A/N: Hey guys! So sorry I'm so late! Had to work up a review worthy plot. Hopefully the chapter down below is. Anyways, hope you enjoy it! R&R please!
Disclaimer: I don't own Gakuen Alice!
Yeah, I'm well aware of the facts.
Yes, I'm in Paris. Yes, I'm going full Paris tourist mode crazy. Yes, I want to throw my luggage away and go out this very instant. And yes, I'm conscious of the 6 foot 2 inch man in a hot black suit, speaking confidently in French to the manager of the hotel, my husband.
And yes, I'm also all too well conscious of the fact that this is my honeymoon. And yeah, I'm also aware of what you do on your honeymoon, I'm not a 12 year old, it's only obvious. So yeah, I'm a little nervous.
I mean, I know this marriage is fake, but, still... Legally, I AM his wife...
We're still in the lobby and I'm pretending to be in awe so that I don't seem to be nervous. I mean, he's looking so cool and composed! If I start panicking, I'll look like a total idiot in front of everyone!
"I'm going up first..." Natsume said suddenly and being absent minded, I smiled at him and nodded and watched him as he moved upstairs. I had no intention of going up to his frowny face.
And so, instead, I walked to the giant glass doors, peering out curiously. The sight was breathtaking. Paris. I was in Paris!
Natsume's P.O.V:
Leaving her to gawk at the scenery, I left for the room first. My dilemma was much bigger after all. I wasn't in the state to gawk at pretty sights. Nope.
I should've known but still... The Guacamole... I had no idea it contained so much garlic. The taste was perfectly fine then but it wasn't until half an hour later that I'd known that pretty much everything in that buffet had onion, garlic or cheese.
And I was garlic, cheese and onion intolerant to a very elevated extent since I had a very weak stomach according to doctors. Thanks to that, and Aoi's excellent event management skills, I had to visit the bathroom at least 4 times this past hour.
Thankfully, Mikan remained down, probably touring around Paris, while I was in here, fighting life and death. Obviously, due to my very embarrassing condition, I knew all too well that my visits to the bathroom weren't going to stop anytime soon and that I needed medicine if I was to endure the night and so, I called the reception for some from a nearby chemist.
By that time, Mikan returned to the suite. I could listen to her footsteps outside and I could very well see that she was nervous. Honestly speaking? I would've been too if not for my condition right now.
Again feeling bile rise up in my throat and a sort of churning in my stomach, I, with great difficulty, hoisted myself up from the sofa and sauntered into the bathroom.
Mikan's P.O.V:
Honeymoon suite. Honeymoon suite. Why the honeymoon suite?! God, please don't embarrass me in front of him...
I turned the knob and walked in, taking deep breaths all the while, to find an empty room. I sighed in relief, as I sat down eyeing the chocolates, dim lights and the rose petals spread out on the bed romantically.
Any other day and I'd have gone insane with anticipation and desire. Today, I just feel... Disappointed. And empty inside. None of this is real after all. Our marriage is nothing but a contract. A mutual deal. And somewhere inside of me, I wanted it to be—I wished it to be real.
A knock fell on my ears, stripping me of my melancholy. "Yes? Come in." I said as a well built waiter came in. "Excuse me ma'am. Sir ordered for this," He said and gave me a small paper packet. "Really?" I asked, eyeing it curiously and he nodded. "Oh... Okay. Thank you." I said and gave him a generous tip as he left.
"What could Natsume want at this time of the night?" Obviously, curiosity got the best of me and I opened the packet only to find a small box of Durex extra time.
My eyes threaten to pop out of the sockets as I take in the meaning of this. My hand shoots to my lips and I hurriedly put the—the... the 'thing' back inside.
"All men! All men are the bloody same! Unbelievable! He—He ordered this?!" I asked myself as I eyed the brown paper packet and felt myself flush.
"M-Mikan?! Hey, I ordered something, did he bring it?!" Natsume's gruff voice got me off guard as I shivered in my place. I felt fury and rage pooling into my senses at his blatant question.
