Chapter 30 – Your Parents Love Me 02

"Looks like your mother likes her," Shiro said to his son before he sipped his brandy. "a lot too."

Natsume turned his eyes from the two ladies and turned to his father. He smirked and lifted his glass. "Everybody likes her." They were near the huge French windows drinking their brandy. The snow was beginning to fall yet again. "The snow will eventually go heavier—it would be impossible for you to bring Mikan home." Shiro commented as he looked at the snow falling one by one. Natsume gave his brandy another sip before replying "You think? I hope you won't mind her sleeping here for the night."

"No, of course not." Shiro replied before both of them gave way to silence.

It wasn't an everyday scene to see the Hyuuga men together, furthermore, talk. But this however, according to Shiro himself, is an important matter. "So, tell me about this Photography plan you left behind."

Natsume looked at his father suspiciously. How did he know that? "Photography; eh?" Shiro added as he lifted his glass near his eyes, looking as if he was examining the liquor. Natsume was silent for a while, not knowing what to say in his defense. Photography was one subject in his life he was more than willing not to discuss with his father.

Shiro lowered his glass to look at his son. Natsume was looking down at his glass, too aware of his father's superior stare. "Why did you change your mind?"

Natsume gave a bittersweet smile and found his voice. "I want a future for the both of us, Dad; Mikan and I." He looked at his father, "I want a future that Photography can't give the both of us."

Shiro moved so that he could lean on the windowpane. "I was in a dilemma when your mother told me about it." Shiro moved his brown eyes to his son again and found the boy grunt. "Don't blame your mother, Natsume; I forced her to tell me that fact. And we have no secrets between us."

"To be honest, I was fighting myself whether I should act as a business man who badly needs a successor for all the money the family have earned for generations, believe me the reason is dramatic." The he paused. "And if I act as your Father—I would have to let you off the hook to marry your desired career."

He moved his wrist and in doing so, shaking lightly his brandy. Then his cool brown gazed at his son's crimson ones which he found was looking back at him. Natsume broke the connection, as if his father's gaze was a dilemma itself. It was warm, like a fatherly pat on the head but it was in the same time as cool as a warning glare from someone with high authority. "I see you see the dilemma."

"However, I would be lying if I say I prefer the latter choice." He sipped his brandy and let it linger in his mouth before adding, "I reflected on it and saw myself hating you when you choose Photography instead of your inheritance."

Shiro let himself go silent. Natsume was speechless. But he was no longer ashamed. He made his choice and he knows that he made the right one. "Dad—" Natsume said before draining his glass, but he didn't continue talking until he gave himself a refill and offered another glass for his father. "—tell me about you, Mom and Aunt Fifi." For not the first time, he dared looking at his father. "What happened on you three is not a social secret. I just want to know if—you ever loved my Godmother."

The older Hyuuga hesitated at first, and then looked at the receiving room where his wife laughed with his son's lover.

"I adored Fiona." Shiro said before refilling his brandy. "She was every man's fantasy during our college years, and perhaps even now she still leaves a big impression on the men who are fortunate enough to meet her."

"She was my current girlfriend during those times when I decided that it was time for me to take over the family business." Before he continued he pointed at the other room, where the portrait of one of the Hyuuga Mistress' rests. "As you might not know, Natsume, we have European blood and my father always lived to it, almost forgetting he has a quarter of Japanese blood running in his veins, God Bless him."

"My father wouldn't allow me my inheritance unless I marry. That was a custom centuries ago where heirs to both the title and the estates are deprived of their inheritance unless they find themselves a suitable wife. And as you can see, Fiona Fij was suitable enough, she was attractive; and you can't deny the fact that her family is the 16th line to the British throne."

"And so you offered for her." Natsume added. Shiro nodded. "It was rushed, of course; with a few weeks of wooing, and a few months being in a relationship before I popped the question." Natsume saw his father's eyes twinkle as his father smiled when he saw Kaoru Hyuuga laughed. "A week later, after our betrothal, your mother came. "

"She was the biggest distraction I ever had in my whole young adult's life." Shiro Hyuuga chuckled at the thought, then turned to his son. "Would you believe that I asked her to be my mistress?"

