A/N: Hi guys, long time no see! I am sorry I haven't been back in years, and I am happy to find there are still people who are reading and reviewing this story. I received a lot of negative feedback on Finding Mr. Destiny and the sequel to From Verona, With Love, (both of which have been deleted now.) It was really de-motivating and I quit writing for a long time. Even when I wanted to return, I lost access to my account so it was a hassle to get back in. I love this story a lot, so I have decided to finish it anyway. I apologize in advance if I can't make all my readers happy. And I am sorry if it sucks. But I will do my best to write as well as I possibly can.

Of course I have grown older and my writing style has probably changed (for better or for worse). Still, I will try to remain as true to the story as I can. Important: Some parts of previous chapters will be edited out/re-written to match with my current style. Please re-read from the beginning if you're interested.

Without further ado:

A big thank you to my reviewers for the last chapter: CrimsonQueen24, Purple Pearls Turned Black, StarElsie, lilcutieprincess, Guest, Ayame-hime 11d7, Eliminate Alice, BrimstoneButterfly, Cookie Cake L0v3R, Guest, Eka19, AJSan17, Lazy Lady, Lexi1989, princess lulu of koronia, Fernanda, RaindropCherry, Anilissa, Momo Gly.

PREVIOUSLY

"Mikan…"

"Hey, you called my name! I can't belie—"

"Are you a virgin?"

Silence.

"I asked you if you are a virgin."

I was starting to panic.

"Mikan!"

"I…I was. Until… you… just now."

"Jesus!"

"Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured." — Mark Twain.

Day Seven

Mikan

It was strange. The nearer he was, the more my skin burned like fire, unable to stop wanting him. It was an all-consuming feeling and I couldn't keep my hands from traveling up and down his toned stomach as I rested my head on his chest. I was breathing slowly, quietly, trying to feel the rhythmic beating of his chest underneath my cheek.

The snow storm didn't seem to have calmed in the least, and the windows still rattled under the pressure of treacherous winds. I felt warm, nestled against Natsume's form.

There was an awkward silence after he realized he was my first. Well, it wasn't that awkward, but I hated it. I guess my constant fidgeting and nervousness was making it more awkward than it should have been. I wanted to talk to him about something, anything.

"So…what was it like where you grew up?"

"New York?" Natsume replied automatically. "It was nice."

"Just…nice?" I pressed on.

"Hn." He replied.

Wow, he's really not talkative at all…"What was your favorite thing?"

"My favorite… thing?" He asked, cocking an eyebrow as I looked up at him. I was almost ready for a dismissal, but he seemed to be giving it some thought as he stared back into my eyes. The crimson of his eyes appeared soft, a little different from its usual relentless glow.

"I liked this… cafe. In Brooklyn. I went there a lot, usually early morning when they opened." Natsume looked outside the window, his hand running up and down my back. "I liked the coffee there."

"Did you ever get homesick?" I asked, carefully not to push my luck too much.

"Yeah." He answered coolly. "Sometimes."

I didn't know what to ask next, so I stayed silent for a while. Surprisingly, Natsume spoke to me first, breaking me out of the web of my thoughts. "Want to come out to New York for a cup of coffee?"

I actually laughed at his teasing question. "Sure! As long as it's—"

I paused. As long as it's with you? Really Mikan?

"As long as it's g-g-good!" I finished in a half-panic, hoping I didn't betray what I was actually going to say.

Natsume almost betrayed the smallest imaginable smile, glancing out of the window. I almost didn't believe my eyes.

"The storm's not budging," he observed, his hand stopped on the small of my back. Holding my gaze captive again, he asked me in a low voice as the almost non-existent smile transformed into a smirk. "We can kill time here a little longer. I know just the thing."

His hand pulled me closer into his form. I let out a gasp, feeling my cheeks get hotter. "Uhhh…" Think Mikan, think. Don't do it! Resist. Protest. Move. Get up and start doing yoga. Think about something unsexy, like, like… omg WHY ISN'T ANYTHING UNSEXY COMING TO MIND?

Natsume chuckled, closing his eyes. "Get some rest, stupid girl."

