Summary: 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 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.
My Strange Family
House Rule 8: Make Some Memories
"It's true. Christmas can feel like a lot of work, particularly for mothers. But when you look back on all the Christmases in your life, you'll find you've created family traditions and lasting memories. Those memories, good and bad, are really what help to keep a family together over the long haul."
-Caroline Kennedy
His tiny head moved from left to right, careful not to make any noise that could possibly attract the attention of anyone inside the house. Assured that there's no sign of them yet waking up, Youichi strode towards the door a few meters away from him: his papa's room. Last night was a mess, he was sure. Albeit he never got any interaction with his papa's grandpa (and given that he thought he was bad), he was sad to know that he died…in Christmas season, no less!
But for him, what's important now is to cheer up his papa first.
It was a good thing back then that he overheard senior Tono and the ASS (Association of Super Seniors) boys talking about cheering people up. So here he is, grinning widely, ready to pounce on the door and greet his papa a good morning. Yet what stopped and surprised him the most is the fact that there was a loud sound inside—like the bed creaking loudly.
He frowned. Is his papa already up? Whatever it is, Youichi was sure that he's going to like it.
With a smile and the thought of his papa jumping up and down in his bed, Youichi opened the rectangular, wooden object and shouted with a loud voice.
"Merry Christmas, papa!"
Only it turns out that his papa is hovering over someone, who happened to be his mama—the latter gripping the blanket tightly around her body, with her eyes wide and his papa's mouth open—both of them staring at him with surprised faces—naked.
Wait. Was it good or bad? Well, his papa is with his mama, and they seem to be having a good—no, great time.
A point for good.
Besides, they're already together.
Another point.
"Ah, merry Christmas to you too, mama."
Once he himself turned around and shut the door with a smile, he heard sounds of crashing objects and his mama shouting again with a loud 'Pervert!'.
At least, his papa is working on the Christmas gift for him, and indeed it is a good day.
My Strange Family
It wasn't later when a few people visited the Hyuuga household—namely, Ruka and Hotaru with boxes wrapped in colorful paper. Youichi was silently seated on the high chair, munching his favorite strawberry-flavored donuts brought by the engaged couple while Mikan talked to Hotaru and Natsume to Ruka. They didn't take long though, as they had told them that they still needed to visit and spend the holiday with their families.
"Good thing it isn't snowing that much." Mikan mused, looking at Natsume and Youichi with a smile. Truly she is in a good mood.
"Why? You have any plans for today?" Natsume raised an eyebrow, sipping a cup of chocolate drink while alternately watching Mikan and Youichi who are both opening gifts.
If only it wasn't a holiday, he would have already dragged his wife back to bed and maybe, just maybe, they could continue what they were about to do a few hours ago.
But it was pretty ironic.
Youichi, who loves on reminding them to give him a little brother or sister, is always the one who interrupts their alone time. Damn it. As much as he loves the little kid, he needed to tell him to knock first before opening doors.
"We need to go to school today for a mini charity event. It would take only a few hours-maybe two or three." Mikan smiled and stood up, walking towards the kitchen counter to get herself her own cup of chocolate drink. And once she had settled herself back on the floor, she looked up at Natsume, who by now, is staring nonchalantly down at her.
"Do you want to go?" Mikan asked him out of the blue.
Well, perhaps, Natsume might not go since he had tons of work he left during his absence, and knowing this work geek, he would prefer to be alone and work his butt off than to spend this day surrounded with people.
Hah, if she knows it, Natsume hated the crowd, because, well, he's a loner by nature.
But that's not what runs into the mind of the accused.
Even if he got some (or lots) paper works to do, and albeit he has a strong distaste for gatherings, maybe this one could be an exception. After all, Christmas is a family day (truth is, he's not actually a family guy), and it would be a bit lonely if those two aren't around.
Ah, his world truly turned upside down since they came in his life. See, now Ruka's definition of fun is somewhat rubbing onto him.
Besides, if the academy would be there, then that Koko guy too.
Well, he can't help it. That guy comes too close with his wife even though he has his own!
And one of the things he hated the most is sharing.
Because what is his is his alone.
And Sakura—Hyuuga Mikan is included in his possession's list.
No one can blame him, though; he just can't bear the sight of another guy coming too close with her.
Not now, not ever.
"I will go." At last, he said, and he decided he made the right choice when his wife and son smiled sweetly at him.
My Strange Family
The busy streets were crowded with equally busy people, some with their family or peers, laughing and eating non-stop while strolling round the lively multi-colored lit place. A giant Christmas tree can be seen at the middle of the park—people, young and old, gather around it, hanging their own amulet anywhere in hopes of having good luck for the upcoming year.
But what was more delighting about the atmosphere was the sound of little, angelic laughs inside a certain institution.
The institution where Youichi came from.
A few meters away, Mikan (who voluntarily helped on watching the dish wares—alone) smiled and glanced at the queue of children, the presents elicited agog reactions on their faces.
It was actually refreshing to see their priceless smiles once they took hold of the gifts.
Ah, especially the face of her son.
Mikan could not forget how excited Youichi was when she announced that they'd be giving presents to the orphanage where he grew up, and so, she did not think twice on agreeing when he asked her if he could help on distributing the gifts
"So… how's it going, Ms. Sakura?"
She needed not to look on the person beside her, instead, she was all too cognizant of the voice, deeming her to focus on the plates and smile without an answer.
"Oops, my bad. Am I supposed to say Mrs. Hyuuga then?"
