Chapter 2

The Jaguar and the Untouchable

Christopher and Mikan entered the huge ballroom. A lot of people turned and watched the aptly paired couple. The men were admiring Christopher Fujioka for being able to escort the elusive beauty. The women were staring jealously at Mikan because she's with one of the most sought after bachelor in Japan. One of those eyes that glared angrily at Mikan is one of her rival model, Keiko Hamada.

"They are such a beautiful couple!"

"I heard he is going to propose to her tonight!"

"How romantic! I bet it's going to be huge wedding, considering he's a rich photographer and she's a popular model."

Keiko's beautiful mouth tightened angrily. She alwaysmanages to outshine me in anyway, that bitch! Keiko clasped her purse tightly at her side. Keiko has always been in love with Christopher. He is probably the reason why she entered the world of modelling in the first place. For her, he is the perfect man. And she can't believe that he slipped out of her fingers four years ago. She was very sure that he's also falling in love with her as well. But everything tumbled down since that fateful day he discovered Mikan SakuraShe has stolen everything, her career and her true love.

What even pisses her off the most is that Mikan seems to be totally unaffected with Christopher's affections. She barely even notices him. She's the only girl that he had courted for so long. And she doesn't even care.

A year before Mikan came into the scene; Keiko was the most sought after model. She was paid the highest and became the cover of all fashion magazines. She almost had it all, except for Christopher's love. When Mikan Sakura came, she caused quite a stir in the modelling industry. Granted Mikan is very pretty, but there are a lot of other prettier girls. What separates her from the rest is this mysterious aura around her. Even during her start, she has always been different from the other girls. She's always serious and rarely laughs. Modelling is obviously not her passion. Her eyes are filled with deep dark secrets that seem to entice everyone to discover its depths. And nobody has ever done it yet, not even Christopher. What is really behind Mikan Sakura's sad and poignant look? What has happened from her past? And thus, because of her aloof and distant manner, she became known in the modelling world as The Untouchable. It became her nickname. Her popularity increased even more.

She watched as the couple danced and glide smoothly on the dance floor. Jealousy and hurt is burning inside of her. After all these years, she should be used to seeing them together. But she still can't let go... Christopher is her first love.

A tall and handsome man passed in front of her, temporarily blocking her view of the couple. She gasped as she took a glimpse of his face. He's gorgeous! He is just the way she like her men, tall, dark and handsome. She decided to approach him later. She really needs something to take her mind off Christopher. And lust can do that.

Natsume sipped his champagne appreciatively. It's really nice to come into such an affair like this every once in a while, where he get to socialize with some of the richest people in the world. He conversed politely with some of them. A few of them knew his name, those who have been to America particularly. He's very well known as a stock investor. He found out that he has quite a knack in it. Wherever he invests his money, it would surely double no matter what. He is considered a genius.

Nobody really knew his real work for the US government. When he was still studying in Alice Academy, his underground name was Kuro Neko or The Black Cat. His underground name changed after he came to America. He is now known as The Jaguar, a much stronger and faster specimen, but still the same black cat.

He felt his cell phone vibrated in his pocket. He answered the call right away. Only his superiors know his phone number.

"Hello?"

"Jaguar, I'm afraid your target can't make it tonight. Your mission is abort."

"I understand."

"We'll call you again when you are going to continue your mission."

"Yes, sir."

Natsume felt a little relief. He's not really in the mood for fighting tonight. He drained his glass of champagne. He is probably going to stay for another hour or so. Probably hook up with one of the women here. He walked out of the ballroom and decided to explore the huge gardens for fresh hair.

Mikan swayed with the sweet music. Christopher's arms around her felt comforting and safe. She rested her head on his shoulder. His warm breath tickled her ear. This is the perfect moment.

"Enjoying the night, Mikan?" He whispered on her ear.

"Very much."

"Were you thinking about my proposal?"

"I think I'm considering it." She smiled playfully at him.

"Don't worry about me, honey. I can wait. Think about it for as long as you like."

"Why don't you get us some champagne? I have to tell you something."