"H-hey!" I began but bit my lower lip, stopping myself and closing my eyes shut. It was for the best. There was no way we were doing that ever again.

Natsume

What a weird little girl.

She was interrogating me a minute ago and now she's passed out like a light. I really despise people who fall asleep this easily. It's like their brains have nothing to think about. No worries, no stresses. Me? I was wide awake.

I had broken all my rules in the short span of two days.

I had first treated a girl poorly and left her in the middle of nowhere, only to have something traumatic happen to her because of me.

I then took the same girl in my bed, and took her with a force and passion I did not know I was even capable of.

Instead of pushing her away, or immediately distancing myself afterwards, I stayed in bed with her wrapped in my arms.

I even answered her stupid questions about my life.

And then I invited her on a potential coffee date.

I grit my teeth, grunting in anger as I chastised myself. I could not bring myself to even think that I had any feelings for this girl, considering she was the bastard's bride-to-be. All I ever wanted was to ruin the wedding, hurt that bastard like he hurt our family and leave.

And here I was like an idiot, out of character, confused and feeling almost lost.

Staring at the ceiling, I turned my attention to the creature laying gently on my chest — hearing her breathe calmed me instantly. I felt my body relax as I ran my hand gently through her locks. Funny how I remembered wanting to do this the first time I had seen her exactly a week ago. I felt my lips move to her forehead, staying against her skin for a while.

"Sweet dreams Polka…" I spoke as softly as I could, not wanting to stir her from her peaceful sleep. I felt the tiredness I had been successfully ignoring all this time hit me and my eyes caved under the pressure of exhaustion as I began drifting…

It was late evening when I woke up. My body felt hot and my eyes felt heavy as I opened them, my hand moving up automatically to the alien object on my forehead. A wet, warm cloth.

"Oh, you're awake."

The girl had changed into a clean pair of pajamas with the inn's logo. A towel was draped over her long hair, still wet from the shower. I wanted to pin her against the wall and take her right there, but an extreme tiredness sweep over me as I tried to sit up, wobbled and fell back into the pillow.

"Ugh…" I groaned. How fucking embarrassing was that.

She rushed over to me, big Bambi eyes full of worry. I avoided her sympathetic gaze and stared out of the window instead.

"Natsume-kun, are you alright?'

"Natsume." I said in a voice a little above a whisper.

"What..?" She replied, much louder than I had been.

"Just call me Natsume." I replied, finding my eyes trail back to hers. The lightness of the color was mesmerizingly warm. I needed to feel her again, all of her, but my body would not move despite all my need of her. I let out a sigh in frustration, causing lines of worry to form on her forehead.

She leaned closer to me, placing one hand on my shoulder. "Are you uncomfortable? Do you want to shower? Get something to eat…?" She offered as her face hovered over mine.

Using the combination of my remaining strength and willpower, I lifted one hand and gently took a hold of her hair, pulling her towards me as our lips crashed. I could sense the kiss grow hot quickly and her body pressed against mine, giving way to me without the slightest hesitance.

"N-Natsume…w-wait…" she managed to whisper between gasps as she struggled for air, but my lips could not be torn away from their present occupation.

She pushed me away a little harder, face flushed and panting. My hand slid from the back of her neck to her collar and then lower as I began unbuttoning her shirt, but both her hands stopped mine.

"Trust me…I really want to…you k-k-know…" she stuttered, tightening her grip around my hand. "B-but let me take care of you first. Please."

My hand abandoned its goal to strip her, the energy of my body now at an all time low. As she relaxed her grip, allowing my hand to fall onto the bed with a soft thud. My breathing grew heavier, and I felt my vision become blurry.

"Natsume? Natsume!" I heard her call my name in vain as everything became pitch black.

Mikan

What? I really want to? I REALLY WANT TO?

How could I even say those embarrassing words to my future brother-in-law?! I tried to clear my mind and forget everything that happened at this inn. I just wanted to go back to the way my life had been before any of this happened, rewind to this morning where the fitting was my biggest concern in life.

But my body still remembered every little pleasure he brought with his lips and his touch. As much as I hated myself for it, I could not help wanting him again. I wanted Natsume to make me his over and over again.