"Y-Yeah! Yeah, he brought it!" I replied, my flush growing deeper.
"Well then, bring it in. I'm the one who asked him for it." I felt my eyes widen. Oh my god! "Y-You—You asked for this?! W-Wha—I mean, w-why? What were you thinking?" I cried out in fear.
Natsume's voice came out thick and well, groaning. "What are you on about?! This is what I use all the time. It's the same brand too."
This man! This horrid man! He's actually accepting it to me! "A-All the time?! I don't believe this!" I replied in fear as he finally came out in a bath robe.
My eyes fell to his sculpted naked chest beneath the soft white robe, and I sweated beads. No, no, no, no... No, he-he wouldn't! But then again, why is he groaning so much?! And is that...
"Why—Why are you sweating so much?" I asked, hesitating and in fear as I clutch the sofa hard. "Sweat?" Natsume asked as he touched his own forehead.
Without warning, he groaned and I shrunk back in fright as he sat himself down on the bed. "Why are you asking me so much questions like a full on news reporter?!" He said growling deeply in an intimate way and I felt my insides churn.
"Natsume, please... A-Are you—Are you okay?!" I asked with my lips quivering.
"I'm only human, I can't control everything! Will you please try to understand my condition here?!" He groaned out in a husky, smoky voice in a sexy way that I felt shivers run down my spine.
"W-What the hell?! You must control it! I mean, how desperate you to— To order something like— Like this!?" I asked, the red in my cheeks growing hotter and he grew impatient and burst out like some wild animal.
"Jesus, what's the need to control everything here?! Look, just give me the packet already. It's not like you're stupid, right?! Can't you try to understand my situation here?!" He burst out and I stepped several steps back in anxiety.
"N-Natsume, we-we talked about this. I-I mean, this—" I said, gazing at the packet. "Mikan, it's just a precaution. I can't help it okay?! I've got weak control over it, so yeah. If I don't take that, I'm gonna end up regretting my entire morning so please, just give it to me already."
"Y-You never mentioned anything about this before our marriage, so why now?!"
"MIKAN! How was I supposed to know I'll start getting this...? God... Look, just give it to me, I'm begging you. I'm dying here." He said lowly as he sank back into the bed, rubbing his stomach and neck sensually as I felt tears pierce my eyes.
"N-No. No. I-I didn't agree to this! I'm not giving this to you." I replied fear in my eyes and my hands shaking as I clutched the 'thing' to my heart.
Natsume stood up and gawked at me as if I'd lost my mind... Before erupting like a volcano. "What, have you gone insane or what?! Don't you understand?! Give it to me!"
"No, Natsume." I said walking back whimpering like a kid.
"Mikan, I want it. Now!" He replied in anger, taking slow, steady steps towards me.
"No, Natsume." I repeated again, my voice becoming unsteady, like I was about to cry and believe me, I was. I was afraid. I was pure and a virgin and it had been ages since I'd actually been on a proper date ever since this hateful guy left me. So...
Obviously, with a guy demanding contraceptives to spend the night with me, I was prone to get scared. I mean, I did use to love Natsume and I WAS his wife now, but still, I was not ready to take things this high! I mean, I hadn't even forgiven him for he'd done and yet, he's asking me to stay with him?!
And that too, like this? With a packet of durex extra time on our FAKE honeymoon night?! God! What am I supposed to do?
He trapped me against the wall and I felt tears run down my cheeks as I gripped the packet tight and we both struggle with my hand for it. "Natsume, no! NO! Please, no! Fine then! Here, have it. Do whatever the hell you want with it! I'm going out and I am NOT coming back. I'll stay in the living room and I'll stay there all night if I have to but I am not coming back! G-Go to hell, you jerk!"
Screaming my lungs out, I flung the small brown packet to him and walked out of the room and seated myself in the living room, determined not to talk to him.
Natsume's P.O.V:
"I'm the one here with the ache and she's the one going demented, honestly." I spat out in anger and ripped the packet open so that I could finally take my medicine and in place of tablets, I found... Birth... Control.
