My Strange Family

by erieh

AU They both wanted to adopt him but 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?" Enter an always-ecstatic mama Mikan, a killjoy papa Natsume, and little Youichi completely amused at his new parents' 'relationship'. Oh boy.

6. Follow Your Instincts

Note: Please read author's note at the bottom. The very bottom.

Summary: AU They both wanted to adopt him—she, out of pity, and he, for his own benefit, yet they both 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 6: Follow Your Instincts

"Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten."

-David Ogden Stiers

"It's been 4 days since Natsume left." Her voice quivered at the sudden blunt declaration of something she feared a few days ago.

If there was even one thing that Mikan would say at this crucial point, it could be the fact that her husband indeed went to America. She could not decipher his actions the next morning, though. But one thing that almost killed her inside was to be ignored the whole day by Natsume, plus, Youichi looking at her with a disappointed face. And that evening—he just left without so much of a goodbye. He didn't tell anyone about it. Not even Youichi!

Well, she truly admits that it was her fault from the very beginning after all—heck, she even didn't want him to go. She did suggest that, but it was far from what her mind wanted to tell him. But what happened already happened, and there's nothing she can do about it now.

But no one can really blame her, right? She trusts Natsume too much, and even though she knew he'd giver her a negative response to her question that night, she found herself looking at the perspective that maybe, what the old man said might be good for him. For her husband.

Damn. She went overboard.

She can't blame the old man too. As what he said, Natsume is a successor. She too is, right? And she knows the pains and difficulties of bearing your family's name as an heiress. For that, she herself is sure that she can never handle it, that's why she went into a u-turn and took up the joy of educating children. Not that she isn't competitive, but running a company isn't what she really wanted. Sure she grew up being fed with a golden spoon, but as she ages, she realized that she needed to work things in her very own way—like, be successful without using her name.

Mikan never hated her family. It's just that, there was a slight disagreement on how they deal with things with the use of money and power.

Ah, she remembered. Natsume was once like that too, right? But little by little, she sees the changes in him.

Perhaps, freedom was also what her husband desired. And she just ruined it all without asking him about it. Again, damn.

Even so, she also tried to reconcile with Youichi, and was thankful that her adopted child easily forgave her. If only his daddy could be like him, but no. He just had to be a stubborn mule with too much pride surrounding him, like the first time they met.

Mikan secretly smiled.

It's been weeks since they lived together, but somehow that feeling when she first got into a fight with him in the orphanage became a little... blurry, unfamiliar—like it was a foreign feeling for her to experience something like this. So maybe, that was what Natsume's presence could do to her?

Her brown locks swayed together with the mild breeze.

As she looked at her environment, she cannot help but smile at the people—more like, the school teachers and the students getting ready for the upcoming festival that will be celebrated in Christmas. She glanced at Youichi who is happily laughing with the rest of her students and his classmates, practicing the dance steps that were taught by her co-teacher, Yura.

Christmas.

She doesn't even know if Natsume will come back. All his things just disappeared, and there's not one single trace or clue if he'll ever live with them again.

That thought alone made her frown.

What the hell was with that guy?! Now that she—and Youichi got used to his presence, he'll just leave them like that?!

It didn't help either when queue of questions came running in her head, because all the answers keep on pointing back at the night she messed everything.

Mikan stood up from the stoned bench and prepared to leave, but before she could walk away, someone tapped her from behind. Looking back, she automatically smiled at the sight of Sumire holding two cups of coffee.

My Strange Family

"It's not like you to space out like that, Mrs. Hyuuga." Green eyes reached her brown ones, and she can't help herself but to smile at the honorific Sumire used, which she became accustomed to ever since Natsume himself called her that.

My, and she thought she'd be able to forget about him for a little while. It will never help, she knew. The fact that her green-haired co-teacher is here with her talking about-well, not exactly, but the way she called her, she was pretty sure that it was a vague clue that they would clearly talk about her husband-his whereabouts or how he manages to survive without Mikan and Youichi by his side, like what her co-teachers are talking about right now. Still, she dismissed the thought as one of the issues popular at the faculty as of the moment. And soon, very soon enough, they will get tired of talking about her non-existent (or maybe it did, but not anymore) love life.

She just has to be thankful that they don't pry that much when it comes to her personal problems, instead they are all being supportive about her relationship with Natsume.

"It's been what? Three, four days since he left and not a single phonecall or text message was made?" Sumire frowned at her and all she did was to nod.

Now she wonders if telling them about him, leaving, was actually a good idea.

It's not like she thinks that they would hate Natsume or something. It's just that, they don't know the complete details, and it was far unfair for the guy to take all the credits for being a jerk when it was her who technically pushed him to do something she would regret. And now she did.