Mikan, you pervert! I mentally envisioned smacking these thoughts out of my brain with a baseball bat. I sighed as my mind cleared a little after that visualization, pouring some hot coffee into a mug. The storm still raged outside and all was still endlessly white. I pulled up a chair next to the bed where Natsume slept, touching his cheek as gently as I could manage.

It was really early in the morning. Natsume had passed out last night, only to wake up an hour later. I forced him to at least drink a full glass of water, but he passed out again right after.

His temperature seemed to have come down a little, I confirmed, before removing my palm from his cheek. I changed the now burning wet towel to a fresh, cold one. Natsume flinched slightly, but thankfully did not wake. As I watched the snow continue its wild dance, I realized the winds at least had gotten much calmer.

I sipped my coffee slowly, replaying the day's events. It had been crazy since I left for that wedding fitting…

Wedding…

Tsubasa.

I had been so preoccupied with taking care of Natsume that I forgot completely about Tsubasa. I felt a sharp pang of guilt, immediately rummaging my bag for my phone.

No service, great…

Suddenly a small knock scared me out of my seat as a sprang to my feet, thankfully not spilling any coffee.

I glanced nervously at the clock. It was before 6. Setting the coffee mug on the table, I grabbed a heavy marble paperweight (the only think I could use to defend myself) and slowly made my way towards the door. Just when I was about to open it the person on the other side knocked again, making me drop by weapon with a loud eep!

Hotaru

What an idiot…

I sighed as the moron picked up the paperweight from the floor. Just when I felt proud that she had enough sense to bring something to defend herself if she was going to answer an unknown knock…

She just had to drop it.

"H-Hotaru!" Mikan looked relieved to see me, throwing her arms immediately around my neck. She flinched from the cold snow that was currently all over my hair and clothes, but did not retreat from the life-squeezing hug.

"You okay?" I offered, not pushing her away as I usually did. I surprised myself by returning her hug with a half hug of my own. Relief washed all over me, glad to see the idiot in one piece.

"Yeah…I am now." She beamed at me. "You must be freezing! Come in—" she began but glanced back nervously at the minimally clothed Hyuuga sprawled on the bed.

Why. Did. I. Not. See. This. Coming.

"It's fine." I said flatly, dusting the snow off of my watch. "Listen, you need to come with me. Now."

"E-eh? Why?" Mikan asked me in a perplexed tone.

Does this idiot really have no clue…?

"You have been missing for a 24 hours. Aunt Kaoru is a wreck. Tsubasa is on the verge of driving us all crazy. And," I paused, glancing at Hyuuga and then returning my gaze back to her, "how do you plan on explaining that?" I spat, watching Mikan's cheeks turn crimson.

"Um… yeah… okay…" she was easily convinced, but she hesitantly stole a second worried glance at Hyuuga.

"It's fine." I insisted, finding myself grow more irritated by the second. I hated drama and the amount of family drama this little escapade of hers was going to introduce into my life…I could not even begin to fathom.

I needed to make sure that no one found out about what really happened here. Seeing the marks on Mikan's neck already gave me a visual image I did not want to see.

"Ruka's coming up. He'll stay with Natsume. Change, grab your things, get in the car," I kept the instructions as simple and clear as possible. "I'll explain in the car."

I entered the room, closing the door shut softly behind me. I noted the wet towel on Hyuuga's forehead, and a bowl of water set next to the bed. "He's sick?" I did not know that I cared until I said that out loud. I guess blood is thicker than water.

"Yeah…" Mikan whispered softly as she gathered her things. "He already had a fever when he got here and his shoulder is hurt and it got worse after we—" she cut off there, turning as red as a fucking tomato and leaving nothing to the imagination.

I flinched at the thought, closing my eyes to calm down and get rid of that nasty image. Again.

After what seemed like an eternity we made our way downstairs to the car. I dropped a fat envelope at the front desk, giving the inn keeper my best glare. "One word of this gets out and you won't be around to spend all this." I threatened as the man gulped and took the envelope.

"Y-yes ma'am!"

Mikan caught up to me and we made it to the entrance. Ruka entered just as we were leaving, stopping to greet Mikan.