And she laughed at that. Mikan never thought that he had some sense of humor, because for one, all she knew of his hobby was to scowl. And that, being a deliverer of mock statements is new.
The other person, however, merely smirked and leaned against the counter, waiting for the woman's response, which she gave after a few seconds.
"Well, Mrs. Hyuuga isn't that all amused. She thought her dear prince Hyuuga would rescue his damsel in distress." She mockingly shook her head, smiled and continued. "Perhaps, she should just find another prince to marry?"
With that spoken, she felt droplets of water trickling down her face. Turning her head to glare at the grinning man, she begrudgingly wiped her face without looking away from him.
Really. How childish could this man be?
"Why, that was a good idea, madam. But knowest ye not that it would not do any good on thy prince thou hast been talking?" He, too, shook his head and smirked when she frowned at his accent. "That's right. Prince Hyuuga will kill him." He added, producing a wide grin.
Sometimes, she thought, she actually adopted two kids. One is ecstatic about having a sibling and the other one about making that sibling. Not to mention, not hesitant to shoo (or harm) away those guys who'd come within a radius near her. The man is just that impossible!
Mentally sneering, Mikan looked back at the almost-finished dish wares and sighed.
"You see mister-"
"Bond. Just call me James Bond."
She giggled at his antics.
"Well, Mr. Bond, you see, my very great husband, who's fond of action movies, I could say, still has no right to rule over me."
The red-eyed guy's brows raised and crossed his arms.
"Oh, why is that?"
"Apparently…" Mikan paused and raised her hand, her palms facing the guy. "…the ring of possession still isn't on his maiden's finger."
At that, he chuckled and cleared his throat.
"Well, Mrs. Hyuuga, would you like to discuss this?" Natsume smiled, turning his head to look at the group of kids in the living room where the gift-giving is being held. "The details are far beyond negotiable, and can only be commenced some time when kids are sleeping in favor of not being able to see something they aren't supposed to. Well, the condition is easy. You just have to deal with certain things with prince Hyuuga. Otherwise…" He paused and looked at her again, this time, with a playful frown and a smirk. "…it would be an instant replay of the primal possession ceremony that took place last night."
Natsume, still with a sinister smile, took Mikan's hand and entwined his fingers with hers, an implication of her red face.
Mikan nervously looked at him. Okay, so she got one hell of a perverted husband.
Now what? It's true after all. There's no way she could escape Natsume's strong arms… that warm body…
And she's now certain that she transformed into an equally complete pervert.
Before she could even retort though, tiny footsteps on the hallway echoed, and both of them looked sideways only to see Youichi running towards them.
"Mama! Papa!" He called out, grinning while Mikan smiled down at him.
"What is it honey?" She inquired, staring at Youichi who walked towards Natsume and held his hands up. The eldest Hyuuga chuckled and lifted him up, setting the tiny child on his arms.
"Teacher Sumire is calling for you." He said and pointed at the people rearranging the chairs.
Finally, it's time to say goodbye.
"So, would you do the honors of being Mr. Bond's escort with this adorable prince in his arms?" Natsume bowed and offered his hand, all the while Youichi giggling.
She could only laugh before holding his hand and answering.
"Great idea."
My Strange Family
After a few minutes of exchange of 'Thank You's' and 'Merry Christmas's', Mikan went outside and was greeted by the sight of Youichi being carried by Natsume, the two talking with a group of three children including Koko and Sumire's daughter, Kasumi.
As she approached them, the children gave her a nod, followed by a voice from behind them, calling her name.
"Mr. Narumi?" Mikan frowned when the orphanage's assistant director smiled.
"I'd like to thank you for choosing the orphanage for your fund-raising program." He looked at Natsume and the latter smiled back at him.
"It's a pleasure." Mikan smiled and looked at both Natsume and Youichi before looking back at the blonde-haired guy. "Besides, this is where I met two of the most important guys in my life."
The old man silently smiled. Funny, he thought, that they are coping with one another amidst their previous arguments and whatnots. But thankfully (and miraculously, indeed), their once-heated debates subsided and were long forgotten.
However, his suspicion was being claimed as a fact ever since Youichi decided to stick with them. The kid was handful, alright, but he was smart enough to take control of things (rather, reinforce his capability to annoy everyone also known as tantrums) to put it in order.
The Hyuuga couple was no exception, and for that, he was thankful of the kid.
Surely, it was never a mistake to let him decide whom to choose as his parent, which luckily ended up being the both of them.
Ah, Youichi playing cupid?
Brilliant.
It was like hitting two birds with one stone.
"Well, anyway, has Youichi been good?" Narumi eyed the boy and much to his relief and surprise (because really, the stoic 28-year-old car tycoon Hyuuga Natsume just laughed. Yes, he just freaking laughed), the couple laughed and Natsume turned to speak.
"Tell me more about it. In fact, he's an incredible kid." He stated which earned him a nod from Mikan. "He's been of great help too, right honey?" Natsume rocked Youichi and the latter giggled.
"Youichi helped!" Still giggling, Youichi suddenly thought of one of the biggest accomplishments he did.
What was that again?
Oh, right. That one.
"Oh… like what?" Narumi playfully raised a brow and gently pinched the child's cheeks.
"Umm…" He started, his chubby index finger poking his own chin. "…Youichi helped papa and mama make babies."
He grinned.
Mikan gasped.
Natsume smirked.
Silence.
Narumi awkwardly laughed.
