.
Chapter 12
(Steady)
"Onii-chan!", beamed a jovial Aoi , curling the telephone wire as she arched herself up on the couch.
"How are you? Are you and Mikan a thing now? When can I meet her? Will she like me? How's your work? Are you doing well? When'll you come and-"
"Woah woah, hold your horses. Do you expect me to answer them all after hearing it only once? ", Natsume cut her off from the other line.
Aoi giggled sheepishly, realizing that she has been bombarding him with loads of queries more than enough for him to lose his train of thoughts; though part of it was just because she misses him badly. She continued with her feat anyway.
"Sorry… When are you coming to visit?"
"Hm.. Maybe this weekend."
"That's too long. How about this Wednesday?"
"Negative. Office works."
Aoi made a pouting sound, and answered, "Fine… Bring me souvenirs okay?"
"… How about I bring Mikan?"
"Oh that's wonderful! Please do", she gasped.
"Alright. See you this Saturday. Aaand, yes she'll like you. A lot."
"For real? Oh I can't wait for Saturday. Okay, see yah!"
She waited for him to hang up before placing the phone back and uncurling her fingers knotted in the wire, bowing her head as low as her sensation consents. She noticed her breathing hitches haphazardly, and her anxiety increased as her chest rises; obviously defying her recent cheery disposition.
Does she know? About my brother?
That Saturday morning I woke up earlier than the time set on my alarm clock. For the past years it never had any records of failing its duty of preventing me to be late for work. It deserves an honour yes. However this time, I saved it from ringing pointlessly so as to save its precious battery. I checked my phone, no important messages. I checked my mail, nothing important. I attempted opening Twitter but closed the window seconds later, thinking that I have nothing important to say. I stood up and walked across the room and towards that mini calendar I received on New Year's Eve. It was a company calendar- stupid unfashionable stuff. I squinted to get a clear view of the diminutive numbers and I was caught by a reddish circle around a certain date. 'Date with Natsume' it says.
.
.
.
Crap! Oh for the love of Pete! How could I forget? Today is Saturday!
Quickly I checked my phone once more, verifying if it's broken that it forgot to remind me of this date. I was about to scowl at the screen when I saw a message popped up. It was Natsume saying he'll be seeing me in 45 minutes. 45?! That's not even enough to have a quick bath. Anyway I jumped higher than the cow in the nursery rhyme 'Hey Diddle Diddle' and turned the shower knob around.
After 20 minutes in the bathroom, I was impressed of the fact I just made it in Guinness records in being the fastest girl to prepare for a date; I'm just exaggerating. I made it simple though: shorts and oversized jumper. And maybe a pair of rubber shoes. Yep, that'll do. Wait, no that won't do! I'm meeting his sister for crying out loud. Okay, okay, breathe in, breathe out. Just do this routine for like, an eternity and I'll be alright, yeah, yeah I'll do just that.
I sighed.
What am I doing? It's just a date. Why am I getting so worked up? I'm only meeting his family, not ask his hand in marriage! Wait, why on earth did I suddenly think of marriage?! Sigh, this is troublesome.
I pressed the lids of my eyes, this time with pressure, in hopes of calming myself and to have a clear mind, and surprisingly, it worked.
So I fished for my favourite casual dress. A dirty white thick strapped A-line dress, with a thin black ribbon at the back, with lace surrounding the hemline. Simple. And since it's a chilly Autumn, I wore a schemer over.
Oops, wait, where's my straw-hat? Oh there. Now, a pair of ankle-boots to even make my look teen-ish. Ah, my teenage life.
Ring. Ring. Ring
"Where are you?"
"Still in my room. Uh… One more minute and I'll meet you downstairs".
"…Define ONE minute". Oh the sly fox, still teases me when he gets the chance.
"Alright alright, I'm coming down".
"Okay".
Did he just chuckle?
Okay, no more time for hormone-related gigs. Stop blushing you traitor cheeks! And why are you jellying weak knees?!
Stop it I say!
"You didn't tell me we're going with Ruka. I should've invited Hotaru as well", Mikan said from the passenger's seat.
The thought of Hotaru made Ruka chuckle weakly, remembering their 'acquaintance' dance last Sunday. But what he's really guilty of is him seeing Hotaru as a very beautiful maiden that struck his French heart. Needless to say though, Ruka's certain Hotaru's not one to have 'boyfriend' in mind. "I don't think she'll approve though", he stated.
"… You're right," Mikan disbelievingly approved.
"I think I have to apologize",
"What for?" Natsume asked.
"Because I'm a hindrance for you two", Ruka teased.
