A/N: First of all, even before the greetings, it is due to Autumn Aremega that I have updated this chapter. She encouraged me well enough for me to start getting back into gear after 6 months of hibernation. Really, I never knew I was gone for half a year! (That's for the record-breaker!) And I didn't even have the inspiration or diligence to celebrate my stay for one year here in fandom just last April 29, which I originally intended, even planned a long time ago… I guess I stayed out too long for comfort huh.
So. xD
How are you readers? Still hanging onto my cliff hangers? Hopefully not. Hehe… Sorry for waiting out on you too long. I wish I could make it up to you by updating the other fanfics but it's a crazy tug-of-war between fandom and my life right now, with my life having more pull-power. xD I'll try my best to keep the power distributed evenly on both sides though.
This chapter is a mixture of work, the first half of it created six months ago and the other half created presently. It is also significantly longer than all the chapters.
…I'm not delaying too much am I?
Okay just read.
Chapter 6
A change of phase
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For the next three days, Mikan worked herself under the Nogi Company, one of the best international company organization ever made on the face of the business industry. Presently governed by Ruka Nogi, the last sole successor and heir of the Nogi business, its conglomerates started to follow the tail of its previous leader, Ruka's father…
And presently, it's still thriving to maintain its reputation as one of the best.
Hopefully.
"That last one was close enough…" Ruka was thinking, glancing Mikan's way as he arranged the documents on his desk, "Lucky Mikan was here. I've really come close to prying her off the price cow… I'll remember that fact in the future… Who knows, she may have far more worth than I even imagined." Adding the thought mentally in his mind, he waited for her to finish talking on the other side on the telephone.
"Really, you mean it??" the pigtailed girl asked on the other end, "Are you really, really sure Mr. Tsukino?"
Ruka sweat-dropped when he heard this childish, everyday talk. Ordinarily, he might get flogged and burned in a stake if he used that kind of language towards his father's immediate friend and business partner, that is Mr. Tsukino of the CFI. But miraculously, Mikan did all the talking and the president seemed to enjoy every moment of it.
From the sound of it. The thing is, she lasted more than a minute talking to him. Only his late father did that.
"Okay! I'll call you back later, Mr. Tsukino! Don't forget to stay healthy alright--" a long long pause as the other end talked, then, "—Hey don't worry, I'll keep in touch everyday, you don't have to miss me." Mikan met Ruka's eyes staring at her, "Oh I have to go now. Mr. Ruka will get mad—"she whined apologetically.
The blonde-haired guy realized the error of his stare and what it brought and waved his hands at her too late. He watched helplessly as Mikan listened to the president's reply at that.
Mikan listened, managing to stifle her laughter and shock at his response, then mercifully placed the phone back to its receiver.
Sitting back in his office chair, Ruka waited, not without anxiety and almost apprehension.
"Well?" he asked after a long moment.
Mikan shrugged, "It's nothing, Mr. Ruka." She laughed a little, "Oh yeah, he means to invite…us--"she paused as though remembering what Mr. Tsukino had just commented on the matter.
Judging from her look, Ruka knew the president had some second thoughts of making him come along… "I get to come, huh?" he looked at Mikan's way apologetically.
Mikan, despite all the words she heard on the telephone, was cheerful enough not to let it affect her good nature, "Mr. Ruka, it's no bother! You should come," she encouraged gaily, "Mr. Tsukino would be very happy to see you." she said. The last phrase was more of a lie considering what the president said earlier, but Mikan was someone who'd cheer up a fish if she saw it crying on the water.
The encouragement didn't help much though; Ruka still appeared down-spirited. He was well aware how Mr. Tsukino's mind worked, just hearing Mikan's praise wasn't enough to convince him that he was wanted there.
But the truth was, he was afraid to face the grumpy old man and risk jeopardizing the Nogi's entire business, which was mainly supported and anchored by the CFI. It was a minor risk, but big enough to consider.
"And besides… Don't you think it's strange, Mr. Ruka?" Mikan said suddenly it caught his attention, "If I were to attend this celebration alone coming in as your secretary, wouldn't that be embarrassing?" she said thoughtfully, "Many people will think I was the only one invited and not you and—"
"Okay, I'll come!" he sat up from his seating in an instant, "Tell Narumi to prepare everything and order the limousine ready for me."
Hurriedly, he whisked everything else in order on top of his mahogany desk and prepared to leave. He didn't want know what his secretary was going to comment on him. This sudden change of mind was unusual, even.
"Alright Mr. Nogi!!" Mikan cried cheerfully. No trouble at all.
