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Dealing With Them: My Husband's Family!

The Tale of the Frog Prince

~The Frog Turned to a Prince ~

Chapter viii

x

Cold air. Big bags. A pack of snacks and Natsume by my side inside his car.

"Uh, Natsume… we aren't going on a picnic, right?"

I looked at him and he nodded.

Truly wonderful.

First, he dragged me, approximately 5 hours ago from our house to his friend's municipal office just to get married, and now here, right after that ceremony, this guy beside me dragged me all over again from the municipal back to our house, packed a bit of our clothes (which was the sole reason why we had bags with us), and dragged me back again to his car.

I was never mad at him just because he keeps on dragging me here and there.

What annoys me the most is that I do not know anything about these things!

"Uh, again. We aren't going on a picnic."

And this time, it came out as a declaration of certainty than an unsure question.

"We aren't. I was called to bring you to my house."

"Oh, I see. So-"

Okay. So we're going on his house. His house!

"W-Wait! Your house?! Doesn't that mean that I'm gonna meet your family?!"

Suddenly, I remembered that I should look for amusement from Natsume's face but I see none, which leads to one and only conclusion: he's serious.

He's freaking serious about it!

I mean, I don't have anything against the idea of meeting his family but the thought alone gives me chills, because one, he was raised by a family of assassins. Two, they are assassins and three, Natsume is an assassin who acts like he's so superior and mighty sometimes.

"I think it's time for you to meet my family now that we're married."

I rolled my eyes. This guy really is full of surprises.

"Yeah, and I shouldn't be surprised even more. You already succeeded in doing so when you brought me to that 'friend' of yours."

He groaned and I turned my body behind to reach for the pack of snacks seated at the backseat of Natsume's car. Well thanks to him, I still haven't completed the perfect breakfast meal I've dreamed when I was eating with him a while ago. After having successfully grabbed the plastic of packed chips in my hands, I opened one and proceeded to feed the guy beside me a single chip, which he accepted.

"Chips in the morning? Seriously?"

And he's one to talk!

"Oh, shut up."

He laughed and I stopped eating. Unconsciously, I looked sideways, not to the point that he can notice me, but knowing Natsume, I know that-

"What's with that look?"

I looked back at the bag of chips in my hand and smiled a little while shaking my hand.

I just realized that within those 10 years of my life, right after losing my mom, I never had amazing experiences like these: like how to have fun and be with the one you love.

It's just… simply amazing.

I never thought that I'd be able to recall these feelings again which were hidden and buried in my memory.

Everything that my mom had to leave me was completely filled by Natsume.

"Hey, you're being too silent."

I smiled widely and shook my head, poking him on his cheek.

"Nothing that concerns you, honey."

He smirked.

"Really now?"

X

I felt a hand lightly caressing my cheek which made me open my eyes, and to my surprise, Natsume's leaning over, face too close.

Too close!

"W-Wha?!"

"You're awake, good. We're here now."

Here?

I turned my head beside and saw a big gate staring right at me. And that's more than enough to make me gape at Natsume even more.

It's true that this house is bigger than that of his in Kitagiri prefecture back at that time when I went for his another persona's commemoration.

"I-Is this really just a house?"

He shrugged and before I could even say anything, the gate opened, and a group of people lining up welcomed my sight.

"Erm, Natsume, who are they?"

"Family servants."

I nodded and sighed. Natsume really is freaking wealthy!

The car we're in halted to a stop, Natsume stepped out and I did the same.

"Mister Natsume, your family's already waiting-"

"I know."

I scowled at Natsume for cutting off the poor old man's sentence, so instead, I was the one to bow and apologize for the rude behavior of this husband of mine!

And thankfully, he just smiled a small one and I followed Natsume when he started to walk ahead of me.

x

"Excuse me doctor Subaru, Natsume and his wife are already here. Master Ioran and the others are already in the meeting room."

The violet-haired man wearing eyeglasses nodded and straightened his once crossed legs, continuing to play with the rectangular card in between his index finger and thumb. He looked at his side and saw the very cause of this dilemma, calmly sipping one of the teas he brought for her. And although he had to admit that they do not get along that really well, he still has some soft side left for her, being her older and only brother, which is why even though it is against his will to let her do some reckless things, she still can get him to say yes.

"I never thought that they would take longer than I expected. Good thing I arrived first."

He sighed and looked at the card in his hand. He raised an eyebrow.

"Sakura Mikan?"

She nodded and continued.

"His wife is totally more than what she seems."

"Is that supposed to be a compliment?"

Once again, she nodded and looked at the window beside her, finally catching a glimpse of a streak of brown and black hair.

"Besides, they suit each other very well. Two idiots."

"Well aren't you counted as one?"

And this time, she looked at him sharply. Imai Subaru closed his eyes and crossed his arms, all the while leaning back to his chair.

A moment of silence passed until the doctor opened his eyes once again and looked at the woman in front of him with a very firm gaze.

"How is she?"

Hotaru stood up and approached the window, still looking at the newly-married couple below her. For her, it was never different. In fact, she had encountered many familiar images like this, and this one will never be an exception from the ones she categorized as common.

Imai Hotaru never acknowledged something as extraordinary anyway.

"I'd answer your question if you were talking about Mikan, and not the fruit of my idiocy."

"So you admit it."

"I do."

He didn't answer and stood up instead, making his way towards the door, and soon after, Hotaru followed.

"You haven't answered my question yet."