My eyes widen as I take in the thing that sat upon my hand. "She thinks that I want to—to—to touch her?!" I asked myself. "W-What the hell?!"
Unable to control my anger, I walked out of the room and found her seated on the sofa in a terrified state. "Hey!" She stood up, scared stiff at the sound of my voice.
"What? What the hell is this?!" I asked and she shook her head. "How could you even think that I'd—that I'd want to touch you? This marriage isn't real, get that?! God..." I groaned and clutched the hard leather of the sofa, my head spinning.
"But then, why are you–" She started to speak and I resentfully cut her off midway.
"I have an upset stomach, okay?! And I asked for medicine! What the hell is this?!" For the first time all night, I saw her eyes drowned in something other than fear.
She was confused and shot back at me furiously. "B-But I only gave you what you ordered!" She replied, upset. "Oh really? Won't you at least check what's inside?! I mean, you just took what he gave you and you didn't even bother to ask him what was inside?! God, you are impossible!"
"Why are you shouting? This is not my fault and you know it!"
"Not your fault?! I've been screwed over here and I have no idea how many times I have visited the bathroom ever since I came and you—you've given me this instead of medicine and it's none of your fault?!"
Obviously in my anger, I kept on taking steps towards her and she kept taking steps back in fear. I guess, she was still afraid that I'd do something. "Why are you acting so scared?! This was a misunderstanding!" I said and flung the 'thing' aside.
"Look here, I asked for medication to control my stomach ache! And you thought I asked for this—THIS to control THAT?! Yuck! How cheap can you get?!" I said and for a second, I saw Mikan purse her lips, myself trying hard not to laugh.
"And this is all your fault, by the way! Yours and Aoi's! You two are going to be the death of me! 'Don't waste your food! Nothing will happen! These onion rings are amazing, try them!' Thanks to your stupid stubbornness, I've been dying in the bathroom for the past hour!"
Unable to control herself, she burst out giggling. "Unbelievable, you are impossible Mikan Yukihira! IMPOSSIBLE! God, oww..." I groaned clutching my stomach as Mikan continued to laugh and giggle.
"I-I'm sorry, I had no idea you were trying to control THAT... Ahaha!" She said in a desperate tone, trying to control herself from laughing. Her laughter infuriated as well as calmed me. Strange. I wonder why, I like hearing her laugh...
"Excuse me?" A knock fell upon both our ears and Mikan stopped laughing as I ask the stupid man to come in. He laughs sheepishly. "Let me guess... You're looking for this?!" I said holding the packet up.
"Um, yes sir. Sorry sir, I thought you were that couple—"
"What the hell did you think, huh?! Can't you people get a room number correctly? My condition is getting worse by the minute here and you're—everyone is laughing like you've all gone mad! HERE! And give me my medication already!" I said and snatched the medicine from him.
"S-Sorry, he's just a little upset. Please just go." Mikan interfered and the man left hurriedly. Why wouldn't he?! If he'd stayed here a second longer, I'd have bloody murdered him.
"Why are you shouting at him? Just go. You've got your medicine..." Again, I saw her biting her lips trying to bite back her growing smile. "What and ever!"
Mikan's P.O.V:
Right after he left, I burst out laughing. God, Mikan! What were you thinking? Poor Natsume. He was in so much pain and I—But I couldn't help it. I started laughing again as I recalled the event.
He was in pain due to indigestion and gas and I thought he ordered for that because he wanted to spend the night with me... I slapped my forehead with the palm of my hand as I giggle once again.
Wanting to ease his pain, I dialed the reception and asked for some buttermilk.
Making sure no such 'misunderstandings' take place again, before taking it to him, I checked the buttermilk by tasting it myself and it was quite tasty and cool. This is going to be just fine for him, I thought and walked into the bedroom find Natsume on the bed, groaning.