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It was a fine, lovely morning. Birds chirped merrily high up on the tall pines, the wind blows gently, and the warmth of the sun was not harsh. Natsume looked at his old watch; beneath the misted glass, the hands of time told it was nearly afternoon.
"Hmph. Then it's the perfect time to come and bother their perfect break." The ill-humored thought came to him.
He didn't even fully believed applying in the Nogi mansion as gardener would be adequate, but he was willing to try… until he received the letter from Mikan yesterday. When he read the contents and became aware of the connections, that finally decided his decision.
He was not going to let Mikan just ran off to some grand house working under a man "tall as he is"… He didn't like the sound of her describing him as the "kind, considerate man who let her have a one week trial to prove herself". Most of all, he can't sit around his home while Youichi constantly looks for her presence while she's away.
It was a constant reminder that he misses her too.
So coming here had many underlying reasons, all of them personal.
Natsume allowed himself to view the mansion for a while, his bag slung over his shoulder. His gaze at the mansion can almost be considered scornful, like it was a place too dangerous for Mikan to be working around.
"Whoever that guy she's talking about, I'll make sure I meet him…" he was thinking when all of a sudden, a black stately limousine that must've been worth millions careened onto the elegant driveway, causing the automatically maneuvered tall iron gates to spring open.
Natsume stood staring at the limousine on the side.
Eventually, the car stopped to meet him. The ebony windows lowered down and a blonde-haired man dressed in white butler uniform appeared.
"Are you lost?" the butler said demurely. He especially took notice of Natsume's handsome appearance.
Natsume stared at him.
"…Narumi," a man's voice called from inside the limo, "He wouldn't be standing there if he didn't need anything except look at the mansion. Ask him what he wants."
Judging from the demanding, business-like tone, Natsume knew it was him. He suddenly took interest.
"What is it you want, young man?" Narumi drawled, sounding very gay.
"…I'm here to apply as gardener." He replied, unperturbed.
When Ruka heard from inside, he waved his hand impatiently, "Good, very well. Narumi take care of it. He's hired. We'll be late for the reservation if we linger here any longer."
Narumi turned back to face the young man, "You're hired…" he hesitated, then added an after thought, "Come to the party later in the evening for the… orientation," he said suggestively. When Natsume said nothing but stare impudently, he took a small business card in his wallet, "Ah I forgot. Here." With a very feminine flourish, he handed an elegantly finished card with black lace on top to him over the limo's window.
"Present this to the La Casa en France downtown. They have the finest formal wear there…" He winked slyly at him, "Tell them Narumi wants you to be formally dressed up… And send him my compliments."
"We'll be waiting…" Narumi trailed off unpleasantly. The windows rolled up and the limo drove away, leaving Natsume alone to think about it.
What the effeminate butler suggested didn't bother him at all… To Natsume, the butler was merely a medium to meet his interest, which was to the voice of the man inside the limo... He was sure of it. From the way he talked efficiently with a hint of impatience, there was no doubt. It was him.
Ruka Nogi.
The youngest heir of the entire Nogi business.
Natsume had a feeling he was not going to like him no matter what.
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The fireworks display blazed across the night sky in dozens of brilliantly orchestrated colors and patterns when they arrived at the Tsukino mansion a little late from the appointed time.
Mikan, dressed in faint yellow and white long gown, animatedly engaged in conversation with a flustered and nervous Ruka as they walk towards the mansion's plaza, where the guests gathered.
The Tsukino mansion was almost as grand as the Nogi's, with just a little difference. There were more personal staffs and servants, all dressed extravagantly according to their positions. The security guards were posted tightly on all fours of the gates but only there were only a few guarding inside and the waiters handling trays of food and wine streamed endlessly as the guests took their places on the tables.
Mikan sighed in pleasure; she had never before seen anything as grand and beautiful as this… she remembered the best party she ever attended before this was the birthday of her upper-class schoolmate years ago, who was boastful enough to show her the wares and extravagances her family enjoyed. Well, this didn't compare to anything she ever attended. For once in her life, she found herself incapable of expressing herself.
