Disclaimer: I do not own Gakuen Alice.

Summary: Mikan is a natural born Hostess because she was taught to be one. Her parents had not realized how much their daughter had come to despise being the Club's Number One Kyabajou.

Rated: T for Language

キャバ嬢の生き方

Kyabajou No Ikikata

by Yamashina Risaki

Chapter Three

"We fell in love, despite our differences, and once we did, something rare and beautiful was created. For me, love like that has only happened once, and that's why every minute we spent together has been seared in my memory. I'll never forget a single moment of it."

– Nicholas Sparks

"You saw her leave the compound this morning and you did not stop her?!" The Mama-san voice boomed throughout the corridor. Despite having the flower hairpiece that held up her hair in a bun, she was in a mess, her blossom-printed yukata was distorted and she was barefooted when she dashed across the kitchen towards the backdoor exit where a familiar flaming, red-haired young host stood by.

He gave her a cunning, smug look.

"Why you-" Her clawed-like fingers reached out to him only to come in contact with the gate.

"Tsk tsk," He shook his head in respond while he took a careful step back as he held onto the gate, securely keeping a distance between the Mama-san and himself, "Now you would not want to hurt your Club's Number One Host after you've lost your Number One Hostess, no?" His maniac grin widened, "And to top it all, I am the only one who knows her location."

The lady boss glared at him with malice, as if daring him to deceive her.

The Unnamed.

No matter how many times she tried pronouncing the familiar, she could not seem to place a finger on it. What is this uneasiness she had been feeling ever since she bragged into this particular Host Club? Her aged, sharp eyes scanned the surrounding and studied all possible threats. All her senses within her cell cried danger.

Suppressing a shudder, her calm, collected frame never faltered.

The ignorant boy beside her never seemed to realise what she had felt throughout. She wondered if she had been too paranoid. Yet, the long years of experiences within this line of profession, she was sure of her intuition. Something is definitely not right around here. If she were to move an inch off or so, she would no doubt be wiped out.

The moment she set foot within the grounds of the Club, she was greeted by a well-mannered young host who wore huge, round glasses, white keigogi with navy blue hakama and a traditional pair of black tabi that came well with his pair of dark-green-strapped geta. He skillfully led her through the lively crowd into the deep end of the aisle where an entrance to an old Dojo awaited her presence.

"Tobita Yuu at your service, Madame." He straightened his posture after a respectful bow. He adjusted his glasses then knelt to position himself to sit upright in between her and an imaginary master who was supposed to be seated in front of her.

An imaginary master?

She held the mouthful of air she took in accidentally as she felt her hair stand on her back. A shuffle of feet from behind made her switched her glance towards the incoming persona, with great restrain.

Instead of wearing a similar Japanese formal wear his presumed-subordinate is wearing, the young man wore a traditional Chinese duangua-styled, black jacket, with a prominent red dragon hand-sewn from shoulder down the sleeves, unbuttoned, over a simple white T-shirt. He matched a dark pants and a pair of white socks.

For once, Yuka was at loss of words. The idiot daughter of hers has absolutely no idea who she had gotten herself tangled into. And the clueless host beside her neither. Her husband would divorce her for dragging him into this. Unconsciously, she swallowed a lump of saliva stuck at the back of her mouth.

Those misty, crimson eyes along with the clean pierce etched by his right ear, and that infamous outfit of his leading by his indifferent smirk. He is, undoubtedly, higher ranked than Tanaka, in fact, the highest.

"I've just fired an accountant of mine." He strolled towards the reserved space, "He tried using company assets, without my consent." Slacking his frame, he continued, "And I heard it was all for a useless hostess." Taking a lazy glance at the presence of the honored lady and her host, he rested his right arm over his knees as he sat Indian-styled.

The experienced Mama-san, argued as to how she should act upon his obvious question of if she was the exact fault. She stopped when he waved casually, dismissing her excuses uncaringly. She wondered if she should be relieved until Reo commented dully, "We're here to claim back what belongs to our Club. I saw her come into your Club this morning. And I'm very sure the person who greeted her, was you." Reo challenged.

