A/N: I don't own Alice Gakuen.

Time
(play Lana Del Rey's Old Money while reading this...)


A few months later…

It was a beautiful afternoon in Whitehall; the early autumn sun glistened the white stone street's of Z's capital perfectly, casting a golden, crisp glow. The trees still clung onto summer, a brilliant green, and the air was still warm and sweet. Natsume was stunned at the prettiness of his hometown as he looked outside the taxi-vehicle's window, taking everything in. Everything was so picturesque; the gleaming shop windows that boasted lavish clothes and food; the bustling cafes filled with laughter; families walking their pet dogs, the men in suits and the women in attractive dresses.

Whitehall was thriving, basking in riches of the post-war economic boom. Vehicles drove on every street; the trams were all clamouring, on schedule, with people getting on and off in perfect sync. Clearly, the spirit of victory still lingered in these streets; he had even seen some men still donning their military uniforms walking with their heads held high, as passing children and women gazed at them with keen admiration.

He had not seen Whitehall in years. New tall buildings, new shops, new faces - everything was so new and vibrant here. He could not believe that the Whitehall he saw before him was even better than the one his memory had preserved.

The war had ended six months ago. Soldiers were still trickling in and out of Z-occupied Alicea, but by this time, most of them had been sent home to see their families. Their jobs, however, were not done yet: a lot still needed to be done in Alicea. And a month ago, Natsume too received word from Lieutenant General Narumi, telling him that he was allowed leave to see his family.

Natsume felt his heartbeat quicken. He smoothed his hair down. He was close. He knew this street very well. This corner was where he used to meet up with Luca as a child, so that they could walk to school together.

"It's the next house down," Natsume instructed the driver.

His family home looked so big to him now. It really was picture perfect. He got out the vehicle, and just looked up at it, marveling at its splendour. Tasteful, simple yet grand, white with a lovely green lawn decorated with flowers.

This was where he had grown up. Thinking that made his heart ache. Nostalgia was so powerful.

Natsume was gathering all his belongings together when he heard his little sister calling his name.

He turned around to see Aoi running down the stone path, barefooted in a flowing yellow dress. He moved to her too; he opened the white gates and met her halfway. She flew into his arms, and he embraced her tightly. She had grown; she was taller and her hair was long too.

He could not believe how beautiful his little sister had become.

She cried, clutching him tightly.

"Do you know how long I've waited for this day?"

"I'm here now, Aoi," he reassured her, "I'm here."

He saw his parents standing at their front door. They both looked older than he remembered. His mother was crying. His father had an arm around her, but his eyes were firmly on Natsume. They were kind, shining with pure relief.

With Aoi welcomingly holding his hand, they walked back up the stone path, so he could finally greet his parents.

"Welcome back, Natsume," his father smiled, "welcome back, son."


His mother had organised a late garden lunch for the family: she had made quiches, salads, fruit bowls; she had roasted a whole chicken with potatoes and baked a salmon pie. Aoi said she had made them strawberry tarts for dessert.

"I know that's your favourite," she proudly said, as she poured Natsume a glass of chilled white wine.

"We will enjoy it after lunch with some coffee, dear," their mother said. She looked at Natsume and reached over to hold his cheek, "Eat up, darling. You're looking thin."

And so, lunch in the garden begun. It was a perfect day to eat outside.

Natsume had not seen this much food in a long time. Food in Alicea was still scarce with rationing still in place.

"How many more months will you be stationed in Alicea?" his father asked.

"Honey, let's not talk about that," his mother gently said.

"I want to know when I'll have my son back, here. Is that so wrong of me?" His father insisted, his voice firm but warm. "Your superior, Lieutenant General Narumi informed us that you are overseeing the peace in a small town in Western Alicea. Well? We've been at peace for six months now. Surely they don't need you there anymore?"

The bees were buzzing in the garden. Natsume saw a small headstone in the corner, knowing it to be his dog, Pochi's. The sun was warm on his back. He wiped his mouth with a napkin before he spoke.

It was time to tell his family everything.

"They don't need me anymore. I am as good as dismissed." Natsume revealed. "My time in the army has come to an end."

His parents first look surprised, then elated.

"Oh, honey! That's wonderful! We can prepare your room straight away! Or, would you rather us buy you a flat in the centre of town? After all, you're turning 28 this year!"

"Yes, yes; a young man like Natsume should live alone," his father agreed, "It's time for you to think about going back to work and—"

"Mum, dad," Aoi made a face, "Natsume has only been back an hour! He doesn't want to think about the next step," she turned to him, "do you? I'm sure you just want to rest."

Their parents, who wanted nothing but to be good parents to make up for the past, took Aoi's words very seriously.