"I do not know how you found out about her, but I will never tell you anything that concerns Kayla. Not ever."

He stopped walking and she walked ahead of him.

"What would you do if she comes here?"

She stopped and paused for a while, contemplating on what smart answer she could slap back at her brother's smart question. Hotaru didn't see it coming. Even though she has already expected that this guy with her reasons with the most rational things out of the blue, his question just gave her another puzzle to solve on her own. And she will never ask for his help.

"That will never happen."—was her sole answer before entering the room just beside her.

x

"Ready?"

I shook my head and looked at Natsume when he noticed (finally) that I'm uncomfortable around his house. Sighing, he held my hand and pulled me near him, kissing my forehead.

Even this time, I'm still amazed at how he manages to make my heart beat faster aside from feeling nervous.

"Don't worry, you're in my hands."

I could only sigh and nod.

"Let's get inside."

"O-Okay."

x

"I see. So you are Mikan?"

"Y-Yes."

I bowed after answering, not even daring to look up again. Although I already knew that Natsume is from a family of assassins, I never expected that this man in front of me would be this scary to speak with.

I'm used to Natsume's fearful side, yes. But I wasn't prepared to interact with Natsume's old man!

Silence… and all can be heard is Natsume's pen tapping on his wineglass.

It was more than enough for me to bear the pressure, but even this husband of mine is not helping at all! Helplessly, I silently scanned the room, and found six faces looking directly at me: Hotaru and Natsume's father with amusement, Koko with pity, a woman in her 40s and a girl around her 20s with smile pasted on their face and a bespectacled guy with a nonchalant expression.

And Natsume?

Yes, he's too busy playing with his most precious pen, like it was the most precious thing in the world other than me.

Hah!

"Tell us something more about your family."

My head shot up straight. What should I tell them?

It's as if Natsume's father is really strict when it comes to his family friend's background, and considering that they are freaking rich, it would just be right to have a rich woman as Natsume's wife. And I am not like that!

"Uhmm… ahh… I am living alone for 10 years. I lost my mom when I was twelve and-"

"How about your father?"

Oh great. Just as I was about to tell about him!

"H-He left us. I mean, no, my mom left him."

For a moment, no one dared to speak. And well, no one has uttered a single word since Natsume and I entered this room anyway.

"In other words, you're an orphan?"

Hesitantly, I nodded. That one was uncalled, and I honestly do not like the tone that he used just for that question.

"Are you still studying?"

"N-No sir."

He looked at me sharply. I swallowed. He totally freaks me out!

"I'd rather be called Mr. Hyuuga than sir."

And before I can say a simple and short yes, he cut me off once again by asking me another question.

"Are you working now?"

"N-No. But I am trying to-"

I saw him stood up and faced the window without looking at me then he spoke. Gosh! Could this man have any manners of letting me answer even one of his questions properly?!

"A woman without her parents and no job: interesting."

Interesting?! He calls that interesting?!

"Excuse me."

I stood up and I know I can't take more insults from him any longer.

"I may be an orphan and don't have any living, but I don't think I should be a wealthy woman with my parents just so I can fit as Natsume's wife."

I looked at Natsume and I smiled when I got him looking at me with slightly wide eyes, turning into frown. I laughed mentally inside.

"As much as I hate to admit it in front of your egotistical jerk son…"

I heard Hotaru and Koko laughing and I continued.

"…I love Natsume so much, and if you're gonna tell me to divorce and stay away from him…"

The second ace I would always do when I was in college just to insult Wakako more is to stick my tongue out, which I found useful today against Natsume's father.

The next thing I knew, everyone, except for Natsume, his father, Koko and the bespectacled man is laughing really hard now.

Take that you old fart!

"…I will never ever do that!"

I smiled silently in victory, and that got the guy beside me, Natsume, laughing along with Hotaru and the two women.

I stopped and looked at the old man.

He's raising his eyebrow.

"I never thought Natsume would really pick a good one."

Huh?

"Do you think I'm stupid enough to pick just any girl?"

Wow. That was so sweet of my husband.

And then, laughter burst inside the room we're currently in. What in the world just happened?! First there was a heavy tension, and now this?! Just what really is Natsume's family?

"I'm sorry about that, Mikan."

"Huh?"

I looked around me and saw these people smiling. What really happened here?!

"I really don't care about your status at all."

Now, that sounds more insulting.

"But… if it's Natsume who picked you, I wouldn't have to worry."

And he smiled at me. He just freaking smiled at me!

"Eh? Ahh… I'm actually…"

"Welcome to the family, Mikan."

What?! That easily?! And here I thought that I might die from nervousness a while ago! Who would have thought that a family of assassins would behave like this?

"Excuse me Mr. Ioran…"

All laughter died down when we heard an unexpected interruption coming from a tall man wearing a black coat and black pants—like what I see in action movies. And that wouldn't be complete without black shades, now would it?

"…Mr. Hijiri is already here."

I frowned at Natsume.

They still have a guest?

"I think we should start now."

Start? What should?

"Good thing you arrived just on time, Youichi."

I looked at the direction Natsume's father is looking and I frowned. Somehow, that guy wearing a black jacket and beret with white tee-shirt underneath and blue pants is oddly familiar. I think I've already seen him somewhere else before, but I cannot remember when or where.

And then I saw his gray hair.

Gray hair.

Wait.

"May I have this dance?"

That guy in the party has the same hair color as him. And just by looking at this person makes me remember the strange aura I felt when I touched that masked guy. Funny, but I think…

"Yeah, dad let me off the hook this time."

