Chapter 11
And So It Begins
Mikan finally recovered from her almost fall and cleared her throat awkwardly. She held out her hand nervously towards him.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Yamamoto."
Yuki smiled charmingly at her and rather than giving her a handshake, he kissed her hand intimately. "The pleasure is mine, Mikan. And please, call me Yuki."
"Err... thanks you for saving me just now, Yuki."
"I am always happy to save a woman from any distress."
Mikan smiled uncertainly at him My goodness, he is really quite good looking! Asuka was not kidding. And he's very charming too, a ladies man.
"If you'll excuse me, Yuki. I have to go to the ladies room. Thanks again for saving me."
"No problem. I'm very much looking forward to seeing you again." Yuki smiled suavely at her.
"Err... bye then." Mikan waved as she slowly walked away from him, being careful not to trip again.
She uttered a big sighed of relief when she finally reached her destination. She fanned her flushed face with her hands. Meeting Yuki Yamamoto was really unexpected for her. She felt embarrassed because it's probably obvious that she found him attractive. No man should be that attractive. She thought contritely.
Asuka entered the room and screamed excitedly at her. "Oh my God, Mikan. I saw what happened! It's like a romantic movie unfolding right before my eyes!"
"What?" Mikan asked. She suddenly feels stunned.
"I'm talking about Yuki Yamamoto! It's such a coincidence he's the one who caught you. And guess what, he looks quite besotted with you I must say. You're so lucky, Mikan." Asuka gushed dreamily.
"Asuka, you know I'm not available."
"I know... too bad. He's really quite a catch."
Mikan merely shrugged and checked out the time on her slim diamond studded wrist watch. She already stayed enough for the party and she badly wants to go home.
"Asuka... do you mind if I go ahead and left the party? I'm feeling rather tired and have a headache coming."
"Of course, I don't mind. Go ahead, I'll talk to the designer and informed him that you left."
"Thanks." Mikan replied gratefully.
Mikan just took a relaxing hot shower and donned on a beautiful pale pink silk dressing gown. She can't wait to go to bed and sleep. She was drying her hair with a towel when a sudden knock interrupted her hazy and sleepy stupor. It's already midnight and she never receive any visitors at this hour. She reluctantly opened the door and froze when she saw Natsume on her doorstep.
"May I come in?" Natsume asked seriously.
"What are you doing here?" Mikan asked in disbelief as she hurriedly tightened the belt of her dressing gown.
"I need to talk to you."
"At this hour? Can't it wait for tomorrow?"
"Please Mikan, let me in." Natsume asked, his eyes sombre and solemn. Mikan hesitated, it's already late and for some reason, she feels kind of nervous. They're last meeting did not exactly end in good terms. But... the silent plea in Natsume's voice is unusually like him. Mikan held the door open widely and steered him in.
Natsume strolled towards the living room and surveyed his surroundings carefully. It looks just like what the old Mikan would have like, white walls, chintz sofas and fresh flowers everywhere. He liked it on sight. The room is warm and inviting.
"Nice place you have here." Natsume commented.
"Thanks." Mikan replied cautiously.
Silence fell as Natsume appraised the pictures displayed on her center table. One is a picture of her and Hotaru doing their elementary days, and the other one was a picture of her and Nana-chan cuddled closely.
"Why did you come to see me?" Mikan asked impatiently.
Natsume raked his hand tensely on his hair. His back is facing Mikan but it's still apparent that he is filled with tension. "Did you meant what you said in Thailand? Do you really want to be with me?"
"Why do you asked? You don't really care anyway. Look Natsume, I'm really tired and I don't want to have another argument with you. I'm not in the mood for tolerating your insults. Can you please just go now?"
"Mikan... I'm sorry." Natsume sighed heavily as he faces her.
"What are you sorry for? You finally believe that I am not a slut who sleeps around?" Mikan demanded sarcastically.
"I admit that I was wrong."
Mikan's lips curled in angry amusement. "My, my, the great Natsume Hyuuga finally falls from his high pedestal. I never thought I will live to see this day."
"Sarcasm does not really suit you, Mikan."
"And so? I changed. I don't really care about what you think anymore. You know what, Natsume, I accept you're humble apology. I forgive you. Is that all you want to say to me? Because if it is, you can go now."
"If you remember, you still haven't answered my question earlier." Natsume countered softly, his voice deceptively calm.
Mikan blinked. "Do you really want to know?"
Natsume nodded curtly.
"Why the hell do you think that I will tell you?"
"Mikan... I really-"
"You don't deserve the truth anymore, Natsume. You don't want to listen to me back then and now, I don't want to tell you anymore."
