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"Random Subject Prompts"

Chapter 054: Natsume Asahina

Anime: Brothers Conflict

Prompt: Spoiled

Chapter Warning(s):

Author's Note:

KH*NA*KH*NA

Age: 10

"She's like a princess," Natsume commented in his usual blunt way of speaking. His violet eyes were fixated on the little raven haired girl who sat upon a chair that could be mistaken for a throne. Surrounding her were several extravagant presents, all wrapped in bright paper and curled ribbon. She was poised and well-behaved, the perfect picture of politeness.

But her eyes… He couldn't help but observe the blank, almost deadened stare she held as she overlooked the many guests in the reception room. From this distance, he couldn't hear anything being said to her from several people who greeted her, but she responded with a strained smile and soft words.

Tsubaki threw his arm around Natsume's shoulders, a playful grin on his face. "Well, why wouldn't she be? She's an heiress, and today is her birthday."

"Tsubaki," Azusa lightly scolded, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "Keep your voice down before Mama gets upset with you." The Asahina triplets were attending the birthday girl's party because their mother knew the hosts and the triplets were the same age as mentioned birthday girl, so it had seemed appropriate.

Miwa Asahina gathered her boys to her side, smiling kindly. "Let's go, you three," she encouraged. "We're going to wish Kagome-chan a Happy Birthday."

So that's her name, Natsume thought, filing away the information.

When those lifeless, sapphire eyes landed on the four, Natsume felt his heart squeeze in an unfamiliar way. No one should be so unhappy during a celebration of their birth, he thought.

"Happy Birthday, Kagome-chan," Miwa greeted. She gestured to her sons. "These are my triplets: Tsubaki, Azusa, and Natsume. They're actually the same age as you." The kindness that seeped within her voice was a dead giveaway. Clearly the older woman could sense the sheer unhappiness Kagome was experiencing. Her heart panged for the little girl.

Kagome gave a polite yet blank smile that never reached her eyes. "Thank you for coming. It is an honor to meet all of you. Please enjoy yourselves." It was a clear dismissal.

Walking away, Miwa released a sad sigh. "The poor dear…"

"What's wrong with her?" Natsume asked. The little raven haired girl refused to leave his mind. It made him more and more curious about her and the strange hold she had over him.

The Asahina Matriarch wasn't sure if she should reveal what she knew about the Higurashi heiress, especially to her young children. They wouldn't understand, not completely, and it was a difficult situation.

She decided to put it into simple terms. "Let's just say that Kagome-chan was raised in a different environment than you three. Her parents also have very different expectations for her future than I have for you."

Brows furrowed, Azusa asked, "What does that mean?"

Miwa swallowed thickly, her eyes drooping with sadness. "I want you to grow up happy, with futures that you decide for yourselves, no matter what that is," she softly answered.

"And she can't do the same?" Tsubaki cocked his head to the side.

"No, I'm afraid not."

Natsume looked down, his heart squeezing once more. That… What his mother was saying… If he understood her correctly… That wasn't…

That wasn't fair.

Glancing over his shoulder, his eyes sought the little raven haired girl once more. His first observation had been accurate: Kagome did look like a princess.

But she should be a spoiled princess.

KH*NA*KH*NA

Deadened sapphire orbs trailed over the faceless guests. They seemed to be happy, but she couldn't really tell. Were they faking it to flatter her father? Were they actually enjoying themselves to please her mother? She didn't know, and she didn't care at this point. She was hungry – starving, actually. Preparations for today had flashed by so quickly, and she hadn't had a chance to really eat anything. The tiny cups of juice weren't cutting it anymore. She wanted to hop down from this stupid chair, wanted to march towards the buffet table, wanted to consume the delicious looking food that everyone else was partaking in.

She wanted a piece of the yummy-looking cake… her birthday cake. What human being wasn't allowed to have a slice of their own birthday cake?

"You look like you're about to drool," a young, blunt voice stated.

Kagome snapped her attention onto the dark haired boy she vaguely remembered being introduced to. What was his name again? She knew he was one of the Asahina triplets, but which one? Her father would surely be disappointed in her lack of memory.

Natsume gazed at Kagome for another second. Sighing, he shoved his hands into his pockets. He didn't know what made him approach her, but his feet had moved before his brain recognized the action. Her expression had been filled with such longing…

"Well? What do you want to eat?" he offered. He could recognize the look of someone ravenous. Tsubaki tended to have the same expression on his face whenever he laid eyes on a particular snack he wanted.

When she remained silent, the youngest triplet cocked his head to the side. "Hey, this may be your only chance. Your parents aren't looking—"

"Cake," Kagome cut him off. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment but she didn't back down from her spoiled – from her perspective – demand.

Natsume nodded once to show he understood the request, turned on his heel, and casually walked towards the buffet table. He could feel her eyes burning a hole into his back but he didn't mind. He grabbed a plate with the biggest slice of chocolate cake and walked back to the awaiting girl.

"Here." He held out the dessert like it was an everyday occurrence.

