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Chapter 21

The day after the wedding was quiet, as everyone was resting from the celebration. It was a little before noon when Mikan dragged herself out of bed. The night previous she'd only taken enough time to change into a mint-green nightgown and pick the gist of the flowers from her braids before falling ungraciously onto her mattress, exhausted; not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

Why did Natsume have to kiss her when he was drunk? Did do that with all girls? If so, why didn't anyone warn her? Curse that perverted, peeping, drunken kissing-fiend!

She pulled a darker-green shawl around her shoulders before shuffling out of the room. Her twin braids, left in place, were now limper, coated in fly-away hairs that created a thin golden halo when hit by the sunlight. The stone floor of the hall was cool on her bare feet, and she stifled a yawn as she teetered and tottered down the stairs to the floor below.

Once she managed her way down, Mikan followed the directions she'd mentally inscribed into her brain with a lot of effort. Go down hall, turn left, turn right at the suit of armor, left, left, right, and stop at the door across from the window with a porcelain penguin sitting in the sill.

Once she reached this door, she turned the nob and poked her head in. The room was as it had been every morning; marble fire place crackling with flames, chairs of different sorts and sizes lining the walls, oaken table sitting sturdily center room.

It was also filled with the usual people. Anna and Nonoko were explaining the tempting-looking dishes that graced the table. Kitsu, Yuu, and Koko munched hungrily on the dishes, the brothers flicking remnants from their plates at each other and at the peaceful squire. Hotaru read a book and Ruka attempted to read over her shoulder, but by his expression, one could assume the topic was either difficult or stressing. Aoi sat in floor by the hearth, holding Bear by one paw and turning him as though it was a twirl in a dance. Bear allowed the princess's actions, but he dragged his feet. Sumire had her head down on the table, deaf to the world. Natsume was layed out on a futon, hands behind his head, staring at the ceiling.

Mikan felt her heart skip a beat, but then everything was consumed by the thought of food as the delectable scent of spices reached her, and the traitor known as her stomach gave a mighty growl. Heads turned to look at her, smiles breaking out across the room.

"Big Sister Mikan!" cried Aoi, shooting up from the floor and launching herself at the brunette. Bear took this chance to sprint under the tablecloth and hide. Anna and Nonoko of course went along with their decided routine of settling Mikan into a seat (Aoi helped herself onto Mikan's lap) and preparing her a meal to silence her stomach. Mikan spooned some delicious porridge into her mouth, savored the taste, and then shared with a certain ruby-eyed princess. The others engaged her in conversation, mainly as to how she spent the night. This led to her giving a quick mention of a few of her dance partners, Sumire and Koko both turning away (they knew Mikan and Natsume had seen their… dealings), and the feeling of Natsume's penetrating gaze locked onto her back. Darn, she'd been half-hoping he'd forget about last night's proceedings since he was most likely drunk.

Mikan was half-way done with her bowl when the doors opened once more. Misaki entered first, dragging her husband by the hand and then followed by Shizune, Subaru, Rei, Nobara, and finally a pouting Tono, glaring jealously at the interlocked fingers of the couples before him.

"Misaki? What's going on?" asked Hotaru, standing. Misaki, in response, beamed at her.

"Nothing's wrong, but I knew you guys would be here, and I need all of you guys," she gestured to the original occupants of the room and the ones she brought with her. "Because of something important!"

With haste, she shot around the room, pushing people into seats by their shoulders. As she did so, shouts of congratulations went out to the newlyweds, who were going to leave for a small island off the coast for a honeymoon the next day, and two the new fiancés.

Once Misaki had all seated, she stood in the middle of the room and beamed even more. She turned in a circle, absorbing all of her comrades' confused expressions. Taking a deep breath, she spoke.

"I have big news. I'm… pregnant!"

