Chapter 10
A Worthy Adversary
Natsume stared broodingly at the balcony of his room. He is definitely angry with himself. He disgustingly lost self-control just because of sex, just like an inexperience adolescent teenager. Dammit, he never meant to go that far. He was bowled over with the stimulating attraction between the two of them. He never thought that such passion can still exist, it's been a very long time since they saw each other. But what his mind refuse to acknowledge... his body is eagerly willing to admit. He still desires Mikan Sakura.
Natsume raked his hand tensely on his hair. He must admit that he said a lot of mean things to her. It's just that... he's so furious with her for sleeping with Zi Shu. How can she do that? She use to said that he will be the only man she will ever love. Can she still remember her words? Does their past relationship ever cross her mind? He is really such a bastard to be even thinking of such things, because come on, he left her! He was the one who called their relationship off.
If he were smart, he should stay away from her from now on. He decide that he will never involve himself again in any form of relationship. It will only make his life complicated. Can you do that, Hyuuga? Can you fucking stay from her? He asked himself wryly.
He was deeply disturbed when he saw the scars on her wrist. Where did she get them? The scars were not present seven years ago. And her reaction when he saw them... she suddenly freak out. She's obviously hiding something. What the hell is it?
The sudden vibration of his phone in the packet of his pants bolted him out of his reverie.
"Jaguar?" The deep voice asked, it's one of his superiors.
"Yes, sir."
"Were you able to retrieve the important information that we need?"
"My mission is a success."
"Good job as always, Jaguar. Now take the flight back home to Japan immediately. We need you here."
"Yes sir, I'll be there as soon as possible."
After the phone call, Natsume started packing his things. Good thing he is being assign to Japan again. He has a couple of things he badly wants to clear out.
"I guess this is goodbye." Mikan offered Zi Shu and Miguel a wobbly smile. They are at the airport and are about to board the plane. The three of them are reserved on three different flights. Miguel is heading back to Spain, Zi Shu in Taiwan, and her in Japan.
Miguel gave her a big and warm hug. "I will miss working with you, Mikan. You're one of the those rare models who is beautiful inside and out. Call me if ever you will be in Spain."
"I will definitely do that." Mikan replied as she wipe the tears that suddenly sting her eyes.
"Don't cry, you're really so sweet. Be happy, Mikan. Email me sometime okay? Now I'm afraid I have to go."
Miguel wave at them as he strolled towards his gate area. Mikan bowed her head down, afraid that if she look at Zi Shu, she will definitely sobbed her heart out.
Zi Shu rumpled her hair affectionately. "We will still see each other, you know."
"I'm going to miss you so much. You're one of my few close friends in this industry."
"Me too. And I'm going to miss matchmaking you and Natsume." Zi Shu grinned endearingly at her.
"Zi Shu..." Mikan's defences crumpled as she went in to his arms and embraced him tightly.
Zi Shu comforted her and kissed her temple gently. "Do you know why I was so determined to help you with Natsume?"
"I was wondering about that."
"Because the couple of years we've been working together, I never truly saw you happy. Christopher is a perfect guy, but he's not the one for you, Mikan."
"You think Natsume is the one for me?" Mikan asked him curiously.
Zi Shu nodded seriously. "You never did told me the whole story between the two of you. Your past relationship may have ended badly, but that doesn't mean that if you will have a relationship now, it will be destine to fail as well. You may not be suitable then... but you can be perfect for each other now. "
Mikan shook her head fervently. "Zi Shu... Natsume and I... it's really more complicated than it seems."
"As long as there is love between the two of you, and both of you are willing to fight for it, I don't see why it wouldn't work."
"You're such a hopeless romantic..." Mikan whined.
Zi Shu chuckled heartily. "Maybe... but I'm serious, sweetheart. Give both of you a chance. You two need each other now more than ever."
"Fine... I'll think about it. Now you better go. They're announcing your flight."
Zi Shu gave her another huge warm hug. "Bye, Mikan. See you soon."
He carried his luggage trolley and then walked away. Mikan waved at his departing figure and then went to her platform.
The flight home to Japan was uneventful for Mikan. She yawned tiredly as she waited for her luggage. She can't wait to go home to her apartment and have a rest. She lives alone in a modern and stylish building at the heart of the city. Just as she stepped out at the pavement of the airport, her cell phone rung. Ruka's name flashed on her screen.
