First Move


The light outside the Fountaneblue Villa is exhilarating, but creepy. Not the scary kind of way, but it's some kind of intimidating, but the vibe is magnetic. I've never been into a "for fun" party. Most of the parties and gatherings that I've been into are fundraising events, tea parties, book reading. I've been in some bars, but I don't think the experience can be considered to be on the same level as this.

For starters, I'm wearing a woven black and nude lace dress, with a very plunging neckline. They paired it with a beige cut-out design heels with a lace-up fastening and a purse with the same color. Allegra also gave me a Ralph Lauren oversized coat for the cold evening, although they promised that the heaters are on inside the villa.

"This is going to be exciting!" Mario exclaimed while I fidget in my seat inside the limo. We are already parked outside now, but I still don't have the strength to go out. My hands are cold and even if Allegra made me apply a body-warming oil, I still get the autumn night chill. Mario pulled out a velvet box from his suitcase and opened it to reveal a gorgeous pair of earrings. Both are dragon designs – one covers the entire cartilage with the head of the dragon sitting on the ear's concha while the other one is another dragon dangling from my ear lobe to the level of my mouth. And how can I miss the label of the box?

Imai Jewels.

"Perfect for your attire, Miss Lensington." Mario complimented as I reached out for them. He also helped me wear it.

"What's their purpose?" I asked.

"For instructions purposes." A woman's voice came up. Why am I not surprised?

"Konan," I said, "Hello…"

"Hi there, Yukihara! The reports said that you did very well." I can hint the smirk on her voice.

"Well done, Mikan-chan!" Kaname's voice chirped in as if I got a star for my kindergarten artwork. But God, I can't help smiling! I miss him. I wanted to tell him about how the past days, but well, I can't. Good thing Konan's not around to listen to my thoughts.

"It was funny listening to the recordings, though…" another voice came up.

"Hotaru!?" My eyes widened. Hearing her voice just makes me want to jump on my seat and throw this blonde wig away!

"Yep, the advanced version," She replied. Everyone chuckled. "Okay, enough with the congratulatory messages, let's have that when we have what we need. I only have three hours and twenty minutes left before going back."

"Right. Let's do this. Mikan, Hotaru is surveying the area. Your earpiece is only for communication purposes. We don't have additional spy cams, but we'll try to work with what we have." Kaname started. I glanced at Mario who is engrossed reading his magazine. "We've dropped some spy insects on the site so we can survey the mansion, Konan and Hotaru will give you instructions with it."

"Natsume is on the line now…" Konan declared.

I don't know, but my throat just dried out, and I can feel the heat on my face with just the sound of my name. It also felt colder. And I feel really silly for reacting this way.

I haven't seen Reddie whole day. I know he's going to do his part by making Martin challenge him to a race, and I knew it worked. I totally forgot that he's going to be here too, what with the preparations and for this party and all.

"Mikan, do you still remember the item you're supposed to take?"

I have to put my thoughts together. "Ye… yeah. It's a page from Martin's Diary."

"Correct," Konan affirmed. "Listen up, Natsume, the diary is in Martin's former room, it's on the second floor of the villa, left wing, fourth room from the stairs. According to our source, Martin's former butler, he already saw some identical drawings on Martin's table and said that it's usually kept folded within the notebook. The drawing is like an image of a rose, just partly abstract."

I don't know how she was able to locate the former butler in days, but Konan is just awesome. She can put up her own spy agency and run it on her own.

"Remember, you guys do not know each other…" Kaname added. "We'll figure out how we're going to bring you together as we go…"

"That sounds like a real-life situation…" Konan remarked humor was apparent in her voice.

"Shut up." Reddie finally said.

Again, my hands just sweated and the chills are here again. Geez, why am I acting as if I have a crush on him?

Darn, did I just say that!?

"We're ready," Hotaru said, "Good luck, you two…"

I took a deep breath and braced myself for the "fun". The car started again and stopped by the main entrance. A gentleman opened the door for me and I slipped out of the limo. A butler welcomed me as I took the small flight of stairs.

"Welcome to the Fountaneblue Villa, Miss Lensington. Miss Joanne ensured that your needs for tonight will be taken care of—"

"Please take my coat..." I told him without looking at him. If I were in my usual self, I could've thanked him. Greer definitely needs some lectures on manners. He kindly obliged and was about to usher me in when the screeching sounds of cars caught my attention. I turn around to find several luxurious sports cars halting, a few people cheering for them.

A flashback of a black car crushing a silver Audi filled my thoughts for some seconds, but I was able to recover instantly. With my gaze still on the group below, I was able to see the guy who slid out of the dark gray car, a McLaren. His hair's blonde, tied in a messy ponytail and he's wearing a decent blue sweater over a white crisp shirt. I followed him with my eyes as he approached another red and black car. The driver also went out, sporting a leather jacket in asymmetrical cut over a white V-neck shirt, dark pants and same leathery black material for the shoes. His hair was tousled, and his face is that of a beautiful bastard.