"I told Natsume to go, Sumire, so no need to be so hard on him." She mumbled, and smiled before drinking the liquid inside the paper cup. There's no way that this conversation would be short. But even if it would be, since this is Yome Shouda Sumire in front of her, it would be a short (she said that already), sweet yet painful (indeed) talk. "Besides, it was for his family, so I don't need any reason to get mad at him. He'll come back, of course..."

And she tries really hard to convince herself with that as well.

"...then maybe, you can let out all of your frustrations about him leaving us."

Her companion snorted and threw the paper cup ungently at the bin just forty-eight inches away from them, in which Mikan made a loud gasp. How ironic that this woman who always cared about being a fine lady is doing something... totally unladylike.

"Yeah, sure. Give me that shit and I'll talk to you not ever again."

Add the manner of speaking as well.

She was about to retort back and scold her for saying such words while inside the school premises when her attention was caught by her figure standing up from her seat.

"Anyway, what are you going to do about the fun run? It's only four days ahead and I'm quite sure that his name is listed."

Not noticing that their conversation's subject actually took a bit of alternate direction, Mikan thought that Sumire was right. Days ago, Natsume did volunteer in her place to join the event and honestly? She could not be anymore happier. But once again, it made a turn and she just had to thank her big mouth for that.

Damn again. She's being so repetitive lately.

But then, thinking back to their topic, she decided right then and there that it's no use mourning over the loss of chance of spending such a great event with her family. For Youichi's sake, she'd make it more memorable, even if there's only the two of them now.

"I'll participate in his place." With a small smile and head's up, she said.

Mikan decided. It's just a matter of time until she gets over Natsume, and there's no way she'll have it as a hindrance to have fun this week.

She just hopes that this isn't one of her charades which was meant for herself alone to see.

My Strange Family

Mikan giggled at the sight of Youichi skipping happily like it was his first time seeing a snowman. Right after she waved goodbye at the teachers and students, it started to snow, and it's a bad thing that she didn't bring any anti-snow equipments with her since she didn't get the chance to listen to the weather forecast this morning. This actually came earlier than expected. Undoubtedly, the fun run would be canceled, unless they are planning to do it indoors-which is a bit strange idea.

At the twentieth minute, the two of them finally reached the last road just before their home, and as Mikan turned, she saw an unfamiliar woman standing in front of their door, nodding at her presence.

My Strange Family

"I'm Hotaru. Imai Hotaru." The unfamiliar woman raised her right arm, emphasizing that she wanted to have a handshake with her, which Mikan kindly and gladly accepted.

Mikan stared down. She did not know if welcoming an unknown person was a good idea. Ever since the time when that guy named Serio something said about taking Natsume's ass back to US, she decided that every person-unknown person who would knock on their door-would eventually say a thing that involves her husband. And she was right, because this lady in front of her did say something along the lines of Natsume, being her relative. A cousin, on top of that.

And she didn't want to be rude by telling her to go back to where she came from since Natsume isn't actually here, but in the end, she found herself letting her in and serving her a cup of tea, while telling Youichi to go in his own room for she had matters to deal with.

"I'm not gonna stay longer, and I didn't come here to have a simple chat and drink tea." She emotionlessly said, and for that she was not really surprised that she, in fact, is really Natsume's cousin.

"I don't see what business you have with me. Natsume isn't here right now and I doubt he'd return." Mikan frowned and sighed. This just pains her even more. Right after she decided that she'd keep him out of her head, his cousin had to barge in!

"That is exactly the reason why I came here." Hotaru looked pointedly at her. She never thought that her cousin's wife actually had a backbone. To be honest, she already expected that the wife he chose isn't some sick fan girl that would annoy the hell out of him. That would be downright impossible, now wouldn't it? She witnessed back in their school days that her retarded cousin would prefer to stay at home without his beloved comic books; without anything to entertain him than to have tons of girls fighting against each other just to steal his attention. But even so, he was always voted as the most popular and beloved guy in their campus without a single effort except for his. Damn. Impossible. Eyes. Red eyes.

But this woman in front of her, even she, Imai Hotaru found herself amused and interested at her. Because for one, this is Sakura Mikan, the woman her cousin-if he wouldn't admit it, fell in love with.

"I came here for sole reason, and that includes Natsume." At the reaction from the woman, who flinched, made her think that Mikan was really affected at the stupid man's disappearance. She too, was surprised when she received the dreaded news from Ruka that Natsume left with their grandfather.

That totally pissed her.

At first she didn't have any idea as to what could make Natsume do something he hated, but when she put the pieces of the puzzle altogether, she knew this Sakura woman in front of her was the first and foremost culprit of this new growing dilemma that she'll solve yet again. Besides, that old man wouldn't stop until he gets what he wants, would he? Even if it would mean scaring Sakura Mikan off a bit.

And that was one of the things Hotaru despised about the old geezer.

"The way I'll treat you would depend on the way you'll treat me. So please listen very carefully." She started, her violet eyes looking at her brown ones thoroughly. "I, for one, support the two of you, so you don't have to worry about another stranger involving your husband. I meant no harm between your relationship."