"Ruka?"
"Mikan! Thank God I finally reach you. Are you now in Japan?"
"I just landed actually. What's wrong?"
"We're in the hospital right now. Hotaru just gave birth. It's a boy!" Ruka announced excitedly.
"Oh my God! Congratulations!" Mikan shrieked happily at her phone.
"Thanks. Come visit us immediately, okay?"
"I'm going straight there right now!"
Mikan hailed a passing taxi and it headed to the hospital immediately. She bought a bouquet of sunflowers and a huge blue balloon with a cuddly bear inside before she set off to Hotaru's room. Mikan knocked lightly on the door and a beaming Ruka answered it.
"Congratulations!" Mikan grinned at him as she handed him her presents.
"Thanks, come in. Great timing, the baby just woke up."
A blooming and smiling Hotaru with a tiny baby in her arms greeted Mikan. She cautiously approached them and gazed in amazement at the tiny creature.
"He's gorgeous!" Mikan whispered reverently as a baby with thick dark hair and violet eyes blinked sleepily at her. He's a mini Hotaru!
"He's going to be popular with the ladies someday." Hotaru grinned, maternal pride evident in her voice.
"May I?" Mikan asked as she proffered out her arm.
"Of course." Hotaru gently transferred the baby on her arms. Mikan cradled the baby devotedly, making sure he is comfortable.
"What's his name?"
"It's Kei. Kei Nogi." Hotaru announced softly.
"Hi little Kei. I'm your godmother." Mikan crooned at the baby. Kei yawned and his little face crumpled cutely. Mikan's eyes misted as she blinked to keep the tears from falling.
"Are you okay, Mikan?" Hotaru asked anxiously.
Mikan smiled woefully. "I'm fine. It's just that I always feel a little sad whenever I hold a baby in my arms, knowing I can never have one of my own."
"You had a successful operation, Mikan. Doctors said that there is still a chance for you to have a baby." Ruka protested passionately.
"Oh come on, Ruka. It's a very slim chance. Five percent chance is hardly possible." Mikan retorted wryly.
"But it is still not impossible." Ruka stressed out.
"I'm fine. I already accepted that I may not be able to have kids of my own. There's still adoption. There are a lot of children with no mothers out there."
"Have you discussed this with Christopher?" Hotaru asked curiously.
"Yes... and he's really supportive. He said he loves me so much that it doesn't matter."
"He's really such a great guy." Hotaru replied in awe.
"I know... and I'm so lucky." Mikan sighed blissfully.
Little Kei suddenly began to whimper in distress, his huge violet eyes pooling in with tears.
"I guess he's hungry." Mikan mumbled mournfully as she returned the baby to his mother's arms. Mikan watched in enthralment as the baby sucked hungrily as Hotaru fed him. He seems to be dying of thirst and clearly dependent on his mother. Mikan wondered sadly if she would ever know how it feels like to be a mother...
Mikan sighed miserably as she waited for the hairdresser to finish with her hair. This time, she's doing a fashion show for a very famous swimwear designer. She is wearing a gorgeous turquoise bikini with long beaded necklaces on her neck. For some reason, she's been feeling kind of down since she returned from Thailand.
It's been three weeks since Kei's birth and she's back to work. This morning is his baptism and there's a mini party for him at the Nogi's newly bought bungalow house. Sadly, she won't be able to attend the party because her job was scheduled months before. Mikan sighed again, she badly wants to be with her friends right now.
"Fortunately, I am here so I can wipe that ugly frown on your face." A bubbly and familiar voice called out to her.
Mikan spun around in shock as a petite and beautiful girl with fiery red hair, sparkling emerald eyes grinned at her.
"Asuka!" Mikan squealed as she scurried to hug the other girl.
"I just came back from Paris. How are you, Mikan? I miss you!"
"Me too! I'm fine, I just came back from Thailand. Good thing that you're back! Are you here for the fashion show as well?"
"Yup, thank God that you're here too. It makes this event even more fun. Are you going at the after party at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel?" Asuka asked excitedly.
Mikan rolled her eyes. "It's obligatory. I have no choice."
"Mikan, you haven't change at all! It's the biggest after party of the season. I heard Yamamoto Communications is doing the PR for this fashion show. No wonder it's at Ritz-Carlton!"