She tentatively took the plate before gazing at the mysterious boy. "Why… are you doing this?" she asked.

In a blunt tone, he stated, "You deserve to be spoiled."

For once, her sapphire orbs weren't blank and deadened. His words sparked a shocked gleam to clear the haziness. And Natsume could finally see just how truly beautiful her eyes were.

KH*NA*KH*NA

Age: 15

Ever since their first meeting, Kagome and Natsume had developed a strong bond. They were practically inseparable. The only ones who disapproved of their friendship were Kagome's parents. They considered Natsume a distraction, but Kagome had refused to stop seeing him. He was her lifeline, her confidant. He kept her sane.

Currently, she was visiting him at his school. She had been curious about his joining the basketball team and had wanted to see him practice. Natsume had always been talented in sports, yet she had never seen him play before.

"So, what do you guys do after all of that running?" she inquired, sapphire eyes sparkling with her intense curiosity.

Natsume wiped some sweat from his brow with the towel slung across his shoulders. "More warm-ups," he answered in his usual blunt manner.

"That's so boring." Pouting, she turned towards one of the vending machines they stood in front of. She hummed as she looked over her options before slipping some money inside and making her selections. Two cans instantly clunked down into the compartment.

Before she could grab them, Natsume reached down to retrieve the beverages. He easily popped the tab of one and gave it to Kagome while he held onto the other, unopened.

The way she grinned at such a simple gesture made his heart flutter. "Thank you. You really do treat me the best, Natsume."

He scoffed. "Who else is going to spoil you?" Everyone knew that was his job, and he enjoyed doing it.

Kagome giggled softly. She took a sip of her drink. "When will I get to see you play? Like, for real?"

"I have a game next weekend."

"I'll be there," she promised. She suddenly bit her bottom lip, her eyes fogging with uncertainty. It was an expression he was all too familiar with. She wanted something but didn't want to be 'the spoiled princess' many thought she was considering what family she came from.

Natsume rolled his violet eyes. "What? Just say it."

"Will you walk me home after you finish practice?"

"Was that ever a question," he replied, not expecting an actual answer. Turning around, drink still in hand, he walked back towards the gym. "Let's go. Practice won't be over for another hour."

A happy smile graced her features. Kagome quickly caught up. "I love that you're the only one who spoils me," she confessed.

Natsume's expression softened. "You deserve to be spoiled."

KH*NA*KH*NA

Age: 18

After quitting sports, thus distancing himself from his siblings after a terrible fallout, Natsume had been spending more time with Kagome. The raven haired beauty didn't seem to mind, and he didn't either. She understood that his feelings were turning 'half-hearted' and his life couldn't remain that way if he truly wanted to live. The only time he felt alive was when he was in her presence. His passion for things ignited when she was near.

"What do you plan to do after graduation?" Kagome asked. They were currently in his room, hanging out; in his case, flipping through a gaming magazine that had caught his interest.

"Go to college, get a degree in game design, then start my own gaming company," was the straightforward response.

She rolled her eyes. "You would also need a business degree," she pointed out.

Natsume finally tore his eyes away from the magazine to gaze at her. A small, teasing smirk twitched at the corners of his lips. "That's what you're for. I know you're going to study business, so why should both of us have to go through that?"

Kagome wrinkled her nose cutely. "You're devious. I don't think I would want you for a business rival."

"Then be my partner."

His blunt statement had her cheeks flushing crimson at the implications. What did he mean by that? She didn't know, so, in an embarrassed squeak, she asked.

"It's exactly how it sounded." Natsume stood from his seat, magazine forgotten, as he stepped closer to the raven haired beauty. He leaned close, so close that their noses almost touched. Her breath caught in her lungs. "You have to admit that going into business with me sounds a lot more appealing than working for your father."

She swallowed thickly. "Eventually I will have to take over the company." Had her voice always sounded so… husky? Lustful? Oh boy, she was in trouble.

Sure, she had always known that Natsume was handsome. He had always been a constant in her life, her rock. She found him extremely attractive, and he honestly treated her the best out of everyone in her life. She wouldn't know what to do without him. But to take their friendship and turn it into something… more? She didn't know if she could handle that.

"You won't be taking over anytime soon," he dismissed. "In the meantime, you should build a gaming company with me. I have it all figured out."

"What-What does that mean?"

Natsume leaned back the slightest bit, but she already missed his nearness. He smiled confidently. "By the time you take over your father's company, our gaming company should be well-established by then. We could just merge the companies together. This way, I don't lose my partner and you don't have to choose between the two companies. See? It's that simple."

She gazed at him with a mixture of awe and sheer happiness. Tears clouded her vision but they were happy tears. "You really do have it all figured out," she softly murmured.

"Of course I do," he scoffed.

"And you really wouldn't mind merging companies?"

His expression softened. "If it's you, Kagome, I don't mind. I'd be willing to do anything for you." And he had; in the past, in the present, and now in the future – their future.

With a watery laugh, she said, "You really do spoil me, Natsume."

"You deserve to be spoiled, princess." Dipping his head, he slanted his mouth against hers in a heated kiss.