"O-Oh, wait. That was misleading sweetheart." Mikan, obviously appalled and not at all pleased by the sudden declaration of the three-year old, had her feet automatically searching for her husband's own to stomp on.
What the hell is Natsume teaching the child anyway?!
"Y-Yes Youichi. I… I mean, you're not supposed to involve yourself on…um, their activities." Narumi frowned and looked at the couple, silently asking them about what has been being exposed to the poor child.
Okay. Maybe, leaving Youichi into the hands of these people is a bad idea. While the wife is oblivious, the husband is one hell of a problem. After all, Hyuuga Natsume had been apathetic when it comes to opposite sex (unconsciously making them clean his walkway) and babysitting a child—a three-year-old, no less!
And who would have thought that he was even capable of transferring subliminal messages through Youichi? Although he, Anju Narumi, was awarded as one of the honor students during his college days, he acknowledged the fact that Hyuuga Natsume's perception and way of living slash thinking is far beyond his comprehension.
Once again, it was because he is one hell of a problem… because he had been apathetic when it comes to pleasing ladies (this time, it was done consciously with Mikan) and taking care of his son… and the drill goes on.
Narumi alarmingly looked at Youichi when the latter started to grumble, witnessing the familiar facial expression the child loved to do whenever he wanted something done.
Talk about nostalgia.
"But Youichi did! Right, papa?" Youichi looked at Natsume, and the said father back at him, nodding. "See? Papa said that I should tell mama to sleep with him, and I did." He pouted and crossed his arms. "Isn't that good?"
"It is, honey." Natsume, still smirking and oblivious to the silently-fuming Mikan, turned to a wide-eyed Narumi. The raven-haired guy's malevolent smile grew when he noticed the flushed face of his wife. Ah, how he loved when she makes that face because of him alone. "And there you have it." Natsume smoothly spoke, and was once again cut off by Youichi.
"But I'm gonna be a big brother soon!" The child excitedly said, eliciting different expressions from the three adults. And while still on shock, Narumi managed to look at the youngest person unhesitatingly.
"A brother?" He inquired, eyeing the couple before turning his gaze back at the nodding three-year-old boy.
"Because I heard loud sounds last night."
Mikan gasped.
Natsume smirked.
Narumi stilled.
Silence.
And all his life, this one might just be the most shocking revelation ever. Not even that time when he caught director Jinno mas— never mind.
"Y-Youichi, you know-"
"I know they made babies."
And that was enough to send the three of them (rather, Mikan and the oldest among them) in complete muteness.
"Made babies?" Natsume frowned. What could be more controversial than that anyway? And how in the world did Youichi know anything about making babies?! Even though he had given him hints (unintentional, by the way, 'coz he did it for the sake of making fun of his wife) about it, he never thought that Youichi would take it seriously!
But still… if his son says so, then that makes him a functional daddy, right?
And once Youichi nodded with a grin, Mikan almost slapped Natsume when the latter's grin of his own grew wide. Well, he doesn't seem to be too disturbed of their current situation! Once they got home, she'd make sure to—
"Because mama and papa are naked!"
Yeah, screw this handsome husband of hers.
My Strange Family
If there was one thing Mikan hated about having an 'almost' perfect husband would be the fact that the said husband knows how to inflict inappropriate things into Youichi's little brain. Well at first, it was just rightful of him to teach the kid what he wants to because for one, he is his father, and two, Hyuuga Natsume is a businessman with such an obvious and strict love for the god of responsibility; thus it was impossible for him right from the start to shirk his duties as a father to the child.
It's just that, it's an atrocious choice of method of explaining crucial and sensitive things to the three-year-old lad. Besides, what makes Mikan set aside her complacency about the issue is the undeniable status of Natsume, being a highly-educated man. And of course being such man comes in a package: brilliant, clever, and handsome with pride as its outer packaging.
But then, that doesn't mean that he's entitled to be the perfect tutor of explaining complicated things. As far as she's concerned, a degree in sex education for three-year-olds is never heard of.
Natsume may not tell things directly, but he's smart enough to hide his intentions.
What was his reason again? To gain her attention?
Well then he's doing a completely perfect job!
And to intensify the things more, it just happened that the child is smart!
Not that she has anything against that. In fact, the way the two act similarly around each other makes her think that Youichi might actually be Natsume's. Although the stability of the authenticity of that statement plays in between zero and ten percent, Mikan had considered that theory partly possible and impossible; possible due to the fact that Youichi had already adapted to his adoptive father's ways without so much of an effort, and impossible because once and for all, her subject of affliction (fine, and affection) is Natsume—the Hyuuga Natsume who never once cared or looked back at women who enjoyed throwing themselves at him… the Hyuuga Natsume whose world once revolved around money, business and his Maybach Exellero car alone.
To sum up the possibility of her deduction, the probability of it reverting to zero is high. And so, it is well-concluded that the business tycoon had no time for relationships let alone, a child.
But being the good mother she is, it's justifiable to initiate a practice of moderating Natsume's fatherly lessons… or better yet, completely shut her husband's mouth to stop the ebb and flow of his load of baloney.
Once Mikan had finished unpacking their things from their previous activity, she headed towards her room, with the sight of Youichi welcoming her and somewhat provided her with a sense of déjà vu.
Youichi's grin stilled and his grip on a rectangular thick book on his hands just tightened… which was not left unnoticed by his mama's observing eyes. Well, that was successful because first and foremost, getting her attention became his mission since the time he noticed his mama looking pretty upset after the party.