She didn't know why she smiled inside the moment Mikan visibly sighed in relief.

"And you don't need to worry. That ass will come back, even if his clothes aren't here."

At that, Mikan looked up. How in the world did she know about that?

Hotaru gently sipped her tea and smiled at her reassuringly.

"I've been practically with him for more than twenty years. And I know that guy inside out. Trust me." Her smile broke into a small and gentle laugh when she smiled a little. "And with you and Youichi around, I don't think he'll seriously leave Japan forever in exchange of some business-related shit."

Mikan chuckled at that. Funny how tensed she felt a while ago, and now she is finally laughing with this woman. It's as if they've known each other for years. But then, her laughter faltered when she remembered how uncertain she was that Natsume would really come back.

"I'm just worried about him. I don't know if he eats on time and if he's doing just fine there. Ever since he went away, he hasn't called or texted me yet, even though I called him and left him voice calls all the time. And it's my fault in the first place." Mikan remained steady, her eyes on the ground, her face decorated with a sad smile. Even how much she pushes away the thought of forgetting him, she really can't. And by what Hotaru said, it just gave her an unstable hope.

"You don't have to be like that, you know?" Hotaru brought her cup down on the table, while Mikan looked up at her before she continued. "He just loves to play like the damsel in distress rebelling just because she was being ignored by the prince when she wants him to take her, if you know what I mean. And please don't be surprised. That ass can be as stubborn as a kid-or maybe more than your son when he wants to." Once again, Hotaru looked at her with a sharp look. "I know that you guys... only agreed to live together for Hijiri Youichi's sake, but I can see some difference in him ever since that time. So don't go thinking that you're making a very bad impact in his life when it's the other way around."

Mikan had to smile at that. She was just glad that Natsume has this kind of cousin, so reasonable. Unlike Natsume himself who loves to act as a brat!

"You don't have to worry about the old man also. He just loves sticking his butt into other people's business."

At the mention of the old man, Mikan gave an even more sad smile. Sure this one would be brought as soon as possible. Why didn't she think of that earlier?

"Even if it meant your grandfather thinking about his future?" Mikan looked at her and she frowned when Hotaru mustered a face without emotion. It just runs in their family, doesn't it?

"Future, my ass." She looked away smiling bitterly. "Is really making his grandson suffer considered as making a good man out of him? That's nowhere near possible, Mikan."

A moment of silence passed and no one spoke, until Hotaru decided to talk again.

"If that was the case, he could've chosen his very own blood and flesh to take over him right from the start. And now he wants him back? Pathetic fool."

But thinking again, it was a bit different to what their grandfather told her. It was like he knew Natsume would be a successful man, so what's with this sudden revelation? Does that actually mean that there was someone better than Natsume?

"Just because Natsume was a bit sickly before doesn't mean that he had to do that." And it only confused her more. "He shouldn't have given him the title as a candidate only."

Wait. Candidate? If she remembers correctly, the rude guy in Natsume's office a few days ago said something about him being a candidate. Does that word really hold a significant meaning?

"By candidate, what do you mean by that?" Mikan frowned and held the right arm handle of the sofa hardly without engaging her eye to gaze at something aside from Hotaru's. But the short-haired woman just sighed and shook her head.

"I cannot give you further details about that. All I can say is that... I think Natsume is happier with what he has right now, rather than what he wanted to have before. And as I've said a while ago, I'm on your side, so you need not to worry. Natsume is too much of a pain-in-the-ass kid, and I think you're the only one who can tame that wild bastard for real."

Mikan too, sighed and nodded. And at the tone of Hotaru's voice, she got some feeling that she wants her to do something about it.

"What do you want me to do?" Mikan softly asked, looking outside as the not-too-heavy snow invades their area.

But what the intimidating woman in front of her said made her stop and think.

"I wanted to ask you the same, and it's not like I'm asking you because I want you to feel obliged. I am asking you since you yourself should know what to do next. I won't even force you to do something you don't want to. But let me tell you one more thing." She took a pause and smiled at her. A warm and genuine one. "You're the only one who can save Natsume in this misery. So please, if you love him, go get him back."

My Strange Family

"Mama, teacher Yura told us to wear white." Youichi expectantly looked at her, and when he didn't get a response from his mama, he frowned and looked at her with a pout.

Oh hell no. His mama is thinking about his papa again, for sure. Although he had tried to distract her attention from crying because of his papa's absence (well, don't get him wrong, he'll never hate his father), like, do those healthy moves again and dance to the beat of the song 'I'm Sexy and I Know It', he still can't get her to smile. Yes, she would do that sometimes, but he knows... he knows that his mama isn't really smiling.

Realizing this, Youichi's face started to form in a distort and little droplets of tears fell from his eyes. He too, misses his papa now. And because he's not here, his mama is really sad, and so is he! But he can't really hate his papa, because, well, he is his papa! It's just that... He doesn't want to see his mama crying because he's not with them.

