A/n: There is a portion in this chapter were Mikan was taken and held hostage by a group of people called Quagmire-ions. In order to save the Travail kingdom from bandits, she was exchanged in return. I don't know if my other counterpart would be "unlazy" enough to post her POV on it, but meh, just spam her for it. -chuckles-
I keep forgetting disclaimers, so, I do not own Gakuen Alice.
Enjoy reading. -.-
~(-.-)~
Both my father and I were seated in front of the living room porch, a bottle of sake in between us and two drinking glasses. The women were upstairs busily unpacking their clothes and jovially chatting with each other. He lighted a cigarette, inhaled deeply and aimlessly blew out a puff of smoke. As the younger one, I took the bottle of sake and poured some on my father's glass.
"Earth is a beautiful place, no?", he asked then stared at the moon radiantly shining above the dark skies. No clouds covered the bright stars that twinkled together with the magnificent moon. "It's not as harsh as the lands of Travail so I could understand your reason for always staying in this planet." He looked at me and grinned. The King was no fool to not know my intentions for going back here on Earth. He was, though I hate to admit it, my father after all.
I chuckled softly as I drank my drink. "Does mother know this as well?", I asked. Igarashi smirked at the question for he knew I already knew the answer to my own question. I sighed. 'Parents,' I rolled my eyes at the thought.
"Your mother is a lot perceptive than you think. Her perceptiveness is so sharp she knows if I ate too many chocolates or not," he answered with a frown.
"You're the strongest man in Travail and yet you're afraid of your own wife. Doesn't that hurt your man's pride at all? I find it amusing when you succumb to mom's whim during your fights," I smirked at him then poured more sake. He bellowed in laughter as if he found my statement the funniest thing in the world. "What's so funny?"
"Boy, you speak of a man's pride. But have you ever thought of a woman's honor?", he asked, smirking.
"I don't understand." Igarashi took a sip of his sake and looked seriously at me. A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.
"Women are the gentlest creatures in the universe. They give you warmth, comfort and love. A woman would give her everything to the ones she cares the most," he started then stopped as the chorus fits of laughter distracted him, and grinned broadly. "But they can also be the most ferocious beast alive if it means protecting what is precious to them. For the sake of their family, a woman is more than ready to throw away her honor and dignity for the people she loves most." I studied my father for quite some time. He loved mother more than anything in the world. There were stories about the two of them, a time when he had to choose between becoming Travail's King and my mother. He chose the latter without a second's thought.
"I understand now," I laughed lightly. "In short, I'll end up like you, won't I?" I asked ruefully. My father grinned back and raised his glass in complete agreement.
"Definitely just like me. Welcome to the club, son." King Igarashi said in fun-filled sarcasm.
"Thanks dad," I replied in the same tone.
~(-.-)~
Mikan and I walked together hand in hand towards our respective schools. She still studied at Marvel and I, in Carvel. I took discreet side glances and studied her under the sun's morning light. Her long hair softly swayed to the morning breeze, I was happy she didn't shorten her hair like she usually used to. My eyes travelled to her soft plump lips. An intense urge settled within the pit of my stomach, ordering me to capture it, but I tamed the strange feeling to settle down. Her lips smiled upward as she noticed the looks I gave her.
"Stop staring at me. You'll look like a pervert," Mikan blushed.
"I wasn't staring," I countered, grinning. "I was merely enjoying myself, basking at your beauty." She slapped my arm lightly and blushed even more.
"It's too early for you to give me cheesy lines." She let go of my hand and hurriedly walked forward. I walked even faster matching my pace with hers with much ease. She glared at me disapprovingly then pouted. "Meanie…"
I raised a bemused brow. As we walked in comfortable silence, I took hold of her hand once again. "You and my mother looked like you were having fun with each other last night. We heard your laughter downstairs. What were you two talking about anyway?" She beamed at me at the mention of my mother.
"Oh! We talked about many things. She told me stories about you while you were younger," she laughed airily. "You were such a serious person even back when you were still a kid."
"She told you stories about me?" I asked disbelievingly. She nodded with a grin.
"Remind me to talk with her and not tell you anything embarrassing about me." She pinched my cheeks lightly.
"Ouch!" I frowned and rubbed my reddened cheeks.
"Oh, don't be such a spoilsport. Your mother enjoyed telling me stories about you, your family and about Travail. It was fun…," she looked far away pensively. "Your mother is amazing. She reminds me a lot of my Aunt Serina."