Is it something that he said?
But he only told them what he knows! And… and that includes his mama being pregnant!
Or maybe… was she upset because his baby brother or sister isn't inside her tummy yet?
Well, that would undoubtedly make her sad. And him too!
And as part of his plan to cheer his mama up, he'll ask his papa to make sure that his mama Mikan would be pregnant by tomorrow.
He's sure that she would like it. Of course his papa would, too, because he once said that making his baby brother or sister makes him happy every night.
Although he still doesn't get it why his mama would throw plates at his papa every morning when he would talk about giving mama his hotdog.
Wait. Isn't she supposed to be happy?
Geez. He really can't understand girls!
"Sweetheart? Is there something wrong?" Mikan, on the other hand, inquired with a frown and expectedly, the child shook his head with much gusto and instead showed her a book with a picture she assumed as compilation of fairy tales.
"Mama, read me a story!" Youichi excitedly tugged her shirt, causing her to look down at him. Well, who is she to say 'no' to him anyway? He did a great job in the orphanage a while ago. As a reward, maybe a storytelling won't be so bad.
As a response, Mikan nodded and smiled.
"Well, what are we waiting for?"
She immediately frowned when she recognized the voice behind her.
What great timing indeed!
Even if this already happened countless times before—that is Natsume's sudden appearances when she least expected it—and ignored it, it was only now that she realized that perhaps, it was those two's devious schemes to execute such equally devious, in her term, crime to tag up just to start another commotion.
Sometimes, she thinks that Youichi's unconscious display of innocence and her—oh she dare say it—husband's intimidating actions are a great combination of their effective torture.
Ah, damn it.
She never thought that such matter could be a big deal!
"Come on, mama. Let's tell this young Bond the story of how the princess chose to kiss the frog over frying him alive."
Natsume mockingly bowed down with his hands extended to Mikan, the young man giggling at his adoptive father's antics.
And there he goes again! One second he'll be cunning and another second he'll be as serious as hell or most commonly known as normal. Because he, being apathetic at all times, still falls under his definition of normal.
But who would have imagined that this guy could be so whimsical? It was so surprising to witness a transformation of a wild beast to a harmless one.
Well, he's beastly handsome. End of discussion.
Laughing, Mikan shook her head and bathed herself in the presence of an oddly different Hyuuga Natsume.
Maybe, she decided, leaving him like this for a while would not hurt.
My Strange Family
"And so, they live happily ever after. The end."
Mikan closed the book and sighed, feeling relieved when she saw the three-year-old sleeping soundly.
"That was plain wrong, don't you think?"
She heard the businessman commented.
Good grace!
Just as she thought that it was fine to leave him like that, he'd actually betray his own credits and prove that, yeah, just go with the plan of shutting him up.
Although it's still highly debatable if it was him who'd shut up first or her who'd be submissive with just one order from him.
Damn him and his sexy voice.
Mikan dismissed her thought. Gosh! Is that how a pervert's mind function?!
But anyway, apart from giving nasty and snide remarks every now and then about the story, like how the fictional wooden guy's nose isn't actually the thing that gets long when he lies (in which she had a hard time coping with Natsume's subliminal messages and Youichi's eagerness to see and witness himself the said 'magic' as her idiotic husband defined), there was no other pretty disturbing thing that came from his mouth soon after.
But of course, the torture didn't end there.
As if to mentally attack her, Youichi would ask questions, and although she was not very much smart to make a comeback (thanks to her family's genes), obviously, Youichi appreciated each and every answer Natsume would throw at him… which of course made her partly annoyed.
Now she isn't too sure if the two intentionally planned it beforehand.
Sighing, Mikan turned to face him and answered.
"I know, but that was meant for kids."
"It's not good to lie." Natsume kissed Youichi's forehead before standing up followed by Mikan.
The latter on the other hand remained standing and staring at him, which Natsume conceded as a signal of another issue being brought upon.
He couldn't blame her.
He himself knows that right from the start, they already had conflicting beliefs that would ignite an argument between them.
But that's not the issue itself here.
He grew up almost ruling others and getting himself into activities that involved contrasting ideas, that is, in business world. Of course, he's one stubborn man. Just as he does, every time someone would go against him, he'd make sure that the offender would experience terrible and ruthless sufferings courtesy by Hyuuga Natsume himself and his creative way of saying 'Oppose me and die.'
But Mikan is different. As much as he loved seeing her annoyed whenever he wins an argument (that is, during the time when they both were trying to win Youichi), he came into the conclusion that he'd very much prefer her smiling than frowning at him.
Disappointing her would be the last thing he'd do.
"Come on…" Natsume continued when he started to gently drag Mikan with him out of the sleeping child's room. "…we both know that fairy tales cease to exist in reality."
Once the two of them settled on the couch sitting, Mikan placed the book on the coffee table, and faced the 28-year-old businessman.
"I know that. But still, you can't alter what this world started. Children would be children, and they are bound to live by the saying that some things are better left unknown. Do you believe that, Mr. Know-It-All?" The brown-haired woman mockingly crossed her arms and sighed once more when the man in front of her didn't budge.
Goodness, he's such a pain!
Somehow, after a month and a half of living with him, this scenario brings back memories; like how they used to be when they were just mere—not exactly acquaintances—foes. The drill starts when Natsume would come and challenge her to an argument. Of course she'd accept his offer and voila! The fight would start.