Cheers echoed, and Tsubasa shot out of his chair, grabbed his wife, and lifted her high in the air, spinning around. She laughed, and his grin was from ear to ear. Then, as if realizing something, he set her down in a chair, insisting she rest in her new 'fragile condition'.

As everyone clapped and praised, Mikan sat in her seat, Aoi on her lap, smiled, and looked around. Shizune's sharp eyes landed on the brunette.

"What is it, Mikan?"

"Uh, well," Mikan started. She had a sinking feeling humiliation was about to crash down on her. "What… does that mean?"

The room went silent, and perhaps it was just Mikan's imagination, but her question seemed to echo off the walls. Everyone looked at her, stunned, except for Aoi, who had her same dumb-founded look. The silence was broken by the dull crack of Sumire smacking her own forehead. Some people laughed, others on the verge.

"It means I'm with child," explained Misaki gently.

"Then where is the child?"

"Uh… In… here?" Misaki pointed towards her stomach.

"How did it get in there?!" Mikan gasped. "You didn't eat a child, did you?! I know I don't know much about the world but-"

"Big Sister Misaki?!" cried Aoi at the same time, eyes wide. Misaki waved her hands wildly.

"Nonononononononononono!" yelled Misaki. "It's not like that! I… I…"

"Perhaps a demonstration is in order," rumbled Natsume, giving Mikan a look that had a few laughing, and the rest glaring at him.

"What's that mean?" asked Mikan. Natsume had opened his mouth to reply when Hotaru, who had stood without anyone noticing, grabbed Mikan by the arm, and marched her out the door. The other women followed. Aoi attempted to trail after them, but was sent away with "when you're older."

And thus, the males were left to give each other knowing looks. And the singular princess was left to pout and ponder.

….

After some time, perhaps half an hour, the door creaked open. The girls all filed in and sat back in their seats. All except Mikan, who entered last, stalked across the room with a scowl and red cheeks, and stopped right before Natsume. The reclined prince raised an eyebrow.

"A demonstration, huh?" growled Mikan before slapping Natsume across the face. "Pervert!"

For a moment, Natsume merely stilled, head turned in the position the blow had directed it, eyes wide, cheek reddening from impact. However, once his friends and family began to chuckle, he stood up and clenched his fists.

"What the hell, Polka?! What makes you think you can keep slapping me?!" he barked. Yet his yell did nothing, as Mikan had already turned and was stomping out the door. He stalked after her, glaring venomously at her back. He heard several voices as he caught the door she'd attempted to slam shut.

"I can't believe she actually did that!"

"I thought you guys were exaggerating when you said she slaps him, but that…"

"I am so happy I got to see that!"

"It never gets old."

"Big Sister Mikan really is the coolest!"

He slammed the door shut.

…..

Mikan was huffing and puffing her way down the hall. The girls had explained the bees and the birds (The birds and the bees?) to her and now she could not believe Natsume's rude joke. That was so… Her cheeks got even redder.

She was climbing the stairs and was almost to the floor her room was on when she heard the clack of footsteps behind her. She glanced over her shoulder.

"Leave me alone, Pervert!"

"Not until you ask forgiveness, Polka!"

"For what?! YOU are the one that made that awful joke at my expense!"

"So what?"

"You…you…you stupid, idiotic, perverted, narcissistic…" She was in the hall of bedroom doors now. "Arrogant, vain, pretentious-"

"Excuse me Mikan?" said a voice behind her, making her yelp and jump. Whipping around, Narumi's beaming smile entered her view. "While it is extremely entertaining to watch you tell our prince the truth, I was sent to get you. Your uncle and cousin have arrived. I suggest you, um, get dressed."

Mikan paused for a moment before giving a nod. She disappeared into her room. Before she shut the door, she heard the rumble of voices as Narumi and Natsume spoke quietly to each other.