After waving a hello at Natsume's family, he faced me and offered me a polite greeting of acknowledgement, then he walked towards me and I frowned even more. Maybe my intuition is right. If not, why would he talk to me as if we already had a decent conversation before?

"Uhh, hi."

I bowed and he did the same while smiling.

"I presume you're Natsume's wife?"

Absent-mindedly, I nodded and somehow, I can feel that I'm secured and safe by being around this person although I also sense that he's too dangerous.

Well for one, he's affiliated with Natsume, so of course he can be dangerous!

"I'm Youichi. Hijiri Youichi."

"I'm-"

"Sakura Mikan, isn't it?"

Wow. This guy knows me?

"H-How-"

He chuckled and I raised an eyebrow. Now that would be creepy, wouldn't it? For a strange guy who suddenly welcomes himself in then lets you know that well, he knows you.

"Silence, voice hoarse and red nose. Remember?"

I was right all along!

"It's you!"

I pointed a finger at him and immediately brought it down when I saw Natsume's family looking amused at the unexpected situation I suddenly went in.

At that, he chuckled and went towards Natsume, in which my dear husband made himself to face him, nodding as a sign of acknowledgment of his presence. I wonder if they are relatives too.

"Anyway, since everyone is here. Shall we start?"

Once Hijiri Youichi—yeah, so that was his name?—sat on the sofa beside Natsume, Mr. Hyuuga turned to face the bespectacled guy and the latter nodded.

I wonder what's with this family agenda.

"Before we go on, I would like to clarify something."

His violet hair swings freely in the cold air as he speaks, and I admit, the way he speaks makes me remember of one certain woman who I thought was Natsume's fiancée. Besides, he looks a lot like her, and there is a big possibility that they are relatives.

Surprisingly, he looked at me with much intimidating air that I have to swallow or I might die under his scrutinizing gaze.

"Sakura Mikan…"

And the way he says my name makes it even scarier. But anyway, Natsume still is unbeatable when it's all about being fearful.

"…how are you going to deal with the fact that you're married to a dangerous person?"

And that question was totally uncalled for.

Married to a dangerous person huh?

At first, I was thrilled at the thought that Natsume has criminals after his life, and he had to live with me just to keep me safe right after they discovered that I am living with him. But I clearly do not regret anything since the day he threw stones at my window—since the day he barged into my life and declared himself as my husband.

Oh yeah, back at that time, I was partly scared—one reason was because I was scared of encountering a very dangerous person, and the other?

I was already attached to him and I am afraid that I might lose him in a second.

If I would have to deal with something that involves Natsume, I know I can do something that would make him so sorry.

Nothing more, nothing less.

"Uhh… maybe kick his ass?"

Snickers.

At that, he raised an eyebrow. And I scratched my head.

"And well, throw him out of my window? You never know when…"

I paused and glared at the guy beside me, remembering the times when he would take advantage of me whenever I am in my weakened state.

Ah, one great example would be that time in the bathroom when he pulled my zippers done without my consent!

Not that I would give him my permission anyway. It was just rude not to ask for it.

But I know it doesn't sound right when you're going to do something nasty and you still have to ask for your victim's permission to harass him. Or her. That would be totally weird, right?

"…this ass can be perverted when he wants to, anyway."

Another batch of snickers.

And this time, Natsume turned to speak.

"I don't see anything wrong with a husband being a pervert towards his wife. After all, I already saw your-"

And I knew it's coming anytime soon, the next thing we knew, I already had my hand covering his mouth.

"See? This is what I am talking about. One time he'll be dead serious like you're gonna faint from fear then the next second, he's already doing perverted things to you. But…"

Snatching my hand from his mouth when he made an attempt to bite it, I looked at the guy wearing spectacles which gleamed brightly in the sun reflecting on the room's window.

"…I don't think having a dangerous person inside your house is bad. And Natsume has been protecting me too."

True. Since the day he started living with me, he has been true to his promise that he'd protect me, and I know he'll never fail to do just that.

"But you do realize that this isn't a small game and your life can be at stake, right?"

Well, that's right. I already thought about it before. Actually, it was Natsume and I who thought about dealing with our current situation.

"Yeah, but… I don't think it's a problem either."

All eyes looked at me.

All except for Natsume, who I'm sure, is looking really bored.

"Eh? Did I say something wrong?"

"So basically, you're telling us that you don't regret anything when you married my son?"

Again, Mr. Hyuuga stared at me with the looks he once had a while ago, right before saying that I'm welcome to be part of his family. So much for an assassin who can easily change facial expressions. And mood.

"Regrets?"

And yeah, speaking of that…

"I have."

That sent everyone gawking at me, even Natsume.

Sure I have regrets: regrets of praising Natsume whenever he does something good, and that makes him more arrogant by every second passing by. It was never easy to deal with that guy's narcissistic nature anyway!

"I am actually regretting feeding this guy's…"

At that, I pointed my thumb at him and frowned when Mr. Hyuuga came back with his amused face—and that still creeps me.

"…ego, and you know what? Just because he wore a very elegant suit—yeah, that happened at Hotaru's birthday—I bet he nearly jumped and danced in joy when I told him that he looked handsome in that. I also regret that I told him that I love him—although that's true—it just made him more arrogant. Oh yeah, that also-"

"Mikan."

