Till There Was You


Sky Full of Stars


She took two weeks off from work to gather her thoughts and relax. And relax she did. Every day she went on a short trip to a place she had not been before. Sometimes her friends came with her, but mostly, she went alone. So she could think. She thought about this past year, and she thought about Natsume. She had realized he was not only an amazing singer, but also a wonderful person. A person she would have to forget. It would be hard with his face everywhere, but she would do it.

She visited old temples, climbed the Fuji (not to the top, it was winter after all), went to hot springs with her friends, and sat in traditional parks, enjoying the view.

Today she and Bear went to the park near her flat, where she usually jogged. She once again planned to spend the day here and relax. It was a cold, sunny day, and the wind made the branches move around. She played with Bear on the snow, throwing snowballs and laughing at his acrobatics. At one point, the dog got tired and lied down on the snow, rolling around and scratching his back on the ground.

''You silly dog.'' Mikan laughed and sat down next to him on a piece of wood, caressing his head. The dog calmed down and fell asleep. Mikan stared in front of her, watching the snowflakes and listening to the sound of wind. The air was fresh and she enjoyed the calm atmosphere. She was so lost in her world that she did not hear someone walk towards her. She did no hear him stop behind her and did not see him stare at her.

''You're hard to find, Mikan Sakura.'' He spoke up and Mikan jumped in surprise, turning her head to the side to see if she heard right. She did. Natsume Hyuuga in all his black-hair and red-eyes glory was standing there, gazing at her.

''Natsume-san!'' she exclaimed and the dog looked up, wiggling his tail in happiness. He walked towards Natsume and let him pat his head. Natsume sat down next to Mikan and stared in front of him. ''You know…'' he started. ''I've been looking for you everywhere these past days, but you were nowhere to find.''

Mikan stared at him, her heart rushing, and her cheeks flushing. She could not believe he was here. She could not believe he was actually sitting here with her. She touched his sleeve to see if he really was here. He looked at her and she removed her hand.

''I… I took a vacation and took a few trips around. I'll be home from today on until I start work again.'' She stuttered, explaining, still not really there. They were both silent for some time, but then Mikan finally came to herself. ''What- I mean… Is it safe for you to be here? Someone might-''

''Yeah, no worries. No one would notice me here unless they really looked.'' He gave her a half smile that made her heart fly. So much for forgetting about him.

''But last time-''

''Last time someone called the press. They had paid him good. There's no one else here now.''

Mikan nodded, wanting to ask so many questions, but not daring to. ''How… How have you been?'' she asked instead and gulped. It was hard facing him, and stay calm at the same time.

Natsume shrugged. ''Had to hide for some time until the press calmed down.''

''I'm sorry this happened in my library. I didn't know…''

''I know. It happens.'' He stared at her, feeling much better now that he had seen her after so much time.

''You've been looking for me?'' she finally smiled and his heart jumped a little. He seriously wanted to kiss her.

''Yeah…'' he pulled out seven tickets to the RED concert. ''I wanted to give you this. Come to my concert next week.'' Mikan stared at the ticket in confusion, but then took them. ''Why?'' She had a strange feeling with this. It made her a little frightened.

''Just come. Bring your friends. You have the front row.'' He smiled and Mikan looked at the tickets. Really. They were right in front of the stage. Natsume stood up and Mikan almost jumped after him. ''Natsume?''

When he looked at her again, she seemed as if she was about to go after him, her eyes wide and her hands shaking a little. She looked beautiful. ''Do you want to go for coffee? Tea?'' she rambled, just to keep him for herself a little longer.

He wanted to say yes of course. He liked her so he wanted to spend more time with her, but someone could see them… ''Maybe next time.'' Her shoulders fell. ''Come to the concert, Mikan Sakura.'' He told her and gazed at her for a few more moments. Then he turned around, waived his hand, and walked away. Mikan stared at him, the tickets in her hand. Mr Bear watched Natsume go, his tail wagging.

''Why does he want me on the concert?'' she asked aloud and looked at the tickets. She patted Bear's head and looked around thoughtfully. ''He's still the same.'' She smiled and hugged her dog. ''What do you think? Should I go or not?''