He bit his lip and sniffed. If only he's a big boy now, he would fight those bad guys who stole his papa and then they can live happily again!

Mikan, upon hearing the sniff coming beside her, looked at Youichi wide-eyed and carried him, finally ending at her lap.

"Y-Youichi, honey, is there something wrong? Why are you crying?" At the sight of the child shaking his head while crying made her smile. This kid, even though he's not an adult yet, acts totally mature. She promised herself that she'd make him happy, and here she goes, making him cry and worry about something-which unfortunately involved a certain man.

But this is a realization to her, isn't it?

"Hey Youichi?" She called out and when she got his full attention on her, she grinned. "Mama is going to bring back papa."

My Strange Family

On second thought...

Mikan nearly puked. She was too excited the night before that she didn't get enough sleep, and now that she's here in America, face to face with one of the Hyuuga's humble abodes-it just daunted her even more, indirectly telling her that it was like an approach of a mouse in a lion's lair.

How in the world is she going to face someone so powerful?!

Right now, all she wanted to do is to go back to Japan, but then, that would also mean that she'll give up her own husband to the likes of that old man, right?

And she never liked it even one bit. Because giving up is like one: making Youichi cry, two: making herself cry and three: misery for her. And for him.

Before she could even step forward near the large gate in front of her, the door opened, and a tall man wearing eyeglasses raised his palm, making sure that it was rightfully paralleled to the level of her face.

"Do you have an appointment with one of the masters, miss?" He inquired, eyeing her from head to foot.

"I want to talk with Natsume. I mean, Mr. Hyuuga Natsume." Mikan bit her lip and looked demurely at him, hoping that he would let her pass even though, as clear as the sun, she doesn't have any planned conversation with Natsume. But she is his wife, isn't she? So she has any rights to talk to him!

"And who might you be?" He asked for the second time, a thick, black notebook dangling in his hands. As he heard her muttered the name 'Sakura Mikan', the note was opened and was carefully scanned by his eyes, and when he found no name that was associated with Sakura, he shook his head. "I'm sorry. You are not allowed to enter since you are not listed in the persons he has an appointment with."

Begrudgingly, Mikan turned around and walked away. That Natsume! Is he really that important to actually list names of people he has to meet? What about her?!

Well, it's not as if he's expecting her to come anyway. So why bother thinking of the reasons why her name was never there in the first place?

She sighed. Unlike in Japan, in their home, she could freely touch and talk to him. Heck. She could even open the door of the bathroom 'accidentally' just to see him, well, ahem... naked so she could entertain herself.

Dammit. Staying around that guy for so long makes her a pervert one. She swears, it was contagious!

This is a waste. She even promised Youichi, who was being left in Hotaru's care in one of America's hotels, that she'll bring his papa anytime soon, and now this? She would really need Hotaru's help this time. It was a shame that she turned her offer down and went on her own, desiring to prove herself that she could drag his butt away from this country.

"Please let her in."

But at the sound of a manly voice, Mikan stopped and turned again, seeing an unknown good-looking man smiling at her. She mentally raised an eyebrow. Who is that guy anyway?

"Don't worry..." He chuckled and walked towards her. "...I know Natsume."

She doesn't know if she should believe this guy or not, but the moment the tall man opened the door for her, she knew that the handsome guy isn't lying.

But something is bothering her, truthfully.

It's as if trusting this guy is a wrong move.

"You don't have to worry about me, you know? I'm an acquaintance." Like that, he gave Mikan a grin and she frowned. Why does this guy keep on talking like they've known each other for years? "I'm Andou Tsubasa by the way."

Oh yeah, this Andou Tsubasa guy kept on babbling like he's... wait.

Andou Tsubasa.

Somehow, she felt like she has heard that name before, but she really can't pinpoint it out. Unfortunately, she wasn't given a very sharp memory that she can't even remember when or where she heard something about this blue-haired dude.

Is it somewhere in school? Or maybe on television? Perhaps she heard it from one of her colleagues? Natsume?

That totally stopped her.

"Is there something wrong?" He asked and she looked up at him before shaking her head. "Natsume's in this building."

Mikan looked at where the guy's finger is pointing and indeed, a tall building is looking back down at her. The sight made her cringe.

How is she going to find Natsume in this freaking big building?!

"Well, I presume you're gonna tell me your name now?" He smiled at her again, and she smiled back.

Damn Natsume. He looks a bit like this guy and she can't help but think of him.

"I'm Mikan. Sakura Mikan." She said and offered a handshake which he accepted. By the way he smiled, she knew that this guy knows something... like her being married to Hyuuga Natsume.