"Ruka-pyon!" Mikan exclaimed, and I chuckled remembering she's still using that ridiculous nickname for him.

"Mikan-chan! I am glad you're not hurt." He smiled as he gave her a friendly hug. "How's Nat?"

"Not good…" Mikan replied, the worry reflected in chocolate brown eyes. This idiot is so transparent. I mentally facepalmed myself, but was glad that Ruka didn't seem to have picked up on her 'concern.'

"Don't worry, I got him." He reassured, turning to me and kissing my forehead. "I'll be back soon, love."

I couldn't help but blush at this unnecessary interaction in front of Mikan, who was now annoyingly giggling. "Yeah, cool. See you at home." I coughed awkwardly, leading Mikan out of the entrance and into the car.

"Where to next, Imai-sama?" The driver (also a highly skilled espionage agent) asked as he looked in the rear-view mirror and adjusted his tie.

"Straight home." I replied, turning to look at Mikan who was still looking out the window and at the room which she occupied earlier.

"Mikan…" I didn't know where to even begin. "This is the story. The storm got worse, the car couldn't move forward, so you found a camping site and they led you to your tent. You don't know what happened to Natsume since you were in a different tent and could not find him in the morning. You called me and asked me to pick you up."

Mikan listened intently to my version of the actual events, nodding sheepishly as she turned to look at me. "Okay."

I expected her to protest, but was glad that she didn't. "Good. Ruka will bring Natsume home later. Just pretend to look relieved that he's back." I said, watching her as her eyes trailed down to her hands in her lap and stayed there.

"Don't look too relieved," I warned.

This surprised Mikan as she looked up at me again, cheeks flushed, but said nothing.

The quiet and suffocating air in the car made me feel on the edge. I was anxious, but whatever had happened between the baka and Hyuuga needed to be forgotten, erased. Me asking anything about it would delay the process of forgetting.

I knew everything about Hyuuga. He was a cold hearted asshole, both in business and social situations. He was notorious for his lack of concern for anything but himself, and he was literally the last person on this planet I would have ever given Mikan to.

Tsubasa was not good enough for Mikan — no man was good enough — but I knew he was going to cherish Mikan more than his own self. I could live with that.

"We're here." The driver announced as I let my thoughts subside for now. I needed to rest, and so did Mikan. Hopefully this entire ordeal would be forgotten and we can have a normal wedding by the end of next week.

Tsubasa

This is all my fault.

If only I had waited for Mikan. If only I had somehow turned around for her. If only I did not take her for granted.

While the physical pain I felt in that moment yesterday had subsided (and I guessed Mikan was now somewhere safe), I still couldn't help but worry for her safety.

The worst weather in years had hit us. Roads blocked, trees uprooted, cars stuck in the unforgiving snow. I wasn't even interested in how the rest of Japan faring, and to be honest it made me only more irritable. But I couldn't bear to tell my sister to turn the television off. She had fallen asleep crying in front of it, and was now awake still in her clothes from yesterday, trying to find any solace in the weather updates.

I ran a hand through my hair in frustration, drinking what seemed like the hundredth cup of coffee. I hadn't been able to sleep a wink, neither had mother, and we both stopped keeping count of the coffee mugs that were constantly brought out to us.

"She's going to be fine, Tsubasa," mother said to comfort herself, more than me. "They're both going to be fine." Her voice began to break and I steadied her with my arm.

"Sit down, stop pacing around, mother." I tried to be strong but I was feeling the same concern she had been feeling.

Natsume too, was gone. Knowing that he grew up in a penthouse in one of the biggest metropolises in the world, I didn't know if he had any survival skills out in the wilderness. I just hoped that he would be alright and would walk in through the door, tell mother off for making such a big fuss, work the magic only he knew to take away all this pain mother and Aoi felt right now, in his absence.

I knew things were hard for him and I know that I only made it worse. Still, he was back for my wedding, so maybe this was my chance to finally work things out with him. Plus, mother and Aoi would love for him to move back to Tokyo.

And if he really hated me to that point, I was willing to move out.

It was still early and we didn't hear any cars, but the door knobs turned. The front door was pushed open by two servants, and the two snow covered girls entered, trying to shake off the snow.