Mikan's face flushed immediately and Natsume countered by answering,
"Don't be stupid. I need you to entertain Aoi".
Mikan's brows creased in confusion, "Entertain?"
Natsume briefly looked at her and winked, "You'll soon see", and Ruka chuckled inwardly, increasing Mikan's curiosity even more.
.
.
.
Natsume pulled over just few meters away from the gigantic and already opened brass gate standing in front of them. Engraved on one side of the wall that holds the metal, in Japanese Kanji letters says 'Hacienda Igarashi'. After feasting their eyes for what seemed to be a moment, Natsume accelerated and went on further, following the way lined by Cherry blossoms. About quarter of a kilometre ride and the manor is now in clear sight.
Natsume slowed down, as if savouring every turn of the wheel that leads them to the house. He did miss this, though none of his expressions says so. He drove slowly towards another path that now leads to the entrance of the manor. The pathway looked as if it was paved naturally by white soil. Different topiaries greeted them as they rode, and two hedge mazes on opposite sides formed an abstract pattern. Just a few meters away, stood a huge fountain adorned with flowers underneath, and surrounded by birds playfully making it their birdbath. The path split in two ways so as to make a big complete turn around the fountain, and meets again at the back.
Few more revolutions and they found themselves welcomed by several persons unknown to Mikan, but one thing's for sure, by the time she leaves this place, she'll be able to memorize their names one by one.
"Natsume-dono, a heart-warming surprise this is! Oh! Nogi-dono it's been years! Welcome, welcome", came Boris the butler in his most pleased and almost teary greeting. He ushered the three to enter, slanting his upper body to point towards the huge door.
"Please, let us give you our warmest welcome. Natsume-dono may we take your jacket?"
"Thank you, but it's kind of chilly," he said rubbing both his arms to make clear his point. Ruka, Natsume and Mikan went inside the threshold, across the marble floor and towards the circular foyer.
"Woah! I didn't know you were this delicate in house-styling", teased Mikan, all the while marvelling the decorations surrounding them.
"Liked it?"
"Of course I do! Who wouldn't? Right Ruka?"
"Yeah. Though, I see there's nothing much that changed. I'm thinking Aoi decided it to be like this?" Ruka answered while he lazily slid his hands across the furniture.
"Natsume-dono, would you like some refreshments? We're all eager to serve you again after a long time."
"What would you like?" Natsume asked Mikan, whose head still busy rotating in panorama.
"Oi. Polka!"
"Hm? What?"
"Nevermind", Natsume exasperated. "Just give us the usual."
With that, the maids as well as Boris scurried off to the kitchen and were now nowhere in sight.
"Speaking of Aoi, where is she?" came in Ruka's query.
"You sure are late Natsume-oniichan!" shouted someone from above.
The three raised their heads, and found the source of the voice. Leaning on one of the brass railings, Aoi beamed a bright welcoming smile at the guests. Not long after, she hurriedly but gracefully walked down the stairs and childishly assaulted Natsume with a one big embrace.
"I missed you Natsume-oniichan!"
Natsume briefly smiled and shuffled her hair as she let him free. "I am never late squirt. Aaand yes, I did miss my annoying alarm clock."
"As always, you're being mean Natsume. Aoi, how are you?" Ruka intervened.
"Ru-chaan! You're here! Oh my goodness, you've grown taller, and of course handsomer."
Ruka shyly smiled as he answered "You've grown into a fine lady indeed, Aoi. And please, stop calling me Ru-chan."
"Yeah, it doesn't suit you anymore."
"Ehem! Aoi, there's someone I'd like you to me-"
Without letting her brother finish, Aoi already launched herself in front of Mikan, very eager to finally meet her future sister-in-law.
"You must be Sakura Mikan-neechan right?"
Kind of early to call me 'nee-chan' but, well it's fine. I mean how can I resist such a cute little pixie? Mikan silently thought as she shook Aoi's hand.
"Aww.. she's so cute Natsume!"
"She's 19", Natsume deadpanned.
"Well at least she doesn't look like it. Compared to someone I know who's as worrywart as a mother", Mikan teased.
"Yeah, Natsume-niisan does tend to worry even on small details doesn't he? Gosh brother, you're showing off your bad side!" Aoi went on.
Natsume as a worrier was a fact Mikan knew already. In fact, she can't find anything worthy to be protested as far as Natsume's character is concerned. Yet. And of course, she found it hard to believe that every bit of Natsume is now engraved in her male preference in general. Having preferences is pointless though, she's already bound to someone; not that she has any objections to it—not anymore.
"I don't think it's a bad side though, it's his asset" Mikan pushed in.