I stopped in my tracks and she looked back in confusion. "What's wrong?", she asked with a tilt of her head. I stared at her and slowly pulled her in a hug. "Hey, what's with you suddenly?"
I nuzzled her neck and gently whispered. "Stop calling her 'my mother'. She'll become your mother soon," I chuckled as she took a sharp breath. Her brown eyes stared intensely at my red ones.
"B-but… W-we're not married yet. It's rude if I called her that! Won't she think I'm getting way ahead of myself?", she stuttered, uncertainty filled her eyes. I gently cupped her face, caressing her soft cheeks.
"Believe me when I say, my mother has been dying to have daughters for as long as I can remember. And since she's stuck with 3 sons, she's been prompting us nonstop to find our destined ones and sweep them off their feet," I chuckled. Mikan looked dubious.
"Really?"
"Really. You don't know how troublesome she was back when my brothers and I were only fooling around, not having any care about the kingdom or finding the women who'll become our wives."
"She must have given you and your brothers a good lecture about it," she laughed as we continued to walk towards the school.
My face soured as I recalled all the lectures mother had given us during those times. "She was troublesome and scary. Mothers are monsters sometimes."
"Hey at least you have one," she said under her breath.
"And you'll have one soon enough," I smirked. "We just need to finish these conditions setup for us and you can finally have what's mine." The smile she gave did wonders to me. It was starting to become quite uneasy to control the different feelings brewing inside of me.
~(-.-)~
"First you talk to us about finding your "true love" shit, which I still find quite clichéd and unrealistic, then you fell for this idiot who broke your heart who flirted with a slutty bitch. After that, you suddenly went MIA on us and only Anna here received your damn letters. Then you come back to us with that stupid smile on your face and announce that you're already engage to this douche AND you're living together with him AND his parents!" Nonoko ranted in anger then drank the pineapple juice she ordered a while ago. Anna rubbed the woman's back soothingly and smiled apologetically at me. Mikan tried to stop herself from laughing which would cause another outburst from the annoyed girl. I just wished I was somewhere else and not the target of the prying eyes of the customers inside the restaurant.
I took a deep irritated sigh and purposely looked out of the window where the other people walked by without a care to the world. Nonoko slammed her glass of juice on the table which made me flinch in surprise.
"Pray tell, you two haven't had sex yet?", she asked with furrowed brows then looked at me pointedly. Anna squeaked in her seat uncomfortably trying to think of away to resolve things while Mikan blushed furiously stuttering every now and then. "Well? Have you?" I quirked a brow at the woman's brazenness, a slow grin formed on my lips as I casually lounged myself on seat.
"What if we have?", I asked innocently. Anna had her eyes widened and gaped at me. A hard punch in the arm was what I received from my lovely fiancée.
"What the hell are you talking about? Of course we haven't had sex yet!", Mikan yelled. All the customers immediately turned their heads towards our group, their eyes widened in shock at what they heard. The look on everyone's face was absolutely hilarious I found it quite hard to keep a straight face. I slide a glance at my fiancée who was as red as a tomato then to Anna who became mute from shock, then to Nonoko who seemed to like the turn of events as well.
"Oh, okay… So nothing happened between the two of you yet," the girl said then lay back on her seat. "That's a bummer." I couldn't keep up with my serious face and chuckled. I slowly wrapped an arm around Mikan's shoulder, whose hands were buried on her face from embarrassment.
"Don't worry. We both endeavor to have a splendid time together soon," I grinned playfully. The small confrontation ended without causing any further embarrassment. Anna and Nonoko waved goodbye to the both of us then slowly made our way back to the house. We stopped at a nearby convenience store and purchased twin Popsicle that we shared together while walking.
"Did you really have to say it like that?", Mikan asked, pouting. She was still a bit embarrassed after what happened in the restaurant. I shrugged casually and licked the Popsicle silently. "Saying something embarrassing like that…" A sudden snap inside my head and I found myself pinning her against a light post. Her eyes widened in surprise at the sudden action. "Wha-what are you doing?"
My eyes slowly studied her face. From her graceful brow, to her expressive eyes, her cute nose and down to her slightly parted lips – she absolutely looked perfect. My gaze strayed to her lips for quite some time as she moistened it unconsciously. I stared at her eyes once more. "Say it like what? It's not like it won't happen. Once you become my wife, all of you become mine…"
She slowly breathed inwardly and bit her lower lip. "T-that won't happen in two months t-time…," she said, her gaze falling on my lips. "I-its tradition… We can't break i-it…"
"Screw tradition. I've been having this strong urge to gather you in my arms and let myself lose in incomplete control." I lowered my head slowly, my eyes fixed on her parted lips. "I can't anymore fight the urge to feel your entire body with my hands and to fill your body with seeds you need to carry my child inside you."