Bear nuzzled her ear and she giggled. ''I'll go of course.''

In the meantime, Natsume Hyuuga walked back home. Hope spread through his whole body like a bomb after he had seen her reaction. She looked like she was about to cry, but at the same time, he noticed her hand touching him. He wanted to stay with her and spend some time with her, but they could have been seen together and he did not want to cause trouble for her.

''Maybe this could be it.'' He whispered to himself as he entered a taxi and drove off.


''Just where the hell did you get these tickets?!'' Sumire exclaimed for the hundred times since they arrived at the concert hall. Mikan invited her girlfriends to the first RED concert after their almost a year long vacation. Thousands of fans have already been gathering at the gate, but Mikan was too nervous to notice.

''I told you, they were a gift from a customer.'' She smiled at Sumire and looked around. Sumire rolled her eyes and clicked her tongue. ''A rich customer I'd say. Do you have any idea how much do these tickets cost? They cost… They… I don't even know!''

''Lucky us we have Mikan as a friend, then.'' Nonoko smiled and tapped her friend on the shoulder.

''Just be happy, Sumire. These tickets have been sold out for months and we have front row. Enjoy.'' Commented Anna and took pictures of the mass of people around her. ''Man… How many people can be in here?''

''When does it start?'' asked Misaki and grinned like a child on Christmas eve. ''I can't wait anymore. This is so very cool. Mikan, you have the best customers in the world. If they always thank you like that, can you get me a job in the library?'' she joked and Mikan laughed.

''But seriously… Front row? That's…'' Nobara looked around in awe as they moved forward in the row to the main concert hall. It was taking long for the security guys to check the mass of people, but slowly more and more people got in.

Wakako and Yura did not say much for they were still in shock to actually hold tickets like these. It was crazy. The only sound they actually produced when the girls finally had their tickets cut, was ''Finally!''.

They walked into the huge concert hall, to the front, right in front of the stage. The hall was slowly filling with people and Mikan's heart sped up as the lights went out and the backstage workers made sure the lights work properly. Half an hour later, it started.

The mass of people went wild. Girls screamed as the first drums hit and announced the group. Lights travelled around the stage in a mix of red, blue, and finally golden. The audience drowned out the sound of the starting music with their screams, and thousands of flashes illuminated the place because of the entire photo taking.

The concert started.

The drums and the electric guitar started the music and the audience went even wilder once RED appeared on stage. Mikan's heart almost gave in. There he was. Standing right in the middle in front of his mic, his eyes closed, waiting for the intro to change into the actual song. And when it did, he opened his eyes, taking in the mass of people. He smirked. The screaming drowned out the music.

''So we're back again!'' he said before the song began.

In the middle of the night, when the angels scream,
I don't want to live a lie that I believe.
Time to do or die.

The audience sang with the group and so did Mikan. Her eyes were glued to the man that made her hope for crazy things, and her whole body felt like it was seconds before exploding. He sang perfectly, giving his all, his group supporting him. Mikan and her friends had fun and were laughing and screaming, and taking photos of RED.

The peak of the concert was when RED introduced their two new songs.

''So I wrote them during my vacation.'' Natsume grinned at his audience. ''I had an incredible inspiration and couldn't help myself but put this together.'' His eyes suddenly found Mikan and he stared at her so intensely, her knees wobbled. Her cheeks felt suddenly so hot, and her heart went so wild that she had problems to breath. His sudden gaze took her by surprise, and she was taken aback by how much it hit her. They stared at each other, the audience not noticing anything.

''I really hope you'll like it.'' He said before the music started. He did not avert his eyes from Mikan.

There were bells on a hill
But I never heard them ringing
No, I never heard them at all
Till there was you

There were birds in the sky
But I never saw them winging
No, I never saw them at all
Till there was you

Then there was music and wonderful roses
They tell me in sweet fragrant meadows
Of dawn and dew

There was love all around
But I never heard it singing
No, I never heard it at all
Till there was you

Then there was music and wonderful roses
They tell me in sweet fragrant meadows
Of dawn and dew

There was love all around
But I never heard it singing
No, I never heard it at all
Till there was you
Till there was you

As the audience screamed, Mikan did not hear them. She only heard him, saw him, and she had tears in her eyes and a smile on her face. Natsume smiled at her, and then finally looked at his audience. The hall went wild as the next song started and it continued until the very last song.