"Yes, of course, you're right," Kaoru nodded, settling down; she then took Natsume's hand and squeezed it. "Rest. Yes. That's right."

Ioran concurred. "You're home now. You can rest as much as you need to."

Aoi rolled her eyes, but she smiled affectionately. She knew her parents were trying their best. They had been so anxious and excited for this day since they were informed of Natsume's impending return a month ago. Kaoru had hired cleaners to polish all the silver in the house; Ioran went out to the shops himself to help his wife pick out the best wines for his son and asked Aoi which tie she liked best. He was wearing the tie she picked out today.

Natsume appreciated his family's concern, but their words, his nerves came. He breathed as steadily as he could. He knew this was the moment to tell the truth to his family.

"Mother, father, Aoi..." he looked to each of them, "I'm not coming back. At least, not for a while."

"Oh..." his mother's expression turned from sad to bewildered. "But I thought you said that you were dismissed."

"I am." He let go of his mother's hand. Now, his hand searched his pocket. He pulled out a photograph. "I'm choosing to stay in Alicea for the foreseeable future."

"Why?" his father asked, "What could possibly keep you there? I hear it's desolate."

Natsume put down the photograph on the white tablecloth. The bright sun reflected the white borders of the black and white photograph. Squinting, his family peered over to see it. They saw their son standing with a woman; she was very beautiful, with large, kind eyes, and in her arms, she held a baby.

"That's our first family photo," Natsume softly said, his voice quivering with emotion, "That's my wife and son."

Kaoru cupped her mouth, and to everyone's surprise, she shrieked in pure joy.

"Natsume! You're married! Ah, thank the Heavens!" She clapped joyfully, "Married! My son! Married! And with a child!"

His mother had not quite understood. His father, however, understood straight away.

Aoi picked up the photo to inspect it closer. She saw Natsume's stone around the woman's neck, dangling as a necklace. Feeling happiness and peace spread outwards from her heart, she looked at her brother.

"Congratulations, Natsume!" She was shocked, of course, especially to know that she was now an aunt to a sweet, sweet boy. She leaned over to hug her brother. She planted a kiss on his cheek, before pressing her cheek against his. Together, they looked down at the photo.

Natsume was smiling at the photo too, so proud of his little family.

"She's beautiful, Natsume," Aoi said, her finger tracing Mikan's form. "And my nephew is already the sweetest child I have ever laid my eyes upon! I can't believe that you are a father now!"

"What's his name?" Kaoru asked, her voice brimming with unbridled pride and joy. She stood up from her seat so she could stand beside Natsume to see the photograph again. "What's your wife's name? Do I know her mother? I must say, she is a lovely, lovely sight. Such prettiness. You compliment each other so well."

Ioran had finished collecting his thoughts. Finally, he spoke, interrupting the happy chatter. "She is Alicean?"

At those words, his mother's smile froze. She looked to her son, waiting for him to contradict his father, but when he did not, her smile faltered. Slowly, she returned to seat and sat down, completely subdued.

Their son had married an Alicean woman? Was that even legal? Wasn't there a law to prevent such unions?

"Yes," Natsume said. "Her name is Mikan, and she is Alicean by birth."

Aoi held onto Natsume's hand. He could feel her support in her tight grip.

He waited for his parents to speak. But they did not; this news completely and utterly silenced them. But Natsume saw that this was not like the shock displayed by Mikan's friends. There was no anger; just pure disbelief.

Natsume now supplied them with more information. "Early last year, I was reported to be missing."

His parents nodded, gravely. They remembered those dark, dark days very well; those days that they thought their son to be dead.

"I was injured very badly. I was shot twice, and I fell. I was fatally injured in enemy territory. If it weren't for Mikan, I wouldn't be here today."

Aoi had brought her free hand to her mouth. She was terrified to hear how her brother, her most favourite person in the world, had been so close to death. His family had not been informed of the details of Natsume's disappearance, and here, in the family's garden, Natsume was revealing the true nature of his disappearance.

"She saved my life, knowing that I was a Z. She kept me safe in her house. She let me eat her share of food. She called a doctor to treat me. She risked everything for me, and she also gave me everything." Natsume looked to his parents, trying to convey the sincerity of his feelings towards this Alicean woman. "She means more to me than you would ever know."

"She's a hero," Aoi softly said, stroking her brother's shaking hands, "she brought you back to us."

And to his great surprise, his parents voiced the same words of gratitude and true thanks. For so many months, to so many people, Natsume had had to justify his relationship with Mikan... but here his family was, accepting it far, far quicker than he could have ever anticipated. He always believed and had faith that Aoi would let Mikan and their son into her heart very easily... but he had not expected his parents to be so accommodating.

He had envisioned this moment many times these past few months. Part of him thought his mother would leave and refuse to speak to him when he told her of Mikan. Another part of him thought his father would shout at him, telling him to throw away the "half-Lice" and abandon the Alicean witch.

And yet, no one at the table was throwing any derogatory terms. No one was accusing anyone of witchcraft. There was no shouting, no slamming, just gentle voices.

"She saved my son." Kaoru's words were strong and emotive, "That is enough for me. That is more than enough."

At his mother's words, unexpectedly, Natsume cried.

His family had not seen Natsume cry in decades.

"I'm sorry," Natsume apologised. He hid face in shame. He did his best to calm down, but so much catharsis was washing through him, making him choke. "I... I'm just so thankful that you are all so accepting."

"She is family." Kaoru reiterated kindly. "I don't care where she was born. She saved you. She saved my son, my boy."

Natsume nodded, his hand still covering his eyes. Aoi's arm encased her brother, and she hugged him.

"She's done so much for me," Natsume said, his voice shaking, "but I've only caused her so much pain."

He had not voiced out these fears for a few months. But now, with his parents and sister by his side, in their sunny, warm garden, his fears resurfaced and spilled, "Her parents disowned her because of me. Her parents then died in Hina."

"Oh, darling..." Kaoru sympathised. Everyone in Z had seen the pictures of the mushroom cloud. Most saw it as the symbol of peace, but others were terrified by its sheer explosive potential. "That is terribly cruel..."

"They never forgave her," he continued, doing his best to control his tears, "but she forgives me despite the role I played in the war, despite all my sins."

"Natsume, you're a war hero; don't say that—"

"How can I call myself that? When I'm responsible for so much misery in Alicea? I'm no hero, especially to her." Then, he admitted, "I care so deeply for her, and for our son, but I'm scared it's not enough. I'm terrified to think she might leave me one day."

She did not leave him after their son was born. Instead, she had asked him to stay by their side forever. She did not leave Kaname's house without him. Instead, together, they had left with their child, in search of a new home. She did not leave him the day the anti-miscegenation laws were lifted between Z and Alicea. Instead, she had married him the next day, in a small, rural registry in Alicea, with a bright smile and heartfelt vows. But how long would that last? What if she were to leave him tomorrow? In a year's time? In ten years' time? All because of his actions in the war?

Natsume's parents, who had never really had such a deep conversation with their son were at a loss. They did not know how to console their son; they did not know what the best thing to say in this situation would be. They struggled, looking to one another, but they were desperate to help and support their son as best as they could.

Aoi took charge. Aoi, after all, had been consoling Natsume for years now.

"She married you. Look at her!" She touched the photo. "Look at how she beams beside you! She stands so close to you, holding your child so proudly. And look at you! I have never seen that expression on you before." Her grip on his shoulders tightened as she felt him shake with silent cries.

He looked again at the photo. He saw Mikan's smile and their baby's round, lovely cheeks.

"I did not intend on crying," Natsume apologised.

Ioran now took the photograph in his hand. He took his glasses out of his pocket, so to get a clearer look. He smiled; Aoi was right, Natsume had never looked so content.

"I cannot speak for her," Ioran finally spoke, "for I did not lose any family members in this war, nor did my country lose. Our situation with your wife could not be any more different. But I am sure that if you continue to make her feel the way she did the moment this photograph was taken," he smiled to look at his son, "you will both be alright. More than alright, for look how proudly she wears your stone around her neck. It is no burden to her."

At the mention of Natsume's stone, Kaoru stood up beside her husband to see for herself. She spotted it quickly, and her heart rejoiced. To think that Natsume had found someone so important to him made her so proud as a mother and so thankful for her daughter-in-law for drawing such selfless tenderness out of her son.

"Thank you, father," Natsume meant it. Those were the words that he so desperately needed to hear.

"He has your eyes," Kaoru softly said, looking at her grandson.

"They are yours," Natsume corrected. "He is a quiet child. He hardly cries."

"Then he truly is your image," Kaoru said, "for you also did not cry. You," she turned to Aoi, "on the other hand, cried the house down every night."

Aoi pouted.

"When will we all meet?"

He could not answer his mother's request immediately. He hesitated, before he explained, "Mikan is not ready to come to Z yet. It will take time."

"Well, we can always come to visit—"

"Kaoru, no," Ioran gently interrupted, shaking his head, "she is not ready to meet us."

At first, this seemed to annoy Kaoru Hyuuga. After all, she wanted to meet her grandson just as any other grandmother would. But she remembered Natsume's words; how her family had perished in Hina in the last days of the Great War. Her grandson only had her and Ioran as grandparents. This little boy would never know his grandparents on his mother's side.

"I understand," Kaoru conceded. "And Natsume... I know that I was not the best mother to you growing up. But I promise to be the best grandmother."

He did not deny her words concerning the past, instead, he thanked her for her future efforts. "That means a lot to me."

"For me too," Aoi agreed, patting her mother's hand appreciatively.

"What is his name?" Ioran asked.

"Ren." Natsume revealed, smiling. "It's her grandfather's name."

"Baby Ren," Aoi cooed, "my sweet little nephew."

"Ren Hyuuga," Natsume announced proudly. "Mikan said that I can bring him along next time I visit."

This news excited the whole family.

So many questions ran through Kaoru's mind. Was Ren vaccinated? Where did they plan to send him to school? Where was her son living in Alicea? Would it not be best for them to move to Z at some point? But for once, Kaoru did not voice out all her questions; she kept them to herself, knowing that there there was no need to fret and rush. Ren was still only a baby. Natsume's wife needed more time to heal.

She decided to focus on things that she could contribute to now rather than the questions the future posed.

"We can go into town and buy Ren some clothes. Winter will come. We can also buy things for your wife. I see that you both are not wearing rings yet," her eyes did not miss anything from that photograph, "we can amend that."

"I'm meeting Luca in town at five o'clock," Natsume said.

"We can all leave for town after lunch, and leave you with Luca at five," his mother suggested.

"A family outing!" Aoi gushed, excited, "I want to buy things for my sister and nephew too!"

Ioran looked at Natsume. His eyes silently asked whether this was okay. Natsume signaled it was. It was more than okay. He could not remember the last time their family had all gone out together. This was all he had wanted as a child. He was more than glad. He too also wanted to buy things for his little lovely family. He wanted to spoil them, drown them in love and riches.

"Before I forget," Natsume pulled a small paper bag from his pocket, "These are for you, mother, Aoi," he opened the bag and pulled out two delicate hairpins, "they are from Mikan."

Gently, Aoi picked up on up and held it to the sun. "It's gorgeous... so intricate... I want this one!"

"It's like the one she wears," Kaoru noted, referring again to the photograph.

"Her mother made them. Mikan gave me three when I first left her. I gave one back to her when I reunited with her, and these two are for you." Natsume explained, admiring Aoi, who posed with the hairpin glistening in her black hair. "They are the only items left of her mother's."

Aoi took it out of her hair and placed it on her palm. "It's so precious."

"Please thank her for us. They are beautiful. We will treasure them."

Aoi agreed with her mother's heartfelt gratitude, and took Natsume's hand again.

"Let's continue eating," Ioran said, taking his seat. "We have a lot to do today."

"And tell us more!" Aoi asked of her brother, "Tell us all you can,"

And so, in the warm garden, they ate and spoke. It was impossible for each of them to divulge exactly what they had all been through these last few years, but they shared as much as they could, richly, shining light on the past.

Some details Natsume kept to himself. He did not want them to see any more hurt. Such as how it hurt him the way Mikan's friends refused to acknowledge him; how a little boy, Youichi's, continued refusal to look at him broke his heart to this day; how he felt guilty for having Mikan, knowing that he was responsible for her ostracization.

He tried his best to focus only on the good. And that wasn't too hard. After all, he was blessed to have a loving wife and a healthy son, both who provided so, so any wonders in his life. He would not trade them for anything in the universe.


The Huntington Society was an exclusive, high-end bar reserved for those in the upper echelon of Whitehall's society. Natsume's father was a longstanding member there, as were all of his friends' fathers. As teenagers, Natsume and his friends had often frequented this place, being the only place that would serve minors alcohol. Here, status often overrode laws.

Natsume had not been here in years. It was completely untouched by the war: everything, including the owner, was exactly the same.

Natsume and his friends had always sat in the alcove corner. And there, sitting in that same corner, he saw Luca.

He walked over, and Luca soon spotted him. Luca stood to embrace his best friend. They had not seen each other since Natsume left headquarters, just before the atomic bomb was dropped in Hina. He had conversed with his friends, and even with Narumi since, so they were up to date with each other's lives. Luca knew that Natsume was now a married man and a father to a healthy boy. But this was the first time they had seen each other in six months, and the first time Luca congratulated his best friend in person.

"I'm sorry I'm late. I was shopping with my family,"

"That's nice. How are they?"

They took their seats. Natsume told Luca everything that had happened at lunch. Luca was relieved, and also happy to see that Natsume looked pleased with how everything had unfolded.

"I'm so glad that they were so understanding," Luca said, "that bodes very well for you both."

"I was surprised too," Natsume admitted, "I did not expect it. But I think I also now realise that my family have the privilege of having enough space in their hearts to accept and forgive."

"What do you mean?"

"We won. Z won the war. Now, we only speak of peace. Things are not the same in Alicea. After all, peace is not in their favour, or on their terms."

"Ah." Luca understood and sighed deeply. "I suppose it's easy for us to now say that we should all get along. It's not so easy for Alicea to do so."

Natsume nodded gravely.

Luca worried for his friend now. "Are you alright? In Alicea?"

Luca had not said it to his friend, but he hoped that Natsume would move to Z with his wife and child soon. Having only left Alicea two months ago, he had witnessed Alicea's poverty-stricken situation first hand. It was in ruins, shackled with the chains of oppressive resentment. He was not sure if it was the best place for Natsume and his young family to be.

"We're fine," Natsume assured his best friend, "but I do admit, I was shocked to see how big the houses here are. I even forgot how spacious my own was. It's so different. Our home," he meant the one he shared with Mikan, "is small and modest, remotely situated. It could not be any more different to this," he motioned to their surroundings, and then commented, "This place hasn't changed one bit."

This made Luca smile.

"All we need is Koko to order us a bottle of whiskey and it'll be no different to old times."

"How is Koko?"

"He's still in Alicea,"

"And the woman?"

The woman, Koko's unrequited love, the mysterious dancing woman.

"Vanished." Luca said. "No trace."

The two best friends quietly mourned for their friend, wishing for his safe return, and hoped with all their hearts that he would not do anything reckless.

"The others? Last I heard, Mochu is due to come back in November?"

"Yes," Luca confirmed, "I think everyone will return around then. Before December, at any rate. I was only dismissed early because of my injury."

"How is your leg?"

"Fine," Luca easily said, "I was lucky."

"We all were. Aoi told me that most of the men in her university class died," Natsume despondently revealed. "That could have very easily been any of us. We're no different to any of them."

"Chance. That's all it's down to."

Natsume murmured in agreement.

"Did you hear that the President is throwing Persona a congratulatory ceremony in December?"

Natsume shook his head in disgust. He despised that man and hoped that he would never see him again.

"He'll be hailed as a hero of Z in all the history books," Natsume muttered scathingly, before swearing unkindly swearing, "Fucking prick."

"I'm just glad that he never came for you," Luca sincerely said.

"He's too busy as Alicea's figurehead hero now. He has no time for little old me." Natsume exhaled, doing his best to dispel his hatred for Persona in that moment. He tried to focus on better things, which reminded him—"Oh, Luca! I have something to show you,"

Luca eagerly waited as Natsume rifled through his jacket pocket. He pulled out a photograph before showing it to him proudly.

"That's Mikan and Ren!" His voice could not be any more different to a second ago; his tone was light and full of paternal pride. "See? That's her! And this is our child,"

"Move, I can't see," Luca laughed, swatting Natsume's eager fingers away. He looked carefully at the woman who had saved his best friend in more ways than one, and then looked to the product of their love. It was deeply satisfying to finally put a face to the names, and what lovely faces they were. This little family seemed so happy and content, completely impervious to the scars the war had left.

"She's a real beauty," Luca said, "totally your type. Mochu would pay good money to see this."

Natsume did not deny these words, but rather, he encouraged them. "I know. And our son too, right?"

"Yes, Natsume," Luca agreed mirthfully, but he was completely sincere. Natsume and his little family were a sight for sore eyes. "I have gifts for your wife and child. I'll bring them to your house tomorrow."

"That's good. My mother and sister want to see you." Natsume thanked his friend for his kindness. "I'm sure she'll like your gift. I'm going to return with so much for them. I even bought her a ring! I'll show you tomorrow," he could not contain the excitement in his voice. "I hope you can meet them soon."

"Me too, Natsume. I look forward to it."

"I want to invite you to ours. It's not much, but somehow it's enough."

"One day," Luca promised.

"When she's ready."


Natsume ate dinner with Luca before returning back to his parent's house, around ten o'clock. He was surprised to see that people were still out on the streets, enjoying themselves, so late at night. In Alicea, after sunset, the streets echoed with total silence. But this didn't bother him; after all, his nights in Alicea were spent inside with Mikan and Ren, and night-time was usually his most intimate time with his wife.

He missed her very much. He had only been apart from her a day, but he felt that familiar ache in his chest. Now, he could not fathom had he had been apart from her for so long during the war. He hoped she was alright and that Ren was well. He was sure that they were. She had told him that her friends would visit her in his absence. Of course, it hurt to think that they only appeared when he was not there, but he understood why. He understood that he needed to disappear for Mikan and Ren to see her friends. He hoped that things would be different one day.

He was in the kitchen, pouring himself a glass of water, when his father appeared.