Her body shivered in response as I slowly captured her parted lips. Coaxing it to open wider, slicking my tongue inside the crevice of her mouth. Tasting. Exploring. I wrapped my arms around her waist, dismissing the melting Popsicle in hand. She responded and pulled my body closer to hers, her tongue innocently touching the tip of my own. Growling, I deepened the kiss even more, felt her hands slowly wrap around my neck as she titled her head to the side providing more access for the kiss. I was completely lost. Her intoxicating smell hypnotizing my senses as we battled with each other's fierce kiss.
The sound of a blow horn snapped both of us back into reality. Both gasping for air, I searched where the annoying distraction came from and saw a boy standing not too far away from where we were. The boy's shape looked oddly familiar that I furrowed my brows to have a better look. Wearing a blue hooded shirt and khaki pants with his hands crossed on his chest, Youichi glared daggers towards me.
"What the hell is he doing here?", I asked in utter annoyance.
~(=_=)~
If there was a perfect word to describe the overflowing emotions inside, it would probably be a combination of mild amusement and complete irritation. Seated in between me and Mikan was the bratty crowned prince of Solace, who in some twisted sense of fate was her cousin, who inadvertently would be staying with us for the next 2 weeks. The thought made me want to punch a hole on the wall. Not only were my parents staying over but so was this annoying kid. Great, just my luck.
The younger boy snickered as he watched my annoyed expression. I glared daggers at him not hiding my hostility towards his unwanted presence. 'You're not welcome here. Get lost kid,' I glowered.
'Who are you to make me leave? You're not the boss of me,' Youichi smirked back. Both of us looked daggers at each other, bolts of electricity clashed with one another. I heard my mother cough and immediately handled the uneasy hostility between the two of us.
"So, you're the prince of Solace?", Kaoru asked with a gentle smile, with her husband seated beside her, obviously enjoying everything.
"Yes, I am. It's a pleasure to meet both of you, your majesties," Youichi smiled back. "Both my father and mother send their regards to you."
"Give them our regards as well," Igarashi replied with a nod of his head. "So you'll be staying here on Earth? Together with Mikan?"
Youichi nodded in confirmation and grinned at his gaping cousin. "What? With me? Why?", she asked him disbelievingly.
"Father and mother were worried about you staying alone here so they both sent me after you so that I could keep an eye on you…," he snickered then glided his glance towards my direction. "As well as to make sure that tradition is strictly being followed."
I hate this kid, I thought looking down at him. Mikan sighed in exasperation. "Seriously, Uncle should know that I can take care of myself by now. He doesn't need you to babysit me."
"Troubles always follow you around, stupid cousin. It's a wonder how you don't trip yourself over, every now and then," Youichi stated sarcastically.
"I don't trip myself over now! That was before…", she whined childishly and pouted. He rolled his eyes. "And you are not staying in my room. You're annoying when you sleep on bed."
The conversation dwindled as both cousins stated names at each other while mother took the moment to grab some refreshments, father helped her in carrying the tray of food, and I sat there silently. My presence completely forgotten. Kaoru carefully placed the food and drinks on the table then took a seat back on the couch.
"Why don't you share a room with Natsume instead?", she gently suggested.
"WHAT?", Youichi and I asked in surprised unison. Our faces horrified at the suggestion, looked at each other and then back to the smiling woman.
"Are you serious, mother?", I asked incredulous.
"You want me to stay together with this… This sorry excuse for a man?", Youichi inquired at her with a dubious look. We stared at each other again and puked at the thought. A twitch of annoyance and a forceful slam of the glass on the table combined with a scary gentle smile on my mother's face, straightened the both of us.
"This house only has 4 rooms. One has been occupied by my husband and I. As a woman, I can't allow Youichi to sleep together with Mikan even if he is her cousin, Youichi is still a man. And a growing one at that," she looked pointedly at the boy. "Which left Natsume's room the only one available. You will be staying in his room for the whole duration of your stay. That would be all."