And that sudden interruption made me look menacingly and spat a loud 'What?!' at the bastard—I mean Natsume, who is, surprisingly, looking at me with a loving face—if I'm not mistaken.

"Erm. Sorry about that."

I sighed and looked with a smile at the Hyuuga members seated in front of me. To be honest, I never imagined myself declaring my undying love for the person who most likely would be proud of it, and in front of his family, no less.

"I mean… even though I never expected in my whole life to marry a stranger who suddenly barged in my life—and a dangerous one on top of that, I never had any regrets of letting him in, and I know I can help Natsume in any way I can. And as much as I hate to admit it knowing that I'll be the reason for this jerk to be so conceited…"

I frowned. What a way to declare your undying love, Sakura Mikan.

"…I love him, thank you very much."

And for the third time of this day, snickers and giggles could be heard inside one of the rooms of the Hyuuga household.

"Well, anyway…"

All heads turned to the leader of the house, and I know he himself caught my attention as well. As expected from someone who can twist anything in a snap of his fingers.

"…since I'm already convinced that you're telling nothing but pure truth, I guess we can now move on. How much can you do for Natsume?"

Hmm. How much? That also made me think, I haven't contemplated on that very much, actually. It's not as if I wasn't able to, but Natsume wouldn't let me. There were even times when he said that he wouldn't risk me for making him safe. Yes, him—since he knows too much that I am ready to follow him anytime at wherever he goes just to make sure that he doesn't get hurt.

That was what I did when I thought Mr. Wil was a bad person, right?

"Whatever you want me to… as long as it helps Natsume, then I'd do it."

"Hold it."

To say that I'm surprised beyond comprehension would be an understatement, because the way Natsume looks at his father with a sharp gaze makes me so troubled. Why would he do that?

"I did not and will never agree on dragging Mikan into this."

Huh? But I just said that I am willing to help, right?

"Natsume, it's alri-"

"Even though she's strong enough to protect herself, that doesn't mean that I'll ever let her work for us—lest for the situation that would have her harmed, and if that happens…"

And that sent everyone including me in the deafening silence we suddenly got engaged into.

"…I will never hesitate to do the honors of torturing you to death."

I swallowed. Why do I feel chills again? It was like that time when Natsume threatened those guys who were after us a few weeks ago.

"You guys know better than to mess with me, so if you're planning on laying a tip of your finger at her, forget that this family ever existed."

And that made me shiver more.

Who knew Natsume could be this protective?

But still, that didn't stop me from smiling secretly at his sweetness… and tremble in fear at his warnings.

"I guess that can't be helped Mikan."

I apologetically smiled at Mr. Hyuuga, who's not actually looking at me, but having a vehement stare at my husband. Afterwards, he closed his eyes and clasped his hands between his legs.

"Anyway, one way or another, we have to get rid of Mouri."

Mouri?

"Do you know anything about it?"

I looked and turned to Hijiri Youichi, looking extremely bored at what he had just asked, but showing a hint of mischievous scheme running through his head.

He just looks and acts like Natsume!

"What?"

This time, Hotaru stared at him. And I can see clearly that Hotaru doesn't want his presence around.

"I heard that he's planning on using those candidates for his own good."

Candidates?

"Spill everything in details, Hijiri. You know I am never patient with your devious plans."

Maybe Hotaru and he are in bad terms.

And he just sneered.

Totally a Natsume-like.

"Remember that contest from Nohru Publishers?"

Wait. Nohru publishers?

"I-I joined that contest!"

I raised my hand and looked at Hotaru and Hijiri alternately, then at Natsume.

"Umm… I am a contestant."

Somehow, even though my heart is loudly beating—feeling that something bad is about to happen, I still heard how loud the whistle came from beside me seemed to be. And if I were not mistaken, it was from the gray-haired man.

"Natsume, I know you wouldn't have any wish in this life but to deliberately kill the bastard."

Natsume raised an eyebrow. Now, why would he say that? It's not as if that Mouri guy would do something really despising.

"What are you talking about?"

He looked at him.

"Mouri plans on using those aspiring writers as subject for testing the drugs he's selling."

Wait. D-Drugs?!

"There's a big possibility that he would use your wife as well."

"But why would they do that?"

A small girly voice interrupted and I saw a girl frowning and glaring at Hijiri. I don't think he did something that would make her mad though.

"He can't harm my sister-in-law!"

Now that was so sweet of her. So she must be Natsume's younger sister.

"Well, I think Natsume knows the answer to that question. He's getting back at him after all."

Huh? What does he mean by that?

"Remember the novel 'A Thousand Flower Petals'?"

I know I heard it somewhere. If I were not mistaken, it was a story of a man who killed a woman on New Year's Eve just because she rejected him. Actually, the ending was tragic and it was left cliffhanging, that's why the book was considered to be the bestseller for the past ten years.

"Why would I forget something that I wrote?"

And that made me look at the voice of my husband.

Wait. He wrote that thick book?!

Now that I think about it, the last time I checked, I saw FOX written at the bottom of the book's back cover, and I suddenly thought of Natsume's pseudonym—Francis Oliver Xandel—an acronym!

"Bingo. Mouri's planning on writing a comeback story against what you wrote, Natsume."

Comeback?

"But isn't that a love story, Natsume? I've already read it a few times before, and-"

"It's not what it seems, Mikan."

This time, Hotaru looked at me with a hard stare.

"W-What?"

"Do you still remember the scenes?"

I looked at Mr. Hyuuga and nodded.