I wanted to hold Mikan dearly, but I let mother do the honor. After all, Mikan was as much a daughter to her as Aoi too, rushed in with a loud "Mikan—nee" and tackled Mikan. It warmed my heart to see the women I love cry and squeeze the life out of each other.

"Thanks, you okay?" I asked Hotaru as she coughed, slipping out of her coat and gloves.

"It's a nightmare out there. Sorry for the wait." She shrugged and I actually laughed at how lax her apology was.

"Don't worry about it," I offered lightheartedly as a servant came rushing in with some hot tea for her.

Once the three women had settled a little into sobs, I walked over to Mikan and took her in my arms.

It felt like the entire world was in place. My breathing returned to what it was as the intense weight on my heart was lifted. Mikan was here. She was back in my arms.

I kissed the top of her snow covered hair, quickly brushing off the flakes with my palm. "I am so sorry." I said instantly, unable to control the flood of emotions inside me. "I shouldn't have left you. I never will. Never again, I promise."

Mikan seemed to avoid my gaze as she turned away and nodded. I don't know how traumatizing it was for her out there, and only wished I could take it all away.

"I-I'm sorry, can I just have a few moments to myself?" She spoke in a voice barely above a whisper and it was hard to catch her.

"Yeah, of course." I said, immediately letting her out of my embrace. She nodded, still never looking me in the eyes and began moving towards her room.

"I'll ask the servants to run a hot bath. Hotaru-chan, you should have one too."

"Thank you Aunt Kaoru, I will do just that." I heard Hotaru reply, and watched as the girls disappeared on the second floor.

With Mikan returned home safely, there was still Natsume to worry about. We all waited in living room on the first floor, closest to the entrance, unwilling to let anything else occupy our thoughts.

When the door flung open the second time, I couldn't help but sigh in relief at the sight of Ruka and Natsume walking in. Natsume looked like in slightly bad shape, his bandaged arm revealed from his muscle tee as he removed his coat.

"Natsume—nii!" Aoi raced to him, her arms around his ribs. "Oi, I can't breathe." I heard him protest but he did not push her away. Mother also walked over to Natsume and Ruka, giving Ruka a hug first. "Thank you for bringing him back," she croaked through tears.

Ruka smiled, nodding and moving away to let her have the reunion she was expecting with Natsume.

"Why are you crying, mother? It's just the weather," Natsume said softly as he pat her shoulder in a loving manner. Mother and Aoi both hugged Natsume for what seemed like the longest time until mother pulled away first and motioned for me to come over.

I took a deep breath and walked over, ready for the usual relentless crimson glare I was used to. I still wanted to make an effort, and I had also been worried for him so I simply said, "Welcome home."

To my surprise, he did not glare but gave me a… strange look. His eyes were not as usually hard as their expression had always been and he even acknowledged what I said with a nod. "Thanks," he mumbled, as if in deep thought.

This shocking experience now had all three of us petrified.

Wow. What had changed? Natsume had been…civil.

"I need to shower." He said in a matter of fact tone, and we all moved away to clear the path. "Ruka, can you help me with this thing?" He said, pointing to the bandages.

"Sure thing Nat," Ruka answered and gave us all a wave.

"Mother, Aoi, you guys get some rest too." I said gently, sighing in relief. Everyone was safe and the fitting had been a disaster, but the wedding seemed like it was going to be just fine.

By late afternoon we had all settled in the living room. Hotaru and Ruka were in the study helping father with the guest list, Aoi was sleeping in her room to catch up on sleep and mother was reading a book.

I was going over some reservations for our honeymoon on my laptop, sitting on the sofa opposite mother's armchair. Mikan was sitting on the rug in front of the fire place, eyes closed and gently rocking to the classical music playing in the background. She looked warm and safe, and I smiled at the thought of seeing her in front of my eyes again.

Natsume made his way downstairs, now dressed somewhat casually. He sunk into a chair on the table, keeping his distance from us.

"Natsume," mother called. "Come sit next to me."

He obeyed, walking with some difficulty. I wondered if I should offer my help but decided against it. Nope, not that man. He might think I am looking down on him.