Although we both did not agree with the said arrangements but the smiling woman in front of us had given her final verdict. I saw my father holding back his laughter as mother nudged him on his side. Great, I would be stuck together with this pipsqueak for the whole two weeks. Another annoying distraction added to the both of us. How the hell would I even have a day's peacefulness with these people here? Fantastic.
~(=_=)~
The days flew off swiftly. My attention divided in school studies, basketball practices, Solace tradition studies and obligations to Travail. The sun was setting in the horizon and we just finished basketball practice. The captain gave the players the time off for tomorrow to gather their stamina for the upcoming match the following day.
"Make proper use of your day off tomorrow. Dismiss," Sakurano reminded. Each one of us slowly went to our lockers, changed clothes and grabbed our own things. The other guys waved goodbye as we parted ways at the school's entrance. Then I saw Mikan standing at the gate with her bag in her hand, kicking the ground. Waiting. I smiled broadly as I slowly walked towards her small figure. She let out a startled yelp as my hands slowly wrapped around her body from behind. I felt her body relaxed as she snuggled closer to my chest.
"Were you waiting for long?", I whispered in her ear. She shook her head then smiled up at me. God she's beautiful, I breathe.
"How was practice?" she asked, interlocking my hands with hers. I shrugged.
"It was good. We have the day off tomorrow. Captain wants us to rest for the finals the following day," I answered. Then a thought entered my mind and looked at her questioningly. She titled her head to the side in confusion.
"What?"
"Do you have anything to do tomorrow?", I inquired, carefully thinking over the plan brewing on mind.
"No. Why do you ask?"
"Want to go on a date with me?" Her eyes widened at my question followed by a big smile. "So I reckon that's a yes?" I chuckled as she skipped forward then turned back, nodding her head happily. She started walking backwards, her hands behind her back.
"I honestly thought you wouldn't ask me out on one," Mikan wrinkled her nose in a cute distracted way. "Then thought, if you don't ask me, I'll ask you out on a date myself." She lifted her chin proudly as if the idea of asking me out on a date was a lot exciting than being asked out. I stuck out my tongue at her.
"And you think I'd accept it that way?"
"Of course, because you were too slow in asking me out," she replied, sticking out her own tongue.
"Didn't I just ask you out for a date tomorrow?"
"I said IF in any kind of circumstance, you haven't asked me yet, I'll do the first move."
"Hmmn… Do you have any place in particular you want to go to?", I asked as we waited at the bus stop. She thought for a while and suddenly perked up.
"I've always wanted to go to this certain amusement park by the sea. Anna told me that the rides are awesome there. Can we go there tomorrow?", she inquired excitedly. I poked her forehead and laughed. "Hey, what was that for?"
The bus stopped in front of us and opened its doors with a loud swish. Carefully, I walked up its stairs and held out my hand to her. She took my outstretched hand, her eyes not leaving mine. "To the amusement park it is."
The next day, the sun was shining radiantly up the vast blue sky. Birds were chirping their melodiously tweets on top of green luscious leaves. Children were running around the amusement park, their laughter filling the whole area while their parents took their leisure time to take pictures of everything together. There were food carts everywhere, a clown gave out free balloons in front of a booth were other children were piling up slowly. And I was here together with Mikan, on a date, but with some extra people trailing behind us. I felt a gentle squeeze on my hand and took a glance at girl beside me. Her hair swayed with the wind, her eyes were filled with happiness while a broad smile graced her soft lips. She was wearing a blue long-sleeved shirt and a black skirt with some ruffles in it.
"Ohhhhh! Darling look!" I heard my mother squeal in delight behind me. I turned to see her pointing at a stall filled with fluffy stuffed animal toys. She then grabbed the hand of her husband and rushed towards the stall. The 3 of us followed suit behind them. "Aww… Look at the cute bear. Would you buy that for me, darling, please?" She pointed at a white stuff bear toy carefully sitting on the upper top shelves while pouting and batting her eyelashes cutely.
"Anything for you my darling…," my father replied as cute as possible. Youichi and I groaned out loud at the cheesy moment in front of us while Mikan laughed in amusement.
"Do you guys really have to act like that in front of us?", I asked annoyed at both my parents. "You guys are embarrassing."
"And I thought my parents were embarrassing enough," Youichi grumbled under his breath, blushing.
"They're a cute couple. Suck up you two," Mikan smirked at the both of us. Youichi and I both glared at her at the same time. We stood behind my parents who were busy telling cheesy stuffs at each other while other people eyed our lot weirdly. Others laughed at how cute the couple was.