Natsume smirked and said "I guess. Hyuuga men can be very foolish."

Shiro again, chuckled and said, "Right. Then, everything else was history." He approached his son and added "But I want you to know that I have loved your Godmother—even not the way I love my Kaoru."

Then, Shiro put an arm around his son's shoulders. "That's why, my boy, before you propose to that young lady over there—" He said while pointing to the other room, "Make sure that she's the one whom you want to spend your entire life with. I don't want you two making the same mistake that I and Fiona made, understand?"

Natsume could only smile to that. Sure, he gave Mikan a ring. But both of them knew that it wasn't a marriage proposal yet. The band that hugs her ring finger now is a symbol of their loyalty, understanding and patience. The last thing that he would do was to doubt that Mikan is the right woman for him. No doubts—no questions, just him and her. Selfish, yes. Love, certainly.

When a note passed the halls, it was entirely instinct to them to know that the Mistress of the Hyuuga Manor has her hands on the keys again. Soft melody vibrated the walls. Both men moved to the door and sure they were right—Kaoru Hyuuga was playing the piano. The young brunette sitting beside her; amazed and mesmerized.

Natsume dared to look at his father. There was this twinkle in his eyes. A certain twinkle that he once saw in a certain brunette's eyes when she looked at him; does he look at her the same way? Alas, only she would know that.

"Ah—Shiro, Natsume." Kaoru said as she hit the last note. Mikan turned and gave him a smile. Damn his heart. "I hope my Kaoru is not boring you, my dear." Shiro said as he walked to the ladies, Natsume following close. "Um, no sir. Mrs. Hyuuga just gave me a big honor by letting me hear her play the piano." Kaoru looked at the girl and chuckled. "Mikan, you're being formal again. Say Natsume, would you honor us for hearing you play a piece?"

Natsume looked at his Mom. "Come on Mom." He complained.

"Yeah Natsume, why don't you play the piano?" Shiro added as he and Kaoru moved to the other couch opposite the seat of Mikan. "Natsume, please?" Natsume looked at her and sighed. He left his brandy on the table and sat on the piano seat.

Kaoru only smiled and whispered to her husband. "I guess she has our son around her fingers, doesn't she." Shiro only chuckled.

Natsume stretched his fingers and started playing, and well, singing.

Oh her eyes, her eyes

Make the stars look like they're not shining

Her hair, her hair

Falls perfectly without her trying

She's so beautiful and I tell her everyday

Mikan chuckled and said "Oh no, you don't." Kaoru looked at her and stared at her son. "Natsume, you really don't? Shiro, say something." Kaoru turned to her husband who only said "That's a shame, son."

Yeah

I know, I know

When I compliment her she won't believe me

And it so, it so

Sad to think that she don't see what I see

But every time she asks me do I look okay I say

When I see your face

This time, Natsume looked at Mikan and held her gaze for a moment.

There's not a thing that I would change 'cause your amazing

Just the way you are

And when you smile

The whole world stops and stares for a while

'Cause girl you're amazing

Just the way you are

Natsume hit the last key and stood. "That's enough for one night." He said before gathering his brandy again. He sat next to Mikan.

There was silence again—but both couple let it linger for a while. "You're so lucky, Mikan. Natsume can both play and sing—unlike somebody I know." Shiro and Mikan only chuckled. "I guess, but Natsume has his imperfections too, Auntie."

"Didn't I say that you should call me Mama? I really used to want a daughter but alas, God has given me a boy."

Both men gave her a look with raised brows. As if she never had a real daughter of her own. But the family let the lie slide. Shiro looked at his son and said "Yes, she used to pray and throw away big prayer meetings just to wish the Almighty that you were a girl. Can you imagine the horror?" Natsume gave an amused smirk and shook his head.

"I assume that you gathered your own prayers and prayed for a son?" Natsume joked. He didn't expect that fatherly look on his fathers' eyes though. "Yes, I did."