"Oh, I know you. Somehow, when Natsume came back here, there have been rumors of him being married to some girl named Sakura something..." He paused and pointed his upright palm at the marbled floor, urging her to continue walking with him, and when they resumed to go inside the building, he continued. "...and the rumor was proven to be right when we saw him wearing a wedding ring."

For the uncounted time of that day, she stopped.

Seriously, a wedding ring?

As far as she remembers, she never saw him wearing one. Even if they are married (by a legal contract), the ring had never been a topic to them, since it was never a serious matter, and besides... the contract will also end anyway.

That thought made her think back that night that they almost had... an act.

"Oh... really?" That was the only thing she said, but when they reached the farthest part of the building, the both of them stopped walking at the sound of a man's voice. A man's angry voice.

And Mikan... as much as she wanted to hug the owner of the voice, gripped the hem of her blouse tightly, silently wishing to hear more of him, before she loses her patience and opens the door.

"Man, they are at it again." She heard Tsubasa Andou mumbled and smiled apologetically at her. She too did the same. "I never thought you'd catch him at a time like this. Maybe he missed his grandfather too much that he often gets himself into an argument with him these past few days."

Grandfather? He is with his old man?

Mikan heard another shuffling on the other side of the door and winced as a new voice spoke.

"Do you think it was a waste choosing you, Natsume?" Mikan frowned. What the hell was that man talking about?

"If you think so, then I am thankful. It was, it is and it will always be mutual." Natsume, as she was sure that he is giving that old man his infamous sharp look by now, talked back, loosening up his tie and throwing it somewhere around the room.

Around the room with his pain-in-the-ass grandfather.

"Does living in Japan affect your mind and the way you speak? Even Andou can be creative when it comes to that."

For one, he doesn't really care about the sweet talks he makes for the damn Andou Tsubasa guy, but to doubt and insult his decision of migrating to Japan? That was something he can never forgive.

Not in a million years.

"Don't worry. This candidate can also be very creative when it comes to pushing this damn business. You know too well that I can have all of you in a state where you would pick a buck in the streets in a snap of my hands."

Natsume stood up and prepared to leave when the man spoke again with a mocking tone etched in his voice. It just made him feel more annoyed. More annoyed than those times when he deals with stupid bastards who loves to mess things than to work their butts off.

"Who would have thought that the helpless guy before knows now how to say such inappropriate things?" He searched for the young man's face, and he found nothing but a cold facade. "Are you trying to tell me that you can stand on your own?"

"Stand?" Natsume sneered. He walked back closer to him and leaned near his ear. "Old man... I can do better than that."

Again, Natsume turned his back against him and started walking away, and as he reached for the handle of the door, the man spoke.

"Has someone actually been rubbing something into you?"

At that, he has to stop, not because of wanting to go against the man's idea, and in fact, he was right. Maybe if that person...or those two hadn't come in his life, he might have already given up to this old man's schemes. Maybe, if this just happened years ago, he may not have met them.

Maybe, he may have accepted this foolish idea: that after all those years suffering to get back at him, he would not hesitate to be his disciple again.

If he would think of all the possibilities and scenes as to where he's supposed to be right now (if he was being chosen to be his heir right from the start), he'd sure get a lot of hundreds of positive and negative equilibrate standards and conclusions. But now that he thought of it, that was just full of 'maybes'.

None of it was certain. Just pure surreal aspirations.

And he was grateful at that.

"In fact, why don't you entertain me with what you can do now? Show me some clear proof that I had made a mistake on choosing Andou to be my heir. Prove to me that you can even support your so-called family."

And now he asks this thing that involves his family? What a joke.

What a big, fucking joke.

"I don't need to prove myself." Natsume found himself answering, and based on the old man's reaction, it was indeed a gratifying result; something favorable on his side. "Seeing them happy, it has-"

"Hold it right there!"

Natsume never noticed everything around him but the woman who jumped... or barged inside their room. He didn't also hear anything, not even the sound of the door slamming, or the way her high heels tapped against the shiny floor...

Or her name that escaped in his lips. Her name that he has been mumbling for the past few days. In his sleep, in whatever he does.

"Natsume, support? I beg to disagree." Mikan stood in front of the old man, her hands resting on either side of her hips. And even though she really, really (yes, really) wanted to just kick the living daylights out of her husband, make out with him non-stop (even if his sick grandfather and Andou Tsubasa is here with them) and drag his aching butt away from here to Japan, what the oldest man said made her annoyed.

Totally pissed and annoyed.

"Seriously? Since when did this man become so supportive?" She started and grinned inside when she got him gawking at her. "You can't even get him to dance aerobics with Youichi and I!"

Right now, she knows that she's creating a scene, and it didn't even help when Natsume (whom she saw from the corner of her eye) held her arm and called out to her, which she dearly ignored. She'd get back to him later on.