"So would you like to have the white bear, madam?", asked the stall owner.
"Yes please," Kaoru perked up happily. "How much is that bear?"
"Oh… You can't just buy it that easily ma'am," the man grinned at my mother charmingly. Which in turned caused my father the obvious negative effect.
"What do you mean?", Igarashi demanded and slammed his fist on the counter. The man flinched in shock and gulped audibly. Father glared at him more. "Don't make me repeat myself."
"Y-you h-have t-to p-play f-first b-before you can get t-the t-t-t-toy…," the owner stuttered at the piercing glare of the king. I smirked while studying the small fidgety man. 'Now, it's starting the get interesting.' I felt a slight tug of my sleeves and looked at Mikan. Her eyes were clearly glued at the top shelf of the stall. My eyes traced the direction she was looking at and saw a monkey stuffed toy perched up on the shelves hugging another bear stuff toy which in my point of view looked annoyed.
"You want to have those?", I asked her. She looked up at me smiling and nodded her head vigorously. "Alright then, I'll get it for you."
The stall owner handed 3 toy guns to each of us. Yes, there were three of us. The bratty kid decided to join the fun of shooting water at the miniature toys on the stand while making it as an excuse to win a blue unicorn stuffed toy for himself. Each took our places and raised each gun for aim. The owner blew his whistle. The mechanical toys started to move mechanically while each of us aimed to hit the moving little toys, each wanting to win the prized stuffed toys on the shop's top shelves.
Slowly, as if sensing that something amazing was happening, the crowd started to gather around the little stall. Ohhs and ahhs were heard in the background as they watched us battle against one other, skillfully shooting the little moving toys down. The stall owner sweated fearfully at the corner of his shop as he watched in horror as he counted the fallen miniature toys. With a click of his stopwatch and a blow of his whistle, the game ended with grins plastered on our faces. The women and the kid happily took their prizes from the dismal stall owner. The day ended with almost all stalls stripped off of their prizes.
The stars shone brightly up above the dark night sky as we slowly made our way back home, while I carried Mikan carefully on my back. The others were already far ahead of us carrying all the prizes we've just won from the amusement park. She snuggled closer on my back, her hair sprawling on my shoulders. I heard her heave a sigh in content.
"I love your smell," Mikan whispered, a rosy blush on her soft cheeks. "Coffee and peppermint."
A chuckle grumbled in my chest. We stayed silent for a while, the sound of cricket chirping and a random car passing the only one left to break the silence. The silence stretched out more and I wondered why. I turned my head a little and saw her peacefully sleeping face rested on my shoulder. "Goodnight Mikan." I murmured in her ear.
~(-.-)~
I lay comfortably on Mikan's soft bed mattress, a book in hand, with her hand gently tracing the outline of my face. I closed my eyes and relished the warmth emanated from her fingertips. Her fingers then playfully twirled around the strands of my dark hair.
"Natsume?", Mikan called silently.
"Yes?" I replied, my eyes still closed. I waited for her to continue what she wanted to say but none came. I slowly opened my eyes and directly stared at her hesitant brown ones. "What is it?"
She bit her lower lip and furrowed her brows in uncertainly. I watched her open and then closed her mouth for a few times before she taking a deep breath and stating the thoughts that bothered her. "I-I'm kind of scared in going to Travail tomorrow," she started. "What if.. What if your people don't like me? Or that they won't accept me for being a Solace-ion…? Or that something bad would happen and we'll get separated with each other…?" Her voice was now in a whispered tone. I pulled her closer to mine wrapping my arms around her waist and resting my chin on top of her head. My hand rubbed aimlessly up and down her arm.
"First, you shouldn't be afraid of Travail. Although it can be dangerous in some of its parts but I promise you I won't let anything bad happen to you while we're there," I answered, my voice filled with determination. "Second, I'm sure that my people will love you. How could they not like someone who is as cute as you?" She looked at me and I grinned down at her. She pinched my nose playfully and snorted. "Ouch! Hey…"
"Cheesy guy."
"Stubborn woman."
"Troublesome man," she pressed her lips lightly to mine. "Would they really like me?"
I smirked. "They will. If they don't, I'll feed them to the monsters roaming around the deepest borders of Travail," I joked as she punched my arm and stuck out her tongue. "Childish."
"Seriously, don't go killing people off because they don't like me! Idiot prince!" Mikan widened her eyes in disbelief. "What kind of prince are you? How could you do that to your people, you monster!"