"It's just that today it my godson's baptism and I really want to go."
"Who knows? This party may become a bore after all and we can excuse ourselves early. However, I doubt it. I bet my life that Yuki Yamamoto is going to attend tonight!"
"Yuki Yamamoto?"
"Come on, you should know him. He's one of the hottest and richest bachelors around."
Mikan grinned at her friend. Asuka is her closest girlfriend in the industry. They started modelling about the same age and her bubbly and friendly personality attracted Mikan towards her immediately. "Asuka, I really miss you, especially your tireless chatter."
"I know... I should stop talking now. You're not interested with Yuki because you already have Christopher." Asuka sighed dejectedly.
"I'm not complaining. I really miss you. But shouldn't you getting ready now? The fashion show is starting in thirty minutes!"
Asuka smacked her forehead. "Shoot. I forgot. See you later then. Bye!" An assistant hurriedly led her to the dressing room to get change.
Ruka opened the front door, his eyes widening in astonishment. "Natsume! What a pleasant surprise."
Natsume's lips lifted into a lazy smile. "I guess congratulations are in order?"
"Thank you! Come on in. I bet everybody would be delighted now that you're here." Ruka ushered Natsume inside towards the garden where a dozen of people were already there.
"I was really busy these past few weeks. I have a few days off that's why I am here."
"That's good then. Today is my son's christening, that's why there is a mini party here today."
An excited chatter suddenly flourished throughout the crowd. Exchange of warm hugs and greetings welcomed Natsume. Natsume craned his head to catch a glimpse of Mikan but failed to find her. That's weird, he thought.
"She's not here." Hotaru murmured quietly on his side.
Natsume whipped his head hastily in her direction. He was so engrossed looking for Mikan that he failed to notice Hotaru on his side.
"Congratulations on the new baby."
"Thanks." Hotaru replied, her violet eyes narrowing on his face as if trying to gauge what he is thinking.
Ruka decided to save his pitiful best friend from his ruthless wife. "Err...Natsume, why don't you come inside with me, I'll show little Kei to you. He's sleeping in the nursery."
Natsume followed Ruka inside towards a baby blue nursery room with heaps of animal stuff toys. Natsume's lips curled into a reluctant smile. Trust Ruka to fill his child's room with animals. At the center of the room is a wooden crib with a colourful mobile hanging at the top. Little Kei, in a snowy white jumpsuit, sleeps peacefully under the covers.
"He's the spitting image of Hotaru." Natsume commented, amusement lacing his voice.
"He's got her eyes as well." Ruka added fondly.
The two men became silent for a while, watching the rise and fall of the baby's breathing.
Natsume finally decided to break the silence. "Where's Mikan?"
"At a fashion show. She was at the baptismal ceremony but unfortunately, she cannot join us for the party." Ruka explained.
Hush stillness commenced again between the two friends.
"Mikan and I met in Thailand."
"You're there too? Why are you there? Please don't mention this to Hotaru. She will definitely become disturbed about it."
"I was there because of a mission. I wasn't expecting her there either. Do you know... Zi Shu?"
"Yes, he's a close of Mikan. I met him once, really nice guy."
"Is he and Mikan involve?"
Ruka's forehead knotted in confusion. "Definitely not. Christopher is the only guy Mikan got involve with. A lot of guys did try to court her, but she never paid any attention to them. I used to think that's because she's still in love with you."
A muscle moved tensely in Natsume's jaw. "What happened to her wrist? I saw the scars and she suddenly freaked out."
"You saw them? I must say I'm not surprise with her reaction." Ruka admitted uncertainly.
"Tell me, Ruka." Natsume ordered steadily, a silent plea on his voice.
"She tried to kill herself... a couple of months after you left."
Natsume paled visibly, his mind screaming to deny Ruka's words. Damn it, can't be true. Why, Mikan? You idiot! She tried to kill herself because of him? Guilt and shame flooded him inexorably.
"She was really sad... she missed you terribly. She waited for you for months." Ruka revealed unhappily.
Natsume, who doesn't know how to released his conflicting emotions, punched the nearby wall viciously. Warm blood trickled down his arm and slipped on the floor.
"Natsume... are you alright?" Ruka implored worriedly.