'Cause you're a sky, cause you're a sky full of stars
I'm gonna give you my heart
'Cause you're a sky, cause you're a sky full of stars
'Cause you light up the path

I don't care, go on and tear me apart
I don't care if you do
'Cause in a sky, cause in a sky full of stars
I think I saw you

'Cause you're a sky, cause you're a sky full of stars
I want to die in your arms, arms
'Cause you get lighter the more it gets dark
I'm going to give you my heart

And I don't care, go on and tear me apart
And I don't care if you do
'Cause in a sky, cause in a sky full of stars
I think I see you
I think I see you

Because you're a sky, you're a sky full of stars
Such a heavenly view
You're such a heavenly view

The whole hall screamed louder than RED sang and it just got wilder when the drummer and the guitarist improvised with the harmonies. And as the last beat fell, it erupted into a crazy euphoria of screaming, clapping, and calling for more.

It took a very long time before people started going out of the hall, but many still waited for the band to give autographs. They were all standing at each side of the carpet, to get a glimpse of the band. The girls did the same, and as the band walked out, more screams erupted. Mikan was sure he did not see her, but once again, he locked eyes with her and she was one of the few lucky ones who got something written on the piece of paper.

For a second, he touched her hand and she stared at him with wide eyes. Once he was away already sitting in the limousine, she took a quick peek at the paper.

Stay up tonight. Natsume

Mikan quickly hid the paper in her pocket and went to her friends.

''This was so cool! The best concert ever! And they were right in front of us!'' Sumire gushed enthusiastically.

''Mikan, you're the best for bringing us here.'' Anna smiled and hugged her friend. Mikan laughed, a little shaken from everything that happened tonight. Her friends threw themselves all over her, all happy that this event had happened.

And as they took the train home, Sumire and she the last ones on it, Mikan became nervous. Sumire did not say anything for a few moments, then she finally smiled at Mikan, speaking up with a soft voice that Mikan was not used to. ''So it was him, wasn't it?'' she asked, looking at her knowingly.

Mikan looked at her with her big eyes. ''It was not a coincidence that they found him in your library, wasn't it?'' The greenhead asked and put her arm around Mikan. Mikan blushed and looked down on her lap.

''I can guess you can't really talk about it yet, but once you think its' safe, you know I'm here, ok?'' she told her and mIkan nodded. ''Thanks, Sumire.''

''Yeah… I noticed the change in you, but I wasn't sure what it was that made you so… different. But tonight… The tickets… The staring…''

''It might be nothing.'' Mikan muttered.

''Nothing?'' Sumire looked at her. ''The guy wrote songs for you. If that's nothing than you'll be single forever.'' She joked and stood up because it was her stop. She looked at Mikan before walking out. ''Good luck girl.''

When the doors closed, Mikan sighed. ''I'll need it.'' But she felt more relaxed now that at least one person knew about her dilemma. All these months of hidden thoughts and growing feelings… Not a single person knew about them. Now, it seemed as if once again, her best friend figured it out. She was happy about it.

When she walked out of the train station and made her way towards her appartment complex, she became very nervous. Her heart beat like crazy and her hands were sweating. It was like the first time she fell in love. She was not sure what he actually meant. Should she wait for him to come? Or should she sit in front of the computer for him to skype her? What? Either way she would not be able to sleep tonight.

But she needn't have to worry about what to do, because there was someone waiting for her in front of the entrance door. He was wearing worn out jeans, a sweater with the hoody hiding his face and sneakers. Just two hours after the concert and he was like another person.

He heard her walking towards him and turned around, facing her. She stopped, staring at him with her heart in her throat, her hands shaking. She was so nervous she could hardly speak, but her body was stronger than her mind. She smiled as he pulled his hoody down and revealed his smiling face.

''Natsume…'' she whispered as she walked towards him again, this time stopping right in front of him, staring up into his eyes.