"Sure." They walked off the dance floor and settled on their table. Mikan smiled at his retreating figure. From the time he comes back, she's going to tell him that her answer is yes. She feels a little ecstatic about it. She scans the crowd in front of her, hoping for some friendly face. She knows that Sumire and Mochu are coming tonight. She is probably going to invite them to celebrate her engagement later after the ball.

A tall familiar man caught her attention. He is talking on his cell phone and standing by one of the pillars. She can't see his face since his back is turned towards her. There's something familiar about him. His dark bent head, the way he stands so confidently. He's like... Her heart suddenly began to pound rapidly. It's him!

The man strolled out towards the gardens. She dazedly began to follow him. Is it really him? Her knees quiver and she had difficulty in walking. Her hands are sweating and shaking so much. She barely noticed the cold air as she reach the garden. Where is he? She turned her head around her, hoping to see the tall figure. She runs towards her right, her chest panting with effort. He is still nowhere to be seen.

She began to look wildly around her, tears of frustration forming in her eyes. Has she imagined him? Wanting it so much to be him? No! It's him. She's sure of it! She runs towards the back of the garden, and he is still nowhere to be seen. She looked everywhere but still hasn't found him.

She sat exhaustedly on a nearby bench. Her shoulders hunched in defeat. Tears began to stream down her cheeks uncontrollably. Mikan, you idiot! Why are you still looking for him? Why? Why are you still pinning for the man who abandoned you? The man who lied to you? The man who doesn't give a shit about you? Why?

She sobbed and she covered her face with her hands. Her chignon is in disarray from running. The hem of her gown is dirty with dust. Her face is probably devoid of make up with all the crying. The cold wind blows harshly around her. But its coldness can't even compare to the coldness that she feels inside.

Natsume walked lazily around the garden. The night sky is filled with a lot of bright stars. It is one of the things he missed in Japan, unlike in America where the stars are scarce. It used to be one of his favourite habits back then. Climbing the Sakura tree and staring into the vast twinkling sky, or hanging out in his balcony, waiting for shooting stars to come by. Most of the time, she was with him... staring together, dreaming together... for the dreams that never even had a chance to come true.

It's really cold out here. He thought. He was about to return to the ballroom when a sound of a woman crying caught his attention. Where is she? He hesitated for a moment then decided to look for her. It's really cold and the woman might catch hypothermia. He followed the sound of sobs and found a woman in a red gown with her face covered. She is sitting under a huge tree that the moonlight shadows her features. Her hair and dress are so disordered that an ardent suitor might have caused this, hence, she is crying. He thought smartly. He took out his handkerchief and walked towards her.

"Hush, lady. I'm sure he is not worth your tears. " he said gently. The unknown woman gasped and raised her head.

"Are you alright? Here, take my hankie. You should go back inside. You might catch a cold or something."

Mikan took his hankie robotically. It's really him, it's Natsume! She swallowed painfully as she observed his features. He's still the same Natsume but his features became more mature. He has always been handsome, but now, raw sexual magnetism surrounds him. She bet her life that he is still popular with the ladies. He has still the same smouldering crimson eyes that seem to pierce right into your soul. He's gotten taller and tight hard muscles are obvious even under his tuxedo. He is still the most beautiful man for her, the only one who manages to take her breath away.

"I'm okay." She answered in a weird hoarse voice, must be because of all the crying.

"Are you sure? Do you want me to assist you inside?"

"No." She answered breathlessly. Her heart is thumping wildly inside of her.

"I'll be going then. I don't really want to interrupt your solitude. Take care of yourself, lady." He turned and walked away from her.

Mikan stood up hastily and reached out her hand to beckon him back. "Natsume..." She whispered weakly. She's feeling dizzy, her vision doubling as he stared at his retreating figure.

But it's too late, he is already far away from her to hear. She fainted and fell helplessly on the ground.

Hotaru sighed and put down her tools. It's no use. She can't concentrate on her work! Something bad is happening to Mikan, she is sure of it. Her instincts are never wrong. She must return to Japan immediately.

"Ruka! Come in here." Hotaru shouted from the basement.

"Yes, my love? Are you alright?" Ruka came down, his arms cradling a sleeping blonde and violet eyed toddler.