I feigned a hurt look and stared in her eyes solemnly. "Someone that would do anything for you. It sounds crazy but I will. If anything bad happens to you Mikan… I don't really know what I'll be capable of doing… So stop being a negative magnet and stop thinking about horrible thoughts. If there were anyone who should be having such thoughts, it should be me." She cocked her head in confusion.
"You? Why should you?"
I rolled on top of hers and grazed my lips on hers. "Because, my dear wife-to-be, I'll have more annoying people barging in on us and I won't have the chance to do this…", I said capturing her lips in a fierce kiss. Breathing in her intoxicating scent which makes my blood boil in want and need. I savored the warm touches of her hands on my body not knowing about the dark omen that awaits us.
~(-_-)~
The moment we stepped on the hard lands of Travail the bond I had together with Mikan grew even stronger. So strong, that the want that had been carefully tamed on Earth, came out in one massive blow. My body's reaction to her nearness tripled over. Her smell, her voice, her actions, her whole being was perceived by my own body. It was as if the bond I had with her connected her in ways I couldn't explain. I always knew where Mikan was no matter how far she was from me. It became more troublesome whenever I would try to seek her and drown myself in her enthralling embrace, my brothers, parents, or anyone I didn't give a damn about would haunt me down and shamelessly take Mikan away from me.
"It's killing you, isn't it?", the king chuckled as he sat beside me. I was looking outside one of our balconies, down below I watched as both my mother and Mikan prepared the tables for the banquet after the ceremony announcement.
"Did it hurt this badly with you and mother?", I asked, glaring.
"No, yours is much worse," he grinned at me. "There weren't that much distraction while we were preparing my union with your mother. But the pain of want that seeped through my body whenever I was near your mother was enough to turn me into a locked up crazed beast. It's a lot harder on you because you're bonded with a Solace-ion woman." We both watched the two women and smiled fondly at the both of them.
"It doesn't matter if Mikan is a Solace-ion or not anymore. All that matters is that she becomes my wife and we finally become one," I grinned at my father whose looks were grim.
"It wouldn't be that easy," Igarashi silently mustered. And truly it wasn't. A sudden attack shook the whole kingdom at Mikan's premonition. I battled in the front lines as per required of being one of its prince but my decision of leaving her alone and unprotected that day ripped a wide hole in my chest.
~(-_-)~
The hatred I felt ran deep down my body's very core of existence. It exuded in each swing of my sword, in each kick and punch, in each scream of anguish. It was pure raw hatred pulsing all throughout my body. It was also pain that made my limbs go numb and tears to stop from falling. 'She's gone. She's gone. Oh god, she's taken away from me.' I chanted achingly. "And I wasn't able to protect her!" I yelled out a cry then punched the walls which surrounded me. The moment Mikan was taken by the Quagmire-ions, my father immediately ordered to lock me up inside our most resilient dungeon. I heard the creaks of the door and heavy metal footsteps coming towards my cell.
I raised my head and glowered at the people who were supposed to help me retrieve her. My father and brothers looked at me with pained eyes while my mother tried to fight back tears slowly brimming in her eyes.
"Son… Please stop with this madness," King Igarashi asked in a gentle tone. I snorted disgustedly.
"Madness? You call this madness, my king?" I spat out sarcastically. "You had let them take her away. How could you!"
"It had to be done! The whole kingdom was at stake!"
"I don't give a damn about the kingdom! You let them take her!" I cried as tears fell down my dirty face the chains hindering my actions. I hang my head low in helplessness. "I couldn't even protect her…" Silent sobs were the only sound that echoed through the walls of the sealed room. Then the sudden rush of activities, hushed murmurs and a sharp gasp. I looked up to see the chains being removed and my hands freed from their tight clasp. "What..?"
"We have located her. We'll go to her rescue now," my mother muttered in my ear. I snapped my head and stared hard at her. She was an ally and her eyes spoke of truth. A new glimmer of hope percolated inside me, strengthening of my bond with Mikan. 'We're coming, my love.'
~(-.-)~
Finally arriving at the Quagmire's hiding place, I hurried towards the place where her presence was stronger. I slammed the door open and finally saw her. She was in front of me, she was safe, she was alive. And I would take her back with me. "Mikan!", I yelled at her. But something was amiss. She didn't respond to my desperate call nor did she even look like she knew who I was. 'What's going on?'
