Disclaimer: I do not own the Kamisama Hajimemashita/Kamisama Kiss series or any of the characters who have been featured so far. Or maybe I should say I do one day and see if anyone believes me. Also, I mentioned Voltorb in the replies, which is a Pokemon, and I do not own those either, but if I did, I'd be rich and that'd be great.

Chapter 20: Through the eyes of a young child

Running. I was so happy. I clutched the little bag tighter in my hands. No one was going to take this moment away from me. Suddenly, someone called my name.

Papa!

'What's that?'

'Bread crusts! Give Mama!'

'I'll give you something even better, here.'

I reached for the rectangular object with my podgy fingers. 'Oh! Chocolate!'

'It's a gift for Kumimi-chan. I won today.'

Oblivious to his words, I cradled it in my hands happily. My own chocolate!

'See ya,' Papa said, ruffling my hair and turning away, 'tell Mama for me that I've gone to make more money, and won't be back until really late.'

I kept my eyes on my chocolate, not daring to believe the rush of euphoria I was feeling could be because of this thin rectangle. I hugged it to my chest tightly and began to pad home.

A man stepped out the shadows.

'Nanami-chan.'

He beamed. 'Found you! Nanami-chan, you're so adorable! Come on, let's go back together.'

I glared at him mistrustfully. What had I been taught to do to people like this?

I kicked him hard in the jaw. 'Paedophile!'

And like that, I sprinted away. Mama would be so proud!

I padded up the stairs, gnawing on the tip of my chocolate happily. Mama was there, in a low bow, apologising to a group of strange men who were yelling. Their hostility frightened me and I shrunk into the shadows.

The chocolate began to melt into my hands as they lectured my Mama. Deep brown smudges cascaded down my fingers and I watched them trail like spider webs.

I dropped the chocolate and wiped my hands on my dress.

Mama!

'Nanami! Welcome home!'

I reached for her, eager for her comforting arms to envelop me in her warm embrace.

She dabbed away at the chocolate on my cheeks and I was home.

'Sasa mochi, so yummy!'

Mama smiled and went to get more but instead crumpled to the ground. Papa had found the money again. She told me a lot of things about Papa, don't depend on him, she warned.

She told me something about being a girl. That our whole family line were girls. Was that it? I'm not sure now.

'Don't ever rely on a man. Be as healthy as Mama, and grow up to be an adult on your own!'

'Yeah! Nanami not rely on husband! Alone is best!'

Mama praised me and I was so happy to have done her proud.

A whirlwind of my memories flashed by as I recalled each one with painful clarity. A particularly vivid one caught my attention.

We were discussing Santa. Who lets a strange man in their house though? I didn't understand. I still don't.

'Nanami? Nanami-chan! Long time no see!' He regarded my expression with anxiety, 'relax, I'm your friend! It's me! Your number one shrine familiar, Mizuki!'

He waited before sighing. 'Oh, you don't remember…'

'Remember!' I insisted. 'Paedophile!' I yelled and ran.

I slammed into a man with an impassive expression. He smiled.

'Let's run, hm? Away from the paedophile.'

I tugged at his ears. They were so silky! I knew this softness. The softness of his words, too. He gave me ice cream.

'Big brother really likes Nanami?'

He crouched down and smiled.

'Of course I do. So, marry me?'

'Okay!' I agreed, taking his hand.

Soft words, warm hands and ice cream… Was this really all it took to be happy?

A/N: So this is heavily based in chapters 61-62 of the manga, but most of you should know that. I tried to make it sound simple, like a child's mind and how they didn't think about complex things like love but more simple things. Did I do it well? XD I'm having a few minor troubles now :S I'd explain but… Basically, I like this guy who likes this girl who likes the guy. See that for trouble? And they're both my friends. Ho hum.

Messages:

1. Thank you awesome reviewers! I love what you post, you kick butt in a good way :p

2. Review if you haven't already PLEASH, and if you have, review again, they feed the hungry dragon that is my mind ©.©

TheYokaiOtaku: I'm not forgiven? ;_; *Gets knife* You sure about that? :D I know you were :'( I'm so bad, I deserve a Voltorb in the face. Ah well. You really did that? You must have got dizzy the amount of time you had to wait. You have an evil brother too?! Let us strike back upon them! Thanks so much, I'm glad you enjoyed ;)

Mei: YOU KNOW EVERYTHING?! TELL ME SOMETHING AMAZING. Well I've read a few truth or dare fics and… Let's just say a teacher got hung off a chandelier. You don't think it's in character? *Grabs knife again* What about now? Well I kinda didn't! My friend asked me if _ asked me out, would I consider and I said yeah, because of course I'd consider it even though I don't like him and may or may not have got someone to be vile to him and then deleted him on facebook. Ahem. And yeah, Nanami's hardcore B| Which time what is? My story? I guess… At school, erm, present? Oh yeah, I mean that kind of dirtiness *Wiggles eyebrows* Bro is so mainstream, you browich (sandwich is too mainstream). By the way, is your pen name named after Mei from Suki-tte li na yo?

Seeya next week! (Probably tomorrow…?)

I accept anonymous reviews.

Any scenarios you want me to write, just tell me.

Any flames/criticism is accepted.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed!