Summary: AU They both wanted to adopt him—she, out of pity and he, for his own benefit, yet they refused to give the little kid up to each other. "Well, since you guys are totally attached to him anyway, why don't the three of you live together as a happy family?" Thus a complete trouble inside the house starts— an always-ecstatic mama Mikan, a killjoy papa Natsume, and a three-year-old Youichi completely amused at his new parents' 'relationship'. Oh boy.

Disclaimer: Do I have to repeat this over and over? I certainly do not and never will own Gakuen Alice. I own the story plot, but I give Higuchi Tachibana-sama the credits for making this anime though.

My Strange Family

House Rule 4: Listen When One Speaks

"Every child should have a caring adult in their lives. And that's not always a biological parent or family member. It may be a friend or neighbour. Often times it is a teacher."

-Joe Manchin

"One-two, one-two. Okay, that's right, now turn around! Yes, that's it! Shake your skimpy ass, in one-two, one-two-three…"

Natsume grunted and made faces at the sight of Mikan and Youichi following the dancing figure on the television, which never failed to disgust him ever since he had heard of that aerobics show from some of his friends—even from Ruka. The hell. Ruka, who, in junior and senior high, claimed that he'll never be a sissy, was discovered by him months ago doing some funny moves that resemble that of the television screen. At first, he was sure that his cousin was the one responsible for that, and it was true, since that was Ruka's form of punishment when he 'accidentally' stole Imai's underwear from her bedroom, but it turned out a shock for the crimson-eyed guy when he found out that Ruka had obliged to attend aerobics sessions frequently by himself, and as much as he wanted to laugh at his best friend's craziness, he still respected his decision of… putting that kind of dance under the list of his new definition of fun. On the other hand, the animal-loving boy's fun has always been categorized as something that Natsume would never dare to do.

"Natsume!" Mikan turned her back against the television and looked at Natsume whose face had rejected the idea of moving his lips upwards, giving an account for her to send him a sharp look. This is just an easy task, right? All he needed to do is to stand up, look at the television and follow the instructions the girl on the show is saying, but no. Her son's stupid father had to sit there and watch her and Youichi take all the credits for having a healthy body. It's not like he does not have that yet, but to spend this Sunday morning exercising with his family is just too much for him, especially, when he still lacks sleep because of last night's commotion. Their son, Youichi, just made the three of them sleep in one room—his room, and once an issue flared up again about who's gonna sleep on the floor and on the bed, they all ended up into a pillow fight, which had a very serious conclusion of Natsume having lack of sleep due to the last minute change of sleeping arrangement—the three of them in one bed. Ah, Youichi is really wild when sleeping.

Hyuuga Natsume lazily propped his legs on the table in front of him, just like what he usually does in his office, and decided to use the method of changing the television's channel in attempt to save his dear 'wife and son' from being an aerobics-maniac any further. But that's just a very wrong move, considering that Youichi has been specifically happy with stretching his tiny body and his wife was too engrossed with dancing with their little brat. Still, he didn't make a single move. There is not even a hint that he's gonna join the two of them anytime soon, and he never plans on joining anyway. Because like he said, what Ruka enjoys, he doesn't, and what he enjoys, no one does.

Seeing that Mikan and Youichi completely stopped from imitating the pose on the screen since he already changed the channel, the cryptic guy stared nonchalantly back at them, not minding that the two started to challenge him into a duel that involved their eyes. And she was the first one to break it.

"What are you doing Natsume?!" She screamed and marched towards him, eventually snatching the remote control from his hand, which she succeeded on doing. Youichi, on the other hand, raised his arms up and bent his small frame a little alternately to the right and left side while humming the tune of the alphabet song.

His parents are at it again, he thought. But scenes like these did not seriously bother him, because he knows that they were already bound to react to each other's moves and words that always send them to have another argument. Besides, they wouldn't be Sakura Mikan and Hyuuga Natsume who caught his interest if they aren't acting like that right? And it's true that he's very thankful that they are the ones who adopted him, because he had already anticipated that they will give him the entertainment that he needs—and wants. Youichi stepped his left foot away from his right, and he bent down to reach the floor with his palms. Ah, he never felt and experienced this new activity when he was still in the orphanage.

"You should join us, you know? And…" Mikan spoke while wiping her sweat from her forehead and arms with towel before continuing. "…it's Sunday! You don't have any paper works! Why don't you spend this lovely day enhancing your body instead?"

At the sound of that, Natsume scoffed.

"Trust me, there are better things to do in this 'lovely day' you're saying other than mimicking the old hag from the television." Natsume said and threw his head down on Mikan's lap, which she found really annoying. She wasn't used to these actions of Natsume yet, but for the sake of Youichi's smiling face—well, she figured that particular things like these always put a smile on his face—she agreed to her and Natsume's condition of acting sweet, along with the acceptance of carrying Natsume's surname and exchange of vows when they signed their marriage contract last week. It's a real contract, and not like the ones she sees in soap operas where two people act like they are totally crazy in love with each other when in reality, the only thing that they desire is to cause havoc at each other's lives. She and Natsume aren't like that completely, and although sometimes, they tend to be annoyed by each other's words and actions, they would always find a way for one of them to finally say 'touché' in the end. And guess what? It took days for her tongue to be familiarized with the word.

"And that would be?" She raised an eyebrow and turned off the television, waiting for his answer.

"Shopping. It's almost Christmas." He said. It's really funny. He never had the guts to do shopping because for him, it's bothersome. Money has always been the answer to his employees' inquisition of gift, and since his family is on the other side of the world anyway, he never had the chance to buy objects that he would wrap in a colourful design and then have the recipient of the gift tear the paper mercilessly. It's just a waste of money! And for him, wasting money is like putting his life on the line just to save a cat with no satisfaction guaranteed. He groaned mentally. It really makes him think of unnecessary and idiotic things—things that he's sure would be the reason of his sanity on the verge of retreating from him. "I think we need to buy both you and Youichi gifts."

In the end, he found himself insisting on doing the activity he once ignored to the highest extent. But for Hyuuga Natsume, this occasional change of mind in his life is better than suffering from the decision of agreeing to let Ruka's fun invade and harm his system. That will never happen. Not in a million years. Still, acknowledging that Christmas shopping is a good way of distracting himself from doing aerobics is highly debatable.

"Why, that sounds a good idea!" Mikan exclaimed, forgetting the resentment that she felt towards her husband a while ago. Anyway, it's not everyday you encounter the positive side of Hyuuga Natsume's bipolar disorder. "But, is that okay? I mean…" Mikan looked at Youichi and the latter looked back at her for a while, and he resumed back to his previous activity of keeping his body in a good state, just like his mama said earlier before they do those 'healthy moves'. "…it's the only day that you get to rest. And shopping is really tiring."

Natsume frowned. There's no doubt that dancing is more tiring than shopping.

"It's totally fine, and I don't have anything better to do anyway." He closed his eyes and he covered his head with his arms to avoid the light from hitting his face. "It's not like seeing Santa along the way will prevent me to have a great time walking around."

Mikan smacked his forehead, in which she received a mild glare and an irritated 'What?' from him.

"You're not supposed to say things like that Natsume—especially in front of Youichi." She stated and frowned, leaning a bit close to Natsume to prevent Youichi from hearing their igniting argument. "You shouldn't make him think that Santa is someone you don't have to look forward to during holidays—Christmas."

At that, Natsume smirked.

"That's the point, and it even came from you. Why would you expect your child to be so ecstatic about that fatty when you yourself do not fancy him at all?" He challengingly asked and sat up.

"I'm not saying that I do not fancy him." She sighed and looked at Youichi. "It's just that, Youichi is still a kid, and I think it's just right for him to enjoy the things that other children do."

Natsume shrugged and stared at her. "And let the made-up story of Santa being able to pass through chimneys just to bring gifts to little naughty girls become stuck in his head for a lifetime? I highly doubt that. Youichi is too bright for his own good."

She has to agree at that. Their adopted son is truly witty, and she wonders if he would believe everything about the red, fat guy. Well, she too didn't believe in him when she was still a child, and since they are talking about Youichi here, she realized that Natsume might be correct.

"Besides…" Natsume started again, now looking at Youichi who's shaking his tiny waist from left to right repeatedly. "…children around here today do not seem as innocent as what you think of them. And Youichi is not an exception. Maybe it would be good to enrol him in a preschool."

Mikan stopped. That one's a good thought to ponder on. Youichi is already three and can understand simple things around him, and he's undoubtedly a smart kid. But to be surrounded by kids at this early age when he came from a place full of adults and uneducated children, she thought that it will be hard for him to adjust to his surroundings before he could gradually cope with them. Maybe, it can be discussed when he turns four or five.

"Yeah, shake your ass! Shake your ass!" Youichi shouted while shaking his waist.

"Well… I think he really needs to go to school." And she ended her train of thoughts through that while Natsume just chuckled.

My Strange Family

Natsume could only frown at the white sheet of paper in his hands. He's wondering why in the world did three zeros flunked out of the required standard amount of numerical digits he's expecting to be satisfying. Ah, it's not satisfying at all. To see that he lost a great value of money made him a bit disgruntled and to have a feeling like that was not a good sign for his Monday afternoon to start. The way Ruka looked at him once he entered his office was already aggravating enough for him, and now this—this news that some of his clients backed out only angered him.

He tapped his table with his hands resoundingly and glared at the guy in front of him. "Get out." Natsume hissed and closed his eyes, throwing his head behind him. When he sensed that his companion hasn't left yet, he spoke. "Why the hell did they refuse our offer?"

He heard a disbelieving sigh.

"Do you actually expect me to answer that, Natsume? You were the one who ran away during our meeting last week. And in case you forgot, let me do the honors of reminding you that they are important clients from England! What entered your mind and you just left like that?" Ruka shouted and glared back at him. He really can't believe that his best friend is losing his touch, and he's pretty sure that his wife and son, Hyuuga Mikan and Youichi have something to do with that. It's not like he's blaming them. But Natsume lost millions of money because he left their meeting last week after receiving a phone call from—he suspects, her. He had never seen Natsume to get that irresponsible before, and to prioritize something over the most significant thing for him was just too irrational. Was that what love can do? The last time he checked, he never did such reckless actions… or maybe, that time when he spent all of his earnings just to get Imai Hotaru to say yes would be an exception.

"Do you think I'd place you in that position if I found you uncompetitive, Ruka? What do you think of yourself, a stupid weakling who cannot do something about his boss' absence?" Natsume impatiently shouted back and stood up from his swivel chair, walking towards him.

"Trust me, I did something." Ruka retorted back. "But those asses were stubborn and they chose to have you explain the damned details about the contract, and they kindly turned down the offer when they found out that you chose to tend your family's needs rather than theirs."

Natsume was about to speak when the door opened, revealing a tall woman with a bland expression.

"Imai." He gritted his teeth.

"It's nice to see you too, Hyuuga." And she walked past him only to slap Ruka across his face, which got the latter looking at her in surprise. "And that's enough for you to calm down, Nogi."

Imai Hotaru sat down on the sofa and crossed her legs, her heels tapping lightly on the marbled floor of Natsume's office. It was so unlikely of her to interfere with their discussion, but she always thought that it would be better to use that method one time when both men finally come into an argument. She was just thankful that they do not take it personally, and whenever they fight like that, it always involves business. Well, to be honest, he never saw them fought seriously before, except that time when her cousin almost killed Ruka when she and Natsume thought that the blonde boy was cheating on her—which was proven wrong. The girl actually was the one who was being persistent, and oh good grace. It pleases her whenever she remembers what she did to that woman. As for the guys, their face says otherwise. And just like that, the incident was long forgotten like it did not happen at all.

"I see that you two are getting along well. Just continue your conversation. Don't mind me here." She said while flicking imaginary dirt from her fingernails.

Natsume let out an exasperated sigh before pointing out to the door and looking at the couple. "The door is more than welcome to see you two out. Leave this instant—now." Red eyes glared menacingly at the woman's violet ones.

For Ruka, he knew that they never had a good relationship since childhood, and he was the one who would always get in between the two to stop them when they were about to exchange nasty and rude comments against each other. And to think that it's gonna happen again anytime soon, he doesn't know whose side is he gonna take. If he opposed to Hotaru, he's sure he'd be a beaten pulp courtesy of his fiancée, but if he took her side, who knows what Natsume might do to him, considering that he's already in a bad mood. Either way, it would be hard for him to choose. And that's for sure.

"You'd taunt us just because you failed in your business? I never thought you to be a lowly type of person, Hyuuga." And she just added oil to the fire.

"I never asked for your opinion, Imai." He closed his eyes and massaged his temples. "As this company's owner, I demand you to get the hell out of here."

Natsume doesn't know why he's too annoyed by this. Usually, he'd let this one pass out, and besides, he wouldn't win the title of 'Most Successful Businessman' if he couldn't get the money he expected with tenfold increased. He wasn't just an ordinary businessman, because he could control each and every company that he wants in his hands. To summarize it up, he did not care about the loss of money or the fact that those English people backed out. He was mad because they did not inform him that they would actually refuse his offer.

And who the hell do they think they are to be his priority other than his family?

Ah, heck. This had never been an issue before.

"I was actually thankful that you got yourself a wife with a free son, but that doesn't mean that I'm too pleased by the way you order Ruka around." She blatantly stated. Ruka smiled. Who knew his beloved fiancée could be so sweet? "I am the one who gets him to do the things that I want."

Or maybe not.

Frustrated, Natsume grabbed the cordless phone on his table and tapped a single number on the pad.

"Send some security here. I wish to escort an idiotic couple named Imai and Nogi out of my office." And with a click, he ended the call, looking at the two with great disdain.

Before he could speak again, Ruka stood up and held Hotaru by her arms, in which she protested with a loud 'Let me go, Nogi.'

"Call me when you've calmed down Natsume."

And in a snap they are gone.

He was about to go out as well when his personal phone rang, and sighed when he caught sight of his wife's name on the screen.

"Yeah? What's up?" He lazily asked, hoping that she wouldn't notice the insipid character that was added in his tone.

"Papa!" He backed out a little from the phone's earpiece when he heard Youichi shouted with glee. Silencing himself, he thought that the child took that as a signal to continue, but a womanly voice along with mild laughter welcomed his ears. "Natsume, Youichi and I are in the park. I was wondering if you could join us for some snacks. But if you're busy-"

All frustrations and madness drained out of him, and he found himself smiling at the thought of joining them for a break time.

"I'll be there in ten minutes."

Somehow, Mikan's giggle and Youichi's chuckle assured him that the rest of his day would be completely alright.

My Strange Family

At four-thirty p.m., Natsume did arrive at the park where Mikan and Youichi stays, and he instantly spotted the two playing together with some other kids and adults. He couldn't help but smile when he saw Youichi wearing a pre-school uniform, since Mikan practically begged the school principal to let their son enrol, and because she's no doubt a very excellent teacher, the principal agreed and just this morning, Youichi started his first day of school.

He waved back when he saw Mikan who's wearing a pure white knee-length dress waving at him, and reaching his destination, he sat down beside her while the gray-haired boy ran towards them.

"How's your first day, Youichi?" He asked and judging by the way he nodded and smiled, he guessed that he did have a great time with new playmates and children. "That's great."

At that, the little boy declared a short 'yes' and nodded before running back to his new friends.

"Do you want some strawberry shortcake?" He heard Mikan asked him, and he nodded. Any food that has got something to do with strawberries is truly his weakness, and only Ruka and Imai knew about that.

"Hello there, Natsume!" A shrilly voice echoed, and he fought the urge to cover his ears so that he may not seem to be rude.

Looking up, he saw unfamiliar green pair of eyes staring at him with a smile. Why in the world does she know him? Did Mikan already told them about him?

"Mikan told us about you!"

And he was right.

"Anyway, I'm Shouda Sumire, Mikan's co-teacher." She grinned and offered her hand. He sensed that she was not the type to flirt, so he accepted her offer of handshake. Besides, if Mikan told them about him, they would know that he's already taken, that he's already Mikan's.

Ah, why did that sound so possessive?

"I'm… Hyuuga Natsume." He blandly stated. Usually, he wouldn't give his name to random people he just met, but since she's one of Mikan's co-workers, he thought that she's harmless.

"Yeah, so I was told! Mikan actually had a jackpot!" She squealed and Natsume flinched at that. This woman's voice is actually louder than Mikan's. "So you're taking part on the fun run this week, am I right?"

He frowned. Fun run?

"Ah, I haven't told you about that Natsume." Mikan smiled and looked at him before continuing. "Remember the meeting last time when I asked you if you could take care of Youichi?"

He sneered inside. Of course he remembers that. Why would he forget that day when he got his first kiss from her? And for the record, that was also his first kiss. To be honest, that was also the time when he left his clients without a word when they were in the midst of discussing about their business deal. But he clearly had no regrets when he decided to leave them and go back home instead. If not, he wouldn't get his kiss from her, right?

"I do. That was one great of a day." He smirked. Mikan, catching up what he's trying to convey, blushed.

"S-Shut up. Anyway…" She paused and smiled. "…we talked about the fun run last week. And since you are too busy to take part of it, I decided that I'll run for our section. It's just too bad that Youichi isn't in my class." She pouted.

Heck. If only they were not in a public and child-friendly place, he must have kissed her senseless already.

It's also true that he'll be very busy this coming week, since he has lots of business deals to catch up on. And although he doesn't work too much, Ruka would still support him, anyway.

"But anyway, it's still great that he's on Koko's class." She grinned.

Now, who the hell is Koko?

"What's great about being part of that ass' class?" The girl Shouda butted in, catching Natsume's attention. Is that Koko seriously whipped for her to talk rudely of that person?

"You sound as if I'm not your husband."

A loud, manly voice startled them and they looked up to see a blonde guy wearing glasses grinning at them. He kneeled down to pat Natsume's shoulder and he sighed.

"Ah, man. You're so lucky to eat all of Mikan's food everyday!" He shouted which earned him a glare from the two girls. And maybe, that Koko guy could make that three.

He himself truly admits that he's lucky, since what the guy said was right. Mikan is an angel who's capable of doing things right—may it be cooking or cleaning, or being a mother and a husband to Youichi and to him. Maybe, that's one of the traits that he admires about her.

"But it's a good thing that Mikan's food is one of the prizes!"

At that, the crimson-eyed guy jolted up.

"Well, it's such a waste that you could not join, man!" Again, he heard the Koko guy proudly shouted. And it's already irritating him that he seems to be close to his wife.

Who is he to think that Hyuuga Natsume ever backs out?

Before the poor guy could even continue his rants, he was already stopped halfway when he received a glare from the businessman with a silent word of 'shut up', which wasn't noticed by either Mikan or Shouda.

"Know what sweetheart?" Natsume looked at Mikan whose face suddenly turned red and his glare intensified when his eyes found its way back on the poor, sweating guy. "I think I'll join the fun run."

And the torture he felt a while ago was worth it when he felt her hugging him from behind while squealing.

My Strange Family

After a few more hours of scaring the guy off, the three had arrived home from the park. Well, Natsume didn't come back to the office, but chose to call his secretary instead, telling her that he's going back home early. And as usual, Ruka took care of his job, their argument this morning seemed liked it didn't exist at all.

Once they had changed clothes, Mikan went to the kitchen and decided to prepare a dinner for them, while the two stayed on the couch in front of the flat-screen television.

Youichi, who has his small, brown, teddy bear-shaped bag dangling in front of him, sat down on the floor and brought out a piece of white paper.

He truly had a great day.

Teacher Koko has been very funny—although he's a bit annoying—and even though most of the students were constantly regaled by his tales of mock woe, he was still very happy to finally meet some friends. Ah, one of them is teacher Koko's daughter, Kasumi. She's not very silent, and she's not very loud either. And for that he's thankful. Well, actually, he wouldn't mind her being loud, but he's already given up to the idea that the only loud person he loves is his mama. Everyone is really kind to him, since they said that he's the baby of the class. He snorted. But he's not a baby anymore! He's a fine, grown-up, good boy like what his mama told him.

Dismissing his thoughts, Youichi re-read the contents of the letter and smiled before looking up at his father who's watching television news.

"Papa…" He called out, and successfully got his attention. "…I learned a lot today!" he grinned from ear-to-ear.

Yes, he sure learned a lot today. When his teacher Koko asked him what he did on weekends, he said in a very proud tone that he did aerobics with his mama, while shouting 'shake that skinny ass'—ah, that's wrong it's actually skimpy he said. But still, that got his teacher laughing hard. And yes, that one when the teacher asked them the difference between big and small, again, he proudly said that his is small and his papa's is big. When teacher Koko asked him what that thing is, he smartly stated that thing between their legs.

He still remembers how he got the whole class' 'ooohhhs' and 'aaahhhs'. Are they really too moved by his answer that they started to befriend him when teacher Koko's face paled and almost fainted at his declaration? Sheesh. He doesn't have to show that he's too happy with his answer.

Natsume, who saw that Youichi has been grinning, smiled and turned off the television. "And that would be?"

Youichi stopped.

Oh yeah, there was one particular subject when teacher Koko gave him two thumbs up. And that was during their PE class.

"Ah!" He smiled and got his father's full attention. "I helped my friends! Because Takeshi is running out of breath, he let go of the rope, and Kasumi's shoelaces are untied, she too let go of the rope! But, but…" Youichi shouted while laughing and smiled widely. "…I rubbed Takeshi's back just like what mama does when I'm out of breath, and I had both Kasumi and Takeshi pull the rope, and I tied Kasumi's shoelaces!"

Natsume smiled. In just a few weeks, Youichi learned how to speak more and express his feelings directly. And for that, he was glad. He had never seen him so lively before, even when he was still in the orphanage, but the Youichi in front of him now is totally different from the one he used to be.

"And you know what papa?"

Natsume raised a brow while smiling, urging him to continue.

"We won, and they thanked me." With a soft voice, Youichi smiled.

At that, Natsume frowned and looked down. Why is this so closely similar to his situation a while ago? Then he remembered Imai's words. He was taunting them when all he did was to order them around, and he never appreciated Ruka's works.

Even though they all had their priorities to tend to their own self, Youichi still managed to help them, and the simple act of being 'thanked' was already enough for his child to smile.

Youichi really is a bright kid.

"Oh, and papa! I also learned a few words from teacher Koko!" The young boy grinned, and at the sound of the teacher's name, Natsume frowned. That teacher has better be teaching his son very carefully, or he himself will castrate him to death.

"Let's hear it then." He smiled.

And with a proud grin, Youichi answered. "Bitch, ass, and shit!"

He's gonna kill that bastard tomorrow, first thing in the morning.

My Strange Family

Mikan, who did not hear a single word from the two, sighed and went out after completely preparing their dinner.

And the sight in front of her made her smile in pure joy and satisfaction. She's really happy to see Natsume sleeping soundly on the couch, his arms securely wrapped around Youichi who's also sleeping on top of him.

When she was about to go back to the kitchen, the doorbell rang and she turned around to open the door, only to see a pair of black eyes staring at her.

She frowned when she suddenly felt so worried the time she saw him.

His voice even scared her more, and when she was about to let him in, he shook his head.

"I am Serio Rei." He paused and showed her an identification card before speaking further. "I am here to take back master Natsume to US."

My Strange Family

Typed on: December 13, 2012

3:06 am

Posted on: December 13, 2012

Author's Notes: I'm back! And still alive at that! Heehee. :D

Conflicts now made its grand entrance. Haha!

Oh gosh, I hope I'm not hallucinating right now. I just finished another chapter and I'm so happy! Anyway, guys, thank you so, so, so, so much for your continuous support, and for praying and wishing me to have a healthy well-being. Anyway, I'm completely fine now, and that's all thanks to God and to you also!

Without further ado, let me please explain that I'm not planning to put more cursing words for the next chapters, and for the sake of entertainment, I just included those last three words from Youichi, which have a different meaning—I think that excludes the word 'shit' but oh well.

Oh yeah, please do forgive me if I wasn't able –again- to reply to some of your messages, but I promise, once I get my head back to normal functionality again, I'd gladly send you a token of my gratitude through personal message. And I would also like to thank the two people who added me on Facebook, Ren-san and Apple-san. I am really glad to have known them! If it's not much of a bother to you guys, please do add me on Facebook—facebook dot com slash jerrette dot ootori. Thank you!

And thanks to the following:

claire-chan143

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See you on the next chapter!

-Erieh Yamazaki