Once the closed door cut off the voices, Mikan gave out a great sigh. Little butterflies, ones that had been dormant cocoons before her only family were here, flapped resiliently in her insides. She shuffled over to the wardrobe and browsed her options; she wanted to make a good first impression. The fabrics were all lovely colored, so she chose one at random; it was a yellow sundress. She slipped off her nightgown and replaced it with the garb. The sleeves bunched up and ended at her elbows. A purposefully sloppy bow of the same material of the dress drooped on the neckline. A ribbon, sewed in place so it did not have to be tied into a bow, tightened the dress around her waist, and left the skirt to flow down to her ankles. She rarely wore shoes, and she didn't now. She examined herself in the mirror set in the door of her wardrobe. The main thing she didn't like about the image was the mange that was her hair. It just didn't go with the elegance of the dress; not, as Natsume or Hotaru would point out, that she herself was elegant. She could undo the twin braids and redo her usual singular one, but that would take too long. She could undo them and then just stuff her hair into a bag as she usually did as well, but she didn't want to wear the bulky bag to the meeting. Instead, she opted for taking out the long hair ribbons Sumire had bought for her in town. She chose the ones that most closely resembled the color of her dress and bound up her locks in a criss-cross pattern. When she was finished her braids were still a little rumpled, but less so.

Bracing herself, she opened the door. Narumi gave her a once over and a "how lovely". Natsume, on the other hand, took his time in observing her from bottom to top. Once he was finished, he tried to meet her gaze; she avoided his.

With an encouraging grin, Narumi placed a gentle hand on her back to lead her back towards the stairs.

As she preceded Narumi at the steps, she dared a glimpse over her shoulder; Natsume watched her walk away.

….

Narumi led her to a set of wooden doors, and pushed one open with very little ceremony. Apparently, he dealed with intense situations by acting like they weren't intense in the least.

"I've brought her! My gosh! I caught her in the middle of a very interesting conversation!"

The three men that had already been in the room turned to her. One was the king, with a happy smile gracing his features. The other two were strange to her. The older of the two had blond hair and blue eyes, and wore a uniform adorned with medals and ribbons of honor. The younger looked just a little older than her, with blond hair, but brown eyes.

"Mikan, this is your Uncle Kazumi Yukihara, and his son, your cousin, Kaname," introduced Ioran. He stood up from his chair (he'd been the only one sitting) and strode to the door. "I'll leave you alone, then."

The click of the shutting door echoed across the stone room. Mikan felt very awkward, but then she'd been feeling awkward all too often since her origins had come to light. She saw Kaname shrug his shoulders before giving a grin, striding over to her, and wrapping his arms around her in a great big hug.

"It's nice to meet you, Mikan!"

Mikan felt very small; he was very tall, and she was considered quite short. After a moment, she smiled, which he couldn't see, and returned his hug.

"It's nice to meet you, too!"

After that, the ice was broken. They all sat down, and Mikan basked in the familial love she'd gone so long without. Her uncle and cousin were so kind and caring, and she instantly felt comfortable in their presence. Kazumi informed her that he was working on getting the papers to become her official guardian, which would basically mean he'd be adopting her. Kaname promptly chimed in about being happy to have a new little sister to spoil, baby, and protect.

And Mikan agreed how wonderful it would be, the butterflies flying away.

….

After some time, Kazumi left, saying he had important business to attend to. Kaname and Mikan decided go back to the parlor where the gang had been that morning. Sure enough, they were still there, apparently waiting for Mikan. Natsume was there, and so she assumed he had told them where she'd gone.

Upon entering, Mikan was tackled to the ground by her more affectionate friends. They all asked her questions, but silence made its appearance as all eyes fell upon Kaname. Tsubasa shot up from his chair and threw an arm around Kaname's shoulder's.

"Kaname! It's been forever! I see you met little Mikan!"

Similar phrases went around, and Mikan was too surprised to speak. Of course, she eventually did.

"You guys know Kaname?"

"Yup! He's my best friend and was my best man!" explained Tsubasa. "I knew when I heard you were a Yukihara that he was your cousin, but I figured I should just let you meet him yourself."