"Did I wake you?"

"No, I was in the study. Natsume," his father beckoned to his son, "let's talk."

As a child, Ioran Hyuuga had often brought Natsume to his study to reprimand him. He remembered at eight, his father had scolded him for his literature marks. And so, Natsume could not help but feel the same unease he did as he was a child as he walked with his father to the study. He closed the door behind them, and sat on the chair opposite his father's.

"I just wanted to say," his father begun, "how glad I am that you're back."

"Oh," Natsume was pleasantly surprised, his nerves dissipating, "Well, I'm sorry that I caused you distress with my disappearance."

"I'm also very happy that you've found a life partner, and that you have a family of your own."

"Yes. It's the best thing that's happened to me."

"I'm glad. I admit, I was shocked when you told first told us. And if I am perfectly honest, I am still in the midst of processing it."

Natsume hesitated before he said, "I know this isn't what you or mother wanted from me."

As a good son from a good family, Natsume knew exactly what his parents had wanted from him: have a respectful job, marry a woman of pedigree, live in an ostentatious house and have smart children who would carry on this elite tradition.

"But," Natsume continued, "I choose her. Every day, I'll choose her."

Ioran smiled. "She saved your life. That alone tells me she is far better than any of the silly women your mother wanted to you to marry."

"I do worry, though," Natsume now confessed, in the confines of his father's study, his voice trembling ever so slightly, "that when word gets out that I married an Alicean... I worry that society won't be so kind to you or mother. I'm worried it might even hurt Aoi's chances of marriage too."

"You're worried it will cause a scandal?"

Natsume nodded. "I won't be affected by it. I'll be in Alicea, none the wiser. But what if it hurts you?"

"Society always talk. And no doubt, for a few weeks, I am sure that you will be the hot topic of the season."

Natsume felt dejected. He could already hear the whispers in his mind. He did not care for his reputation, but he feared his family's name would be smeared by his marriage.

"But don't worry about us. Your mother has an army of women at her beck and call. They won't leave her for anything. Her only regret would be that she can't throw you a big party. And regarding Aoi," Ioran wryly smiled, "Something tells me that she won't marry conventionally either. I'm sure she'll welcome the scandal, as it will drive away any silly, empty-headed bachelor orbiting around her."

Natsume smiled, thinking of Aoi's brilliant defiance and clever mind.

"You don't need to worry about us. I just want you to focus on your family now, and provide for them as best as you can."

"I will," Natsume vowed.

In Whitehall, in Ioran's study, father and son spoke through the night.


Two weeks later, Natsume returned to Alicea with three, large new suitcases, all filled with gifts for his family.

His mother had cried when he left, but she consoled by his promise that he would next return with Ren. His father had bid him goodbye with a tight hug. Aoi had promised that she would write as often as she could.

Natsume stood in front of his home. It really was so small compared to his parents' place in Whitehall. But this was all he needed.

He opened the door and brought all the luggage in.

It smelt like home.

He took his shoes off and entered into the house, calling for Mikan.

There was no answer, but he heard Ren's babbling coming from their small living room.

"There you are!" Natsume cooed affectionately, his voice higher than usual as he found his sweet little boy in his cot. He picked him up, stretched his arms up high, so that Ren nearly touched the ceiling. Ren's babbling turned to giggling gurgles, and Natsume brought him down for a hug and kiss.

"You've grown," he said, as he held his baby, "you're heavier,"

Ren's small hands touched Natsume's face. Natsume kissed his cheeks again.

"I missed you," he stroked Ren's soft, brown hair, "Were you a good boy to your mother?" He then paused, and looked around the room to see if he had missed Mikan. She was not there. He called her name again.

There was no answer.

He clutched Ren closer to his chest.

Suddenly, that fear returned.

Had Mikan left him? Had she left Ren too? Had she left them both? Had she left Natsume the Z and Ren the half-Z?

His breathing felt constricted. It was fast and shallow as panic rose in him. His felt dizzy as faith melted from his heart.

But then—

"Natsume!"

Arms circled his back, and he felt kisses against his shirt, just below his shoulder. Mikan quickly swiveled around him, and presented herself in front of him and their son, smiling up at him, radiant as the sun.

"You're back!" She pulled his face down to kiss him on the cheek, making sure not to crush Ren. She then hugged him from the front, Ren comfortably encased between their embrace. "We missed you so much!"

Natsume breath returned. Feeling her warm hug, he took a deep breath and hugged her tightly, kissing the top of her head. His eyes were shut in silent prayer, a silent thanks to the gods.

She had not left him. She had stayed. She was here.