"When are you flying back?" Mother asked out of nowhere. Mikan and I both looked at Natsume, though I was surprised Mikan was interested at all.

"Uh, on the day." Natsume replied, omitting the word wedding. I chuckled, returning my attention back to reservations as the chatter continued in the background. Natsume could be weird at times.

"I want you to stay longer," mother protested. "Please? You can help look over business here. It's not like Rei needs any help."

I could sense the annoyance in his voice. "Uncle Rei needs a lot more help. You've got more people here, business is more established." He said disinterestedly as if not wanting to continue this conversation any longer.

Mother gave up, turning her questions to me. "When are you guys going on your honeymoon?"

This question seemed to have upset Natsume somehow, because as I turned my gaze upwards to meet mother, I could feel his stare burning through my face.

I was distracted by this, but thankfully mother had not noticed. "We fly out on 'the day' too." I tried to joke, only to hear a grunting sound from the other male.

Mood swing I guess?

"All of you leaving me like this together!" Mother sighed, turning her page a little too loudly. It was almost vindictively cute. I laughed lightly before responding "It's not like that mother—"

Natsume now growled loud enough to make mother notice too. "Mother. That's what you call her?"

I felt myself now returning his stare with an annoyed one of my own. All I have done since he got here is try to be nice. "Yeah, what else am I supposed to call my mother?" I spat, instantly regretting it as he stood up to his full height.

"Right. I can see that you are one big happy family," he said sarcastically.

"Natsume, wait."

That was the last voice I had expected to hear.

Mikan was now also standing, but staying put, trying to calm Natsume with words.

"Natsume, sit." Mother commanded but Natsume dismissed her as well.

"I am sure you flew me in to participate in the appreciation of your family, but I am actually not interested. This is a waste of my time. I should have never come."

I could see the hurt in crimson eyes as mother lowered her gaze to the floor, proud woman that she was.

I sprang to my feet, eady to be the older brother even if he didn't consider me one. "Hey, you are also a part of this family, even if you don't want to be!" I could feel my voice rising higher, the anger now quickly overtaking my usually relaxed manners. "And I know you left this family, but this family would never, ever leave you. We will always be here whether you like it or not."

"Actually," he now closed some of the distance, walking threateningly towards me. "I don't want to hear that from an outsider."

I felt something literally snap inside my head and I grabbed his tee with both hands. Mother quickly got to her feet, trying to break it off.

But I had just about HAD IT with him.

"I get it. I am an outsider. My entire existence is a mistake to you." I was fuming, feeling the rage I had always tried to let go of take over me in this crazed frenzy. "But what have you done for this family? You ran away to New York, never came back. You blamed me for everything!" I thundered. "And you know what? That's fine. But who was there when mother was ill? Who went to Aoi's performances and games? It was me. I played my role of a son and an older brother and I will to the end of my life whether you like it or not, you selfish bastard!"

Natsume's lips turned into his trademark arrogant grin. "Bastard…? You calling me a bastard? Now that's just ironic."

His fist came flying at me so fast and unexpectedly that I could not dodge it. I collided with some of the furniture, barely dodging the glass vase that had now fallen on the floor. Some of the pieces gf glass stuck to my hand and I winced in pain, but I pulled myself to my feet.

Fine. If this is what it was getting to, that was fine with me. It was time to beat the crap out of my younger brother.

"Natsume, Tsubasa please!" I could hear both mother and Mikan pleading.

But we could not stop. I returned the favor and threw a punch back at him, which he caught as expected. Using my other fist I knocked the side of his face, watching him wobble a step back before throwing a roundhouse kick at me. The impact of the kick sent me flying, and panting I pulled myself again.

Okay, this was painful and Natsume was the better fighter, but I was not going to lose.

I charged at him, tackling him to what I thought would be the ground but his footing threw us both off, and we landed on mother's elegant Korean coffee table. Now both of us had glass cutting into our skin, and we winced on the floor as we rolled in the pain.

I could see how horrified the two women were through my bloodthirsty vision but I couldn't hold myself back, not now. If I did I wouldn't be able to look Natsume in the eyes again.