He caught me staring and his face was really not pleased. "What is she wearing!?" I heard him over the earpiece.

"A party dress," Konan answered sarcastically. Reddie clicked his tongue. What the hell's wrong with him!? I don't think that I'm overdressed or I look silly! Well, I do look a bit out of myself because I'm trying to be an impostor, but how can he be so mean to think that I look stupid?

I mean, he didn't say it exactly, but I just feel that he's thinking about that. He's Natsume bloody Hyuuga anyway. So I just rolled my eyes and turned away to leave.

The interior of the Villa did not seem like a house anymore. There are dancers hanging on a hoop, the music is live and amazing, and the lights flickers in a way that will shade intrigue on every person touched by it. People are glistening with drinks and sophistication. It was like what I imagined a Hollywood party should be.

I approached the bar and decided that I need a drink to boost my self-esteem and confidence after that little eye-to-eye with Reddie. "Vodka," I said to the bartender, "and put some lemonade on it," I added. He tossed me a glass of clear liquid and I gulped all of it on one go. "Another…" I handed him back the empty glass. It was my very first drink since this "mission" started and I bet that'll be my last since I can't have another of that pill that Nonoko made to freeze the side effects.

"Miss Lensington!" It was Lola's voice. I turned around to face her and she was just as pleased as she was this morning. "God, I still can't get over with how glamorous you are in person. You look beautiful on this dress!" she complimented.

"It's a gift from Donatella Versace. She's very thoughtful to send this over from her shop in Paris when I mentioned that I'll be on a Fountaneblue party." I tried to sound humble. I want to choke myself with the vodka for the lie, but it'll be worth it.

"Wow." Lola sighed. "I can imagine how amazing it will be to really have you with us. Please come, Mister Fountaneblue just arrived and we'd like to introduce you to him"

"Sure…" I answered. Following her through the crowd to a small, well-lit room where Joanne was already waiting.

"I'm very glad you came," She said, kissing me on both cheeks.

"I wouldn't miss the fun, Joanne. How are you doing?" I said, just glad that the vodka still doesn't affect the accent. I looked at her from head to toe and surely, she knows how to impress fashion lords. She was wearing a black separated jumpsuit connected by sheer d' esprit fabric and a classic pair of black pumps.

"Fashion Report…" Konan whispered. "Joanne's jumpsuit is by Noam Hanoch, Ileana Makri earrings, and the rings are from EF Collection."

"I'm doing great! I was just a bit busy for this party, but I was very motivated because you're coming, and here you are!" she said excitedly. I know she's really happy about this, I just wish the real Greer would approve of her.

"I'm flattered to hear that!" I told her. "And I love your Noam…" shit I forgot the crap signature! Joanne smile slightly faded as she expectantly looks at me…

"Noam Hanoch," Konan whispered.

"Noam Hanoch jumpsuit…" I smiled at her and took a swig of the vodka. Shit. That was close.

Her smile returned, turning for me to get a good view. "I bought this right after the fashion show. Lovely, isn't it?"

"Yeah… It looks perfect on you…" I beamed at her. Then I walked past her, sitting on one of the wide throne-like couch, crossing my legs. "How did your talk with Martin went?" I started.

She sat across me and with just the expression in her face, I can tell that she did a good job. "I took your advice…" she smiled proudly.

"Am I to hear wedding bells anytime soon?" I teased her.

"Not yet… but… we're going to start working on the legal matters to give me full and irrevocable authority over some business and estates." She said happiness was apparent on her plum-colored lips. "I wouldn't have a clue that I should push for it if it wasn't for you, Miss Lensington."

"I'm very happy for you. You're proving yourself to be a worthy partner, Joanne. I'm guessing this will a great partnership." I said, picking up a flute of champagne and raised it for a cheers. Joanne ticked her glass and we drank together. Right then, I can hear footsteps approaching.

"Darling! Your timing's great, come join us!" Joanne greeted the guy who just arrived. I stood up and turned to face them. One of them appears to be the guy I saw coming out of the McLaren earlier. His face was surprisingly meek, especially his cool blue eyes.

"Hey! You must be Greer Lensington!"

I smiled timidly. "Yes, very nice to finally meet you, Mr. Fountaneblue."

"Please, just call me Martin. The pleasure's mine! Joanne here is very excited to win your partnership. And don't worry, if you approve our proposals, I will personally put my name on it" He said, smiling widely at me and Joanne, who's already clinging onto him.

"My, I think I was just given more reason to say yes," I replied. "Pardon my insecurities, I hope you understand how crucial it is to run a business and preserve important partnerships."

"Of course," Martin said, "I actually think that you pull some great strategies on your business moves, and it's exemplary. We must learn from it."