Knowing that Natsume is a powerful man, she's certain that he won't give up just like that. After all, Natsume is, once and for all, a stubborn mule.
But this is so much nostalgic, isn't it?
It just reminds her that even after how many days or weeks, even years would come, the reason why they started to live in the first place is already a part of them. Well, if they didn't meet that way, there wouldn't be a clever Youichi running around this house, or a perverted Natsume who would always try to grab all the chance of harassing her.
Or let alone, there wouldn't be a Hyuuga Mikan sitting here now in front of Hyuuga Natsume who's ready to fire another smart-ass comeback against her.
That, even how marvelous it might seem, made her happy.
"You're such a hopeless romantic, woman." He remarked which earned him a light punch at his shoulder.
"And you're such an ass, mister."
"I'm a sexy ass." With a proud sneer, Natsume challengingly stared at Mikan who did the same.
After a few seconds of what seemed an eternity, both shared a hearty, small laugh and a comfortable, pregnant silence followed.
"It's no wonder that the mighty Hyuuga is not a big enthusiast of highly implausible stories. I almost forgot that you are the antagonist here." Mikan giggled and received a nudge at her legs by Natsume's very own.
Sigh. Since when did her husband become this playful?
"You make it sound as if I'm the bad guy here. I didn't know that people who don't believe in such sugar-coated lies are taken as outcasts."
The business tycoon crossed his legs and bent his head back, both of his wide-opened arms resting at the backboard of the sofa.
"Come on, you are an outcast yourself, Natsume." She chuckled. "I remembered that you were such a loner back then you'd prefer to talk to Youichi privately. I honestly thought that you were a pedophile!"
Hearing such comment, Natsume sat straight and glared at her.
"You accuse me too much, woman."
And when the woman started giggling once more, he painted a malicious smile on his face which got her to stop.
Ha, serves her right.
"I never intended to do that, and I do not have any plans of doing that. Besides…"
And his ultra attack, as Mikan deemed, came out sooner than she expected when she saw his smile that never did any good. Oh hell.
"…it's not my forte to attack my child. If by chance, I would always ask for his mom served in my bed anytime." With a wink, Natsume chuckled when she attempted to punch him again, this time, a little forceful added with her, well, stare of contempt. It's just fortunate of him that he was blessed with agility that he had blocked her in advance, and once again, made her glare at him.
"Fuck you."
"I've been waiting for that."
Mikan stood up and pointed an accusatory finger at him. Damn it, every time she makes fun of him, he'd effortlessly turn the tables around! What's with him and his ability to reverse their situation?!
"Y-You! You're such an—"
"Ass? Mikan, could you be more creative?"
The said lady frowned.
This guy, although she loves him dearly, she just couldn't understand him sometimes! He says the most annoying words all the time, but he also expresses his romantic side in just a snap. Seriously, she can never predict when his alters would take turns in torturing her!
"Come on, we were talking about fairy tales here, not our future activity."
Now, she doesn't know if Natsume even considers it romantic or what.
Ah, curse his ability to conceal his real intentions!
And besides! How could he be so sure that there would be an activity that might take place?!
Unless of course, he'd use his charms again.
Argh!
"Also, why do you have to talk dirty when we're not in action?"
That's it!
Mikan stomped her feet on the ground and turned her back against him. As she took a single step forward, her body went stumbling backwards; her body came in contact with the sofa with Natsume towering above her.
Mikan creased her forehead at him.
"You're so mean, you know that?" She gritted her teeth.
"Don't be so mad. You asked for it." The 28-year-old man chuckled when she refused to look at him. "Just kidding." He loomed over her and poked the tip of her nose.
Finally, Mikan glared up at him.
"You really love making fun of me, don't you?" Her glare intensified when he stopped chuckling and leaned his face near hers.
"No."
Grin.
"I love making my babies with you."
And just like that, Mikan, for the second time, pushed a chuckling Natsume and stood up, and walked a few meters away from him. She hasn't completely gone too far when he stopped her with his voice.
"Oh yeah. I received a call from Andou."
At the mention of the guy's name, Mikan completely stopped and looked back at him, her expression turned from annoyed to pure concern.
She didn't see it coming. Although his last sentence came out as a mere whisper, Mikan cannot deny that his voice was laced with worry for his late grandfather. And she's certain that he can never set aside as what he had dubbed as 'doubt' when Andou Tsubasa personally came yesterday to break the news of the old man's death. After all, Natsume is still the legitimate grandson so it was never her role (or anybody else's for that matter) to take away his private grieving.
For all she knows, her husband is a prideful man.
He did cry once, but that's it. Hyuuga Natsume is just that kind of guy.
But then again, this sensitive topic she never expected him to bring up is just a concrete proof of his attachment to him.
Mikan walked back to Natsume's direction and sat at the sofa beside him.
"Are you alright?" She looked at him only to see him staring blankly at nothingness. There is no trace of whatever emotion on his face except for the usual façade he puts up in front of his clients and underlings.
"Say, is this even a part of a fairy tale?"
Mikan frowned when Natsume glanced at her. Although she didn't expect him to react like that, she realized that even Natsume, who is a highly-educated man, can be so ignorant when it comes to dramatic situations… maybe because he didn't experience that much drama. He was tough to begin with, and he always deals with things with a hard face on.
Sighing, Mikan reached for the book and put the thing on her lap, looking straight ahead.