"Here." I said and shoved the bottle to his face. His eyes fluttered open at the cool touch of the bottle. "W-What is it?" He asked, sitting up with great difficulty. "For your stomach. This is better than tablets. Its buttermilk and don't worry, I checked beforehand too. Drink it while it's cool."
Natsume eyed the bottle strangely before taking it. I smiled and sat beside him, and held the bottle up to his lips as he leans into my arm for support. And just like that, all night long, I rubbed his back and slept beside him, holding him in my arms.
All because he fell into a very deep sleep and wouldn't let me go. I smile as I caress his dishevelled and unkempt long raven black hair cascading across his temples.
For a night alone, I truly feel quite like a wife as I hold him in my arms, stroke his hair, rub his back as he groans pressing my chest closer to his face and I press soft kisses to the side of his head as he sleeps blissfully.
I can't help it, you know? I really love him after all. And plus, when he's this...
Vulnerable...
In such bad shape, I can't help but want to nurse him and make him feel better. He still looks so innocent when he's sleeping too. And just like before, his arms are all around my waist, encircling them while he rests his head against my lower chest as he sleeps. I laugh once again as I remember his condition. And now, he's here in my arms, sleeping like an innocent little kid. I honestly just can't help how I feel...
The next day:
I woke up groggily to an agitated abdomen but, feeling a lot better than yesterday thankfully. I looked around to see an empty room. My eyes feel to a glass of fresh red juice.
Upon inspecting it closely and taking a sip, I realized it was watermelon. Beside the glass was a small yellow sticky note. I recognized the handwriting as Mikan's. It hadn't changed an inch even after all these years. So precise and aligned.
'Hey sleepyhead! I'm sure it's probably past or close to twelve noon right now, so a very good afternoon to you.'
I rolled my eyes but felt a smile tug at my lips as I took another sip of the fresh and thick juice.
'Anyways, since you're sick and all, I took the time to leave you to sleep and have gone to get us both lunch. Will be back in half an hour or so hopefully since I sill have no idea how to order in French. Get your ass up and about by then or else I am SO kicking it out of bed. —Love, Mikan.'
Clearly, the note felt more like a threatening declaration from a crook than a loving wife. I kept it back in its place and proceeded to finish the juice.
Having cleared my head, I took my mobile out to check my notifications when the door opened. Mikan entered holding two heavy paper bags. She looked over to me and grinned. "Looks like I won't have to kick your ass after all." I rolled my eyes.
"Anyways, here... I got you a Greek salad with dressing on the side and a coffee in case of a migraine and also an Italian sandwich." She said arranging everything in a small tray before bringing it over to me on the bed.
I smiled at the variety of items sprawled clumsily on the black tray. The irony of it made me want to laugh. Having noticed my unusual mood swing, Mikan frowned. "What're you smiling for?" She asked.
"Greek salad, Italian sandwich. We're in Paris and yet..." I said and looked down and she followed suit. Having understood what I meant, she smiled. "Hey, I could only get you so many things considering your... Delicate state." I detected the faint hint of a smile and sarcasm in her tone as she pursed her lips.
"Don't, okay!? It happens. I can't-I can't help it. That's why I don't eat garlic and onions too much." I explained, my mood lightened that I couldn't fight even if I wanted to. She simply smiled wider and nodded. "Of course... I-I... I totally... Understand." As she said this, Mikan broke off to giggle at least 3 times in the middle.
I felt anger pooling in my senses but couldn't do anything. I felt my lips pucker in rage as I glowered at my pretty wife. Speaking of pretty...
For the first time this morning I actually took in what she was dressed in. A classy black, X cross string backless, plunging V neck jumpsuit and a creamy white coat. T ankle glittering grey heels and her brown locks left open in a one side hairdo and for even greater impact, her eyes were adorned with silver eyeliner and her lips, oh, her lips were a creamy matte red.
The annoying part of this was how simple she was dressed and yet, how effortlessly gorgeous she looked! I couldn't strip my eyes off of her. "Oh! I almost forgot! The investors called. You were sleeping so I postponed your meeting to 2 PM. Natsume, are you listening?" She asked suddenly and I blinked myself back to reality.