I called for her name again. I yearned for her but she didn't even turn back to look at me. My heart felt like millions of sharp needles pierced through me as I saw her kiss the bastard Reo. My throat felt dry and I couldn't breathe. 'This isn't happening.' I thought desperately.
"What's... wrong with her eyes...?" I heard her cousin ask then a gasp of horror, followed by an outburst from her Uncle Kazumi. 'Fuck you Quasimodo. I'll kill you without mercy to what you did to Mikan!' I stepped forward but was stopped by a hand. King Kazumi chanted some words I couldn't understand and a bright light engulfed us all. I saw Mikan eyes turn blue, the next thing, she was sprawled on the floor almost lifeless.
"Mikan!", I screamed out and ran towards her slumped body but not before landing a strong punch on Reo's face that crushed his jaw. I kneeled in front of Mikan's body and felt coldness. "No. No.. No.." I hugged her body closer. I whispered my love for her, urging her to fight death. "Damn it woman! Live and don't leave me!"
~(-_-)~
I never knew true fear until I saw her Uncle try his best to give her back enough life energy for her to live. I never knew this great intensity of pain where you couldn't even try to breathe, as the one you love battles for death. 'Please.. Damn it, please save her… I'll give anything for her to live…'
King Kazumi looked at me and nodded. I immediately ran at Mikan's side. "Give me your hand. I will transfer half of your energy life force to her. It's the only way we could save her now. Although it would be better if it was the life force of a Solace-ion but you are her bonded with her. Yours would be more powerful, with love as its guide. But it will shorten half of your lifetime as well. Are you ready?" He looked at me, carefully scrutinizing what my answer would be.
"If living longer means to live without her, I'd rather give her all my energy for her to live or follow her to the gates of death itself," I answered, undaunted. He smiled proudly at me, then started transferring my own life force to hers, which would save her. She would live.
The transfer was a complete success and both, Mikan and I, were transferred to one of the bedroom chambers inside the castle. I watched her peaceful sleeping form, her breathing now even. My head felt heavy as if life was drained out of me which was basically true. But I didn't care. All that matters was that she was alive though she would definitely get a good lecture from me. She silently moved her body and her eyes slowly opened. I watched in tension as she slowly sat up and looked frantically around the room.
"I thought I was dead," she said mostly to herself.
"No, but you were damn close," I answered in irritation. I walked towards her and embraced her in my arms. The feeling of her warmth seeped through the coldness of my aching heart. A series of our normal arguments had ensued and it felt great to see her stubbornness once more. I would never let anything happen to her again, I thought as I held her even tighter.
"I love you…", she said, her feelings overwhelming in her expressive eyes.
"I love you too…", I answered and crushed my lips to hers, relishing the taste of her scent again.
~(-.-)~
Trepidation: a nervous or fearful feeling of uncertain agitation.
That was the intense feeling running its course through my veins. Everyone was already seated in their respective chairs while I stood in front of the altar, together with my brothers and Youichi, my knees knocking with each other. I took deep breaths as I heard the organ start to play its melodious tune. The sound of ohhs and awws snapped my head back to where the entrance was. The moment I saw her, I stopped breathing.
There she was, clad in a pure white wedding gown, her hair lowered down her back with a white veil attached to it, was the one I love the most. The one I was going to marry, my beloved, Mikan. I hitched a breath and my heart started to pound crazily as she walked down the aisle together with her Uncle Kazumi. I watched her every move, her graceful pace, her swaying hips, her eyes that shown love only for me. I haven't felt this kind of proud feeling deep within me.
I walked forward and grinned at her. She smiled back, a rosy blush coloring her soft cheeks. Her uncle handed her hand to mine, squeezing it tightly, as if giving us his blessing. I nodded in acceptance. I gently held her hand to mine then slowly we ascended the steps towards the old priests who would bind us together in matrimony.
"Solace and Travail, we are gathered here in this special event to witness the union of our kingdoms. With these two, we finally have peace, now and in the next generations to come," the priest announced happily to everyone then looked at the both of us. "Princess Mikan of the Solace kingdom, do you take Prince Natsume to be your lawfully wedded husband until death, do you part?"
I saw her turn her head towards me and smiled with tears brimming in her eyes. "I do," she answered proudly.
"And do you, Prince Natsume of Travail, take Princess Mikan to be your lawfully wedded wife until death, do you part?", the priest asked once again. I smirked at the priest who looked disturbed for a moment and furrowed his brows together.
"I do," I answered looking at my new wife. The priest grunted in acceptance.