Combing his fingers through his dark, raven hair, he raised his eyebrow at the accusation made to him. An expression of realization struck his face as he chuckled devilishly, "I forgot to introduce myself, haven't I? Hyuuga Natsume." He offered, "And I am very sure the lady you saw me with this morning, would be my lawful wife." All traces of joke were gone, replaced by a cold, hard exterior.

Taking a step back from his current, the flaming-red-haired host was finally aware of the silence of his superior beside him. The man before him held enough power to crush the whole town, if not, the whole Japan.

"For that," Natsume smiled warmly, "Did you see wrongly?"

"I-" Reo was stopped by a smack across his face. He knew it was coming; the killer intent from the woman beside him was too strong to ignore. Yet whatever he could do? There was no way he can escape from either party.

"He," Yuka sternly mentioned, "Must have seen wrong."

Gritting through his teeth, he spat an apology.

Clapping his hands together, Natsume concluded, "Since this is all of a minor misunderstanding, we shall call this meeting off officially. Yes, Azumi-san? Or would you like to see my wife?"

The Mama-san shook her head in respond, "That would be unnecessary." She took her leave, "That would be unprofitable. I'm not stupid enough to trade my life for an unworthy daughter." With that, she dragged her host away from the dojo.

"Wise choice." Natsume mused, pointed and joked, "She's really smart."

"Hyuuga-dono."

"Yuu, I told you to drop the last name basis and the wretched honorific." Natsume sighed.

Fixing his glasses, Yuu continued from where he was cut off, "Is it alright? To bring the lady alongside?"

"I know where you're getting, Yuu," The Hyuuga's features softened at the mentioned of a certain brunette, "But I'm not exactly into the idea of letting her go."

"I hope you're prepared for the dangers you will be putting her through from now." Yuu dusted his hakama then followed the master out of the dojo.

A contented grin settled by his lips as he swiftly made his way into the kitchen. Amused, he leaned by the door way, settling with a comfortable distance between the appreciated brunette and himself. Her movements were graceful even at the task of preparation of food. A gentle dip. Two spoonfuls. A pinch of salt. A teaspoon of sugar. His eyes were trained on every action she took, intrigued.

She felt the presence he gave out as soon as he made his way along the hallway. A tiny smile was formed by her face as she continued with her assignment. She softly chuckled. An assignment from him.

"How about cooking a meal for me?" Natsume teased.

Her eyes widened at the suggestion. Not that she was not confident with her skills, she was beyond surprised. A meal?

"There's a kitchen back at the club, you can use it." As if reading her thoughts, Natsume scratched the back of his head nervously. His mouth broke into a childish grin as he continued, "I'd really like to have a taste of a meal you cook up. Treat it as your first assignment?"

She was doing final garnishing of her dishes before setting the food presentably across the table. Natsume lifted a delicate eyebrow at the setting. Kaiseki ryouri. He was too amazed to speak. His eyes roamed full length of the table, meekly pointed out some dishes mentally. One, two, three, … Nine?!

"A nine-course?" Natsume pointed out, surprised.

Mikan smiled lightly, "Sakura Kaiseki Nine-Course Dinner Set. I'd once visited a Hotel in Macau, they served these."

He was beyond awe. Sure he often indulges himself in such luxurious meals, but this was handmade, well home-cooked in actual fact. He could literally feel himself drooling at the sight.

Mikan softly tapped her fingers against the tray she held near to her chest. To say she was anxious was an understatement. She had never prepared a meal for anyone. Her heart was beating in excitement when Natsume took a careful seat upon the chair. Her posture unconsciously straightened as she resumed in introducing the meal she had cooked up.

"This little snack is named Sea Urchin in Jelly with Wasabi Sauce. Personally, I enjoy the refreshing taste of uni." She explained with a soft expression.

Natsume grinned as he mouthed the snack. Surprisingly soft. He thought, enticed by the blending of the special sauce.

"Next I've prepared the appetizer with reference to what I have tasted back in the hotel, Octopus Ocellatus." She mentioned sincerely, "With a large amount of eggs, it is ideal to be served as appetizers. Crab meat roll not only brings out the taste of the previous, it compliments each of the ingredients, including the crunchy bamboo shoot and lotus root."