Gasping in pain, I clutched onto the armchair mother had occupied earlier and tried to get up. But Natsume was faster than me, even in his injured state. He was already up, and his boot came crashing down angrily at my back, sending me back against the floor.

Natsume was seething as he grabbed me to pull me up. I was out of breath and my vision was getting blurry, I could feel that I was losing but I would never give up. "Do you feel better?" I managed to say, egging him on. It was better this way.

Maybe if he released all his emotions now, we could be friends when all of this was over.

"Not yet, not until I take everything away from you like you did from me!" Natsume released a deep growl and I found myself smirking cockily at him.

"Go ahead, I'd love to see you try."

I closed my eyes for the impact but nothing had happened. I slowly forced myself up again, watching his the rage enhance the red in his eyes, which were currently threateningly glaring at me.

Natsume sneered at me and I found his sudden shift a little more intimidating than his anger had been. "Try? I don't think I have to try." Natsume mused, his fists growing tighter by the minute. "No…" he continued, noticing the confusion on my face.

"There's nothing more I can take from you, bastard. I fucked your future wife like your mother did my father. I guess now we're finally even."

Mikan

I felt glued to the spot where I had been trembling for a while now. I knew the truth might come out somehow, but not like this…

Tears came pouring out of me and I tried my best to fight them back, but more alarming than what Natsume had said was Tsubasa's reaction. The betrayal had literally stripped him of any emotion, and I saw him standing there motionless like a corpse. Where there had been anger there was now nothing.

As if things were not already as bad as they could get, Kaoru-sama turned Natsume to face him and slapped him so hard that we could all hear the echo.

"H-how… How dare you…" her voice now matching the exact threatening tone of Natsume's voice, "how dare you stand here and disrespect my daughter!"

Those words hurt, cut deeper than Natsume's words ever could. Kaoru-sama had been nothing but good to me and she had asked me time and time again if I wanted to marry Tsubasa. She never wanted me to feel pressured into it, and I never felt that way until Natsume came along.

The guilt was overwhelming me and I felt my cheeks get warmer. I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me, never to release me again.

I know he was the cause of all this pain and confusion, but I couldn't help to look at Natsume and see how soft, hurt and vulnerable his eyes looked.

"Why is it always other peoples' children and never your own child…?" He asked her in a soft, almost pleading voice. He looked into her eyes for a while, and after their silent staring competition was over, he did not spare a single glance at anyone else.

He was out of the front door, despite the raging blizzard. I wanted to go after him still, even after what he had done but my feet did not move, they could not move.

And nobody else could move either.

A/N: Took me a while but I got it done! This is going to be a slightly long author's note so please feel free to skip. ^^"

I know it's a lot to take in, but I really want to explore both Natsume and Tsubasa's emotions in this chapter. Natsume has a lot of unresolved issues, but I felt like Tsubasa also suffered from their family dysfunction. There's basically a lot of anger and this wedding is unraveling everyone. I hope in the next few chapters we can have a more balanced POV, but I can't help that I love writing Natsume the most T^T I love his sarcastic personality. *dies*

I know some reviewers were concerned that Natsume's just using Mikan, but I hope this chapter clears up that confusion! There are definitely feelings there, but you know, it's complicated. ^^" Someone also pointed out that there is slight OOCness, for which I apologize! I try to keep all the characters in character as much as I can, so I am sorry for disappointing my readers _ In this particular story I have decided to work on specific traits, such as Mikan's naivety but resilience, Tsubasa's loyalty and kindness, Natsume's anger and resolve, and Hotaru basically going to any lengths to keep her best friend safe. I hope those qualities that we saw in Gakuen Alice shine through here too, but I am sorry they don't. *cries*

I might have lost readers over, wow, SIX years? That is how long ago the first update was! Can you guys believe it? But if you guys are still here reading it in 2021 (and don't despise me for my long hiatus *hides*), please do hit that review button and let me know you're still here in 2021 ^^

Lastly, lines have been changed from the previous chapter's "preview" (which will be updated to match the current update), so I apologize for the confusion. The fight between Natsume and Tsubasa was a lot more about their complex family situation rather than Mikan, so I decided to take the focus there. I love you guys for asking for updates and sticking with this story! Thank you again!

toomuchofnothing