"I don't care what issues you have with Natsume, but..." She paused and glared at the latter when he called her name for the second time, but she didn't mind. He could call her out as many times as that later, but for now, the man needs to shut up, and he did just that when she told him to, well, shut up. "...I think it was right that you picked another person to be your underling, otherwise this man..." She paused again and looked at Natsume for a second before she looked back at the old man. "...will be like you: someone who's very hard to deal with. And for stealing him, you have to go through me before you could have him."

In fact, Mikan really wanted to add that there was no way she'll give Natsume away easily, but that would be too obvious now, right? And she doesn't want to confess here without a single romantic atmosphere.

She plans it to be more... memorable, like in front of Youichi.

But there was a moment of silence until the old man spoke.

"If I remember it correctly, you were the one who agreed."

Agreed? Agreed?! She doesn't remember agreeing to this! She did say that she'll consider the idea, but no way did she agree to let him go with her husband!

"I never agreed to that! I just said that-"

All eyes, including breaths and movements were stopped when Natsume held Mikan's arm firmly in his hand, his other hand cupping her face.

And his lips... oh hell his lips touching her own.

They were struck for a bit of time, but after a few seconds, Natsume withdrew his face away from her, his hand still in her arm, and with a bow said his goodbye to his grandfather and Tsubasa, dragging Mikan away from the room.

My Strange Family

"What the hell Natsume? I'm not finished yet!" All of her struggling became futile as Natsume threw her on his shoulder and by the time they reached a certain room, he put her down and pushed her in the bed, glaring down at her.

"That hurt you id-"

"What are you doing here?" His voice was really soft but Mikan felt that there was pure hatred attached to it. Hasn't he forgiven her yet?

"What do you think? To have a friendly chat with your grandfather?" She glared back at him, and when his gaze lingered still, she frowned and sighed.

Natsume, like his grandfather, can really be so stubborn, just like what Hotaru said. All the more she fell for him. It has only been a few days since they last saw each other, but did he just become more handsome now? Even if he appears to be tired, pressured and pissed, she can never deny the fact that he still looked so sexy without his necktie on.

"I came here to fetch you, you know? It's been five days and-"

"Go home."

He turned away from her and prepared to leave, but when he heard her stood up, he stopped.

"Go home, you said?" A pause. "Do you think it will make up for the times that we need you when you were away? For the times Youichi is crying?"

Mikan knows he could not see her, but she knows... she knows that he can tell she's on the verge of crying. Even her voice says so.

"Do you think it will make up for the times that I just want to go back in time and tell you not to go?" And just like that, those tears that were kept hidden even from Youichi since the time he went away leaked out, not betraying the feeling she badly want to say, right from the time she realized that she loves him. "Do you think it will make up for the times that all I wanted to do now that I'm with you is to hug you and never let you go? Did you seriously think that it would be alright to say that when here I am in front of you asking you to go back with me because I missed you so much?!"

Light totally travels faster than sound.

That was what Mikan learned from her Physics class when she was in high school, but the moment Natsume grabbed her shoulders and pushed her down the bed, hovering above her and kissing her senseless, those things seemed to be of less important now... and for the rest of her life, she was sure.

And what does a woman in love do when the man she loves is doing something she dreamed of doing with him for the past few days he was away?

Right. Kiss back.

It wasn't too wild, and it wasn't too gentle either. It was just... just right for the both of them, like they are supposed to do that in that way.

Or maybe this just became addicting because they did not do it for the past few days they were away from each other? She doesn't seem to mind, since he is here, just above her, both engaged in something like the continuation of where they left off the night before Youichi, their son Youichi, interrupted them. But since no one is going to interrupt them now, she is really happy.

Not even the upcoming event nor the fun run could match up to this.

It was so heated that she didn't notice when his hand managed to disentangle her pony tail from her hair, when she pushed his head towards her or when his other hand climbed up to her back, reaching for something that she would gladly remove from her herself.

"N-Natsume..." There was a groan from him, but when she reached for his head again, he stopped and stood up, leaving her dumbfounded, totally disappointed at the sudden loss of his heat.

She wanted to repeat calling out to his name, but he already had his back against her, and elicited the words once again which he had said a while ago. Only this time, it was more painful to hear, filled with coldness and uncaring meaning to it.

"Go home."

She doesn't need to be told thrice, because the moment it was said straight from his mouth, she defeatedly walked away with silent sobs; her hope of spending Christmas with him completely shattered.

She just hopes Youichi would understand.

My Strange Family

It has been four days since he last saw her, since she last visited him. But that doesn't mean that it would happen again. He didn't really expect her to come, since that night, she was the one who asked him to go, but since she was bothered by it, he decided that he'll comply with her request to make her at peace. In the first place, he didn't know that he'd be attending numerous conferences, but just to finish it all off so he could go back to his family, he did what he was told without any complaints.

Those past few days without them were hell and torture.

He just missed hearing his son's singing voice and his wife laughters. And the moment she showed up in that room, he was more than to happy, like the energy he lost due to non-stop work was regained. But still, he told her to go back, and he was sure he had hurt her.