The giant swimming pool of the shape and form of a fish glimmered under the soft lights of rows after rows of black elegant lamps lining vertically on the sides of the pool. The architecture planned for the party was splendid and grand; rare orchids and flowers were set up to hang by the terrace, around tables and chairs and on the stage. The hourglass-shaped tables were covered in dark green silk, topped with a material like that of satin, along with matching "fish" themes for the chair and other dining implements and silverwares. On the center of each table was an enormous piece of flower arrangement decked by the showiest and most fragrant flowers like peonies, magnolias, carnations, lilies and chrysanthemums, most of them in stately colors of blue, red and white. The long table where the food was placed, Mikan saw, was not a table; it was a feast of appetizing colors, texture and refinement. On it were all the foods she could named and could not; caviar with foie gras, roasted lamb and turkey, pate de foie gras, honeyed ham, truffles in cream, spicy anchovies mixed in sauce, lobster garnished with rare spices and herbs and other seafoods, garlic and French bread, and other hors d'oeuvres served on china dishes. The others were for Mikan to taste and guess.
She also noted the huge crystal ice display as centerpiece of the table was also in shape of a fish that jumped out of the water. It sparkled like a jewel in the cool evening.
"It's beautiful…" mouthed Mikan.
"And you are too," said a voice.
"Mr. Tsukino!" cried Mikan when she saw the old man. He was dressed quite finely for his age, Mikan thought. The black tie suit and the tiny blue peony he wore on his side matched his aging features.
"How were you?"
"Not half as bad as you are, my dear secretary! I didn't recognize you immediately."
"You too, Mr. Tsukino! You look—expensive!"
At the comment, they both laughed together. Like grandpa and his grand daughter.
Without looking at them, Ruka kept to himself, wishing to avoid the president's attention or even be mentioned. Though he felt utterly miserable for getting no special attention from the host of this celebration himself, it was better than having a word from him, which often was negative. God knows what the old man will say to him again…
"Ruka Nogi, the most famous wuss of a son of my closest friend, who sadly, passed away and left this abomination. I'm surprised he didn't pass on his good managing skills to you. You look especially awful tonight. If not for your kind, sweet secretary, I would have thrown you to the guards and not have you ruin my evening…" the old man would say. Or worst, he'd go up to where everyone was having fun and tell them how he disgraced having met Ruka and other incriminations about him. In the end, he imagined the president would simply break off their ties after all he said.
And that was the last thing he wanted. So he kept quiet rather than invite trouble.
"Look at you!" Mr. Tsukino said proudly, "You shouldn't be standing there when you should be out socializing with the young men and women..! You're wasting your beauty!"
Mikan laughed a little, then shook her head, "I'm sorry Mr. Tsukino. But I must be beside Mr. Ruka and—"Mikan had a sudden realization when she mentioned his name. She knew what was going on between the two of them… And now—
"Ruka Nogi…" the president pronounced slowly. His graying eyebrows met when he faced the apprehensive heir of the Nogi industry.
"So, we meet again… as though by some wicked kind of luck." He said, on the verge of anger. The only reason he kept it at bay was due to Mikan's presence, which made the aura softer.
"Yes, isn't that fortunate?" she joyously said between the two of them. Sensing the trouble brewing, she launched her plan, "Mr. Ruka was the one who insisted on letting me come here."
At this, Ruka whipped back and stared at her lying. He could not believe it.
"…And so I came. He even told me to give you this present Mr. Tsukino, as symbol of your budding friendship." She handed him the gift Ruka intended to give to him and watched the president's awestruck face before continuing, "He says his deepest regrets for ever disappointing you Mr. Tsukino, and would like to renew your ties." She smiled radiantly, then looked Ruka's way, "See, he meant all of it that he can't find the right words to say!"
Ruka did not know what to say. He can't believe his newbie secretary was bluffing to save him grace.
"And she's doing a good job too," he thought, allowing a tiny smile to grace his face, "Maybe it could work between the president and I… If so, now's my chance."
As though on cue, his secretary gave him a look that said it was time.
The president was an old man, Ruka knew, but he was also a doting grandfather who had not procured a grandchild from his only impotent and cowardly son. It explained a lot about his crankiness towards Ruka. Now this was beginning to shed light into things.
"Mr. Tsukino, would you like to open your present? I have it especially made by the finest—"
The old man was already tearing his gift apart from its tiny box. Obviously, wrappers were a nuisance to count on for gifts. He lifted the lid and found himself staring.
"It has my name on it." he muttered bluntly. He took the rectangular piece of plate from the box. It shimmered like a jewel under the lights. It had gold and silver engravings of the president's whole name, his affiliations and position. A long, sturdy-looking silver pin with a sharp edge was attached to the back of the ebony plate for the attachment.
Ruka supplied, "Yes, as you can see it's a name plate especially designed with granite and bronze plate—"
"Ah, a needle I see!" Mr. Tsukino fingered the sharp edge of the pin thoughtfully, finding it to be more nicer than the front of the plate or the fact that it had its name on it.