"Ren! You woke up from your nap to greet daddy," Mikan spoke to their son sweetly, and tapped her finger against his small noise. She faced Natsume once more, smiling brightly at him. "I was outside in the garden," She easily explained, "Our tomato plant is looking really good!"

Natsume brought her in for another hug.

She kissed his cheek.

It was okay. It was alright. She was here. She had not left him. And she won't leave you, his returned faith promised.

Her lips moved to his.

"I missed you," she said again, this time softly against his lips.

"I missed you too," Natsume replied, his free hand stroking her hair, "I missed you both so much."

Mikan kissed him again, planting quick successive kisses on his lips. It made him laugh. Satisfied, she kissed the corner of his lip and held her lips there before she took Ren from Natsume's arms.

"Did you hear that, Ren? Daddy missed us!"

"I also have a lot of gifts,"

Mikan looked to Ren and gasped, "Did you hear that, Ren? Daddy has presents!"

Natsume smiled and went to retrieve his bags.

"Oh, gods," Mikan could not believe what she saw, "did you raid an entire shop?"

Natsume grinned at her as he set the suitcases down. He sat on the floor, and Mikan joined him with Ren on her lap.

"How was your trip? How was your family?"

"Very pleasant," Natsume summarised before he clarified, "My family was well. My sister has grown a lot. I saw my best friend—Luca, I've told you about him," Mikan nodded, remembering, "He was well too. He sends his regards to you. Oh, and he also bought a lot of things for you and Ren. My family too. These are not all from me."

"For me too?" Mikan could not help the disbelieving wonder in her voice.

"Of course," he smiled gently at her.

Her eyes were wide with nervous anticipation.

"Really?"

"Come," he reached for her hand. He pulled his hand-luggage with his other hand, opening it to pull out a tiny box. "This will be your first gift. My mother and sister helped me pick this out for you."

He gave her a small box. She opened it and stared at the ring, speechless.

"But Natsume," she looked up at him, "I don't have one for you."

He plucked the gold ring from the box. It was a small red stone in the centre of it, to match her stone. He took her left hand and slid the ring on her finger effortlessly.

"Do you like it?"

"Very much," Mikan promised, admiring the prettiness. "But," she expression turned sad, "I don't have one for you."

"That's fine." He caressed her hand, also admiring the ring on her, "I don't mind."

"But I do... when I save some money, I—"

He interrupted her by bringing her hand to his lips and kissed it tenderly.

"You've already given me the best gift of all. I don't want you think about me. I've wanted to spoil you for months now, and today I finally can. My mother and sister thanks you for the hairpins too," her expression changed, and tears quickly rose, "they loved them. My sister wore it every day I was there."

"I'm glad," Mikan's voice was watery. She then gathered her courage and asked, "Was your family okay? With me? Please be honest."

Her eyes were wide, scared. He kissed her hand again.

"At first, they were all very surprised," Natsume honestly answered, "but it did not take more than a minute for them to accept you. I told them everything. They long to meet you and thank you in person."

Mikan had been anxious about Natsume's family for so long. And now, that tight knot in her stomach was finally loosening. She had been so worried for Natsume, terrified that they may react in the same way her parents had.

"Really?" Mikan could hardly believe the good news. "But why?"

"You saved my life. You gave me life too," Natsume motioned to little Ren, who was falling asleep. "What more reasons to do they need to love you? They were all so surprised to learn of my fatherhood." his tone was light with amusement, "I wish you were there to see their expressions."

"You left for the war as a young man, and came back as a father," Mikan understood, "of course they were surprised. Because despite all these years that have passed, you are still their little boy."

"And now we have a little boy of our own," Natsume turned his attention to his son. He leaned down to kiss those sweet cheeks again. Ren stirred in his sleep, making a cute sound. "I have enough clothes to last him a year."

"Thank you," Mikan was sincere. She looked again at her ring. She gazed back at her husband, whose attention stayed with little Ren. "Next time you go to Whitehall, you can take him with you." And one day, I'll go too.

"I really appreciate that, Mikan." He turned to look at her, "How were you? Was everything okay?"

"Yes," Mikan assured him, "Tsubasa came with Misaki to meet Ren. They fell in love with him. They also brought gifts - more toys made by Kaname."

"How were they?"

"Good. Tsubasa still lives with them in Karuiyaza. I think he'll stay with there. Anna contacted me too," Mikan continued, her voice purposefully airy and light, "she wanted to visit, but she's quite busy with Nonoko right now. They are searching for an old friend of ours," Sumire, who had gone missing, "Anna sends her regards."

Nonoko had reunited with her cousin soon after Alicea surrendered. Mikan had not seen her friends since. Natsume knew it was on his account. He knew that Anna was shielding Nonoko away from him, just as he knew Mikan downplayed how sad this probably made her feel. Anna had been with Mikan through everything: she was the one that had supported Mikan's pregnancy the most in his absence. She had helped Mikan with the birth of their child. But Natsume did not have the chance or opportunity of thanking Anna for everything, and apologising for everything too.