"Gosh, Mikan. Your cousin is hot," called Sumire, no hint of shame in her voice. She saw Kaname blush, and out of the corner of her eye, she thought she saw Koko's usual grin waver.

….

A celebration had broken out in the parlor to honor Kaname's return and Mikan's new family. It started with fantastic food and games, and then when Aoi, Yoichi (whom Aoi had dragged into the parlor), and Bear had gone to bed, some alcohol had been brought into the equation. Mikan did not partake in it.

As the night progressed, people began to slip away. When about half the original partiers were

gone, Mikan dismissed herself, ignoring the jeers to her exit. She was almost to the door when…

"I'm gonna go, too."

Mikan looked over her shoulder slowly, dread creeping up her spine.

"Are you sure, Natsume?"

"Hn."

Natsume was now walking towards the door. A burst of energy sent Mikan through the door and down the hall in a matter of seconds. She was race-walking and nearly to the stairs when a steel grip on her collar brought her to a dead stop.

"Not so fast, Polka."

"Let me go!" she growled at him, still dangling by the collar, swinging her arms around. The prince rolled his eyes, but complied. After that, they walked side by side towards the stairs.

"Are you going to beg for forgiveness?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"For what?"

"For slapping me, idiot Polka. And for that line of childish insults."

"I'm not apologizing! You should be apologizing to me!"

"Not gonna happen. You were clearly overreacting."

"You frustrating little…"

"I'm not the little one here, Shorty."

"But you are the stupid perverted one."

They had climbed the stairs and reached their floor.

"There is another way you can make it up to me," mused Natsume.

"And what, pray tell, is that?" inquired Mikan suspicious. She reached her door and opened it. Her nerves were on edge, and the butterflies from earlier apparently had cousins of their own. She was about to walk into the room when Natsume grabbed her by the shoulders. His intense scarlet orbs bore into her own hazel.

"I have not had any alcohol," he said slowly, as if talking to a child. "I am not drunk."

And then he kissed her. It was short and sweet, yet filled with enough longing to make it feel like their own personal eternity. When he broke away, Natsume backed out of the entry way and shut the door.

Mikan was left, shell-shocked, to replay the moment in her head. And, of course, to feel her heartbeat as it slowed from its chaotic panic.

….

Mikan had taken a bath that night, and this morning she decided to dawn the pink dress, freshly washed, that Hotaru had given her back in camp. She'd also gone ahead and redone her hair into its usual long singular braid.

Subaru and Shizune had said their goodbyes last night, and were no doubt already on their honeymoon. She made that a mental note of that as she made her way to the parlor. Basically, she tried to think of anything but Natsume; she had no idea how she was going to face him again.

But she had no choice. As soon as she opened the door, the first figure to greet her vision was, obviously since fate hated her at that moment, Natsume. She braced herself for insults or… whatever it was he did to her that made her heart have a tantrum.

However, the eerie quiet and depressing atmosphere threw her off, and keep in mind, she wasn't usually the most observant.

"What's wrong?"

She scanned the faces of her friends, and found bitter resignation and sadness displayed plainly. Natsume finally spoke.

"We're moving out."

A sinking feeling entered her.

"You…You mean we're going to start camping again? That's not too bad."

"No, Mikan," sighed Tsubasa. "He means that you girls and children will stay here while the men go off to fight a battle against Easpia."

A hollow pang through her heart.

"How long?"

"A month at the least, over a year at the most, and then we'll be back," explained Ruka.

"Provided we aren't killed," muttered Natsume. Koko hit the back of his head and, surprisingly, wasn't hit back. Natsume didn't fight back. This was really happening.

"When do you leave?"

"Tomorrow."

Author's Notes:

I'm not dead! I think. Maybe. If so, the cause of death is homework, so much homework. Sorry. I'll try to update more now that I'm a little bit more used to the school pace. Until next time.