"Yeah, if I remember it correctly, the man always follows the woman wherever she goes, and he always pushes her to answer and accept him, but she knew better than his schemes of hurting her, so she rejected him. Then, on New Year's Eve, just as the fireworks started to make noise, he took the chance to kill her."

Speaking of which, it was a really weird tactic to kill a woman.

Come to think of it… my mom also died on New Year's Eve. But we found her body the next morning.

That thought alone made my heart cringe in pain. Why did I suddenly feel something bad?

"That wasn't a plain love story like what everyone thinks."

Huh?

"Natsume, what do you-"

"A guy to kill someone who doesn't love him back? Even though it happens so much in the society, I don't think that he'd kill her without taking advantage of her lifeless form. As I described in the story, he was totally obsessed in her."

That was true.

"But maybe he just respects her-"

"What kind of guy would kill someone he respects too much?"

That's also true.

"Then what?"

Natsume closed his eyes and sighed.

"That book was based on a true story."

True story?!

"Ironically, the guy hates the woman too much, and the woman does the same. He pushed her to use drugs so he can have money in exchange of her stories being published, but she didn't agree and even threatened him to tell the cops about him bribing her, so in the day of December 31, at exactly 12:00 midnight, he killed her with a gun along with the sounds of the fireworks being lit."

"Then, the reason why it was left cliffhanging…"

"…was because the man is still alive, and plans on doing it again."

Now, that was something to hate about. I cannot believe that I joined that contest!

But wait, Natsume did say that the company is owned by his friend's father so…

"I knew Ruka would be too engrossed in another country looking for a better way to annihilate that bastard."

Ruka?

"Umm… who's Ruka?"

Natsume turned to me and looked at Hotaru, who surprisingly, is looking outside the view of the window.

"Someone who's got some explaining to do, and the son of the Nohru Publisher's owner."

At the tone of his voice, I know that Natsume wasn't talking to me but to Hotaru. Isn't that weird?

"Anyway…"

Again, our attention diverted to the boss of Hyuuga clan.

"…it must be tough for Ruka facing it alone, and his father just wants to wring the neck of Mouri as soon as possible, so I think we should supply a necessary action before he gets away again."

Everyone except for Natsume and I nodded their heads and I sighed.

"What shall we do now?"

"I can be a bait."

Even I was surprised to the sudden action I just did. I just raised my freaking hand for crying out loud!

"Umm… since I joined the writing contest, I think it would be much easier for you guys to guard his actions."

I smiled when I saw them nodding, but it immediately faltered when I heard a loud crash of a breaking thing lying on the floor—which I familiarized as the wineglass Natsume was holding a while ago, together with his ball pen.

"No."

A firm negative response was heard from him, and I knew better than to argue with that. But still! It was a chance!

"There was no way in hell that I'd let you near that son of a-."

"Natsume!"

And he kept quiet just like that.

"Anything but involving my wife here will do. Even if I have to lure the president of this country, I would do it just so he'll die."

My head followed Natsume's form when he stood up and walked towards the door. For a moment he stopped and the next words he said made us—everyone in the room—tremble in fear, again, except for Mr. Hyuuga.

"You guys know that I was never a man of words. But if it something that involves my wife nowhere near safety, Buddha knows how much I would not restrain myself from killing even the innocent ones."

X

Cool air, cherry blossom petals falling from the tree to the ground he's standing.

The weather is good, he concluded.

For him, he has been feeling the nostalgia he longed for, and he was relieved that finally, he's now experiencing it since the time he set his foot again on Japan, after having his presence nowhere to be found for years, and what's better than to visit the park he grew to love?

Only, he's alone.

"I told you, we don't entertain strangers! And you don't have any adults to supervise you, so no."

Or maybe not.

He looked behind him to find out what the commotion was all about, only to find a little girl aged around 5 staring sharply at the tall guy in front of her.

He smiled at the scene. Although the little angel is trying really hard to convey her feelings of mischief towards the older guy, she still looked so cute considering, maybe, that she's too young to hold a grudge like that.

Unbeknownst to him, his feet had already moved on its own towards the two bickering form under the big cherry blossom tree.

"Umm… is there something wrong here?"

The two looked at him and the older guy bowed his head.

"I am sorry for causing you inconvenience sir, but this little girl here-"

"Say little again and you'll regret it old man."

That threat alone almost made him laugh.

"Say…"

He started as his blonde hair moved freely to the wave of the air.

"…what's the problem that could make the little princess mad?"

Nogi Ruka kneeled down and stared at the small girl whose height barely reached his torso. Now that he got a good look at her, he noticed some striking resemblance of her face to someone he knew he had already seen before—but he cannot point who.

"I want to ride a bicycle."

He nodded and urged her to continue speaking.

"But he wouldn't let me."

Once again, he nodded.

"But sir, we can't let her ride the bicycle without her parent's consent."

Speaking of which, Ruka noticed that the girl's alone and that made him wonder if she came here all by herself just so she can try to use the two-wheeled vehicle.

He smiled as he suddenly thought of an idea.

"What about… I'll be your daddy for a day?"

He chuckled when he saw her looking upwards adorably, thinking if she could consider the gentle man's offer.

Her mom told her not to talk to strangers, but the man in front of her is being kind.

But still, the idea of her having a father wasn't so bad after all. It's only for a day anyway.

Nodding, she held the stranger's hand and she didn't notice the slight longing expression the man had once she looked at him with her amethyst eyes.

X

"Natsume, open up, will you?"