"I can use this to puncture those fluid-filled blisters! It's been pestering my foot since I've been walking barefoot on the pier. God damn abominations never give me rest from scratching. This, however, would do just nicely." He tuck it in his breast pocket carefully.
Appalled at the idea of having his hundred dollars gift only to be used as a needle, yet determined as ever to win the president's favor, Ruka decided to stoke the coals while it was still hot.
"Mr. President, that's a good idea!" he encouraged, then chose his words carefully, "But I know a better solution where puncturing isn't needed…"
Mr. Tsukino stared at him, both curious and suspicious, "What do you know?" he said rather doubtfully. Years of loathing the young son of his friend made him extra cautious.
Ruka nonetheless was not discouraged, "Puncturing hurts, even a little…. So, our company has especially formulated this painless anti-fungal cream and antibiotic…"
"…Hm. Yes. I see it." the old man listened intently as Ruka explained, then suddenly blurt out, "Is it expensive? If it costs more than a dollar, you can eat your product. I'd rather invest that one dollar in business rather than treat myself."
Unfazed, Ruka was not let down. If he knew someone more iron-fisted over his own money, it was Mr. Tsukino. The old man would elect to suffer from continuous rash rather than buy something expensive for it.
"It's free of charge, Mr. Tsukino." Ruka smiled genuinely, "It's yours."
At this, the president became even more suspicious than before, and suddenly Ruka knew what he forgot; anything that is given free has to have something behind it… an ulterior motive…
"Free? Don't fool me! Knowing you, I'd rather cut myself with a knife than accept your products free of charge."
To give a present was something. To give a second present as product was another. How stupid he was not to realize the fact. If this were a business deal he was signing on, he would've lost millions just because of his carelessness.
"Very well…" Ruka settled for the business man style, admit like he lost a good deal then offer his client a better alternative. "I originally sell it for a dollar, Mr. Tsukino… If you won't accept it, it's fine." He said, making himself appear as though he's as thrifty and scheming as Mr. Tsukino himself. But deep inside, he knew he will sell it for a dollar only to the president.
This plan worked and made the old man's face glow, "Good. I'm buying it."
Ruka smiled at him, finally knowing the key to his heart, "I have other products in range. Would you like to know? It all costs one dollar, Mr. Tsukino." He said, careful not to sound too grateful to be of help. A business man's blood may be hot, but it is made of gold, just like him.
On the corner, Mikan stood watching them and smiled to herself. Apparently, Ruka saw and nodded his appreciation to her. Heaven knows what he would do without Mikan, his newbie secretary… the fact that he was standing there at all, talking to the man he least thought he would find agreeable, was all thanks to her ingenious yet simple way of thinking. Ruka was almost keen to the idea that his secretary was his good luck charm, now that she had saved him again from an impending crisis…
With his secretary around, Ruka suddenly knew he could turn even the most persistent obstacles in favor of him.
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The guards of the mansion look suspiciously at the young man standing before them. Although he looked like he could be a guest with that very refined look and good stature, he had a queer feeling of being…poor. The guard knew from experience that anyone who had "a feel of being poor" around them has to be poor. No exemptions.
Natsume adjusted the collar of his tux calmly and gave an impatient glance, "Is there a problem? I'm a guest."
With his manner, he could easily be mistaken for a rich young man. Dressed in a black stately suit, his hair suave cleanly and neat, and his calm, quiet demeanor of carrying himself, he could pose as cover boy for most wanted bachelor and no one would notice he was as poor as the rats.
The guard stared at him, unperturbed by his appearance. It was part of his training not to be fooled by it. "This party requires an invitation, surely you have one if you're indeed a guest." He countered.
Natsume took this coolly. He took out something from his breast pocket, "Does this card suit you?"
Peering at it intently, the guard read it for a while, then shook his head along with a sly grin, "It's just a business card. One of the guest could've easily given that to you—"
"You didn't look closer." Natsume interrupted, his eyes seeming to flare with its intensity.
He didn't need another kind of obstacle like this. Natsume just suffered the harassment—or rather, 'treatment' from the effeminate fashion specialists and designers at the La Casa en France. They were all gay. Good thing he already had his suit on when he boxed the gangly manager squarely in the face for touching his shoulder. He forgot to tell them he wasn't very used to being 'touched' where he didn't want to.
Now this stubborn guard wasn't accepting his invitation, which was supposedly valid. Handing the card back to the guard for him to read, he waited as he saw him squint and frown at it like it was a difficult test question.
When the guard didn't look like he understood what he was reading, Natsume explained it for him.