KH*NA*KH*NA

Age: 24

In their shared apartment, Natsume took off his suit jacket, folded it neatly, and hung it over the back of the sofa. He released a sigh of relief as he sank onto the soft surface and leaned back to relax, closing his eyes.

Gentle fingertips slid across his chest, alerting him to the new presence in the room. He didn't open his eyes as the sofa softly dipped with the added weight. And he didn't even flinch when a feminine body he was intimately familiar with made itself at home on his lap. He did, however, let a smile curve his lips upward when he felt slim arms wrap around his torso and a head of silky raven tresses snuggled perfectly under his chin.

"I'm sorry again for not being able to attend your mother's wedding," Kagome quietly said. "I had really wanted to go too. She's done so much for me over the years…"

"She understood," he reassured. Lifting one hand, he placed his palm on her forehead. "Good. Your fever is down, at least. But you should still be in bed, resting."

She ignored his words and cuddled closer if possible. "I missed you."

"Tsubaki and Azusa were here to keep you company."

Mentioned felines meowed from their respective perches near the window, both content to watch their humans rather than join them.

"It's not the same," she petulantly mumbled. Natsume softly chuckled. She normally never expressed this side of her personality. He found it adorable. "Tell me about the wedding. Was everyone there?"

His expression darkened with annoyance as he remembered one particular instance. "Yes, everyone was there," he answered, "including my new stepsister."

Kagome's head popped off of his chest so quickly, she nearly tumbled off of his lap and onto the hardwood floors. Luckily, Natsume had a secure hold around her, not that she noticed. She was too focused on his sudden revelation, eyes wide and incredulous.

"You never mentioned a stepsister," her tone was almost accusatory.

Natsume cracked his eyes open, expression still irritated over the situation. "Apparently, Masaomi-nii had told Tsubaki to tell me about Ema but, since this is Tsubaki we're talking about, he forgot."

"Oh, so Ema is her name?" A pout formed on her features. His brow raised in question. She finally blurted out, "Do you think she's prettier than me?"

Both brows rose into his hairline. It was his turn to be incredulous. Had she seriously just asked him that? Really, after everything they had been through? All the years they spent together? After everything he had done for her? He really had raised a spoiled princess, hadn't he?

Expression dropping into a deadpanned look, he bluntly stated, "You're clearly still sick. You're going back to bed."

"That's not an answer!"

"You are obviously not thinking straight if you think another woman is capable of coming between us, let alone having the ability to take me away from you." He pulled her close until their foreheads touched. "You should know by now how much I love you, Kagome – even when you're a delusional mess." But she was his delusional mess.

She sniffled, and even that was adorable. "I love you, too, Natsume. I love the way you always treat me the best. And I love that you only spoil me."

"You deserve to be spoiled." Natsume lifted his precious bundle and walked towards their bedroom. "And now, princess, you're going back to bed. When you wake up more sane, we're going to have a long conversation about how I'm never leaving you, how I'm never letting you leave me, rings, and a wedding chapel. Understood?"

Kagome gazed up at him with big, sapphire eyes. "You'll stay with me while I sleep?"

"Was that ever a question," he replied, not actually expecting an answer.

KH*NA*KH*NA

Age: 27

~Epilogue: December~

After enjoying a relaxing dinner at their favorite restaurant, Natsume and Kagome walked out to the snowy streets of Tokyo, the white flakes softly drifting down from the heavens.

Despite her heavy jacket and gloves, Kagome still blew hot air into her palms in hopes of warming up a bit more. Her facial features, however, was beaming with happiness as she stared up at the dark sky. "It's beautiful," she commented. "I love watching the first snow fall."

"You say the same thing every year," Natsume bluntly pointed out. Ignoring her huff of indignation, he unwrapped the scarf around his neck to gently tie around hers. The way she contentedly snuggled into the material made his expression soften with love, especially when he caught a certain glint that came from her left ring finger. The silver band that was placed on his own finger gave off the same glint as if in answer.

Kagome gave her husband a concerned glance. "Are you sure you don't need this, Natsume?" she asked. "We're still kind of far from home."

"It's fine. You keep it," he reassured, shaking his head. Smiling, he gently laid a hand over her slightly distended belly. "Besides, I wouldn't want anything to happen to the little one. I need to keep both of you healthy."

Her eyes full of love and affection, she smiled sweetly. "I think it's safe to say that you spoil me way too much."

"And as I keep telling you: You deserve to be spoiled."

Thank you to everyone who reviewed, followed, and added these prompts to their favorites list! You guys are awesome!

I really enjoy writing a pregnant!Kagome :) It just fills me with warmth whenever I think about her having such a wonderfully happy ending. What do you guys think? Do you feel the same way?

Also, out of all of the males from this chapter and the previous ones, who do you like Kagome paired with the best? Honestly, my answer changes every day, LOL! I simply can't decide :D Please leave your response at the bottom in a review!

Happy Holidays, and I hope everyone had an amazing New Year!

XOXO,

Celestial Law