Standing up from his swivel chair, Natsume sighed and looked down the window-it is indeed snowing right now.

It's not as if he regretted what occurred between him and his wife a few days ago, in fact, he loved it... missed it. But he had to stop, otherwise, he might lose control of himself and take her right then and there. Especially, the way she said his name.

Damn his hormones.

If only he wasn't needed here, he'd go get straight home and just marry her already, then maybe, they would start to create thirty Natsume and Mikan babies, and little Youichi's dream of being a big brother would come true.

If only that was easy.

At the alarming sound of the door creaking, Natsume looked up and saw Andou and his grandfather looking at him-with that un-business-like face.

He sighed before turning back to them.

"What do you guys want now? There's still an hour left before we resume the project conference." He sat down again and looked up at them while the two sat down at the sofa in front of his desk.

"You may go now, Natsume." The old man smiled at him with a small one. Taking it as his cue, Natsume gathered his things and his black suit before standing up, but stopped mid-way when his grandfather stoop up and blocked his way. "I mean, to Japan."

Natsume raised an eyebrow at that. What is this guy implying now? As far as he remembers there are still five conferences he needs to attend, including this one, and now he's saying that he may go back to Japan, as in now?

He shook his head and frowned at him.

"I don't get you."

"Andou can hold things from here now, thank you very much for your help." That just made things worse. "I am not saying this, not right before Mikan came here, just because you're greater than him or he than you. Natsume, I just want to know if you're doing fine, and I want to know if I did make a big mistake. But to see how you were in front of your wife..." At the mention of Mikan, Natsume looked directly at him, and noticed that he is saying these things sincerely, which he was thankful for. "...I know that you made a great man out of yourself without anyone's help. For that, I am well-pleased, although I know that my opinion isn't needed."

If it was his intention right from the start, he could've just told him. But typical his grandfather is, just like himself. And that made Natsume smile inside.

Silence filled the room until he spoke.

"What happened before has something big to do with what's happening now, I'm sure." He briefly looked at the old man and diverted his eyes on the window as soon as the oldest occupier of the room looked back at him. He just can't have this relationship back to the way it used to be.

At least not now.

"And I was really disappointed when you chose someone-someone not of yours to fill your position." This time, he looked at the blue-haired man, and the said man back at him.

"But you know what? I thank you for that. If you had not rejected me, I would not have the chance to have a clever son... and a very caring and loving wife. It may be true that I loved business months ago, like it was as important as food, and I still think the same, but food or whatever luxury I have right now made me realize that there is something more I should be thankful for."

With one last look at his grandfather, he genuinely smiled and walked towards him. "I can never live without my family as much as I cannot live without air."

Natsume walked silently towards the door, planning to get to his room to have his things packed, but the other person in the room stood up.

"Too much drama doesn't suit me." His playful voice made Natsume glare behind. He almost forgot about this guy.

Andou Tsubasa chuckled and walked towards him.

"I was just kidding. But hey, you sure got a very interesting wife." He grinned and Natsume raised his hand which landed on his shoulder, and not long after, it was gripped really hard. Courtesy of him and his hands.

Looking straight ahead without paying him a single glance, Natsume spoke in a whisper.

"Listen here Andou." He smirked inside when he got him shaking a little under his grasp. It was really easy to threaten someone with a little power, he concluded. But that, unfortunately, will never work on Mikan, since she's the one who holds him.

And he admits (although resentfully) that she had his whole world dancing in the palm of her hands.

So this guy... this damn guy will never get near her. Ever.

"If you're plotting on going a radius near my family, especially my wife, I'll make sure that the name Andou Tsubasa never existed in this world."

And as he released him, he stopped when he walked past his grandfather.

"I'll take this as a Christmas gift."

In a swift motion, he's gone.

Tsubasa, completely amused at how the man acted, smiled gently at the old man.

"Is it really alright to let him go... grandpa?"

The old man looked at him and nodded with the same smile, but immediately broke into a sad one when he stared at the thirty-three-year-old man.

"I'm sorry Tsubasa, about keeping you from them."

The aforementioned man shook his head and grinned, patting the old man's shoulder. Yes, it is really hard to keep the fact that he just wants to tell them the truth when some of the Hyuugas boldly say that they wished he was a family, but he knows that it is also hard for the old man to cope with this-since it was his wife who had an affair before, resulting in a baby girl who, when she grew up, married a man and gave birth to a blue-haired boy, and when a tragic accident hit them, his parents dying, he found himself being under the Hyuugas' care.

That alone, he was really grateful.

So anything being thrown up at him by Natsume, he'll gladly accept, since after all, he's also part of the Hyuuga family. They may not be blood-related to him, but he is still a family by heart.

And he sees Natsume as his little brother.

"It doesn't matter, gramps. As long as I know that I have a loving family, and a very, very cute cousin and cousin-in-law."

