering her family only wanted it to happen for the money. They were greedy pigs, and they got what they deserved. Three months after that spoiled scandal, they went bankrupt. As for the governor Luna was found to be accompanying in the night, he was stripped of his title and soon got divorced with his wife. It was certainly an entertaining scene for him.

It’s been five months since then. Things were going on peacefully, and he definitely enjoyed it.

“Natsume!” The voice of his angel disrupted his thoughts. He turned his head to look at her, indicating his response to her call. “You done?”

The hazel-eyed brunette nodded, raising the dress she chose to confirm it. “This one will do.”

He examined the clothing in her hands, returning his eyes to the shoe collection. From the looks of her choice, his eyes could immediately tell which shoe design would match.

“What’s your shoe size?” he asked, taking a pair from the glass shelf.

“I’m a size five…Wait, I don’t need new shoes.” She replied, an instant protest to his offer. “Plus, this dress costs enough already.”

“You’re forgetting that I’m rich, my sweet.” He replied, giving the shoe to the employee, asking for the said size. He then neared the brunette, holding her shoulder as he dragged her to the counter.

He took the dress from her hands and placed it before the cashier, taking out his card. The cashier took it and made the necessary processes while the other one removed the dress’s hanger and neatly folded it, placing it in the white box she took out earlier on. The box had the shop’s logo on the lid, and inside it were acid-free tissues that would protect the dress for a long period of time.

One of the employees came, carrying the box of shoes in her hands. Like the dress’s box, it had the same features inside and out. She opened the box to show them the shoes for a quick peek, then closed it again once Natsume approved.

Soon, the two purchased items were put in separate bags, prepared to be taken away.

“You didn’t need to buy me these, you know.” Mikan said, taking the two bags from the counter as she faced Natsume.

“Well, I already did and I could tell you wanted them anyway.” He replied, placing a hand on her shoulder.

“I didn’t really have any other option. I don’t want to look awful at the banquet.”

He opened the car’s door, being a gentleman to his girl. Mikan followed suit as he closed the door and went to his seat, driving her back to her home afterwards.

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…Sunday…

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A tap on his shoulder startled the blonde lad from his thoughts. Ruka turned, finding himself facing his fiancée. He was clothed with his white tux, a blue tie placed under his collar. Hotaru still had her usual emotionless expression plastered on her face, like it never left…which is true.

She was clad in a plum-colored halter dress that reached her knees. It had a simple, backless firefly design. She wore the purple high-heeled shoes that matched her dress. Since it was a feast, having something too extravagant would be inappropriate. Basically, she wore her simplest dress. Her hair was combed neatly as it is, laid down with nothing holding it whatsoever.

Heaving a sigh, he looked at her with a curious expression. “Are they here yet?”

“If they were, you’d be the first to see them.” She answered coldly.

“What made you say that?” He asked.

“Simply because your eyes have been on the door since I came.” She pointed out while he sweatdropped. As if on cue, a familiar voice came into their ears.

“Ah, Ruka,” He called out, a pleasant smile pasted on his face. “Thank you very much for the invitation.”

The blue-eyed boy looked at him, returning his smile with his own. “You’re welcome, Hyuuga-san. However, I think it’s my parents whom you should express your gratitude to.”

“Yes, you do have a point. I’ll leave my family to you then.” With that, he left them, ready to converse with his own friends.

Ruka returned his eyes to the two, questioning his best friend, “Where’s Youichi and Aoi?” He noticed the irritated look on Natsume’s face, a theory forming up in his mind. He chuckled as he added, “They couldn’t make it, I suppose?”

Natsume grunted while Mikan heaved a sigh. She came along because she had nothing else to do, and she was definitely surprised when she heard that Aoi and Youichi weren’t coming along. Aoi had to be a proxy to her father in an emergency meeting, and Youichi firmly resisted on coming along, preferring to play video games instead.

“By the way,” Interrupting the two from their thoughts, Ruka gave the brunette a flattering comment. “You look really cute in that outfit, Sakura-san.”

The brunette immediately blushed and looked away, flustered and speechless. She really didn’t know how to respond well to comments like that.

She was clothed with a white tube dress that reached her knees, its fabric made of several layers of silk. The upper part was adorned with white sequins and beads, creating a corner pattern that reaches her waist. The pattern then goes the opposite direction, matching the flowing diagonal curved pleats. The fabrics were layered diagonally, revealing an inch of her skin above her right knee.

Going back on top, her arms were covered with attached pink gloves that only reached her wrists with a pumpkin-like design. Her hair was in a half bun, fixed with a long pink ribbon decorated with white lace at the ends. She wore white strapped shoes, her clean and cute toes exposed to the cold air.

“Of course she does,” Natsume intruded, smirking as he held her waist, bringing her closer to him. “She’s my girl, after all.” He wore a black tux – messily. He really hated suits, and if ever he was forced to wear one it would be just ruined.

“Your pride is as huge as always, Hyuuga.” Hotaru coldly remarked, eyeing the innocent girl in his arms. “It’s a mystery how Mikan fell for you. I guess idiots will remain idiots.”

A pout instantly graced Mikan’s features. “Mou, Hotaru!” Before their conversation went any further, someone stepped in the scene.

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen these faces. Mind if we join you?” The group turned their heads, finding a recognizable blonde lad. A smile immediately formed on the brunette’s face upon identifying him. “Shuuichi-senpai!”

“You look absolutely tonight, Sakura-san.” He noted, flattering the hazel-eyed girl. Again, she looked away blushing, not knowing what to reply. Natsume shot a death glare at the blonde, a dark background forming behind him. Shuuichi sweatdropped with the other two, taking a step back.