Kaoru, sensing an emotional environment said "Oh, you know why I wished for a daughter, Natsume darling?" When she saw that all attention was back to her she said, "Because I have an heirloom that I want you to inherit. But when you popped out of my tummy and saw that you have a little worm with—"

"Mom!" Natsume looked at her with horror. Mikan found it irresistible and laughed. Even Shiro was chuckling. "Ok. I decided that you should find a wife so that I can give it to her instead."

"Honestly, Mama? A worm?" Mikan repeated as she wiped the tears that was forming in her eyes. Natsume grunted and pointed his glass to her and said "Ah—I thought you were slower than a snail." Natsume sat beside her, offered his glass and ran an arm behind her. Mikan nestled and leaned on him. "I was kidding."

"But speaking of that heirloom, Mama, what is it that you can't give it to Natsume?" Mikan asked. She heard the two men scoffed and grunted. But the Hyuuga lady smiled—in her own evil way. "Something foxy, my darling."

When Kaoru shifted her eyes to the window, she immediately stood up and said. "Mikan. You're going to sleep here tonight, no?"

Mikan looked at Natsume who just shrugged and sipped his brandy. "Um, I don't want to intrude your family night, Mama." She stood up and smiled "I guess I better be going—" she looked at the grandfather clock near the window and said "I didn't notice it's that late."

"Oh no, Mikan. You're going to stay here tonight. No son of mine or man of mine who's going to drive with that snow. It's safer for you to travel back home tomorrow." Shiro said as he put an arm around his wife's slim waist.

"But I have school tomorrow." Mikan said.

This time, Natsume answered "Nope—it's Monday tomorrow. Your class is at 1:30. I'll drive you home tomorrow then pick you up again. Problems?"

Mikan glared and Natsume "Uhh—" but before she could say another word, Kaoru answered. "Come on darling." The woman just dragged her. "Eh? Where are we going?"

"I'm going to lend you some clothes from my collection, or what you have heard, my heirloom." She said before they disappeared on a corner where the stairs where located. Shiro and Natsume looked at each other.

Natsume looked troubled and said "Oh no, Dad, we need to stop her." Shiro put his glass on the table and stood up. "Come on."

Mikan was half running and half skipping as this woman with her long legs dragged her on the hallways before they turned and stopped in front of a wall. "Uh? What are we going to do in front of a wall, Mama?" She asked. Then the raven head turned to her with her arms on her hips and said "I transferred my collection behind this wall. I know that Natsume or Shiro would try to hide it from me once I know that you're coming here."

"Sometimes those two are really clever. But then, I acted first this time." She took the remote that was resting on a book case and clicked a button. The walls moved, opened. "Sometimes I wonder why Natsume never asked when I renovated this place a month ago." Kaoru said before she took the girls' hand and dragged her again through the opening. "It's going to take time for them to find where we are, darling." The lady pressed the button again and this time, the opening closed.

"It's pretty dark." Mikan said before she snaked her arms around her. "And cold."

The woman clapped her hands and the lights turned on. "Of course, temperature helps preserve my collection."

When the bulbs are all lit, Mikan finally had the chance to look at this woman's treasures. "Uhh … these are?"

"Why, honey? This collection is going to be yours someday. You choose."

Mikan moved forward. It was a big room actually, to think that it was behind a concrete wall. The room was a harem. Or rather, mannequins were everywhere—all in different positions. The room was in Victorian style, with gold rimmed couches, burgundy curtains, gold chandeliers and Venetian paintings of English women. But the real collection was…

"I started collecting lingerie's ever since the 90's started. Agent Provocateur, Chanel, Victoria Secret and many more." Mikan moved to a mannequin and touched the red and black lingerie that was dressed on it. It was a set with a corset and the tiniest bottom combination.

"You know—when I tried wearing that, I surprised Shiro on his office. You can imagine how freaked out he was after I took off my coat—mind you, that was my only covering. It goes well with net stockings." Kaoru said with a sense of pride and a small hint of laughter.