The older Hyuuga can't help but to nod and chuckle.

He's right. After all, Natsume is a grown-up man now, supporting a very loving family.

My Strange Family

"Youichi, honey, are you done with your dinner?" Mikan carefully placed the teacups on the tray and sighed when she successfully finished halfway of her chores. Tomorrow is Christmas eve, so when she promised Youichi that they will buy and wrap gifts together, the latter excitedly did the things he was told and helped her cook so that they'd sleep early and then they could get up early as well, to do the things he's looking forward to. Just the two of them.

That made her stop.

It's really no use thinking about that right now, isn't it?

Since he had made his own decision for himself, who is she to stop that?

Besides, there's no way that he'll come back ever again, or even if he will, it would take time. Maybe a few days more, weeks, or months... or maybe it would even take a year. But that doesn't matter. Since she'd said before that she'll be alright.

For the past few days, she keeps on convincing herself that. However, as days go by, she just found that she stopped hoping that he'll come. Even Youichi, who at first was reluctant to leave without him, is now coping little by little.

She really is lucky to have a very kind and understanding son, isn't she?

When she realized that he hasn't answered her question, she shook her head and smiled.

Maybe, he was too busy watching television while eating at the same time that he didn't hear her. Anytime soon, she'd set a rule that the television will not be opened until their meal is over.

"I'll be done here in a few minutes, so please prepare for the hot bath, okay?"

Still without an answer, Mikan sighed and turned around, ready to scold him a little, but to say that she was surprised at the sight in front of her would be an understatement.

Because right at the moment, all she saw was Natsume wearing thick clothes and bonnet, smiling that stupid (according to her) smile of his, while Youichi is laughing silently, his hands covering his mouth to avoid making a loud noise.

And with a small voice, the twenty-eight-year-old man spoke.

"I'm back."

My Strange Family

Typed on: March 12, 2013

Posted on: March 15, 2013

Author's notes: Oh my gosh, I'm gonna cry.

I cannot believe that I just finished the sixth chapter, the freaking, complicated sixth chapter! Hurrah!

Shoot me now. And I'm kidding. LOL.

First things first. THANK YOU GUYS FOR PUTTING UP WITH ME! I finally had the courage to type, since I was feeling a bit lazy these past few months, maybe from the pressure? LOL. But don't you guys worry, I did promise that I'll post the sixth chapter before my exam, right? I think I told that to one of you. I really can't remember who, so please do forgive me.

I have an entrance exam on the 14th day of April, and I just hope I'd pass, and if I do... I'll be really, really happy. And next Wednesday, I'll be having my scholarship interview, and once again, I hope I'd pass.

We also have our Summer Retreat this March 29-31, so I may not be able to post or write, and maybe (just maybe), I'll resume writing on April. Not really sure but, I'm planning to have at least half of the story posted before classes start.

And about my other fic, Once, it's under reconstruction, so if you would not mind, please give me a little time to think of the ways to improve it, thank you very much. :)

I'm stuck at Christmas, haha!

I may not have reached your standards about this chapter, but I promise that I'll do my best on the next ones. :)

And in case some of you are asking why in the world I was out for a long time, please blame Fairy Tail. ;)

But anyway, I'm done talking, heehee, and I missed you all a lot. VERY MUCH!

So again, thanks to the following:

MikanIsDaBoss

Natsumes Love

citrusims

bellward13

jd

spica14

Oliviaaaox101

y-icey

sapphireangel09

EchizenRyoma

2choclate-love.13

DEVilishAngel00

Prick 'n Improper

ryeochii

Hazelchii

Crimson Flares

Natsuki Rin

animefreakXD

unknow98

adrienna22

jennifer8-Mikan Hyuuga

SilverTheReaper

Tsuukiyomi

DAngelHime

PaRaNoId rOsE

Music lover 551792

MyForbiddenDream

lovestuck

GirlWhoLivedd

RaWindsG-ing

Book digester

Little-Miss-Tingle

PandaGAsia01

Love and Lily

Kyra Raquiel

Ahleeyah

alluringmelodies

xXManHaterXx

Miyumi Sakura

ayrINSPIRIT

Britt-chann

BlossomCutie

Aria696

To everyone who always waits for this story, thank you so much, you have no idea how much I am grateful. And to those guests, I only have this chance of thanking you here since I am not able to send you a personal message, so please, if it's not much of a bother, always read the author's notes.

See you on the next chapter! :)

-Erieh Yamazaki

Note: Hello everyone! You may be wondering why I posted another note here, but I just want to tell you something really important. I am quitting. Which is a joke. Erm, lame. Sorry.

I just want to tell you guys that I'll be updating next week, since I had problems with my netbook last Tuesday (May 14), but now that it is working fine again, I'll resume writing, and fortunately, I'm halfway of the chapter.

So, yeah. Sorry for this useless note and good day. ^^