"I have to know, Mikan... It really matters to me. So much more than you can imagine."
"You just don't know how to give up, do you? You just have to humiliate me further than I already am."
Natsume walked towards right in front of her. He lifted her chin gently and gaze at her face, his eyes unrecognizably dark. Mikan stared back defiantly at him.
"Idiot. The last thing I want to do is hurt you." Natsume murmured, his voice rough with raw emotions. Mikan stared at his face, suddenly mesmerised. A pained yet tender look marred Natsume's face. He caressed her cheek tenderly, his eyes darkening as he smoothed back her wet hair away from her face.
"Kiss me." Mikan ordered, her voice breathless.
Natsume grasped her waist and hitched her higher towards him as their lips met in a passionate and sizzling manner. Mikan clutched at his hair as he kissed her more deeply, her own lips responding to his fervent demand. He locked her legs on his waist as he pinned her towards a wall, his lips hungrily kissing her face and neck. Mikan moaned with pleasure when he found the sensitive area below her ear. She unbuttoned his shirt and her fingers shake unsteadily, her whole body trembling with need. Natsume kissed her again, so passionate and deep that both of them struggled for breath.
Natsume paused, his forehead resting against hers as they stare at each other's eyes. Both of them breathing harshly and trying to catch their breaths. "I f we continue to do this, there's no going back."
"I know..."
"I'm afraid my life still hadn't change, Mikan. I still can't promise you anything."
"I don't care."
"You can still walk away. You do not have to stay here with me. My life is unpredictable, Mikan. Everything is uncertain. For now, I can only offer you this moment."
Mikan's eyes misted with tears. Those were his exact words to her... seven years ago. Those exact words, is how their unconventional relationship began. And now... it's starting all over again. Pain is something she should have felt when she heard those words again. But instead, she actually feels... somewhat happy. Because it's Natsume. It's her Natsume. And no matter how hard she may try to deny it, he will always be her one great love. The first man she ever gave her heart... her first lover... and the father of her could have been child. He knows her like no man had ever known her, and it felt so good to be back in his arms again. Just being near him, being able to feel the warmth of his body... having him smile at her that makes her knees go weak every time. It feels awfully like coming home from a long exhausting journey. And she wants this... she wants him. She needs him. She's probably the biggest fool on the planet, choosing to be with someone who can't even promise to be with her for longer than a day. For what he can only offer her is so little... for some, ridiculously little... no love, no commitment, not even a single promise. Everything that is related to him is always a risk for her. She was never really a risk taker, but she learned to have the courage and take them... he taught her. It's better to take dangerous risks... than have bitter regrets that will haunt you for the rest of your life. Borrowed time is actually what you call the moments they spend together. For he can never be hers... Natsume is born to be special. He is born to do great things in this world. And that is something she hadn't realize back then. Because she naively believed that she can keep him to herself. That she can have all his love and attention and not share him with anybody else. That as long as she have him, she will be happy and contented. But now... she knows better. When it comes to Natsume, she would always have to share him with anybody else. Natsume needs to spread his wings and fly high... high above any of them will ever reach. She can only hope that no matter how far he went... he will be able to find his way back to her. And it's a risk she is willing to take... because of one simple reason... he's Natsume.
Before she can help it, a solitary tear fell down on her cheek. Mikan was deeply astounded and confused with the content of her thoughts. And Natsume is still waiting for her reply. She decided to give him the same reply.
"Then let's make this moment unforgettable."
A smile tugged down Natsume's lips as he caressed her cheek lovingly. His hand momentarily stilled as he remembered something.
"Christopher?" He asked gruffly.
"I broke up with him after I returned from Thailand." Mikan informed him, her eyes sparkling.
Natsume sighed with evident relief.
"Natsume... I don't want to demand anything, but I want to make things clear between us... I just want to know the rules this time."
"You know... after you, I never really wanted to enter another relationship again. My work is too dangerous. It will be too unfair for you if I asked you to always wait for me from every mission. Because we both know... I may not come back."
"I know that... I'm not expecting anything. I just want to be with you whenever you have time. All I asked of you... is to be faithful to me. I won't share you, Natsume."
Natsume's gaze became hooded and inscrutable. "You don't have to worry on that score."
"And one more thing... I think whatever it is that is going on between the two of us... we should keep it a secret. It will only complicate things if other people know."
"I agree. Let's keep it to ourselves for a while. And I have one favour to ask of you too."
"What is it?"
Natsume picked up her hand and traced the white scar on her wrist. "Promise me you'll never try to kill yourself ever again."
Mikan's mouth open and then closed again. Who told him? She only knows one person who will have the audacity tell Natsume... somebody close to him. Somebody who can't refuse him. Ruka Nogi.