"Therefore with the powers vested in me, I now pronounce you, husband and wife," he declared to everyone. The chorus of cheers and laughter echoed all throughout the halls of the castle. "You may now kiss the bride."
We both stood in front of each other, holding our hands together. And slowly, I lowered my head and gently placed a soft kiss on her lips. The cheers grew louder from the people. I raised my head and saw my wife pouting at me.
"What?", I asked confused.
"That kiss wasn't what I was expecting from you," Mikan pouted. "I thought you'd be more fiercer."
I burst out laughing as I gathered her in my arms. This woman, I would never stop loving her. I grinned roguishly at her. "Why don't I repent for my sins later on?"
"You better be," she smirked back.
~(⌐■_■)~
In the flickering glow of the orange fireplace, I studied Mikan's beautiful features closely. We were still clad in our wedding dresses but it would soon be gone. My eyes roamed all over her body leisurely imprinting her image on my mind. She slowly wrapped her hands around my neck and pulled me closer to hers. And in almost a bare whisper she said, "Repent now."
I growled at the command and slowly pulled the laces that tied her gown's corset, exposing her beautiful breast and her whole wondrous body. I stared at their beauty and saw her wriggle in discomfiture at my scrutinizing gaze. Very slowly and gently, I leaned over and began to kiss my wife. A mixture of happiness and want travelled all throughout my entire system as she began to kiss me back. Her hands slowly touching my body.
Her lips parted with only the slight probing of my tongue and pulled me even closer as she drew my tongue towards hers. I teased her slightly by thrusting my tongue deep within her mouth's crevice, thrusting again and again, moving back and forth in the erotic kiss.
I stroked her hair lovingly and slid my hand down her neck, cupping her bare breasts, circling her crest with my thumb until they stood up proudly. I felt her shiver in delight and pressed her body closer to mine, the lower part of my body reacting strongly towards her warmth. She gasped as she felt the full erection of my rigid manhood and slowly pulled away. I groaned as coldness immediately replaced her warmth.
"Darling, it pains me to see you pull away from me," I whispered in a ragged tone as I stared in her brown eyes. "Please feel pride in what you can do to me. Touch me. I ache for you."
I saw her eyes brim with tears and immediately wiped them away with my kisses. And once again capturing her mouth with a fierce kiss that channeled our love for each other. She showered me with her loving kisses and pressed her body to the full length of my hard contours. "I-I want you…" she begged, blushing furiously.
"So do I…," I replied and kissed her with tender violence. I fondled her breasts with skillful gentleness and teased her nipples with my fingers, she moaned softly as my mouth descended even more. Her hands were tangled in my hair, her hands running on my broad shoulder and back, and her fingers digging into my flesh. I heard her moan in exquisite pleasure.
"P-please… Natsume…," she threw her hand back and pressed her body even more. I hovered on top of her, my hard length slowly probing deep within her. She cried in pain and I immediately covered it with my fierce but gentle kisses. I started to move within her. Thrusting again and again as we slowly became one and in sync. She wrapped her legs around my body as I thrust deeper inside of her, both of us wanting to reach the peak of oblivion. She cried out loud and panted as she moved her body with mine. I held her body tighter wanting to be more closer with her, wanting to feel all of her. Our steady beat steadily quickened.
We both felt it. The loud explosion of orgasm that tore a low scream from Mikan's throat. The liquid of life slowly being poured inside of her. The life that would rest there and be nurtured until the day it would be born. The symbol of our love for each other.
We both panted in exhaustion as I rolled on my back pulling her with me, our bodies still connected with each other. I stroked her hair lovingly as she stared up with a broad smile on her face. "Are you happy, love?" I asked at her, tucking a stray hair behind her ear.
"More than words can say," she answered, snuggling closer to me. She leisurely traced the lines on my chest and felt my body sprung to life once more. I shifted my body so that I wouldn't scare her of maybe too much lovemaking. I heard her chuckle instead. "Am I that heavy?", she asked innocently.
"No, but I think you ought to get some sleep," I answered closing my eyes and trying my best to catch sleep. I took a slight peek and saw her grinning broadly at me. "You're not sleepy, are you?" I laughed with a quirk of a brow. She shook her head in confirmation. "What do you want to do then?"
She looked at me then blushed furiously, burying her head on my shoulder. God, how she looked like an innocent goddess, I growled and rolled on top of her. "Don't blame me in the morning," I teased, capturing her lips once again.
"I won't," she answered happily, kissing back in return.
The End.