The named appetizer was halfway in the raven-haired host's mouth when Mikan called out, slight urgency through her calm, collected tone, and "The sauce."

"Uh?" Natsume cocked his head to the left, confused.

She held back a grin at the sight of his childish expression. Her left hand held back the sleeve of her right as she reached to help him dip the crab meat roll into the sauce she had prepared along with the dish. She gracefully picked the chopsticks within her fingers, slowly and gracefully she lifted the portion into his half opened mouth.

An embarrass blush crept up his masculine features. The rich flavour melted by his taste buds. Licking some leftover sauce by his lips, he praised with a content smile, "It's delicious."

It was the upright brunette's turn to redden at the harmless praise he had for her. She was not used to the gentleness he was showering her with. His voice, gestures, and softness were luxury. If she dipped in for too long, she might feel the burn.

"Arigatou gozaimasu, Natsume-sa-" His predatory glance towards her made her try to correct the slip almost instantly but was caught on her tongue. He leaned in. She hitched, well aware of her increasing heartbeats.

He left a gentle peck on the side of her flushed cheeks. Giving her a boyish smirk, he proceeded to indulge his taste buds. Occasionally asking her questions about the dishes she had prepared. Her passion for this particular subject suppressed her previous profession. That made young leader more determined than ever.

"Mikan."

The young hostess froze. Natsume had called her first name for the first time since they met, no suffix, no sweet-coating. Unconsciously, she tightened her grip around the tray she held in her arms. He held an unreadable profile. What was it he wanted to tell her? She chewed onto her inner cheeks to stop any trace of nervousness from surfacing, a habit she had grown wary of.

"I'm going to be honest with you." Natsume's firm tone held her full attention. Despite seeing traces of uncertainty within his eyes, Mikan realised her posture never did slackened. He placed the pair of chopsticks by the half-emptied bowl and proceeded, "The Unnamed is an underground association, mine, to be exact."

Mikan was startled by his sudden movement. He was by his seat few moments ago, yet before her mind could register change, he appeared before her. They were so close to each other she could smell his cologne. Her face was tilted to meet his chin, then his mesmerising eyes again, only this time, her body did not respond as she desired. She found herself melting into his strong embrace. She breathed, "You're a Yakuza?"

Natsume chuckled, his fingers never left her face, only trailing it down her neck, sensually, "I prefer to be referred as a businessman. Ever since my old man died, I've converted the whole organisation into business." He mused, "Though, in other sense, I still handle things Yakuza-way."

His touches were starting to send pleasure running through her feminine body. As his fingers expertly slip into the back of her neck, he skillfully tilted and rested the back of her head on his hand, his other arm slipped under her obi to further shape her form into him. Natsume gazed passionately at the beautiful hostess he had in his arms, and murmured, "For instance, the woman I want."

"Natsu-" A moan escaped her lips as soon as he savoured her shy entrance. He let his tongue run lazily across her lips, teasing for her entrance, deepening the kiss only when she bashfully demanded.

Mikan couldn't hide her disappointment when voices called out to him from behind the locked kitchen doors. Her eyebrow rose curiously as she saw Natsume growled lowly in frustration. Messing his hair by shoving his fingers through his raven bangs, he grab her hand in his then reached out to the doorknob, muttering, "Fine, fine."

"Where is the lady?" An excited voice broke in immediately when the door creaked open.

Mikan instinctively backed away from the sources by taking a cautious step. Natsume's hold around her hand assured that the people before her meant no harm.

"Sumire." Natsume warningly placed his palm on her forehead, preventing her from rushing to the hostess beside him.

"Knew you were selfish brother," Koko accused jokingly, "Didn't know you'll go to the extent of hiding her."

Natsume spluttered before countering futilely, "Did not!"

"Hi Mikan-chan!" If her memory was right, the host before her is Ruka. Mikan gave a tiny smile to the friendly blonde then turned her attention to the girl beside him. As if sensing her gaze, the female held her hand out for, what Mikan presumed a handshake.

Taking her hand, Mikan was held within a firm handshake, "Imai Hotaru. Natsume's cousin."

"Imai-sama." Mikan greeted with a bow only to be stopped by a warm gaze that reminded her of Natsume's, only in this case, she is his cousin.