“Anyways, why don’t we go to the table already? The banquet will be starting in a few minutes.” Ruka interrupted, hoping to calm down his raven-haired friend. Nodding in approval, the group went to the long U-shaped dinner table, proceeding to their respective seats.

And the banquet commenced…

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…After…

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Mikan gestured a thankful bow at her blue-eyed friend, a satisfied smile plastered on her adorable face. “Thanks for having us!” Her voice was bubbly and charismatic; probably pleased with the food they ate just a little while ago.

“No problem. Make sure she gets home safely, Natsume.” He replied, returning her smile. He looked at his friend, remembering the discussion they had the other day. “I wonder what she’ll react…”

“Bye then!” Natsume said, immediately holding her waist, dragging her to his family’s car. She sighed, knowing there was no use in arguing. Once he got inside with her, the chauffeur began to drive them to their destination.

But with a little detour first.

They stopped at a corner, making the brunette wonder. She turned to look at her boyfriend for answers, but decided to stay quiet when she found his father talking to him. She looked back outside, still clueless of what’s happening. “I wonder what’s going on…”

“Oi Strawberry,” The authoritative yet gentle voice of her boyfriend snapped her out of her thoughts. She turned her head to look at him, indicating that she was listening despite her annoyance with the name-calling. “Are you coming or not?”

Her mouth gaped open as she found him outside the car, his body lowered to the point wherein he could see her. “What the hell?” Wanting to cut the time so she could save some sleep for tomorrow, she obliged and exited the car, beside the crimson-eyed lad in mere seconds.

Natsume closed the door, not bothering to say anything further to his father. The vehicle then drove off, leaving the couple in the silent dim streets. Before the brunette could ask, he held her wrist, practically yanking her feet off the ground.

“Where are we going? Are we walking home?” she asked, adjusting to his pace. Soon, she was half an inch behind him, his hand still clinging unto her wrist. Instead of a said reply, the young lad simply stayed quiet. “What’s wrong with him?”

As they reached the middle of the avenue, he paused and looked at her. “Heaven’s Kitchen was the name of the pastry shop your family once owned, right?”

“Y-Yeah,” she replied, her expression softening at the remembrance of her late grandfather. “Why’d you ask?” she asked, nearing him with that gentle face of hers. “Is something wrong?”

He just smiled and brushed the hair dangling before her ears, fixing them behind them before giving her a peck on the forehead. “Is there something wrong with giving you a present?”

“What for?” She asked curiously, following him as he led her into the small shop before them.

“If I say it’s just for my idiotic girlfriend, would you reject it?” He pointed out, switching the light on. A blush crept on Mikan’s cheeks, forgetting the insult. “Ji-chan…” –was her only thought when her eyes laid themselves on the inside of the unused building.

Before her were furniture similar to the pastry shop her family owned. They were already in place, and all they needed was a little clean-up and the finishing touches. Everything reminded her of her beloved grandfather, seeing as though it practically looked like the shop itself. Tears were already welling up in the corner of her eyes, memories rushing back in her mind.

Natsume embraced her from behind, knowing she was still in shock. “The reason of that fire was competition. It took time with the investigation but everything’s alright now. The original store went bankrupt and I took the opportunity to buy it. With some finishing touches it’ll be ready to open. Of course, it’s yours, but still part of my family’s company. How is it for one who wears strawberry-printed panties?”

“It’s the best gift I’ve ever had for your information.” Mikan replied, happiness replacing her surprise. “Thanks a lot, Natsume.” She turned and placed her head on his chest, his arms not letting go of her. “You’re the best.”

“I know.” He replied, a smirk curving upon his lips. “So how about a thank you gift?”

“You never fail to ruin the moment, you know.” Mikan said, glaring at him but to no avail, considering it seemed more as a pout than a glare.

“Come on, just one kiss. The last time I tasted your lips was…yesterday.”

“My point, pervert.”

“You’re never fair.”

“So are you.”

“You know you want one.”

“Not gonna work, buddy.”

“Fine, have it your way.” Without warning, he gave her a kiss on the lips, too tempted to not do it. “Sweet…” he thought as he let go, a smirk on his face.

Mikan brought her thumb to her lip, her cheeks flustered from the sudden kiss. She knew he wanted one, but never did she expect him to force his way. It was sweet of him, but that really caught her off-guard.

“Strawberry-flavored lip gloss? Are you trying to tempt me, Polka Dots?” He teased, turning his heels to exit the place.

“Natsume!” She retorted, glaring as she caught up with him. “You’re becoming more and more perverted, you know.”

“That’s because of you.”

“Whatever. Are we walking home?”

“Do you want to? Dad said he’ll be waiting by the next corner.”

“It’d be rude if we let him wait for nothing, so I guess you’ll have to drop me off. I still have school tomorrow.”

“And your homework?”

“Oh shoot! My homework!”

“Thought so.”

“Was that an insult?”

“Maybe, maybe not.”

“Natsume!”

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Finished Special Dish

Finished the Menu

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Writer’s End Notes: I’m rushing right now so sorry for the hurried ending. Anyhow, that’s the end, folks. No more dishes, I’m afraid. How were the howalons? I, for one, loved them. They were sweet and fluffy, but since I’m in a hurry, so sorry for the crappy ending. Anyways, I don’t think you need to know the rest.

A BIG THANKS TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE PAID! I HOPE TO SEE YOU AGAIN! THANKS FOR ALL THE SUPPORT, GUYS!

Well, that’s the end. I really have nothing more to say – except for the fact that I’ll be starting new business soon. I haven't proofread anything, so see ‘ya!

- Rosa en Bouton