"And Youichi? Did he come?"

Mikan nodded, but kept her eyes on Ren.

"Yes. He came with Yuu, two days ago," Mikan replied, "He was very curious about Ren."

"Did you show him his room?"

Mikan finally looked to Natsume. He knew what her answer was just by her expression. She didn't need to say it; it was all on her face. "I did. I told him again that we wanted him to live with us and be a big brother to Ren. But Youichi is still scared. I don't know if he'll ever say yes."

At that last sentence, Mikan's voice was very quiet.

"The room is his if he ever wants it," Natsume said with determination. "One day I'll fix it."

Mikan agreed and smiled at her husband.

So much was still bruised in Alicea. Healing takes time.

Mikan had not heard from Subaru in months now. He had also left Karuiyaza, soon after delivering their child safely into the world. All he had left them were some ointments and tinctures, mostly for the baby's sake. Mikan was very grateful, but it pained her to think that her relationship with Subaru might have come to an end. She knew that he had left to search for Hotaru. Mikan longed desperately for her best friend too; before Alicea's surrender, Hotaru had disappeared along with some other high-ranking Alicean engineers. Mikan had faith that Hotaru was safe, in hiding, but it wrecked her heart to think that they would not see each other for years, until it was safe for Hotaru to emerge. On days where her faith thinned, she worried that she would find Hotaru's name in the newspaper, in an article detailing her trial and execution.

"Shall we open your gifts? I can make us some tea," Natsume suggested, standing up. He squeezed Mikan's shoulders affectionately as he passed her.

She thanked him when he brought a cup to her, and together, with their son sleeping peacefully by their sides, they unwrapped pretty gifts from Z. And in that moment, together, everything was perfect.


Later, in the evening, Mikan and Natsume embraced in their bed. Their naked skin touched under the covers, and Mikan traced his cheekbone gently as they looked to one another lovingly.

Loving each other was always so magical and invigorating. They made each other feel so alive, their skin sensitive to every little brush, touch and kiss.

In the comfort of their bed, cocooned by the night's peaceful blue, Natsume bared his heart open, confessing, "When I returned and I couldn't see you, I thought you left,"

"I know you thought that. I felt that fear when I touched you," Mikan gently said, pressing herself more closely to her husband.

"I'm sorry."

"Do you want to know something? I thought you would leave me too."

Natsume did not expect that. He stilled. "What? Really?"

"Yes. I thought you might not come back from Z. I thought you might stay in Whitehall and leave me, after seeing your family and the riches of Z."

He could not believe her words. "That's impossible. I thought of you always when I was in Z."

"Is that so absurd to you?"

"That I would leave you and Ren? Of course! I would never."

To his surprise, Mikan laughed. "It's the same for me too. To me, it's just as absurd that you think that I would ever leave you." Those words touched Natsume's heart. "We both fear just as much as each other, Natsume. After what we've been through, it's only natural. But what makes us special is that we always come back to each other, despite those fears."

He moved to kiss her deeply.

"You're right. You're always right."

"You taught me that," Mikan kindly told him and raised her head to kiss him back. "You proved it to me."

They were still young. They still had a lot to learn. There would be more trials in their life too. Nothing was certain. But with each other and from Ren's unblemished innocence, they had all the tools in the world to learn more lessons from the heart.

People will inevitably talk (they always do).

New wars will inevitably happen (they always do).

But in a world of cruel inevitables, Mikan and Natsume chose love, and would continue to choose so in their future together (and that's the only choice that really matters in the end).


A/N: And that's it! There is an epilogue left, but Mikan and Natsume's Resistance story has come to an end. I tried to tie everything together in this last chapter. I know some things are left hanging (will Hotaru ever return? Will any of Mikan's friends ever forgive Natsume? What happened to Sumire?) but that's just the nature of war. Not everyone has a happy ending, and some endings are lost in history. I will tie some more things up in the epilogue though! I haven't written it yet, but I'm really excited about it! Hopefully, it'll be up before May rolls in.

How are you all doing? Still staying at home, keeping sanitized and safe?

Thank you for all your reviews and suggestions, by the way! I appreciate them all.

xxFLaMiNG MiLCuTexx - Just wanted to say, I enjoyed Crash Landing Into You FAR too much! Did you spot the tomato plant in this chapter... homage to the cuties from that K-Drama! Thank you so much for the recommendation! I really enjoyed it (part of the reason why this update is late, as I was glued to my television watching it...)

Stay safe everyone!