"Even Natsume almost fainted when he saw me walking around the house wearing that white one." She said as she pointed to another mannequin that was wearing white and gold lace lingerie. "No wonder, they freaked out, Mama—it's a harem in here." Mikan said before she sat on a couch beside a lying mannequin. "Well, sweetie. You're going to spend a night here, I suggest you go for that bronze one—it complements your hair."

"Did your mother mentioned where she moved her collection?" Shiro asked as they move out of the master's bedroom. It was the fifth room that they entered and not even a single piece was left out of either of the rooms. The room where the collection used to reside was now deserted. "No. Maybe it's in the attic?" Natsume mentioned as he pointed towards another set of stairs leading to the third floor of the Manor. The two moved towards there when a memory hit Natsume.

"Mom renovated the east wing a month ago." Natsume mentioned as he stopped and worked the puzzle inside his mind. "East wing?" Shiro asked. "But I didn't notice anything that was changed when I went there." The father added.

"No. I think she hid it behind the walls." Natsume snapped his fingers and both of them started moving towards east.

"I hope she's still alive." Shiro joked. Natsume looked at his father before saying "I hope so."

It was a small goose chase, well that's if we consider the Hyuuga Manor small. The east wing was the smallest part of the Manor. It has narrower hallways compared to the other wings. When they faced a dead end Shiro announced "Well, this is it. The end of the goose chase."

Natsume searched the area and said "There must be an opening here somewhere." Shiro searched too until his hand grasped the remote. "Well well well—we have the key, son."

Natsume sighed and said "I think it's about time you say something to mom regarding her collection. We both know how disturbing it is." Shiro looked at his son with a smirk on his lips. "Come on, my boy. I sometimes find it both entertaining and amusing. Not to mention arousing."

"Dad—" he looked at his father with a weird look on his gorgeous face "—that is pretty weird of you to say." Before the younger Hyuuga could say another word, Shiro Hyuuga clicked the button and the wall started to open.

"Aww—it took you both an hour. That's a new record." Kaoru said as she looked at the men of her life enter her boudoir. She looked back at the brunette who was now holding a paper bag and said "They used to find my hide out in just 15 minutes."

Natsume looked at Mikan and saw her flushed. Kaoru noticed this and held Mikan's shoulders. "Don't worry, dear. What I gave Mikan is modest enough." Then she gently pushed the girl to Natsume which the lad caught perfectly. "Now, off you go, both of you. It's late, and Mikan has school tomorrow right?"

Without another word, Natsume dragged Mikan again out of the opening. "Natsume—" Mikan called. Natsume, with his bangs covering his eyes, answered "Hn?"

Mikan looked down and pouted. "I'm okay with the guest room—you don't have to be angry with your mom. She's really sweet and—"

"—A little bit irritating." Natsume finished. He was not really angry with his mom. It was himself that he hates. Whatever Kaoru Hyuuga gave Mikan Sakura, it will sure bring a big hit on him. And if he cannot control the raging hormones later, he will unwillingly destroy the promise he made to her. The promise that will cage his bed beast deep inside him hidden until their wedding night.

"What kind of boyfriend will I be if I let you sleep on a guest room?" he told her as he led her back to the west wing where his room was located. Tonight would be one hell of a night.

Natsume's POV

I went to bath first. The sooner I sleep, the better—I wouldn't want to surprise myself with whatever Mom gave Polka. God in heaven, chain me with all your Might that I may not break the promise that I gave on Polka. I promise I will be joining charity business starting from now on.

I shifted on my bed and opened my eyes. Damn the stupid maid who made this stupid bed. Why did she put stupid blue satin for my stupid beddings? Doesn't she know how arous—I mean disturbing this color is? Or should I blame Mom instead?

Slap! They said mentally slapping yourself would help.

Hold your horses, Hyuuga! You are not excited! You are not going to be excited when you see Polka with whatever lace she's covered with! Alright! Get a hold of yourself!

Damn—maybe a few liquor would help. Hm, that's it! Liquor. I need something strong and—wait! What the hell. Liquor would only kick you out of your right mind! Just go to sleep, Hyuuga! That's the safest option! And besides—what the hell, the shower stopped!