"If you think that fairy tales are all sugary sweets and smiles, you're completely mistaken." She looked at the book once more before peeking at him. "Even the most impossible story ever created didn't become successful without conflicts. Isn't that what makes a situation more exciting?"
When she didn't receive any response from him, she continued.
"Cinderella was a wreck before she married the prince. Aurora died before she finally uttered the words 'The end'. Ariel exchanged her most precious voice just to be with her beloved man. And Pinocchio—" At that, Mikan coughed and awkwardly looked back at her husband when he laughed at the mention of the character he gave malicious comments to. "—well, let's just leave his nose alone. What I'm trying to say is, even a fairy tale has its own ups and downs. It was based on reality, Natsume, not for the sole purpose of entertaining kids. Ironically, sometimes, children are adults' best teacher."
With that, the businessman nodded and sat back.
It was a surprise that he did not go against it. Maybe he came into realization?
Mikan spoke non-too loudly which gained his attention once more.
"I'm sure… I'm sure that soon enough, you'll be able to find your sweet ending."
"I think I have it right now."
He didn't look at her, but in her opinion, she probably has to do something with it. She's not that conceited but, yeah, maybe that's just it.
Mikan secretly smiled but her reverie broke as soon as Natsume called her name.
"I'm serious about what I said though."
He uttered and she frowned.
Natsume didn't have to say it twice, because she believed that he actually meant what—
"Let's make babies quick."
—he said.
The hell!
Screw this husband of hers who knows how to turn the situation a hundred and eighty degrees!
"You're such a pervert!" She half-shouted and stood up when she obtained a sight of a bored-faced Natsume frowning at her.
Really, he had to learn how to read one's dilemma! She found out just now that this Hyuuga guy actually has some knack for overturning serious situations into his an atmosphere he plans. But still, it came from her own mouth that Natsume is not used to heavy drama, which is why he prefer acting like this. Well, anyway, even if he's affected, he wouldn't show it. But since he could act freely like this, it was undoubtedly real that he's fine.
"You're already hurting my feelings, woman. Why would you accuse your own husband of being perverted?"
Natsume crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow at her.
Good grace. This woman would be the death of him!
Frown.
"Because you are, mister!"
"And you still wonder why you had a great time last night. Well, there wouldn't be any more interesting nights like that if I weren't a pervert."
And there goes their serious talk being turned back to their pointless argument. Seriously, as she plays the role of being the hopeless romantic, Natsume effortlessly plays the role of a conceited villain!
That is not and never will be under any discussions.
"You're so impossible, Natsume! First you'd act all high and mighty, then you'd be acting like a damsel in distress, and afterwards, you'd go back to being a jerk and then you'd—"
Gone is the mischief in her eyes when he raised his palm.
But that isn't what surprised her.
What precisely made her speechless is the sight of his palm turned upwards… a ring resting on top of it.
Wait. Since when did he…
"It's not gonna wear itself on your finger, Mikan." He commented with a blasé face, his fingers extending in front of Mikan who's staring at him with utter confusion.
"What's that now? I swear if you're just bribing me, I'm gonna—"
"Come on." He sighed. "I'm not bribing you."
Ah, that's right. She remembered her conversation with him at the orphanage about the ring. Mikan was pretty sure that he was just joking that time, and it never crossed her mind that he'd actually give her one. Although it is already enough for her just to be with him (and Youichi), she still can't help but smile whenever he would surprise her with the things she least expected… including this ring, yeah.
Well, speaking of it, she also remembered that time in New York that Andou Tsubasa mentioned something about Natsume wearing a ring.
But ever since he came back, she never noticed him wearing one. Could it be that this ring…
Still unmoved, Mikan searched for anything that might prove her husband wrong. There was none. Maybe, he is that serious!
"Aren't you gonna put it on me?"
"I'm not into mushy stuffs, Mikan."
Damn his pride.
Snorting, she snatched the ring away from his hands and turned away from him, pouting. As she was about to put the ring on her finger, Natsume stood up and spoke.
"If I put it myself on you, wouldn't it look like that I'm forcing you into this relationship?" Mikan glanced at him, completely lost at what he's trying to convey. Natsume and his riddles, she can never understand that.
Well, the thing about him forcing her is not at all true.
It is her own decision of loving him. All he did is just spread his pheromones which is until now, still annoys her, because one, he's conceited and will be bragging when he finds that out, two, he's conceited and three, he's conceited.
So, yeah, he's pretty much conceited at all cost.
"Aren't you just making excuses? Natsume, we both know that—"
"I don't know much about romantic stuffs since this is the first time I did it for a woman."
That made her stop.
"For now, I can only give you a ring. But maybe, in the near future, I could provide you with more than that." He smiled that one he used when he surprised her with his presence from New York, and Mikan knows… she knows that he's serious with what he's saying.
That just made her fall in love with him more.
She swallowed a good amount of saliva when she saw him walking towards her, still wearing that sweet and simple smile.
Ah, she never felt so blessed being one of the witnesses (other than Youichi) of this side of Natsume.
"By that time, I'd be able to have you in front of many people hearing my vows. I could only do that if you'll stay with me."
Now smiling, and a few tears trying to escape from her eyes, Mikan nodded and ran towards Natsume and ended up hugging him. The man hugged her back, his arms around her waist and his mouth near her ears.
"Move in with me."
Talk about him not being able to say mushy stuffs. That's the sweetest thing she heard from him!
"Okay." She smiled and didn't think twice when he kissed her that very moment but when he stopped, she looked at him in confusion.
