It's the last chapter!

DomniqueAnne: Thank you so much for your support through out my story.

Youchiix33: I've always loved reading your reviews, enjoy this last chapter

SkyeCrystal101: thanks for reviewing!

Jenaminya: i'm sure you found something to do. thanks for reading my story

xanimegalx: yeah, it is slightly impossible, but i had to think for a while. Mikan taking advanced High School Classes for years while Hotaru was locked up in prison for two years... but yeah, agree. thanks for reading!

ToS-fanatic15: hey! 1. mikan saved the woman from the explosion, because she's not heartless. she's not about to let some innocent die just because she felt like blowing up a building.

2. yes, hotaru and ruka r bf and gf. they just got seperated.

Selene467: thanks for the tip!

Lobaa: Ok! no Harry Potter style, i swear. about that sequel... see below.

elfspirit7: thanks, will do.

tamaharu.4.ever: Nope, sorry, this is the last chapter. the epiloge counts as a chappie.

thanks reviewers! and now... for the last installment to Fade to Black: Hide and Seek

-x-

Epilogue: Happy Endings, Don't Exist

"I can't believe this," Mikan muttered as she stabbed the plastic spoon into the Styrofoam cup.

Yoichi just grinned and shoved a spoonful of strawberry ice cream into his mouth, watching as his twenty one year old "mother" mumbled to herself, frowning. "I love you Mommy," He stated, with wide eyes. Mikan just scowled, poking at her ice cream once more.

"Shut up, Yoichi." She said darkly. "You're lucky it wasn't your Aunt Hotaru who was called."

Yoichi's grin dropped and he let out an involuntary shudder. He was very lucky Hotaru hadn't been called. He was sure that his backside would've been stinging from the dreaded Spanker 2000, Upgraded.

"You did something like this again, and yet I'm taking you out for ice cream!"

Yoichi shrugged. "That bastard deserved it."

"Yoichi!" Mikan exclaimed, scandalized. She frowned slightly when she attracted the attention of the people in the small ice cream shop and lowered her voice. "Language. And right now, I don't care about how much he deserved it. You could've been caught using your... gift! That's it, I'm taking away your stone for a month!" She said, raising her finger.

"Mommy!" Yoichi protested.

"Don't 'Mommy' me, I had to leave work early for you! For the second time this week Yoichi! I have bills to pay." Mikan sighed as Yoichi's blue/gray stone suddenly appeared in her hand, and just as quickly she absorbed it.

"But we're already rich enough as it is." Yoichi said, and in reality it was true. If Mikan really wanted to, she could've dropped everything to become a house mom. Jason, as the owner of Winston Jewelry, would be happy to supply herself and Yoichi with everything they needed. But that would never happen. Mikan could never leave her business.

After returning to England, Mikan skipped junior year and graduated from high school at age seventeen, quickly getting accepted into Oxford. She studied fashion design with Stephanie, (whom she had contacted once she was eighteen), and then shortly after they opened a fashion line together modeling women's lingerie (it was giving Victoria's Secret a run for their money). Sadly to say, Hotaru and Stephanie never really did along, seemly jealous of the other for becoming equally loved in Mikan's heart.

Hotaru created a Children's Toy Company, creating cute inventions and toys for children all around to appreciate. Hotaru however, found that she was often lonely, and found herself almost wanting to return to Gakuen Alice to see Ruka again. Almost.

Jason had remained the same, still as mysterious yet cocky as ever. He adored his sister, and saw her and Yoichi almost everyday, and at the same time managing Winston Jewelry, seeing as his adoptive father had passed away a few years before from a heart surgery.

Once Mikan met up with Stephanie and Rob again, she lifted removed the block she had placed on Rob's memories, and they shared a quick little reunion, though, a bit sad that Natsume wasn't with them.

"I love my job Yoichi, there's no way I'm quitting and leaving Stephanie to deal with all of that."

"Maybe you could have Rob take your position!" Yoichi exclaimed, perking up. Mikan pushed her chair backwards, standing up to throw away her ice cream bowl. Yoichi stood and quickly followed her before walking out into the crowded New York streets.

"Yoichi…" Mikan smiled sadly and put her arms around Yoichi's shoulders. "You can't just force things. We have to respect their decision."

"But Aunt Steph and Uncle Rob are so perfect together!" Yoichi exclaimed. "Why'd they brake up anyway?"