I knocked at the white wooden door in front of me, thinking that I know Natsume is just behind this. Seriously, he's like a girl under PMS! Just because I told everyone that I want to help them, he started acting like this. I mean, it wouldn't hurt me if I use myself a little, right? It's not as if I'll just face that Mouri alone wearing two sets of protective gear complete with a gun in my hand.

And I doubt that Natsume would even let me buy those… gears.

"Natsume, honey please?"

Really, this guy is truly getting on my nerves! I swear, if ever he makes me knock on this door again, I'll-

"Come in."

Never mind.

I sighed and walked inside the room walking ahead of Natsume who only has a towel around his waist—and I have to stop the urge to get red because one, Natsume is a pervert, two, he'll just tease me about blushing due to his almost naked physique and three? He is a pervert! Looking forward, I found nothing but an extravagant king-sized bed with white sheets, a black side-table, a white-colored sofa facing a flat screen television and a glass window with white curtains.

I never knew this room could be so relaxing just by the combination of black and white and it almost surpassed the size of my whole house!

"Umm… is this your room?"

He nodded and sat on the bed after locking the door, droplets of water falling from his wet hair and a towel hanging around his shoulder. Perhaps, he just came from a shower.

I don't know if he's mad at me for insisting to help him and his family about this whole ordeal, but I feel so happy that he doesn't want me getting hurt.

Ah, the joy of having a husband who has a body to die for.

I placed myself on the bed, sitting just beside Natsume and snatched the towel from his shoulder, and as a wife in love's obligation, I set the soft fabric on his head, wiping the few droplets of water gathered to dry his hair.

"You sure got a cozy room here."

True. Unlike my room, this one feels so good to live in. I'm not saying that my house is not at all comfortable to live in—I mean yes, because it was located in a deserted area, but as expected from Natsume's family, he can live comfortably for all his life just by having this piece of luxurious abode.

I stopped my activity when he didn't even speak and sighed once more.

"I'm sorry Natsume. I was just worried about you doing things alone."

Still, the bastard hasn't spoken a word. A real spoiled kid, don't you think? Like a little child who will not talk to his parents until he gets what he wants.

"Natsume, please talk to me."

I stared at him doing nothing but looking downwards, both of his hands creating a pressure to push the bed, although it was not enough to break the furniture the both of us are sitting into.

Or maybe he needs to dress himself first?

"Hey."

Still, he didn't move and I returned to tend my attention at his hair until it completely dried. I smiled.

I didn't know Natsume could be this hard-headed just because I suggested something that I didn't know he'd get mad about.

Isn't that sweet?

No! Because this ass has to make it too hard for me and it just makes me guilty even more!

"Look, I get it. I'll just do what you want me to, and making myself a bait isn't included. Happy?"

And that simple decision, made him look up at me, and I smiled a very forced one, and I know he'll notice that, but still, he didn't utter a word.

Argh!

I forgot, this guy never takes sorry and any verbal things for him to forgive me!

"Fine! If you don't accept my apologies, I'll just pull your towel!"

I took hold of the towel on his waist and I know I am already smiling a very nervous one.

Heh. Even I myself cannot do that, but for the sake of scaring him being embarrassed at my attempt of undressing him, I pulled all my willpower to threaten him that I can and will really take his towel away from his body.

But he didn't budge.

This ass!

"H-Hey, I'm already threatening you, Natsume! Aren't you a bit scared?!"

And thankfully, he sneered at that.

"Go ahead. It even turns me on."

"The hell?!"

I stood up from the bed and pointed an accusatory finger at him. How dare he make fun of me while I'm being honest with my apologies here?!

"Y-You! Are you messing with me, Hyuuga?!"

And his amused face turned into something serious again that caught me off guard and for the third time, I sighed.

I slowly walked towards him and kneeled down to see his face, and when I did, I cupped his face with my hands and smiled a small one. He's actually making a big deal about this whole fiasco, but I think I can also understand that Natsume's mentally tired from thinking of ways on how to deal with this alone—and that includes me being in his side without getting harmed.

"I'm sorry, okay? I promise I won't say anything about it again. And I'll do what a kind and loving wife does and follow her husband's commands."

He sighed and closed his eyes, then he pulled me gently towards him, making me sit on his lap.

"I'm sorry that you have to be dragged in this."

I laughed. Now, didn't I already explain myself about that? I wouldn't care being in this mess as long as Natsume is by my side.

"I think I've made myself clear that I already accepted the fact that I'll be facing some badass enemies through my vows of 'I do'."

And he smiled at that.

Finally!

"You did?"

I secretly smiled. It's very entertaining for me seeing Natsume in this state. I looked up and pretended to think, but I know that he can catch up with the little charade I set us to.

"I think I did. Or maybe I did not?"

Natsume scoffed. I knew it.

I stood up and grinned, handing him the clothes that were once lying down on his bed and pulled him up, and pushed him towards the bathroom inside his room.

I spoke none too loudly, but the right level of volume for him to hear my words even behind his bathroom door, and thankfully, it wasn't soundproofed.

"Are we sleeping on a different room, Natsume?"

After a few shuffling noise from the other room, he answered with a muffled voice, I'm guessing—was because of the shirt he's putting on.

"Why would I want to miss the chance of cuddling with my sexy wife who's always ready to pull my towel down for me in a big bed and cold weather?"

I giggled and sat on his bed.

Truly a pervert, isn't he?

"Maybe, I could take the sofa, my dear, perverted husband."