"Natsume? Is there—"
"Say Mikan. Now that you have the ring of possession, do you know what's after this ceremony?"
Mikan mentally slapped her forehead. She knew it.
Oh, she just knew it!
How could she forget his ability of turning the situation around?!
But still, she shook her head and chuckled at her smirking husband.
"Why don't we try if your performance has improved?"
This will be a very busy—and loud—night, indeed.
My Strange Family
A few days have already passed after Christmas, and since New Year's day is just a couple of days away, the three of them had decided to shop for food, the idea courtesy by the ever-diligent Mikan—since Youichi cannot think of anything else but to play… and don't forget his recursive bugging of asking them for his baby sister or brother, and was always answered by Natsume's intellectual reasoning which of course would influence the child and believe his nonsense.
And then he'd stop bugging them.
It's not like they didn't want to give him what he wants. It's just that, it's not that easy for a baby to be made. It would even take weeks before it would be conceived.
In that case, she and Natsume would need to try harder every night.
Mikan stopped and flushed. She did not just think of that!
Well, he can't be relied on this either. After all, he's the type of anti-social guy who prefers to stay at home than to tire himself out from shopping.
But because she's a very lenient wife, she only threatened him that either she'd throw him out of their room or he'd sleep in his office.
She smiled in glee. Her husband is smart enough to choose what's right.
And speaking of Natsume, where in the world did he go now?!
"Ugh, I really hate you, Natsume!" She pouted and glared soon after at the pack of lettuce in the fridge.
"Well, surprise, I love you too."
Mikan sighed at the familiar voice behind her and when she turned around, she caught sight of her husband with Youichi holding onto his hand; the child's free hand holding a cone of ice cream.
The woman shook her head and smiled.
"Seriously, you guys…"
"Mama, we couldn't find the mushrooms." Youichi looked up at her.
"Alright. You two stay here and guard our items, okay?"
Both guys nodded. As soon as Mikan disappeared from their sight, Natsume started to scan the fridge to look for the remaining items they needed for New Year's Eve. Besides, it is a special day, so…
As he successfully got hold of the box of flour, another hand had placed itself on the other side of the box. Natsume let go of the item and looked at the other person.
A tall, blonde-haired guy staring back at him.
Somehow, he looked so familiar in his eyes.
"You can have it." The foreign guy said with a smile and continued once he looked at the three-year-old boy then back to the man with red eyes. "I already had a fair share of that. It's fine to let others have it now."
And just like that, the man walked away.
Natsume followed his retreating figure with his eyes, and when he was sure that the man had already disappeared, he shrugged.
"That's great. I don't share what's mine, anyway."
"Papa."
At the sudden intrusion of his thoughts, Natsume looked down at his son, who by this time, is staring ahead.
He followed his line of view and saw a baby carriage. There he goes again.
"When can I have a baby?" He innocently asked up.
Ah. Even he cannot answer that. The two of them have been trying every night, but it isn't that easy, right? It's not like the baby would appear in just a snap. Besides, even if they successfully created a baby, they would still wait for nine months, and along those times, Mikan might experience hardships, or worst and what he fears, a miscarriage.
But if that ever happens (her, getting pregnant, that is), he'd be sure to tie her down and forbid her to make even a single move, as long as both she and the baby will be safe.
But first things first, and before that could happen, he's going to do something about the creation of the baby.
"Well, we can do something about it, honey. We'll just have to wait, okay? For now, we just have to finish this and we can talk about that later, okay?"
Natsume kneeled down and wiped Youichi's messy face from eating.
The latter however felt a bit of disappointment. How long will he wait until his baby comes out? It's not like he could ask for some superhero and—
Wait. That's it! There was one time when the ASS boys were talking about that man! Maybe, he could help on making his mama Mikan pregnant.
Oh, he's such a genius!
All he needed to do is collect the things he needed.
Youichi looked up at his papa smiling at him. He smiled back.
"I know a way, papa!"
My Strange Family
Natsume carefully parked his car on the garage one fine night. After a small meeting with Ruka, he immediately came home to arrange the things he needed for his future meeting with his client. Speaking of arranging things, he remembered Youichi saying something about finding a way. He doubts that it has something to do with the baby, though.
Youichi is still a kid, and there is no way that he'll remember what he said. Or maybe, he isn't that sure when he said that, so perhaps he—
"Y-Youichi! What's that?!"
At the voice of Mikan shouting, Natsume immediately ran inside to find out the root of the commotion, only to see Mikan staring at Youichi… who's holding something he never dreamed of seeing in another signification.
"Youichi, what are you—" Natsume, with a little bit of surprise and perhaps, shaking voice, frowned and stared at the objects he's holding.
A chain and whip.
A freaking chain and a whip!
Why the hell would Youichi have that kind of thing?!
"Eh? But papa, senior Tono said that this helps a mommy and a daddy have babies! And Superman will help!" With Youichi's face filled with innocence, Natsume had to fight the urge of finding out who that Tono guy is and knock some sense on him.
Someone just corrupted his son's mind!
Wait. Why would Superman be involved too?
Mikan, on the other hand, just stared at Youichi with wide eyes.
Of course, it's as clear as day that Natsume wasn't the one who asked Youichi to do that. Besides, he's not uncivilized enough to go with that tactic!
So… why?
"Why in the world would Superman help in having babies?"
Mikan heard her husband inquired, who by now, has his hands both on his hips. His disheveled stature—with his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, his tie loosely around the collar of his white polo and his black suit resting on his left shoulder—just made him look sexy.