"Where exactly is Mikan right now?" Natsume asked suddenly as he took out a white handkerchief and wrapped it around his bruised fist.
"I remember her mentioning something about an after party, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel."
"I have to leave. I have to go to her." Natsume replied grimly, frustration evident on his tense shoulders.
Mikan sipped the expensive champagne appreciatively. She gazed uninterestedly at the well-dressed crowd in front of her. She's been in this party for only an hour and she's already dying of boredom. She yanked the trail of her overly long silver tube gown irritably. It's so long that the heels of her high stilettos always manage to catch it and trip her. The designer wanted her to wear the beautiful creation with it's huge silver blossom on the right shoulder. It maybe stylish, but it's not really practical to wear.
Asuka, in midnight blue taffeta gown, kept whispering the latest gossip about the people present in the ballroom.
"I have to go to the ladies room. I'll be back." Mikan promised me as she walked carefully against the plush carpeting on her feet. Just when she was only a few feet away, she tripped suddenly and was about to suffer a terrible fall when a pair of strong hands caught her.
Mikan opened her eyes to find herself staring to one of the most handsome man she has ever seen. He has thick dark hair, the bluest sapphire eyes, and a charming dimple appeared on his cheeks as he grinned at her. A blushed skimmed Mikan's cheeks.
"You finally fell into my arms, Mikan Sakura." He has a deep and pleasant voice, which sent unexpected shivers down her spine.
"Who are you?" Mikan asked breathlessly.
"I'm Yuki Yamamoto."
Oh no, Mikan is attracted to another guy? And it's not our Natsume... Now Natsume realized Mikan is actually innocent, he finally goes to her... But is he too late?
The next chapter is going to be big... I daresay it's what you guys been waiting for so long! So happy because my readers doubled up all of a sudden... I really feel overwhelm... as you may have notice, the more reviews I get, the faster the update... so keep them coming... help me become more inspire to continue this story...
Two new characters for this chapter, Asuka and Yuki. They're roles will become clearer on the upcoming chapters... Asuka is really a good friend of Mikan. Meanwhile, Yuki is... nah, I'm not giving you guys any spoilers! (author grins.)
Thanks to those people who voted on my poll... I indeed follow the results and a baby boy who looks exactly like Hotaru... Can you guys just imagine how cute little Kei is? I name him after Kei of Special A, really love that anime right now.
Another thing, last chapter, the song Mikan and Natsume danced is really an actual song. It's Masquerade by The Carpenters. I forgot to mention it last time.
Cutenatsumexmikan-- hmmm... I'm still not sure how long this fan fict is going to be... I think about 20 chapters...
ichigo kimmie-- yup, the last chapter is indeed 300 words shorter than my last chapters... you're so sharp to notice... hehe
Misaki-chan-- sorry if the ending is kinda hasty last chapter... hope you like this new chapter though...
Fujiwara Yuri-- thanks for always giving me reviews.. hope you like this chapter...
-KuroTenshi11--- I'll call you kuro-chan... I think it's cute...
KMAC 08-- great question... when Mikan said he still has feelings for Natsume, its actually part of her plan... but still that doesn't mean that it's not the truth anyway,right?
EzMouse-- it's okay I understand if you want to skip the intimate part between NxM... hehe... when Mikan said those words, It's half her plan, half truth...
xXRaInBow-ChanXx-- yup, between NxM, it can't be just lust...
My Hopeless Romantic-- OMG, I really love for giving such long reviews! I'm sorry Zi Shu's character said goodbye since you like him so much, what do you think of the new characters?
Youichiix33-- your comment really made me laugh... sorry if natsume's action irritated you a lot... it's just that he's really frustrated... hehe
niceladysakura-- thanks for the long comment...glad that you like the mythology part... nope, Miguel really planned to draw out nastume's name on the raffle...
NaughtyAngel12-- thanks for reading my story! really flattered that's one of the first you've read...
AlmightyAngel-- OMG, I so love you for giving reviews to all my chapters... you even reviewed the perfect ending... you're so great!!
sayeessha-- Natsume is really a jerk last chappie... good thing he finally have some sense knock on his head...
KiNoMoTo18-- yes I read card captor fan fict as well...don't worry I'll read yours...yes you can call me cj-chan... what do you want me to call you?
lilmissmex3--thanks because you like the pacing of my story!