I heard him snicker along with the creaking of the door, revealing a dressed Natsume in black shirt and black pants.

"You really do love black, don't you?"

He nodded and laid his head down on my lap.

"I do. It's relaxing."

He's right. The black and white combination is relaxing.

I massaged his head and looked upwards, taking in the structure of his room. He truly loves black, because everywhere I look—the ceiling, the furniture, all his things are colored in black and white.

"Besides…"

I looked back at him and oh hell.

He's not smiling that malicious one again.

"…isn't it the color of what you'd see later when we're already cuddling here in my bed?"

I knew it.

"Pervert!"

Although I am really embarrassed, I laughed and flicked his forehead. Natsume sat up and placed his back on the bed's headboard, pulling me with him, and I smiled at the current position we ended up.

That time, the rain started and thankfully, the curtains were already closed.

"So… what are going to do in this kind of weather?"

I giggled and punched his chest lightly.

"I presume you're not implying on involving something perverted again, Mr. Hyuuga."

"That can be discussed seriously, honey. Or playfully."

Once again, I hit him. This guy never learns!

Holding his right hand up in defense, I laughed and put my palm on his chest, drawing imaginary circles and stopping before drawing another kanji character which I think he spelled out in his genius brain.

"What, do you want to create little Natsuki or Sakura now?"

His calm and quiet voice made me look up at him and I smiled, then I looked back again at his chest and started drawing the geometrical figure I made fun of.

"How about you Natsume? Do you?"

He sighed and I laid my head on his chest, not breaking the contact of my fingers against his body.

"Of course I do."

That made me stop.

"Really?"

He nodded.

"But… I don't think that would be necessary when we're still under the pressure of dealing with that bastard. I know it would be too much for you."

"I'm thinking the same you know? And…"

Natsume looked down at me. I was actually surprised that he's thinking of the same concern I've been contemplating on, considering that it would really be too much to handle, not just for me but for the Hyuuga family. I mean, me calling Natsume in the middle of the night just to ask for a strawberry-flavored ice cream with mozzarella cheese and broccoli on top while he's killing that Mouri guy would sound too weird now, wouldn't it?

"…Natsuki and Sakura can wait, right?"

I smiled and he did too.

"Yeah. We'll be busy every night creating them after I give you a proper wedding."

Even though the first one sounded too embarrassing—and he didn't even put a malicious tone at that, the last thing he said made me laugh.

"Oh, that's right. You still owe me a beautiful wedding and a ring."

The guy beside me laughed and put his right hand thumb and index finger on his chin, hesitating at my request jokingly.

"That can be discussed too."

"Hey!"

And we both laughed.

When was the last time we did it? Ah yes, this morning, actually.

"Natsume."

"Hm?"

I suddenly remembered, now that we found out that Mouri schemes something against the Nohru Publishers contestants, I think it would be right if I quit the contest.

"I'll quit the contest."

"I was about to tell you that."

I nodded.

"Besides…"

He gripped my shoulder and my hand which was once placed on his chest moved across his stomach, and I freely welcomed my whole body to rest against his warm one.

"…you still can work by my side."

"How is that?"

He shrugged.

"Like being my secretary. Tending to my needs."

"I thought we're done talking about suggestive things, Hyuuga?"

He smiled.

"I was just kidding. What I'm trying to say is, until everything is over, you should stay behind me so no one can find out that you're involved with me. Anyway, Ruka is already working on it, and his father, the owner of the company's taking care of our act."

Oh, so that explains why they allowed Mouri do his first move.

"Ah, you mean, everything is a set up?"

He nodded.

Clever.

"But… you said the book was based on a true story. Then how did you—"

Natsume drew back his arms around my shoulder and stood up, walking towards the window. To be honest, Natsume having this tensed façade makes me frown in wonder. I think something really unpleasant is the reason why he acts like this. Sure there are times when Natsume creates a tensed aura, but that immediately fades away and nothing too serious makes him like that.

But to see him in this state…

"Eleven years ago, my father had already passed me all the rights to kill and control everything under our family's concern. And I did just as what he told me. At the age of thirteen, I already had a taste of victory and pleasure just by seeing someone my family hates so much lying on the ground, covered in blood. I was even surprised myself that I was able to separate a man's head from his body."

W-What?

"Until one time, I was sent on a mission by my old man, and it just happened to be near a person I did not give a damn about, but…I did hear everything about their conversation."

I stood up and walked towards him. It made me even more worried that his hand is shaking, and Natsume never showed me that kind of stature when we're talking about him—about his job, about him killing.

"I never regretted listening to their exchange of threats, but because of that, I was stuck between deciding to let it go or to turn him over to the cops. But what could a damned thirteen-year-old kid who already had a bloodlust like me do? That time, I knew I could not just kill that guy, or everyone in my family would get involved, so I thought of something that would make that bastard regret everything he had done. And that was when Francis Oliver Xandel came out—a fictional writer hiding behind a killer brat."

Without realizing, I pulled Natsume towards me to hug him, and I felt that his body relaxed completely when he planted his face on my shoulder, putting both of his arms around my body.

"I think considering yourself as someone who cannot do anything is bullsh- oh, sorry about that."

I tapped his shoulder and smiled when he laughed at the sudden bad word that was threatening to come out of my mouth.

"But you did just the right thing in protecting your family. I know it was hard for you to restrain yourself when all you wanted to do is just to eliminate him, but thinking about the consequences before acting on it was a great move you did, Natsume."