"Yoichi… sometimes, things are meant to be private." Mikan sighed, rubbing her hand against his shoulders. Yoichi leaned into Mikan sadly.

"Like sex?" He asked, and Mikan froze, her mouth dropping open in shock.

"Y-Yeah…"She sputtered, bewildered. Yoichi smirked up at her.

"Yoichi, now you know it's not nice torturing your mom like that." Said a voice from behind them both. Yoichi and Mikan spun around, as people brushed past them on the crowded New York street. However, it was easy to spot the speaker.

"Dad!" Yoichi exclaimed, breaking off from Mikan and jumping into Natsume's arms. Natsume stood about ten feet from them, with a dark smirk on his face.

"Natsume…" Mikan gasped in disbelief, her eyes widening. Yoichi backed up from Natsume and Mikan was barely aware of her feet, now running and crashing into Natsume's form. His arms wrapped around her form automatically as his nuzzled his head into her hair. "Kami-sama I missed you."

"Let's go home, Polka dots." He whispered, inhaling her tangerine shampoo.

-x-

"So then he told me there was only one thing left to do." Mikan spoke, glancing back and forth between her two best friends: Stephanie Rothschild and Hotaru Imai. Hotaru was sitting with a gleam in her eyes, attempting to look disinterested while Stephanie leaned forward in anticipation, her green eyes wide.

"Tell us!" Stephanie shouted, banging her hands against the table. Mikan jumped slightly and Hotaru smirked when a waitress sent them a disapproving look. The girls had decided to meet at a small café in Manhattan for the news Mikan had to share.

"We'd have to send out the invitations to our wedding." Mikan said simply, and both girls looked at Mikan blankly before glancing down to her left hand, eyes widening as if seeing the large ring on her finger for the first time.

"Congratulations." Hotaru stated, while Stephanie clapped her hands together.

"You're getting married!" She squealed and Mikan nodded excitedly.

"Yeah, and you two are going to be my maids of honor."

"Maids?" Hotaru questioned, a small scowl on her face.

"Well you two are my most best friends in the entire universe!" Mikan exclaimed, sounding like a little school girl. "I love you both."

"I would be honored." Stephanie said automatically, her face turning serious.

Hotaru rolled her eyes. "Cut the dramatic act, Rothschild."

"Cut the emotionless act, Imai." Stephanie snapped back. Both girls glared at each other and Mikan cleared her throat uncomfortably.

"Please, not here." Mikan hissed, awkwardly. She hoped that one day, those two would be able to come together. If not for their own health, but for Mikan.

-x-

"No, I'm going to stand next to Mikan!" Stephanie shouted at Hotaru. Hotaru pulled out her newly made baka gun when the door to the otherwise empty room slammed open, revealing a furious Jason.

Hotaru lowered her gun and both girls looked at him quizzically. "What are you doing here?" Hotaru demeaned to the seething man.

"Seven minutes until my little sister's wedding starts, and her maids of honor are in the coat room arguing! That's it! Either you both calm down and accept the fact that Mikan does not prefer either of you to the other… or I want you girls out of Mikan's life. It's supposed to be her day. She doesn't care about anyone right now except Natsume, understand that."

"What?" Stephanie asked softly. The twinkle in Jason's eyes had gone out and a grim look had settled against his features.

"Mikan deserves for a peaceful wedding day. So make your choice. Friends, or miss the wedding." After a brief silence before Hotaru turned to Stephanie with her hand sticking out for a handshake.

"Sorry." She clipped. Stephanie gave Hotaru's hand a small shake before both girls walked out of the coat room and towards the sanctuary.

-x-

"Throw it! Throw it! Throw it!" The crowd chanted. Grinning wildly, Mikan turned around and threw her bouquet in the air. Hotaru stood in the crowd, not even noticing when the floor abruptly cleared, leaving her as the only one to catch the flowers. She looked down at the roses, and then realized that there was a card that said, Hotaru, on it. As she picked it up, the Banquet Hall grew silent, and all eyes were on her. Hotaru opened up the small black box, tears collecting in her eyes. Ruka slid up onto the stage next to Mikan with a microphone.

"Hotaru." He spoke. "Because of you, my sun rises in the morning. You give my life meaning. I've never felt any connection deeper than what we have, and looking at Natsume and Mikan, I have to embrace it. Please, will you marry me?"