Upon hearing, Natsume quickly averted his eyes towards the huge window that has nothing interesting to display, not wanting them to see he was pleased to hear it. On the other hand, Ruka knew his best friend all too well, and let out a small snigger to humiliate Natsume even just one bit.
Natsume cleared his throat, "We really should do some unpacking. Come on, I'll show you to your rooms. Oh and uncle Kyou will be visiting tomorrow".
"Is this supposed to be the unusual-date challenge?" Mikan teased Natsume, who's arranging the towels on Mikan's foot locker.
Natsume smirked his usual smirk, "Am I that plain to you?"
Mikan sucked the insides of her cheek and answered flirtatiously, "Mmm, no, but I am waiting..". In a hushed tone, she continued "I thought you'd have an itinerary by now.. guess not."
Natsume smiled and shook his head in amusement, continuing his current folding. Afterwards, he piled them up and headed towards the exit, "Later, 5pm. Don't be late.. again".
Mikan's eyes widened in surprise and blushed a faint pink on both cheeks. Prolonging the pride of her victory, she crossed her arms across her stomach and pretended not hearing anything he said.
"Oh and polka, I can clearly see you blushing from here", and marched off with his trademark wink, wearing a can't-be-suppressed smile across his face. He did make plans for today and telling Mikan is not part of it. Of course, he took the challenge seriously; being tested like that, though just for the sake of teasing, ignited his innate animalistic instinct of victory.
Mikan can't think of ways he'll be surprising her. Yes, she is anticipating something big. She can't help it; an intelligent and confident man like him who can trip any girl's feet is sure to have heaps of tricks hidden under his sleeves. Or was she just overestimating things? Again.
She thought she vowed to herself not to expect too much from someone anymore, especially from her special someone's. A very lethal move that is. She learned that the hard way. And now, she can't help expecting too much, not when she's been constantly given things way beyond her imaginations could create.
Wait, am I going too far with this whole changing-my-ways for him? Do I really intend for this to last?
"This midyear's new project needs something more than a team for it to be possible to hit the top charts once more. We have new people who just recently proved to be noteworthy legacy in the making. Yes we have them as front-liners, but we also have to rely on chance. My granddaughter proved herself a true jewel in this company, and it's not that I don't acknowledge her skills, which undoubtedly is waltzing its way on top, but for this new project, I propose to have someone work on the extras. True, we are one of the best, and we need something to drag us even higher. This will be the extra work I'm talking about", Hiashi roared inside the hall for their monthly meeting.
"Everyone, sudden as it may seem but I'd like to further announce that we have an additional asset in this new project. I still have yet to weigh my options but as of now, I think it be best to have someone to work the "dragging" thing. We still have tons of people to look up to this; I'm only announcing it beforehand. Thoughts regarding this proposal are highly encouraged after this meeting, and even in the days to come. Thank you for your continuous service with Yukihira Co." he ended with a busy audience in front.
Hiashi wiggled in his cane as he took the seat next to Narumi, whose face is plastered with clarifications.
"Hiashi-san, are we adding people to Mikan's team now?"
"No Narumi, he'll be working with one of the heads; Kazumi perhaps. He may not necessarily work with Mikan but he'll be a lot of help for the ratings."
"Isn't that what Kazumi-san supposed to do?"
"Yes. That's why if we do get this someone, he'll be working with Kazumi that's for certain."
"I see. I won't doubt your judgement Hiashi-san", he respectfully stated.
Hiashi sighed, "Why don't we enjoy a cup of tea while waiting for this meeting to end now, would you?", clinking his cup on the air.
Amidst the ebullient weekend the three are enthusiastically having, nothing can hide the murky portion of reality. Mikan is safe for now, and the whole feat about keeping her safe is temporarily ceased, but only for a short while. Worrying about her safety is not something he can just sleep off easily. Natsume has to use his full intelligence to be able to protect her without her noticing. But right now, the only thing that he can think of, and has to think of is how to make it official between the two of them. And of course, how to entertain this massive pain in the butt- not that she really is a pain.
The autumn breeze is gradually filling the dusk air of Nagoya. The sun is now on its way to other places to shed light and bring daytime, whilst leaving a night time behind. As the fleeting light ceases and brings dark, so is the self-control of the raven-haired gentleman who spreads a quilt across the smooth grass. He placed the basket and mosquito-repellent on top, and confidently sat on the mat.
"What is this?" Mikan giggled as she made room for her to sit as well.
Natsume only shrugged.
"Wait, is this the 'unusual-date' thing?" Still no response.
"It is right? Hahaha!"