"Thanks," I said. "And… I am grateful for the invitation." I smiled at both of them.

"Yeah, I think we should leave your decision, for now, and please, enjoy the party, Miss Lensington!" Joanne said, ushering me out of the room to their grand foyer where the dance floor was set up. There are still dancers dangling above us. The clear glass wall gives us a view of the steamy pool with other guests enjoying the water.

"I found the room…" Hotaru's voice just came up. "I'll devise a route for you guys."

"They should meet up now…" Kaname said. How can we meet up, I can't find Reddie!

"I'll stay on the bar…" I whispered back to them, including Reddie. Joanne left me and enjoyed the dancefloor already. I asked the bartender for another glass of vodka lemonade while waiting for the bloody bastard.

After some minutes, someone occupied the seat next to me. "If I were your babysitter, I will not ever allow you to wear that kind of dress." It's him, Hyuuga.

I did not turn to look at him. "If you are my babysitter, I will sue you for making me wear this." I retorted, and then finally looked at him. He changed his tops to a black V-neck shirt under a nice coat. He looked nice. No, he looked handsome. Damn, he's gorgeous.

Shit, I should stop thinking.

He reached out to me. I thought he's going to touch my face, but he touched the head of the dragon dangling from my ears. I'm sure I did not breathe for that frame of seconds.

"What was that for?" I asked.

"I turned off the mic. They don't need to hear everything." He said, diverting his gaze and taking my glass of vodka and sipped from it. "…and enough with this," He added, drinking the entire content of the glass.

"Whatever." I rolled my eyes. "How did you manage to make him challenge you on a race?" I asked.

"I bought the car he wanted so badly. He found out, he contacted me to make a deal." Reddie answered, facing the crowd of party animals.

"Is that the car you were driving a while ago?"

"Yeah, SSC Ultimate Aero…"

"For how much?" I asked again.

"$654,400. Cheaper than his McLaren, but faster."

"I see… great job!" I tried to compliment him. But well, I meant it.

"You did great too" he replied, even if he was not smiling, I can tell from his eyes that he means it.

"Thanks…" I smiled, shyly.

"Except for wearing that slutty dress."

"So that's why you're mad? I mean what do I care if you're mad?" I retorted in a flash.

He rolled his eyes at me. "Look, polka, there are a lot of guys here who can just grab and have fun with you, and I'm quite aware that you will not enjoy their company."

"So you want me to dress like a nun? For God's sake, this is a party!" I whispered annoyingly.

He scoffed, "I think that will better…"

And then a thought crossed my mind. I smiled at him, "Why are you so protective of me, huh?"

He did not answer me, but he raised his left hand to show me the ring, and then he looked at me with serious, intent eyes, making me blush and turn away.

"What do you think is the scenario that would make people tell you to 'go and get a room'?" Konan blurted. I reached out for the dragon's head and turned the mic on.

"Are we playing games now?" I replied.

"Nope, I'm giving you an idea on what to do so both of you can escape the eyes that are watching you…" she replied, pretty serious this time.

"Flirt?" Natsume said this time.

"Hmm… more like… make-out." Konan answered.

"Konan!?" Sempai asked.

"I'm glad you're still there sempai!" I breathed, relieved for his presence.

"What, do you have a better idea, Kaname?" Konan asked again. Kaname did not answer. "Anyone?" No one answered.

"No. Hotaru, say something!" I demanded. I know she's just there, listening.

"I know you're going to lose your first kiss in a not-so-romantic way… with the same guy, so… I have no reason to disagree with Konan's idea." she said calmly. Why!? Of all moments, why did she chose this one to sound like a horoscope!?

"Excellent, now who's going to make the first move?" Konan chirped happily as if this is all a joke to her!

Reddie's not moving. I also don't have the strength to do this but yeah, as much as I disagree, there's a very limited option on this situation.

But God, it's my first kiss that we're talking about here! Arg!

I reached for the dragon's head again and switched off the mic, and breathed deeply. "It's going to be my first kiss…" I whispered just loud enough for him to hear.

"I know… and you deserve better. I'm sorry…" he said, facing me, with that look on his eyes that seems to convey a thousand words and feelings. I remembered the pieces of memories that flooded my thoughts earlier today.

Married.

My heart is racing, and there's something in my throat that makes it difficult to breathe. He reached for my cheeks and I can see him take a deep breath as well. The distance shortens as his nose touches mine.

My feelings are like fireworks exploding within me.

"Mikan… remember..." He whispered then…

Our lips touched.


Guys, I can't thank you enough for the follows, the favorites, the reviews! God, you're all so awesome! Forgive me if it took me a while to update, I've been through a lot, haha but I can't just abandon my babies here. So THANKKKKK YOU! You inspire and motivate me.

The song playing on the background while Natsume and Mikan are talking is Waiting Game by Banks.