Oh heck.
This isn't even the time to say that!
With shaking hands, Mikan started getting the objects from their son's grasp while her husband repeatedly asked the child as to why the said fictional character would get involved.
And somehow, she had a feeling that his answer is not acceptable.
"That's because senior Tono said that SM would help!" He smiled. "Doesn't SM mean Superman?"
The young guy giggled, while being unmindful of his parents' current state—that is being deemed speechless by him. Although he still doesn't know why the superhero, or the chains and whip is involved (and because papa said that making babies are only for two people), he's convinced that maybe, just maybe, that's one of the ways to have his baby at last!
Natsume's frown intensified. His desire of killing whoever that Tono is just flared up!
Now he knows how Mikan feels with this. And he's not stupid enough not to know what SM is all about!
At the sight of Youichi leaving because the theme song of his favorite cartoon started to play, both parents could not do anything but to stare at the foreign objects before them.
Where did he get these things in the first place anyway?
To go this far, Youichi must have been so eager to have a baby!
But then again, he is too.
And if it's baby that his son wants, who is he to deny him of his wish? Natsume mentally smirked. Isn't this a good chance?
He looked once again at the objects and at Mikan who is frowning at him.
"This is plain wrong." Natsume stated while the woman nodded.
Well, this just proves her thought a while ago. Natsume, is in fact, a civili—
"Because high heels and ropes should be included, right?"
My Strange Family
"O-Ow."
Hyuuga Natsume stood in front of his office mirror, carefully putting a handful of cream on his face.
Damn it.
Sometimes, he'd just lose all sense of control and blurt out things he never intended to say in the first place.
How could he forget how hard Mikan punches?
He may have asked himself that before, but he just wouldn't learn, would he? Because well, it's Mikan he's talking about.
And he couldn't control himself when it comes to her.
He stared at his reflection. Thankfully, all he received is a wound on his left lip he's been concealing since he entered the company building. And since there are not many people today, no one saw him hiding a very embarrassing mark on his face courtesy of his lovely wife.
She better be thankful he loves her or else—
"Natsume?"
The tycoon looked behind him and saw Ruka standing.
Talk about great timing.
The latter frowned when he saw Natsume in such state similar to his… well maybe not as of now, but to rephrase it, something he would experience every now and then.
"What happened to you?"
"Nothing. Just had a rough night."
A rough night indeed.
Although he received such a mighty blow on his face, he successfully lured and calmed her down afterwards. He's just that talented when it comes to Mikan… may it be normally or suggestively.
Ruka on the other hand cringed at the thought.
Goodness.
It was far beyond his expectations that a day would actually come when Natsume would talk about his, ahem, sexy activities with his wife.
It's the last thing he wanted to hear, even if they are best friends.
Coughing, Ruka looked at the figure of Natsume sitting on his chair to arrange the pile of papers atop his table. Even though he had already a family, why does he still manage to look so perfectly fine? And by fine, he meant that Natsume looked so energetic and inspired all the time (just like him). Until now, nothing can even steal Natsume's title of being hot even in his current marital status.
Ah, that sounded so gay. He really has to do something about restraining himself from making remarks that might induce a rumor—which happened once during their college days.
Well, damn that person who actually thought that he had a relationship with Natsume! He did not tell him about that though, because he was sure that the one who started the false accusations would be at the hand of a merciless Hyuuga.
But not only he can see his transformation, even Hotaru noticed that too. Unlike before, during his bachelor days, Natsume was a hotheaded man. Well, until now, of course, but over a course of time, he learned how to appreciate the people around him and smile at the simplest of things.
"What are you doing here?" The company CEO asked without looking at the blonde guy which broke the latter's train of thoughts.
Coughing once more, Ruka looked at the folder in his hands and back at Natsume.
"I came to inform you that your client is here."
Natsume frowned. It is way too early for him to arrive, isn't he?
But still, he stood up and tidied himself up before going out with Ruka to where his supposed-to-be client is in.
When the two of them had reached the waiting room, Natsume spotted a familiar figure whose back is against him.
"Good day, Mr. Sono. Are we supposed to talk about the project now?"
Natsume signaled Ruka to leave the both of them and when he did, the guy with blonde hair turned around.
"Yeah, I'll leave myself in your care from now on."
He just didn't expect him to be the guy whom he never wanted to share things with.
My Strange Family
Typed on: May 24, 2013
XXX
Posted on: May 15, 2014
Author's Notes:Hey everyone! How are you? Haha! It's been a while isn't it? I'm so sorry if it took almost a year. I had some problems with this netbook of mine, haha!
But still, whoever thought that I would not continue this story, well, I'll prove you wrong. Hahaha! That was so conceited, sorry about that.
Anyway! Here you go! Kaname's appearance! Just what is his role here? Haha!
If you have any questions, clarifications or corrections about this chapter, please feel free to send me a message and I'd gladly answer as much as possible.
I can't list down all the people who reviewed, followed and put this story or me as their favorite, but I just want to say that you guys have no idea how I really, really, really appreciate your feedbacks. You inspire me to continue and believe in myself even how long I'm gone.
Please continue to support not only this story but other GA fictions as well. Thank you very much and have a good day!
Oh yeah, special thanks to my dear and close friends Rence, Nicole and Mavis (your name in Facebook, haha!) for putting up with me, haha! Here you go, as I promised.
-Erieh Yamazaki