"Hotaru." Hotaru prompted. She took Mikan by surprise when she gracefully led the brunette hostess to her side. The raven-haired female returned a devilish smirk to her cousin, "Now, now. Natsume. That's not very nice of you to keep secrets from your immediate family members. Right?"

Natsume sighed, "Right."

"And," Sumire added, "It's worst if you're claiming her for yourself. She belongs to every one of us too!"

The leader sighed helplessly. His eyes turned to Yuu for help only to be turned down by a charming smile. Traitor. Natsume mouthed.

"Uh uh, if not for Yuu, we would've been kept in the dark." Kitsune chipped in, he warned lightly, "We'll be damned if you torture our little spy."

Shoving his hands into his pockets, he gave an airy laugh and swept Mikan back into his arms effortlessly, "I think, you're in no position to object my proposition, Mikan."

"Eh?" She stared at the group and back to Natsume in confusion.

Natsume confessed, "Welcome to your new life." Tilting her chin towards his face, he continued, "As my lawful wife."

The pair of shimmering, amber orbs widen in sheer surprise.

End of Chapter Three

Glossary

The 'yukata' is a Japanese traditional garment worn by women, men and children. It is a casual summer kimono usually made of cotton and worn in Japan at fireworks display, bon-odori festivals, and other summer events. It is also frequently worn after bathing at traditional inns. Though not limited to after-bath wear, yukata literally means bath(ing) clothes.

'Keigogi' is a kimono-styled top made from quilted cotton to be protective and durable. They are almost either blue (indigo-dyed) or white and have 3/4 length sleeves which protect the elbows. White is generally worn by students who are at the kyu level, in combination with a blue hakama. Also known as kendogi or dogi.

'Hakama' is a general term for pleated skirt-like garments worn with kimono by both men and women. Originally a part of an outfit called a kamishimo, worn by men of high rank; the hakama was paired with a matching stiff, sleeveless jacket known as the kataginu. It is worn by men with all types of kimono except yukata. In general, wearing hakama increases the formality of an outfit, so men typically wears it to very formal events, including tea ceremonies, weddings and funerals. Both men and women also wear hakama for certain Japanese martial arts, including archery and aikido.

A 'Dojo' is a Japanese term which literally means "place of the way". Initially, dojos were adjunct to temples. The term can refer to formal training for any Japanese do arts but typically it is considered the formal gathering place for students of any Japanese martial arts style to conduct training, examination and other related encounters.

'Duangua' suit is very widely used in anime and movies. It consist of a tang-zhuang-styled, long sleeved shirt and a jacket with classic mandarin collar, and uses traditional Chinese buttons; The Chinese Frog, whereby it is an ornamental braiding for fastening the front of the garment that consist button and a loop through which it passes through. Men either wears a matching mandarin pants, with a choice of having an open leg or elastic-ankle-styled. They either wear the suit loosely or with a sash (yaodai).

'Dono', a Japanese honorific, when attached to a name, means 'lord' or 'master'. It does not equate noble status; rather it is a term akin to 'milord' or French 'monseigneur', and lies between san and sama in level of respect.

'Kaiseki ryouri' is a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner. In present day, kaiseki is a type of art form that balances the taste, texture, appearance, and colour of food. Over time, kaiseki evolved to include an appetizer, sashimi, a simmered dish, a grilled dish, and a steamed course, in addition to other dishes at the discretion of the chef.

'Uni' is sea urchin in Japanese.

'Arigatou gozaimasu' is a polite way of saying thank you in Japanese.

'Yakuza' are members of transnational organised crimes in Japan. They are notorious for their strict code of conduct.

A/N: Some possessive fluff and we're done for this particular chapter. The next chapter would be the end of this beautiful plot. Again I took ages to update this story, but I'm actually glad of its outcome, up till now. And be sure to review to let me know your thoughts for this plot. Thank you so much for staying till the end.

I mentioned from the start that this story will not be a long series. It was meant to be a one-shot, but it bloomed, and I'm making it a Quartet. I'm blessed to have encouraging readers. This chapter is dedicated to all the reviewers who have voiced out their thoughts to me throughout the past three years. All of you are literally my joy for updating, Thank You;

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