"Let's go back to Japan. I'm worried about her."

"Absolutely not. It's very dangerous for your condition. Even if we want to, we can't! No airlines will allow us to fly in your condition." Ruka protested.

"Then let's use the jet I invented. I will even fly it by myself. I'm a licensed pilot after all." She smiled at him.

"Hotaru!" Ruka shook his head adamantly.

"Please." Hotaru whispered and looked at him with her beautiful violet eyes that look so sad at the moment. She learned to use that trick a few months after they got married 3 years ago, and her husband just can't simply resist it. It's a better tactic than bullying and blackmailing him like she used to do.

"You're not being fair, darling. You're using the look. That's cheating!" Ruka laughed and kissed his wife's cheeks.

"Let's go pack. I want to be in Japan by tomorrow evening."

"Fine. Are we going to bring Nana-chan?" Ruka motioned to their sleeping daughter.

"Yes, I'm sure Mikan misses her god daughter."

"Fine, I am just going to make a few calls to alert the clinic that I am going to be gone for a few days."

"Thanks darling." Hotaru hugged him tightly, with their daughter Nana between them.

She changed so much these past years. She's not the same cold and unemotional Hotaru. It's really true that motherhood changes all women. She's now a caring housewife and a mother. She still loves money, her greed for that had not changed at all. But she wants money for her daughter Nana, so she will be able to live comfortably in her life. That is why they migrated in Russia; because the money offered for her job is irresistible. It's no problem at all since Ruka has always understood her work.

Right now, life is perfect for the Nogi family. The only thing that causes pain and worry in her heart is whenever she thought about her best friend, Mikan. It's not fair that life is so cruel to a sweet girl like her. She desperately needs some happiness. She was never truly happy since Natsume left... that stupid bastard! She thought bitterly.

After Mikan's attempted suicide, she swore that she will protect her best friend no matter what. But who knows... maybe Christopher Fujioka is the guy destined for her. And she will make sure that everything happens smoothly. She has to see her best friend getting engage. And she will be damn if anything or anyone will hurt Mikan ever again.

Natsume swore when he saw the lady fainted on the ground. He came back because his conscience is bugging him. He just can't leave her there; she looks so lonely and agitated. He brushed off her long hair that covered her pale face. He felt his jaw dropped, his hold unconsciously tightened on her frail body.

"It's you..." He whispered incredulously as he studied the only woman he ever love. He gripped her body closer to him, his body responded immediately. Even after all these years, his body still recognizes hers. The explosive passion that they shared is something unforgettable. He explored every inch of her body, made her his in every imaginable way.

He carried her light body inside his red Ferrari. He just can't bring himself to take her back inside the ballroom. What is he thinking? Stealing her away like this? Her fiancée is probably inside, worrying about her.

"Damn." He swore as he wiped the sweat that glistened on his brow. What the hell, seeing her tonight was really a shock for him. He never thought that their paths will ever cross again. He knows that he hasn't really forgotten his feelings for her, but he is still not prepared to the myriad of powerful emotions that rushed over him, especially this desperate feeling of need andlonging. He started the engine and drove back towards his yacht, rational thinking is completely forgotten.

He took a glimpse of her sleeping face, so innocent at the moment. She's so beautiful. He wondered if she also recognized him back at the garden. He wondered what will happen if she wakes up. He wondered... if she still feels something for him. Dammit, Hyuuga! What are you doing you fool! Stop your idiotic thoughts. She's engaged. She has her own life now. But... his eyes lingered on her face, his doubts vanished instantly. Screw the consequences, I want her for myself. He thought. He parked his car and carried her towards his yacht.

Yeah, Keiko is back! Wahaha. To those who are not reading my first fan fict, her character first existed there. I'm too lazy to think of another name and character for a villain.

It's kind of interesting that I made Hotaru and Mikan's personality switch. So much has happened in their lives. It's a nice change I think. I name Ruka and Hotaru's child Nana-chan, in honour of Nanami's character in Bokura ga ita. Really love that anime.

Yes, Mikan can't have a baby anymore. so sad, I know.

Please rate and review. I really enjoyed writing this one. So different from my other fan fict.