I just hope this encouragement I'm giving him won't make his ego too big. Please, just please.

"I know I'm great."

Damn.

"But that was also the reason why I want you to quit writing for the meantime. Even though we have the president of the company we're in as our alliance, I can never give that guy a chance of letting him near you."

Possessive ass.

I pulled away from him and smiled, dragging him towards the bed and ending up again on the position we were currently in before he stood up and walked towards the window a few minutes ago.

"And after this, of course, we can have all the fun we're waiting for—in the day, in the afternoon, and of course, the most special one, at night."

And that earned him a whack.

"I know your definition of fun is one-sided Natsume."

"No it's not. In fact, I know you'd definitely like it as well, and you'd have your definition of fun the same as mine."

Defeated, I sighed and smiled, reaching out to him and finally… finally, I got to seal his mouth with my lips just to prevent him from saying something again—and yes, another reason is because I want to.

And well, it lasted for about a couple of minutes, including him holding me tightly, and successfully taking over and having the both of us completely lying down in his bed, with him on top of me.

Afterwards, he pulled away and smiled a boyish one—which I admit made me fall in love with him even more.

"I love you, Mikan."

I returned a giggle when he started kissing my forehead, my eyes, my cheeks, my nose and stopping just before I could answer his statement with a smile.

"I love you too."

And once again, he found my lips with his for a few more minutes and we just smiled at each other. Sweet, isn't it?

"Only if that kind of affection was included, then I'll agree on your theory."

And he laughed before planting yet again a tender kiss on my waiting lips.

"Deal."

X

"Wasn't it really fun?"

She nodded. Her thin, shoulder-length blonde locks swinging freely in the cold air. Ruka smiled at how a simple ride at a bicycle can make this little girl happy. And although she's not smiling or showing any emotion of being contented at what she accomplished, he knows she's too happy deep inside. Somehow, a trait he's all too familiar with.

He did not understand but letting himself be called daddy by the girl a while ago somehow made him happy, and he didn't even know why. Maybe, the fact that he's already back in Japan was the main reason that everything that's happening make him feel at ease.

"It was too bad that it rained, don't you think?"

Again, she nodded and frowned. Ruka, too, frowned at her sudden change of expression but chuckled lightly when the small body in front of him moved suddenly because of the girl sneezing.

"Here."

He stood up and placed his jacket around her.

"Now, I don't think you'd mind telling me where you live, right? I think I'll send you home."

"I live in New York."

And that was enough for him to frown at the strange answer of the girl. He knew she wasn't kidding when she stared at him with a stern expression, but still, that made him think if the little girl is staying here for a vacation.

"Uhh… if that's so, then why are you here? Where are your mommy and daddy?"

He sighed when she shook his head, taking that the girl doesn't like to talk about her family, and it was still strange for him. Why would a girl her age refuse on talking about her family? But to his surprise, she spoke out loud.

"My mommy is here in Japan, but I don't have a daddy."

He nodded and smiled.

"Then, just please tell me where your mommy is, and I'll send you to her, alright?"

At her sudden act of holding him on his shoulder tightly—and not enough for him to have his bones crushing, he looked at her with a surprised expression and placed his hand on her head.

"Is something wrong?"

She nodded and bowed her head down.

"I-I don't know where mommy stays, and I just came here earlier."

To say that he's beyond surprised is almost an understatement.

"Then who accompanied you here?"

Again, she shook her head. The girl really is full of surprises, and she wasn't telling him that she came here alone… right?

"No one knows I'm here."

And his intuition is right.

After thinking, Ruka decided to bring the little girl with him in his house.

"Say, how about you go with me in my house, and tomorrow, I promise I'll look for your mommy, okay?"

At first she hesitated, but seeing the man gently and kindly smiling, she nodded.

"But before that, would you mind telling me your name?"

He smiled and kneeled down encaging both of her chubby cheeks in his hands.

She shook her head and smiled a little, which he was sure reminded him of someone he truly knows.

"My name is Kayla. Imai Kayla."

x

I could not ask for more than this time together

Could not ask for more than this time with you

Every prayer has been answered

Every dream I have's come true

And right here in this moment, is right where I'm meant to be

Here with you, here with me

I could not ask for more than the love you give me

Coz it's all I've waited for

And I could not ask for more

I Could Not Ask for More, Edwin McCain

x

Typed on: November 28, 2012

11:11 pm

Posted on: November 29, 2012

Author's Notes: Whoa! After almost—a whole, fine—year of hesitating if I should finish this or not, I am really glad that I am here now, in front of the words Author's Notes actually typing some lame excuses that I need to say.

Anyway, it's also been a year since I started this story, and now I think that it would take me years to finish this. I'm just thankful that the plot has already been planned from start to end, so no worries about running out of ideas, just my laziness.

And I am still angry at myself for forgetting Natsume's birthday! I was even preparing a story for him, and I just realized November 27 passed by so suddenly! I am too angry!

But oh well, everything already happened, and there's no use in sulking just because of that.

And there you go, Ruka's first appearance! And well, I know you guys already guessed who Kayla is. Anyway, let's all solve the mystery together. :D

Oh and by the way, don't you think the songs I pick actually fit the chapters' plotline? Don't you, don't you? Haha!

I would like to dedicate this to my friend, Ivy! Hey Ayvs! Here you go, with Ruka included, lol. Love you!

Anyway, see you on the next chapter!

-Erieh Yamazaki