"O-Of course you baka." Hotaru stuttered out. Ruka grinned and jumped off of the stage, sweeping Hotaru up in a hug and a kiss. Yoichi threw cake on them to get them to cut it out. He was then taken out back by Hotaru, who was carrying her Spanker 2000 with a glint in her eye.

-x-

"I've known Natsume since Kindergarten. We were always the one planting the stink bombs in teachers' desks. How many years has it been now man? Seventeen years. Man time flies. Now you're getting married. But that's okay, because Natsume's been whipped for a long time now. Natsume, don't give me that look! Ever since Mikan walked into our classroom you've been hooked, never wanting to let go. I want to say thank you Mikan. You've been of my best friends since we've hit the teen years. I just want to say to you, that without you, Natsume wouldn't be half of the man he is today. He used to be cold, cruel, lifeless. But you charged in and kept trying to shove the life right back into him. No matter how much he ignored you, called you names… Polka dots. Heh. The point is you never left. And by that I can tell that you two already have that sickness and in health thing going on. So best wishes. To the Bride and Groom!"

"That was one heck of a speech, Ruka. I don't know if mine can top his. I met Natsume when we were both thirteen going on forty. Heh, you know how it is. I was sitting by myself in the cafeteria, like always, keeping a watch on my favorite neighbor and only friend, like always. But then, I saw a guy sitting at a lunch table by himself, not to far away from mine. He was watching my neighbors table, that's when I realized that his girlfriend was making buddies with her. So I decided to set my tray by his. We soon bonded by those two girls and made an incredible friendship. One that truthfully, I haven't been able to find one like it. Natsume, my buddy, my best friend, I love you, but I know Mikan does more. You two have taught me something special. You've taught me bravery. I've heard stories of Mikan and I've heard stories of Natsume doing things that no one else would dare to do. But I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about the fact that you two were brave enough to look into the eye of love, and confess your feelings with no problem, always knowing that you still love each other at the end of the day, even if you want to rip each other's heads off. You always apologize, because you know that you can't let a good thing get away. Thank you both. To the Bride and Groom! Congratulations."

"I've known both of these idiots for awhile now. I used to live in Mikan's village all the way back in Japan. We were only seven when we met. I had never had a friend, and Mikan seemed more than happy to be mine. Her happiness gave me a headache, but it made me smile. Something that no one else could accomplish. When I turned ten, I was sent off to boarding school. Mikan was distraught, and I was dealing with the fact that I'd never see her again. But one day, she turned up at my school, beaming. She had run away from home, just to be with me. Mikan, you're my best friend, and I love you so much, baka. If Natsume hurts you, I'll come after him with my baka gun. I know he won't, considering I've known Natsume since he was ten and sulking at the back of the classroom. But I'm just saying… if you do… To the Bride and Groom."

"They aren't perfect. Don't let them give you that illusion. I've been there next to Mikan during every single one of their little "fights". But they always make up in the end, and are even stronger because of it. I admire them, and I admire Hotaru, also, for knowing them both for so long. I have my own special story on how we met too. I was sitting alone in the cafeteria, as usual. Boys were gawking, girls were glaring, Rob was being over protective, but no one advanced towards my table. Then Mikan sat down. And then proceeded to talk about Ice Cream. We've been best friends ever since, facing school bullies, boy problems, family issues… I'll always be there for her, no matter what, just like I know she'll always be there for me. I love you, Mikan. I love you too, Natsume. Take care, congratulations. To the Bride and Groom!"

"I know I'm not a best-of-anything, but I'm making a speech anyway. For those of you don't know, I'm Jason Winston, Mikan's older brother… but only by a day. We grew up on different parts of the world. She grew up in Asia, and I grew up in Europe. The minute I learned about her though, I became obsessive. Learning anything and everything about her. When I met my little sister, I would empress her, and I would be her idol. Well, that didn't turn out the way I planned. She respected me, but I was the one who looked up to her. Even though I met her in person when we were only sixteen, we've built an amazing sibling relationship together. And I begrudgingly am trusting Natsume with her. But I have to say, if you hurt her, you don't live to see another day. I love you baby sister. To the Bride and Groom!"

