All's Well That Ends Well ; A Natsume Hyuga × Mikan Sakura Gakuen Alice Fic

Chapter 1

Disclaimer : I do not own Gakuen Alice

Natsume Hyuga was hungry. But he didn't feel like getting down from his Sakura tree to head to the cafeteria. As he debated on what he was going to do about it, Mikan Sakura sauntered into view, frustration evident on her face and her usual cheerful demeanor absent. "Natsume! I've been looking all over for you! I can't believe you skipped Mr.Narumi's class again! Didn't he warn you the last time you did it? You can be so stubborn sometimes!" She paused to take a breath.
"Are you done?" He asked lightly, not even looking at her.
"Don't be so complacent! You should be careful. I doubt he will let you go this time. Especially since he already warned you off! And he looked weird when he noticed you missing in class again. "
That caught his attention. "Weird how?"
Satisfied that he was paying attention to her, she elaborated.
"I don't know how to describe it. It felt like he was mad about it but also like he was expecting it and glad for it. Does that make sense?"
"Not really." He sounded bored and that annoyed Mikan even more.
"Fine! Be that way! See if I care when you get punished!" She turned her face away, nose in the air. A few minutes later, she glanced back and sighed, "Well then. It's nearly lunch time. Aren't you hungry? Get down from up there so we can go get some lunch!"
"If you're hungry, go eat by yourself! What are you nagging me for?" His careless words were dismissed as she continued, "I know you are hungry too. I heard you missed breakfast this morning.. How come?"
"Where did you hear that?" He asked, eyes narrowed.
"Huh... I overheard your attendant Elia mention it to Mr. Narumi. Why does it matter?" She asked, suspicious at his reaction.
"Never mind. Get lost. You're disturbing my nap."
His eyes flew open as a stone whistled past him, barely missing his ear.
He couldn't help but admire her precise aim and how much she had grown in the few years she'd been there and how her clumsiness had disappeared leaving behind a confidence that seemed almost unrealistic at times.
At the moment, though, it was just plain annoying.
"What do you think you're doing?" He asked, icily.
"I'm going to practise my throws till you decide to get down." She replied, smiling sweetly.
His eyes narrowed as he sat up and surveyed her. "Do you really think you will be able to hit me with such lame shots? I've dodged bullets ten times faster than that."
"Oh! You certainly have a high opinion of your dodging skills. Why don't we make it a game then? I land a hit on you, you eat lunch with me. I don't and I'll leave you alone." She invited, baiting him.
"You do realise that there's nothing in it for me in that deal, don't you?" He pointed out, wryly.
"What're you talking about? You win and you get to be left in peace while I go have my lunch!" She declared, all generosity.
"Nice try. I don't think so. I win and you bring me lunch everyday for the rest of the week!" His smile was wicked, making Mikan hesitate, but when it grew taunting, she clenched her jaw and accepted.
"20 shots then. If I hit you once in those 20 shots, you get down and eat lunch with me."
"10 shots." He countered.
She'd expected the counter and accepted quickly. With Natsume, it was never wise to argue too much. He was extremely manipulative. If her immediate acquiescence had startled him, he showed no sign of it, his face a fine example of a poker face.
He stood slowly, with the air of a predator, despite being the prey. Mikan quickly picked up her stones.
"Here I come." She called out, preparing for her first throw.
Natsume disappeared. Mikan blinked. Then she yelled, "Natsume! You jerk! You cheat! We agreed that you would dodge my throws. I can't throw at you if I can't see you!"
"Why would that be my problem?" Natsume spoke from behind her and she nearly screamed. She knew she'd made the mistake by not being specific, but here was a golden opportunity. She clutched her heart and pretended to swoon. Caught by surprise at her sudden fragility, Natsume leaned forward to catch her when he felt something hit his gut. A stone.
"Gotcha!" She laughed merrily as she sat on the ground.
"You cheated. Our bet's off." He pointed out.
"I cheated only as much you did because the bet didn't specify what methods I should use." She spoke primly.
He cursed himself mentally. She was right. Not that he was going to admit it... He'd been a fool. To think he'd been outwitted, with such an obvious advantage. It must be the lack of sleep. He'd been careless. He wouldn't let it happen again. But since he'd lost, and a bet was a bet, he let her grab his hand and drag him out to lunch.