''Hey…'' he greeted and scratched the back of his neck. He was also nervous, she realized. They were silently staring at each other before Mikan took his hand. ''Can I invite you in? Would you like to drink something?''

He took her hand and gave her his killing half smile. ''Yeah… Lead the way.''

As they walked into Mikan's apartment, they stopped in the kitchen. Mikan was so nervous that her hands were shaking. Natsume was right behind her, and she did not dare turning around. She knew that if she did, she would literally fall into his arms.

She opened a few drawers and took out two cups. ''Can I offer you tea? I don't have anything else.'' She asked and almost jumed in surprise when she felt his hands around her hips. She quickly turned around and came face to face with a serious Natsume. Her wide eyes took in his expression; he wanted her and she knew she wanted him too. She was shaking all over now and her cheeks flushed as his hands traveled up her back to her neck and head and pulled her into his arms as his lips found hers.

She threw her arms around him and kissed him back. They pulled away a few moments later, staring at each other, breathing hard, and smiling widely.

''Kami-sama finally…'' Natsume muttered with a grin and found her neck to suck on it. Mikan giggled and squeaked as she felt him carress her neck. ''I thought this would never happen…'' she mumbled and without untangling themselves from each other, Mikan led them into her bedroom.

They did not wake up before noon next morning. And it was Natsume who woke up first. He laid next to her on his side, gently carressing her back, while she breathed calmly in her sleep. He watched her and found her even more beautiful. Her skin was pale and soft, and she was so sweet that he wanted to kiss her.

So he did. He started off on her back, and his lips traveled up to her shoulder and stopped on her neck, where he took his sweet time to mark her. Mikan stirred and woke up, her eyes slowly opening. She giggled as his lips tickled her and blew into her ears, and she quickly found his lips and kissed him back. Of course it did not stay by that. Although Mikan was a calm and shy girl, she was also a tiger in bed, Natsume realized.

Without even noticing when it happened, she turned them around and was already sitting on his lap, grinning down at him, her long hair tickling his stomach. He laughed as her fingers played with his face, then reached out and carressed her cheek, pulling her down for a slow and very long kiss.

And only after a few hours were they able to untangle themselves from each other and walk into the kitchen for breakfast. Or dinner if we looked at the time. Barefoot, and with a too big shirt on her body, Mikan cooked them something good to eat, while Natsume helped her cut the vegetables, wearing only his shorts.

They played around a bit, bumped hips, and stole kisses from time to time.

''You gave me a nice spot there.'' Mikan jokingly glared at him, talking about the hickey. Natsume grinned proudly and pulled her closer, kissing her sensually. ''You're taken. Let people know that.'' He told her breathlessly as they pulled away and made her laugh. ''I think it had been obvious for some time now that I'm more or les taken.'' She admited, her cheeks red.

Natsume nimbled at her ear. ''Yeah? Since when?'' Mikan could hardly concentrate with him distracting her like that. ''Um… It was since… Ah… Since you walked me home from the store… I think…'' she finally brought out and giggled again, as he bit into her ear.

''You've got to stop doing that or else you won't be eating for another hour or so.'' She told him pulling away and he smirked at her. ''You're lucky I'm hungry…'' He laughed as she rolled her eyes and turned away to take their food to the table in the living room. Natsume took two cups and filled them with some tea. Mikan put the pan with Yakisoba on the table and the plates next to it. They both put the food on their plates and sat down on the couch, turning on the TV.

''Natsume…'' Mikan started slowly, making him look up. She watched him with her big unsure eyes and he knew this was the time for them to talk. ''Is it all right that I… That it's me you're with?'' she asked, taking a sip of her tea. Natsume relaxed. He was afraid she would back off after they cooled down. He took a bite and gulped it down.