"I promise. You don't have to worry on that score too."
Natsume eyes took on a teasing glint as he cupped her bottom and brought her closer to him once again. "Are we done negotiating?"
"Yes... first door on the right."
"What?" Natsume asked, his brows knotted in confusion.
"My bedroom. It's the first door on the right." Mikan whispered seductively on his ear.
Natsume laughed and then carried her bridal style towards her room.
Mikan never slept at all. At least, she pretended to be. She felt him moved when he first awaken. He got out from the bed, got dressed, and gave her cheek one last lingering kiss. When the front door finally slammed shut, that is the only time she dared to open her eyes. She got out from the bed, naked. She walked towards the bathroom and turned the shower on in full blast. She shut her eyes tight as the icy cold water enveloped her. She took the soap and scrubbed her whole body furiously. Every part that he touched... that he kissed. She scrubbed until her skin is red, until she's satisfied that she finally erased all the lasting effect of his possession. But she can't... she can't erase it. She can still feel his touch... and she remembers how much she enjoys it. Mikan threw the soap in frustration and sank down on the tiled floor. A loud whimper came out of her... an agonizing cry... from the bottom of her soul. She lost herself... she got carried away once again. After a long time, she finally stands up and stares at herself in the mirror.
"Be brave Mikan... you're halfway there."
Asuka sipped her cappuccino as she scrutinized her friend in front of her. There's something... different about Mikan. And she's not telling her about it.
"You look blooming."
"Me?" Mikan snorted as she picked up the spoon and stirred more sugar into her coffee.
"Which is really suspicious. What are you so happy about? Christopher is not here. You've been avoiding Yuki Yamamoto's invitation for a date. So who is it? Could it be the tall and handsome stranger with the amazing crimson eyes who demanded to see you one month ago? I must say I was really surprise when he walked inside the Ritz-Carlton Hotel and demanded that I give him your address. "
"Don't be ridiculous, Asuka." Mikan snapped at her friend, her face flushed with guilt.
"So it is him... Natsume is his name, right?" Asuka teased her friend relentlessly.
"Look Asuka, he's just a friend. Nothing else."
Asuka rolled her eyes dramatically. "Yeah right. I heard that before. Just as long that you're happy, then I'm fine with it. Why are you so uptight anyway? Is it because we've been working non-stop?"
"Actually... yes. I'm tired of modelling, Asuka."
"Don't tell me you're quitting? You're only 24, far too young to retire! You know what, what you need is a break. Why don't you come with me to Paris? The fashion week there is going to start next week. We'll have such a blast! We will only have to do a couple of runway shows then after that, we can have some much needed rest and vacation."
"Asuka... I can't leave. I have commitments here."
"Then cancel them. Be impulsive for a change."
"I'll think about it, I promise. Now what time is it? Our 30-minute break is probably over. Where the heck is my watch?" Mikan asked in panic as she realized she's not wearing it. She cannot possibly afford to lose it. It's a birthday gift from Hotaru three years ago.
"Relax, you probably left it in your apartment. You're not wearing it when you came to the set." Asuka assured her friend as they walked back towards the studio.
"This is really nice. Thanks Natsume." Ruka grinned at his friend as Natsume's yacht sailed smoothly on the waters. Natsume offered to take them as a treat for Nana and baby Kei.
Nana clapped her hands in delight as she surveyed a dolphin swimming not faraway from them. Kei, bundled in a warm blanket merely sleep cutely on his father's arm.
"Nana is having so much fun. Thanks, Hyuuga." Hotaru said, complimenting him with one of her rare smiles.
"No problem. It's my pleasure."
"You've been gone for quite a while. Where have you been this past month?"
Natsume shrugged one lean shoulder. "Here and there. It's because of my missions as usual."
"I really wish you could be home more. So... you have not seen Mikan since then?"
"No... we both decided, it's better that way." Natsume announced, turning his face away from Hotaru.
Hotaru patted Natsume's back comfortingly. "I'm glad, Hyuuga. But it's really better this way."
"I know. Thanks for the concern."
Kei suddenly cried and Ruka tried to soothe him unsuccessfully. "I think he's hungry."
Hotaru took the baby from her husband's arms and it cried fretfully when he saw her. "He's definitely hungry. Where can I feed him?"
Natsume motioned towards the stairs at the back. "Go ahead and take him to my bedroom."
"Thanks." Hotaru replied gratefully as she hurriedly went downstairs.