"Oh Natsume, you are such a.." she giggled. "You really are something. Only, I somehow knew you would pick this place, so I wasn't that surprised" she said but still trying to hold her laugh for Natsume's sake.
"You don't like it?" Natsume asked as he leaned back and slumped his shoulders to support him, trying to cover up for that lost self-esteem.
"I love it, silly."
Natsume made use of the place's hedge maze as the venue for their 'unusual date'. They were at the center of the maze, surrounded by tall hedges with thin light posts on each entrance. It was not a very romantic spot frankly. Crickets chirping were their only source of background music, and each other's company. And the thought of Mikan knowing the place killed the pride out of him. He had to make a powerful comeback.
"It's chilly out here Natsume".
"It's not that cold. Ah, you want me to hug you", he stated rather than asked.
"Of course not! You-! Anyway, I bet the temperature here's almost 32 degrees Fahrenheit", Mikan pouted all the while rubbing her forearms.
"Count how many chirps the cricket makes in a minute".
"What? Why?"
"Just do as I say, polka".
"That name again!", "Okay, done".
"Now add 29".
Mikan counted 29 using her fingers and said, "Now what?"
"That's the temperature tonight", Natsume finished wearing a proud smirk.
"You're playing with me", Mikan cautiously teased as she crossed her brows.
"I'm not. Seriously, there are things only a country-boy knows".
"Okaaay, if you insist".
…
"Oi", he started.
"Hm?" Mikan said as she took the muffin Natsume gave her.
From the basket, Natsume handed her a big muffin and said looking straight to her eyes,
"If you swallow that whole we're going steady."
Mikan's jaw dropped literally, as well as her muffin, which she immediately recovered, and stared at him in disbelief.
"You're-You're kidding right?"
Natsume's gaze didn't leave hers, and he gently shook his head.
Mikan didn't want to lose. Though it sure shocked the hair out of her, she still doesn't want to appear helpless.
"And if I don't?" she challenged.
Natsume shifted his position now, looking away. "Beats me. Whether or not you eat that muffin I'll still have you and vice versa. So there is really no point of making you eat that-", before he was even finished Mikan tried to swallow the muffin one shot despite the fact that it was physically impossible.
Of course she wasn't able to swallow it, but the thought made Natsume earnestly smile and suppress a laugh.
"I-I-I'm sorry, I can do better. The muffin's too big".
Hearing this, Natsume burst to laughter, shielding his stomach by his hand and the other covering his mouth.
"You.. haha! You impossible girl. A lifetime won't be enough to find someone like you eh?".
Embarrassed, Mikan said "You know that comment would be much sweeter if you really mean it", tidying her face with a napkin.
Natsume immediately stopped laughing. He adjusted himself so he can face her squarely, tipped her chin, and said in a low voice,
"Forgive me but, I really mean it", before sealing the deal with a peck on the lips.
"That's it then. We're official", he stated as he ruffled Mikan's hair and briefly pinched her cheek."
Mikan briefly scoffed in disbelief all the while trying to hide her amused laugh, "Hands down.. Y-You really are-"
"Amazing? I know. I am. Born with it. So come on let's leave this place", Natsume interrupted while putting the stuffs back in the basket.
"Oh? Why?"
"Aside from you knowing the place, making the surprise purpose void, I prefer indoors in this weather". He offered his hand and said, "Up", and minutes after they were on their way back towards the manor.
"Ah, before I forget, we're in a maze right? What's the purpose of a puzzle if it won't be solved right?"Natsume said halting both of them.
Mikan rolled her eyes and said, "Oh please, enough with the clichés. Then what? I'll be lost and you'd rescue me because you know this place already?", tugging her arm on Natsume's.
Hurt, Natsume breathed a smile and closed his eyes to suppress his amused state. "Okay, you got me. Fine. Let's do it your way Sherlock".
With that they were back on their tracks bringing with them the picnic paraphernalia and the intangible contract that made their relationship official. Relative to the puzzled path they walked, their steadying relationship leads to even more complexities not one of them had solved, nor familiar with. Still hoping for a positive feedback for the bargain they made, they took the risk they have anticipated. Only, what they anticipated may not be what they thought would come to them.
End of chapter 12
I'm deeply sorry for the late upload. :( I can't come up with valid excuses. Still, here's to start 2014. God bless everyone! Since it's the holidays, would u be very generous to give me ur reactions to this new chapter? I mean if by any chance there is any. :D Haha i'm kidding.
Oh and I added Mikan's POV in the mid part. That's just to get to know the character's 'character' more. :D I'll be doing Natsume's soon, bcos i think it's kind of important.
Here's to busy schedules ahead! Happy Holidays. 3