''I'll be honest here. I like you very much Mikan Sakura. And I know I stretched the whole thing by circling around the matter for so long, but I… I wanted to be sure. And when that thing happened with the press, I just got my answer… Because even though it became a big matter, I still wanted to be near you…'' he looked at her, his eyes shining in a way that made Mikan's heart beat faster. ''My manager asked me about it and we talked about what to do. I wouldn't be officially single anymore, but we would keep your name hidden… If it's all right with you. I just want to make it right. And I know I made you wait and most probably made you angry for that, but-''

''I understand. It's far more complicated when your job is the one you have.'' Mikan completed his sentence with a soft smile. ''I wasn't angry. I was sad because I thought this might never happen. But it did…'' she carressed his cheek and breathed out. ''I'm very happy that I can be with you. I… I think you've already noticed that… That I like you very much. I like… I'm…'' she was not able to express what she felt, so she looked him right in the eyes, cheeks blushing. ''I'd be happy if you were with me.''

Natsume put his plate away and leaned down to kiss her. Mikan did the same and they forgot about food for a few minutes. Once the snog session was over, they laughed it off and ate up.

''So how do we do this? I suppose normal dating is impossible.'' Mikan asked as they watched a movie in the evening. Natsume nodded. ''Well, I can be recognised if I don't watch out, but we can hang out like normal couples. But you won't see me without my shades and hat.'' He laughed.

''Hmm… Then you'll have to visit me more often.'' Mikan grinned. ''I suppose me visiting you would be more suspicious and would attract the press.''

Natsume looked at her. ''I wouldn't mind being with you the whole time. But we can make trips to wherever to have it more colourful.'' He suggested and Mikan smiled. ''That would be nice. Now… What about books? Will you stop coming to the library now that you've got work? I guess you won't have much time…''

Natsume smirked. ''Sure I can come, but not as often and maybe right before the end of your shicht, so to not be seen.''

''All right then. I have a few books ready for you.'' She smiled and laughed as he tickled her and made her lie down on the couch, leaning on his elbows above her, gazing at her. ''You're beautiful.'' He whispered and Mikan's eyes fluttered, her heart hammering.

She pulled him down and kissed him, breathing in his manly scent and playing with his hair. They enjoyed their evening on the couch and only later did they start telling each other more personal things.

''So I know you have a sister, and I read in the papers her name's Aoi. Do you have any other siblings?'' Mikan asked him, tucked in his arms.

''It's just Aoi and I. She's younger and she's a fashion designer. I think that underwear you had on was her mark.'' Natsume laughed and Mikan rolled her eyes. ''Our parents own a bakery nearby. Thank Kami the press didn't get wind of it. I think my dad wouldn't be able to handle it.''

Mikan giggled. ''What did your parents say when you decided to become a singer?''

''Actually, this whole thing wasn't that sudden, you know? We started in high school, just for fun, and we performed wherever we got the chance. Soon those small performances turned into bigger ones, and then we performed on national events and voila… The progress was slow and seemed… I guess… Natural… If I put it like that. It was no surprise for anyone, actually.'' He explained, pulling her closer. ''What about you? Why a librarian?''

Mikan thought about it. ''Now, don't misunderstand, I liked the orphanage I lived at. The people there were wonderful and I met nice friends in school, but you know… I often… When I was younger, I hid myself in a corner with a book and read stories about adventures, magic, and all that, and you know… It helped me grow up. Books are my world. I like them and I like the work I do, so that's why…''

''It's a nice job. Can't compare with mine, but, yeah…'' Natsume joked and Mikan hit him playfully on the shoulder. ''But I must ask you something else now. I've wondered since I met you, but the first day we met, you wore that hot hot hot outfit, then never again? What was the ocasion?''

''Aha… I knew I couldn't have caught your attention with just my brain.'' Mikan joked and Natsume pinched her in the arm. ''Ouch! All right all right. We had inspectors in the library. You know, they come once a year every year to have a look around and to see if everything works fine, so I had to make myself presentable.''

''Ah… And I thought you wore that every day.''

''Pff… Have you seen those high heals? I'd die the second day of wearing them, you know… I like comfortable things more.''

''I noticed. And you look good in them. Wouldn't have it any other way.''

They gazed at each other for some time, just like teenagers discovering the world of love. It was strange, Natsume thought. He had had a few girls in his life and many made him feel loved and happy, but Mikan here… She was like fresh air. He could not get enough of her. She was not that confident and loud. She was shy and reserved, and careful with people. But once she opened up to you, she was like a stray of sunshine, warming your heart and making your heart run a marathon. She made him think of her only. And right now, he could not imagine having any other girl on his side.