I sat up. Oh shit. Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit.

Go back to bed, Natsume. Go back to bed!

I slammed myself back to bed and shut my eyes tight. I'm going to pass this test tonight. Whatever happens!

Few minutes later and I survived. My breathing went back to normal. This will go smoothly.

End of POV

Mikan felt Natsume moved when she sat on the other side of the bed. She usually put her hair on a bun when she sleeps, but it was still quite wet and curly due to the bath. The family was pretty nice, though Mrs. Hyuuga was overly nice with her, she still managed to survive the night.

She shifted on the bed to face the ceiling, and to her surprise, Natsume moved too. If only she knew how much his heart beat ran having her that close. Natsume's room changed the last time she was in it. There used to be red sheets but now, it was obviously in a shade of blue and was made with the softest silk. Plus, there were pictures of the both of them along his walls—all in the shades of black and white.

Mikan really doesn't know how deep Natsume's feelings are for her, but she only knew that it was deep enough that he had the courage to introduce her to his parents.

She shifted again, and this time, facing Natsume. The light of the bedside lamp was enough for her eyes—allowing her to see enough features of his face. He was as beautiful as ever. Beautiful in a manly way.

He didn't actually cut his hair—it was in the same style, but his hair gave him good impressions from the ladies of both young and old. His eyes were in the shapes of almonds, like most Japanese. But his has the accent of English in them. And she might not see them, but she knew those tantalizing crimson jewels were hidden behind his lids.

Then goes to his perfect tall nose down to his lips. It wasn't the first time that Mikan saw them, of course not. It will not be the first time if she chooses to touch them too. She touched them already, even tasted.

His cologne filled her lungs. It was the smell of the ocean, the forest and something more that she couldn't distinguish. Or, maybe, it wasn't his cologne. Maybe that smell of the ocean, the forest and yes, the sweet tempting smell of fire was all Natsume. No cologne would ever smell that good.

When she looked back to stare again on his lips, she was surprised how hot her cheeks were. Wait, maybe she was just plainly cold. She shifted again—not gentle this time in the attempt to hide her hot red cheeks. But this time, Natsume jerked and sat.

"What the hell, Polka!" He said after turning on the lights. Mikan looked at him and pulled herself to sit. "What?" She glared at him and pulled the sheets to herself, making the sheets on his side go to her. "Would you stop shifting? The stupid fabric you're wearing keeps on moving to my side of the bed." Natsume sighed and pulled the sheet back to his side. "And would you not pull the sheets." He said before slamming himself back to the bed.

"Oh no you don't, Hyuuga. I'm not going to freeze to death just because you were selfish with your sheets." She said before pulling the cloth back to her. Natsume sat up again, and this time, pulled the sheets so hard that it left Mikan's grasp. "It's my bed—my sheets and my—"

Mikan was wearing what his mother gave her. A lingerie of pale bronze. It was a pair of corset and the tiniest shorts. Both in satin and lace. Her figure was half-covered by a peacock-inspired robe. The robe was now covering her other shoulder and due to the tug-of-war that they did, the cloth left the other shoulder bare. Her hair was half wet due to her bath earlier and was now in curls and in after-bed arrangement.

Mikan could only blush and continued glaring at him. Natsume could only look at her with amazed eyes. It was a long staring contest until his hand, with a mind of its own, lifted itself to caress her face. God Bless his mother.

But then, half-way to her cheek, Natsume forced his hand to go back down. To his surprise, though, the hand followed his desire.

He leaned on the headboard and bowed his head. While he worked on his own, Mikan sighed and continued to stare at the wall which was first overshadowed by Natsume.

"Take it off." Natsume whispered. It was in a low, husky voice but it was enough to bring Mikan back to reality. "What?" she asked. "I said, take it off!" He said in his normal tone. When the words sank on her mind, her hand went to gather her robe and clutched it tightly on her chest.

"If you think I'm going to take my clothing off—then you're wrong, you perverted jerk!" Mikan screamed before slamming herself back to the bed. Natsume, totally awake from his emotional slumber, gaped at her and said "Idiot! I'm trying to save us both from insanity! If you want to freeze to death then fine but I'm not going—" He stopped himself before he say something different which would only humiliate him more. "If you're not going to take it off—then I will."