"Hmm? What?!" I asked as she shook her head. "Your precious meeting." Abruptly her words made sense and I fell into a frenzy of panic. Oh my god! I'd slept through the meeting! That's when Mikan called for me again, placing a calming hand on my shoulder.
"Relax. The meeting is at two. I called them and told them that the meeting might delay a bit and they happily postponed it. No issues." She said and I breathed a sigh of relief. Before I could stop myself, the word tipped out of my mouth. "Thanks."
For a second, we both just gazed at each other and fell into an uncomfortable yet comfortable silence. She smiled nodding before she squatted on the bed and I too, relaxed into the atmosphere, picking up small tomatoes from the salad and popping them into my mouth, chewing slowly.
"So... You never told me," She initiated the conversation as always. I smiled feeling happy and ecstatic for no reason. "I can't tell you what I never told you if you don't tell me what it is that I never told you." I replied and she rolled her eyes.
"Okay then, smart ass. Here's a question—" I turned to give her my full attention as she took in a deep breath before dropping the bomb on me. "Why don't I know that you have a cousin despite being your wife?"
Oh... So, she's met him already. "Well... You never really asked. Plus, I didn't find him important enough to mention." I replied. The peaceful, serene atmosphere had vanished. I felt a heavy burden on my chest and felt rather... Suffocated suddenly.
Mikan sensed it too, I guess. She forced a fake full grin to her face and smiled wide. "Well, I met him today coincidentally." I wasn't listening. Okay, I was. But I didn't want to. I wanted to go out. Leave her because I didn't want to listen to her talking about my cousin.
"He was... Nice. Really outgoing... I like him." She said with an authentic smile this time around and frankly? It seemed to annoy me more than her fake one. Immediate reaction? Burst out on your innocent wife whom you are actually in love with, just cause you don't like your cousin. And then, vanish from the room like you're not the one at fault at all.
Great, Natsume. JUST GREAT!
I ended up not coming back to the hotel until late at night, when I have no choice but to go back since it's technically where I'm staying and all and face Mikan and probably apologize.
Hopefully, the stupid man who caused this doesn't end up popping out of nowhere right in front of the hotel and gets chatting with MY wife as well. Man being my beloved cousin. Yeah right! Of course not! Now, I'm just being delusional.
Nope. Obviously the day could get much worse than that. Just as I come back with a bouquet of roses, hoping it would be enough to console her for my prior behaviour, I find Mikan linking arms with my cousin, walking into the hotel this late at night, laughing.
He smiles at her flirtatiously, and she smiles back innocently and good naturedly and walks into the elevator but not before giving him a hug and making promises to meet up with him the next day.
I realized something just then. It was theoretically supposed to be OUR honeymoon and there my wife was, flirting with a stranger whom she'd just met that day. What the hell was I doing?! I hated him yes, but that had nothing to do with Mikan. At this rate, my beloved cousin was going to steal her right under my nose!
My life couldn't get any more tragic, could it? But who am I kidding? It was my all my fault that she's even with him right now. If only I hadn't burst out on her earlier this morning, maybe she would've been with me, linking arms and laughing. Maybe, that would've been us.
In the end, it was always my fault. I dug my grave for myself. 6 years ago and now. Sighing, I walk up hoping to apologize and probably win her back since I'm not gonna give up so easily. Not where he was concerned. And definitely not where Mikan was concerned.
So, who's the new cousin Natsume's been bad-tempered about? Will Mikan forgive Natsume for his abrupt irritability towards her? Will roses and a sincere apology be enough? Or is there going to be a new Mr. Right in Mikan's life?! The next chap, I promise I'll update soon!
A/N: the next chapter of Kiss me, Kate will be updated soon. I'm making a few last minute edits so, it might take me some time sorry. And betting on the wrong boy's last chapter too, I'll update it somewhere after Kiss me, Kate, so bear with me until then, thanks! See you soon!