Mikan Sakura did not rock his world, as they would say. She made it calmer, more content, and enjoyable. She made him stop, look around, and relax. And it felt really really good.

He played with her hair.

Mikan closed her eyes and enjoyed it.

''I still can't believe you like me.'' Natsume muttered and buried his face into her hair.

''Couldn't help it. I admit, at first it was just the fan crush. I think you already know I'm in love with your music…'' she admited. ''But then I got to know you more and… I don't know…'' she pulled away slightly to look him in the eyes. ''You're just… The way you look, they way you think and talk… The way you smell…'' she smiled.

''You like the way I smell?'' Natsume smiled and stopped himself from telling her he liked the way she smelled as well. Mikan nodded. ''I know. I have a strange fetish. But your scent is wonderful. I can't get enough of it.''

She sniffed at him to show him and giggled when he got goose bumps. ''Which deodorant are you using, dammit?'' she pressed her nose into the crook between his shoulder and neck and enjoyed the warmth he was giving off. Natsume chuckled. ''Ok, I admit, I like the way you smell, too. Although, it's your shampoo that smells fatastic.''

They both laughed at their strange fetishes and eventually fell asleep on the couch. It had been the best time spent together and they could not complain about it. The next day was Sunday and they spent the morning together. The afternoon they had to separate because they had each planned to hang out with their friends. And so just after noon, they hugged for some time and bid goodbye.

When Natsume left, Mikan watched him go, her chest full of emotions and her heart beating like it would never see the light again. She sighed like a love-struck girl that she was and could hardly concentrate on anything. As she met her firends, she tried to behave normally, but she gave off such strong feromones and happy laughs that even the girls noticed the change in her. Sumire watched her with a knowing look and Mikan did not have it in her to deny it anymore. She did not say it out loud, but she was in love.

She was seriously in love.

So much that her whole body shined with unspoken emotions.

She was like a bloomed flower.

Her friends did not ask about it because they knew that she would tell them herself when she would be ready, but it was obvious that there was someone in Mikan's life who made her very happy.

Natsume looked the same. He grinned like a child the whole time and laughed at everything anyone said or did. He was in his own world, almost not hearing his friends talk about whatever. They knew about the girl that made him so happy, because they discussed what to do in case the press found out, and they wanted to know more about the woman who made the stoic Natsume so… expressive.

''Now spill already, Hyuuga.'' Ruka demanded with a smile and everyone laughed, because of course it had to be Natsume's best friend to speak up first.

Natsume rolled his eyes, but continued smiling. ''What?''

''Not what. Tell us what happened? You got a girlfriend now?''

''Yep.''

The men laughed. ''He can't even speak properly.'' One of his mate joked.

''Well? How is she?'' another wanted to know.

Natsume sighed like a girl and once egain laughter errupted.

''Man… He's lost. He lost his brain with her.''

''Did not!''

''She's that Sakura girl isn't she? The librarian I met in January?'' Ruka asked.

Natsume nodded. ''Yeah. She's… She's fantastic…''

His friends looked at each other with big eyes and surprised smiles. It was not like Natsume was cold or anything. He had had a few girlfirends who he liked very much, but speaking about it in that way… That was new.

He had never expressed such obvious infatuation. Never. And most ptobably, he already had several songs writen about this new love. They were all sure about it. They left the guy with his thoughts and chatted about this and that, Natsume not noticing anything. He was on cloud nine, thinking of Mikan and her voice and her body and her. He was so inspired that in the evening, he sat down in front of his computer, composed three new songs and wrote lyrics to them. He could hardly know that one of them would be the next hit, toping the charts for the next few months.

He did not know if he should call her later in the evening, but he did not need to worry because it was Mikan, who called him and they once again chatted for two hours, hardly waiting to see each other again.

Natsume could not help but feel that everyone around him was wrong. It was not him who was the star. It was Mikan. She was the star for him and until there was her, he had never felt that way. She was his sky full of stars.