"I just want to say that Mikan and Natsume Hyuga are the most amazing people ever! I met them when I was three, so I barely remember. But, I do know that I didn't have any parents, so I asked them to be mine. Even though they where only… twelve or thirteen, they agreed quickly and they've been my Mommy and Daddy ever since. I love them very much and I'll see you two went you get back from your Moony thing. Oh yeah, to the Bride and Groom!"

"Mikan, my darling daughter. I've watched you grow into a wonderful woman. I've never been very good at public speaking, nor have I ever really been easy to trust, but Natsume has mine. I understand that you will take good care of her. Welcome to the family, son. To the Mikan and Natsume!"

-x-

"May I cut in?" Rob stood in front of Stephanie and her date. Stephanie reluctantly nodded and slid out of his arms and into Rob's. They began twirling on the dance floor, automatically molding into each other. A perfect fit. Rob glanced over at Mikan and Natsume who were dancing, as they had been all night.

"They clash together, and yet I couldn't see either one of them with anyone else." Rob said with a small smile. Stephanie's green eyes were staring at Rob's blue one's intently.

"Rob, what are you trying to pull?" She demanded, and Rob looked at her with a smirk on his face.

"I wanted to say what we were both too scared to say. I want to say sorry. That even though I've been with you for a while, I'm still scared shitless. But I know that it's no longer a matter of wanting you, Stephanie. I need you in my live. I. Need. You."

"…I…"
"You don't have to say anything right now Steph, I-"
"I need you too, Rob. I still love you, no matter what." Stephanie said.

"I love you too, no matter what."

-x-

"Natsume stop," Mikan giggled as Natsume pressed kisses down Mikan's neck.

"Why?" Natsume murmured against her skin. "We have the limo all to ourselves."

"Uh no, the limo driver is driving!" Mikan exclaimed, adjusting her white wedding dress, Natsume snorted.

"He won't care, we've just been married!" He whispered, tugging on her zipper. Mikan slapped his hand away.

"Slow down there. Wait till we at least get on the private jet. There's a private bedroom in the back." Mikan said and Natsume smirked.

"I like the way you think, wife."

"So what, is this our happy ending husband?" Mikan asked Natsume. "We're ridding off into the sunset with a just married sign."

"Mikan, you should know better than anything, that happy endings are just for stories that haven't been started yet. We still have a long way to go."

"Let's enjoy it then, ne, Mr. Hyuga?"

"You took the words right out of my mouth, Mrs. Hyuga."

"I won't be able to get used to that." Mikan said giggling.

"Well you better, cause it'll be your surname for the rest of your lifetime."

"For the rest of my lifetime." Mikan echoed.

-x-

Tada, the end!

Key points:

-Natsume, Ruka, Rob, Stephanie, Hotaru, and Mikan are all 21, while Yoichi is about ten or eleven.

- After Mikan and Natsume went home, he suggested casually in a conversation that they should get married.

- Rob and Stephanie broke up, because well... no one really knows why, but Rob apologized and now they're back together

-Stephanie and Hotaru called a truce in the coat room

-Stephanie and Hotaru don't get along because they are jealous of the other

-Ruka proposed to Hotaru at Mikan's wedding

-Where's Yoichi when Natsume and Mikan go on the honeymoon? With his grandfather.

-Everyone moved back to New York.

ok... so i got some questions about a sequel. Well... i wanted to start a new story, yes, but i need a bit of a vote, because i can't make up my mind. Here are the summaries, i'll try to post a poll in my profile, also.

Summary of story #1: Fade to Black: Danger Rising. Danger Hyuga has never been the apple of her parent's eye. It's always been all about her older brother, Blaze. After all, he's the one with the alicees, not her. But then one day curiosity gets the best of her, and Danger starts to unravel a mystery about her own family, discovering that maybe she does have an alice. And maybe it's more dangerous than the S.E.C and Nullification alices put together. Danger will stop at nothing to prove her greatness to her family, even if it means living up to her name... Danger.

Summary of story #2: Confessions of a Former Bad Girl: She just walked right into school, no background, no anything. All anyone knew was that she was Jason's twin sister, who just randomly decided that she wanted to go to Gakuen Alice instead of Abbot Academy. Within minutes of walking into the school she was labeled the good girl. Well, that was until Natsume walked in on her straddling some random guy in the back of a club.

please vote!

Love,

Baby