Natsume got hold of Mikan's shoulder and started to grip the robe. Mikan screamed and kicked the lad. Natsume, taken by the unexpected physical contact, was off the bed in an instant. He was about to return to the bed when he heard a laughter.

And no, it doesn't belong to the lady in peacock robe.

Instead, Natsume looked at the door. Oh come on—what the hell? Natsume looked back at Mikan who was not as red as tomato anymore before he stood on his feet and went to the door.

When he opened it, true enough, his parents were there.

Natsume, unexpectedly, blushed. "Mom!" then, he was not expecting this. The man he adored for his self-control and self-respect—"DAD? What the fu—!"

"I'm sorry Natsume—but your mother literally dragged me to this mess. I didn't mean to—" Shiro explained as he stood up. He was now in his sleeping attire. Unlike his mother who looked like she was going to have a burlesque show later on. The lady was wearing a feathered robe. Who knows what she hid under that clothing.

Anyone who thinks Kaoru Hyuuga was a lady with virtue—they were wrong. Extremely wrong.

Natsume raised a hand to stop his father's pointless explanation. "Mom?" he asked. The woman giggled and said "I was just checking out if everything is fine." She smirked—now, he knew where his smirk came from. "Looks like the plan worked well, really well."

Natsume sighed and kept his eyes well hidden under his bangs. His blush won't take him anywhere respectable. "Anyway—"

"Dad—can you bring mom back to wherever the both of you came from and make sure she tires herself?" Natsume asked, this time, he was back to normal. This time, his nonchalance was given back to him. It was Shiro's turn to smirk. He lifted his wife on his shoulder and said "Don't worry, son—I'll make sure she won't be walking until tomorrow evening." With those words, Natsume and Kaoru turned quiet. Kaoru Hyuuga blushed. When they were half-way back, Natsume said "Dad—you're being weird again!"

Okay—so he really was his father. Natsume sighed and shook his head before closing the door again.

Mikan was now sitting chastely at the edge of the bed, looking like the newly-wed wife. Natsume avoided her gaze and sat at the couch instead. He leaned his head on the head of the couch. "Natsume? Is everything alright?" She asked. In a few minutes, he chuckled and asked her with a straight face. "Aren't you cold?"

Mikan blushed again—knowing where this would end. "I have watched movies and read mangas, Natsume. I know where that question would lead this conversation."

He chuckled again and said, "I don't know about you, but it's really freezing. Remember it's winter, idiot." Then, he moved from the couch back to the bed. Mikan could only follow him with a glare. When Natsume was comfortable, he told her "You're calling me a pervert but you're the one who's looking at strange movies and ecchi manga's."

"Eh?" Mikan said. "What are you saying—"

"If you're done with talking, you can take those stupid clothing off—" Mikan was about to protest when he continued "—and grab something from my closet. Don't worry; my clothing is rather decent and warm enough. I won't be doing anything on you."

He tilted his head to the left and said "I promised you that—remember?" Before Mikan could allow herself to be humiliated again, she turned and hurried to the bathroom where his closet was located. He remembered what he promised her.

Both of them will have their hands all to themselves until they are legally wed.

The next thing Natsume knew was that Mikan was back to her side of the bed. And based to what he saw, she was wearing his striped jersey and pajamas that was too long for her legs. One thing was not removed though, it was the blush that seem irremovable from her pale cheeks.

She has her back to face him, and all he could do was gather her to his arms. She was a bit cold—the lingerie must be really thin. He doesn't mind her wearing his mother's collection—at least on the proper time.

Her hair was now in a bun—tied by a wrist band. It was plain obvious that she couldn't find a hair band on his closet. Her neck was delicate and her shoulders, small. She smelled of cinnamon and strawberries.

He kissed the base of her neck and was surprised that she didn't shift or twitched. Mikan Sakura was sleeping peacefully.

Sorry for the very very late update. Peace! No flames!