Kei immediately hushed his crying as she started feeding him. After a few minutes, his thick dark lashes started to blinked sleepily at her again. She laid him on the bed and placed two huge pillows on his side. She was about to leave when something shiny on the carpet caught her eyes. She picked it up and froze when she recognized it. She paled when she realized to whom it belongs. It's Mikan's. She gave the watch to her during her birthday a few years back. Shock and anger vibrated inside of Hotaru. Mikan has a lot of explaining to do.
OMG, they're finally together. What a long chapter. I haven't realize it until I finished the whole thing. I just write and write and write one sleepless night. I hope you all like the chapter! I find it hard to write this one and I hope you guys appreciate the effort. Don't forgive to me a review, comments, suggestions, questions… anything will be appreciated.
Author's notes:
I'm already expecting it that some of you will be deeply troubled with Mikan's behavior here. She in battle with herself. She hated herself for succumbing to Natsume's charms too easily. Revenge is still in her agenda. But it looks like she's weakening?? We will see more of Mikan's conflicting emotions as her and Natsume's relationship progresses. At least be happy guys that Mikan is acknowledging the fact that she may actually still have feelings for Natsume… although very reluctantly…
Did Mikan really break up with Christopher? What do you think, guys? I'm sorry but I cannot really reveal that right now.
The character of Yuki Yamamoto will stay hidden for a while. He will appear again and play an important role in the later chapters.
Expect a big fight between Hotaru and Mikan. Hotaru definitely wants to stop Mikan and Natsume's relationship. How will Mikan react?
To the following readers who caught my attention:
lilmissmex3-- Yup, you're right… Asuka is like the old Mikan. Natsume did not saw Mikan in Yuki's arms… this time…
nxm4liphe-- I'm a big supporter of nxm too… Don't worry, Mikan is just a little attracted to Yuki's good looks.
TangerinePrincess-- I think I'll bring back Zi Shu in the later chapters… maybe his wedding and then I'll introduce her fiancée…
Fujiwara Yuri-- Mikan is just a little infatuated.. don't worry… she still loves our Natsume…
Youichiix33-- I'm so surprise that a lot of you really like Zi Shu… due to popular demand, I think I'll bring him back.
EzMouse-- thanks for the long review! You're really such a great reader… I so love you. :) I hope I didn't disappoint you and like the new chapter. I love special a too! Kei is kinda like Natsume don't you think?
akerue-- haha… yuki is still young and too handsome to die…
NaughtyAngel12-- thanks, another Zi Shu fan… I think Kei is going to be smart just like Hotaru but friendly like Ruka… aint that a good combination? This is really a long chapters, hope you like it.
Kurenai Chou-- of course, I would be glad to be your friend…thanks for the long review, I appreciate it… Kei has hotaru's brain but friendly like Ruka… I'm still busy with this fan fict and I will probably continue the perfect ending after this…
sayeessha-- thanks for the sweet hug… I hope I didn't disappoint you and you like the chapter… it took me such long hours and honestly, I'm still a little uncertain about it…
ichigo kimmie-- thanks for the sweet comment… I really try to make my work as detailed as possible… hope you like nxm scene in this one…
-KuroTenshi11--- yup, call me pre-chan, kuro-chan… what do you think of this chapter?
pLumBloSsoM07-- of course I appreciate your review! Very much… I'm glad that you like my other fan fict because it's really different compared to this one…
Misaki-chan-- nice guess… yuki seems like a playboy isn't he? Yes the plot tends to become more complicated each chapter but I hope some things became clearer for you.
aegyo-- Yuki is indeed a match for Natsume… aren't you excited what will happen if they meet and how will Natsume react? Haha
mizusuwings124-- sorry you seem not happy with the new characters… but they are really essential in this story… you'll see…
xxFLaMiNG MiLCuTexx-- haha, I'm jealous of Mikan too… she's really pretty and kind… I guess that's why a lot of men are flocking on her feet…
k0nek0-- trust me, Yuki is handsome… that's why he got Mikan's attention… but of course, Natsume is still more dashing… hehe… I'm a loyal nxm fan…
anime728-- thanks… I'm really flattered because you said this is the best fan fict… that's really amazing…
AlmightyAngel-- are you kidding? You can flood all my emails and I will still be too happy… you're really a great reader… hope you like the new chapter…
Amaya05-- I really appreciate your persistence… thanks… here's the new chapter… right on schedule…
ichirukiXnatsumikan-- glad that you like the new chapter so far… what do you think of the my new big chapter?
niceladysakura-- Natsume will not find out about the baby just yet… definitely later on… thanks for the long review…
jazzflame-- haha, nice guess… who knows it may be true? I will neither confirm nor deny… don't hate me… speaking of Keiko.. she's not really out of the picture just yet…
zxain100-- wow, thanks for always reading my stories…
KMAC 08--Christopher is in America, working something very important…