"It says there the Cerulean Fishing Industry is one of its affiliates." He reasoned, and indeed it was.
The guard was made not to look like a fool in front of a guest--also part of his training. "Who knows what 'affiliate' means. It could just be an advertisement." He held on stubbornly.
By the time, another guard noticed the ruckus. He stuck his head out of the large gate post by the side and called, "Hey what's holding the line over there? Get it moving or your pay will be deducted!"
The guard shouted back, "This guest here has a business card as an invitation!" he mocked, "He says CFI is one of its affiliates, can you believe that?!"
"Yes, you'd better believe that! Fool!" the head of the security himself came out of the guard post, muttering his apologies, "I apologize for the lack of information of this guard, who was foolish enough not to recognize the black lace for V.I.Ps. Please, please come in."
Natsume had time to wonder and glance at the gilded card the effeminate butler gave him. On top of it, the silk black lace adorned its metallic surface.
"V.I.P?" he asked.
The head security nodded, "Yes, invitations especially for very important person." He articulated finely, wanting to impress after the recent fiasco of one of his men.
"Only a selected few were given that, including the owner of seven-star hotel, Nogi industry—"
At the mention of the name, Natsume immediately left the guard and headed for the gate and inside.
"He must be that much in a hurry…" shrugging to himself, the head of security ignored him and went back to the post. He had other matters to attend to.
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With a smile, Mikan watched the two become more close, if not more docile with each other. The hostility she felt in the president earlier came out of him like an aura, but it soon changed when the present was given. With her boss' preference and her taste, it turned out very refined and presentable at the same time, although it's purpose did not turn out as expected, she was glad it became the instrument to but the cold line between them.
She let herself one last look then walked out to the mansion's veranda, where occasionally few of the guests mingled. The last thing she needed right now was a 'rich' conversation about political issues, latest fashion trends and chunk down celebrities she had no idea of. Putting herself out of potential trouble, she stayed away as guests started to approach her and just remained out of sight.
It was a lovely evening that night. Hanging out on the veranda's railings made it even more sparkly, she sorely wished Youichi and Natsume were here with her... She could imagine Youichi trying to tell her complete name and Natsume would just stand there beside him, an occasional small smile gracing the corners of his lips as he observed his nephew. And then, they'd watch the fireworks together, just laughing and having fun. Mikan sighed and forcefully stopped herself from becoming lonely again. She could at least make herself happy while they were obviously not around. So she did.
From afar she could hear the faint whizzing and exploding of expensive fireworks, all in different colors and patterns amidst the velvety black night sky. The stars sprinkled across the heavens, the moonlight from the waning moon bright and mystical.
All around her as she stood by the marble railings, the view gave way to the picturesque scenery of the front botanical gardens of the mansion, with highlights on the wide black marble fountain on the center, just before the first steps to the mansion. It was a beautiful circular fountain with four tiers, the top one having a figure of a graceful angel with upturned wings holding a golden gourd with both hands where the water comes out. Mikan, having seen no more than a stream all her life, stared at this piece of structure with awe and bewilderment.
"Where does all the water come from?" she thought, "It looks like it has a never endless supply…"
Mesmerized by the fountain's magic, Mikan continued staring at it when she noticed someone approaching.
It was hard to tell who it was from the dim lights coming from the lamps… Mikan squinted at the figure… it may be just another guest but, she felt like she knew who it was…
And then, she saw.
As the figure approached, the appearance slowly became apparent. The tall, lean young man walked alone towards the fountain quietly as though cautious yet determined to come to the mansion.
And the first thing she recognized was his eyes. The dark, piercing crimson eyes she knew so well.
"Natsume…" she breathed.
As if hearing her whisper out his name, the young man stopped on his tracks in a moment that was eternal… and looked up at her from the balcony.
Their eyes met… Their gazes held…
Suddenly, Natsume knew the real reason he came here and endured everything.
"Mikan…" he thought and felt the same stirring feeling he felt when she left him.
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A/N: That's not much of a cliff hanger, I didn't really intend to make you readers wait out so long since I'm not too optimistic about faster updates (oops cross your fingers). So I have to finish it with Natsume's realization with his own feelings for his childhood friend :) heehehe… What about Ruka now, doesn't he share a part in this? But of course, he does. And don't forget, there are still two sister goddesses out on the heavens planning plots to promote or destroy these budding relationships. Mikan's luck has kept up with the necessary works, but will she have enough luck to manage the goddess' plan for her?
Next chapter: When the lights go out…
As usual, your opinions, queries, expressions, suggestions and requests for updates is very well accepted and encouraged.