Thank you so much for those who reviewed, favorited and followed. You guys are awesome. Now here's the second chapter. Please review! It would mean the world to me for your feedback. I love you all for your support and encouragement.

Disclaimer: I do not own GA.

Sincerely, SilverMeaning of Life and Love ^_^

R&R


Chapter 2- To have and to hold

Mikan watched as Natsume packed his suitcase. She marveled at his strength and beauty. She glanced out the window to see the hospital grounds. She has never been out of the academy for so long. She knew that this is the place, here with Natsume, is the only place she wants to be.

Mikan's Pov

I'm 18; it's my turn to be happy with Natsume. No matter what sacrifices I had to make, I won't give up on him or us for that matter. If I can make him happy, even if it's for a year… I won't ever forget him. I'll love him to death; in this case it's true. I continued to stare at those families out there. They should be thankful that they have someone that loves them and isn't dying.

"Hey. What are you thinking about?" he questioned as his arms enveloped me. He kissed my cheeks and brought me to my feet.

I smiled up at him, "Just thinking where we are going and what you want to do."

He grinned mischievously, "Wouldn't you like to know. It's a secret, strawberry print."

3…

2…

1…

Everything clicked. "Natsume! You pervert!" I screeched. I chased him around the whole hospital and all I saw was him laughing.

I jumped him in the garden. He lay still, but I could feel is laughter building up from his chest. I couldn't help the giggle that bubbled through me.

"You are a baka," I deadpan. I held him down with my orange sundress falling all over his torso. I watched as he squirmed.

"You are heavy. What have they been feeding you in the hell hole? A tractor?" he smirked.

I admired his attire. He was wearing a classic royal blue buttoned down shirt that showed his muscles. I smiled at the thought of holding him so tight. His black denim jeans hanging loosely on his hips made me think of naughty thoughts. I turned to face away from him.

He grabbed my face with his hands. "Why are you blushing, baka?" he smirked.

I pulled away from his grasp. I stuttered, " I'm n-not b-blushing. I think you need glasses. You might be going blind." I stared anywhere but at him.

Suddenly, I was on the grass and I stared in wonder at him. He glared and sat on me. He held my hands pinned down with his. He made me face him. I couldn't stop myself from blushing. I fidgeted under his intense gaze.

"Natsume, can you get off? This is uncomfortable." I muttered. I gazed at the flowers surrounding us. I smiled at the tulips and the lilies that surrounded us. This was a beautiful scenery and I couldn't help but looking up at him.

"Isn't this beautiful, Natsume? Look, the flowers are blooming all around us." I giggled.

His eyes held warmth and playfulness. His mouth was in a smirk. I knew he couldn't resist.

"I've wondered, time after time, why I like someone so childish and as dense as you, and then you say things so innocently. Your smile is so intoxicating, don't you know that? Even when you're in this type of position under me, you manage to look so calm." He thought aloud.

I smiled, "I've asked myself the same question. Why do I like a pervert, a smart ass, and a big pain in the butt like you? Then, you give me those smiles that make my heart melt. The way you look at me and how your arms protect me like they always do. And, your sweet words that you dedicate to me could only make me fall harder for you, time after time. Believe it or not Natsume Hyuuga, you can't get rid of me; just like I can't get rid of you." I confessed.

He was speechless. He stared at me with those warm and kind eyes. He's the man that I can't live without.

He leaned down to me. I closed my eyes, wondering what he was up to. Then I felt him. I felt his hair tickle my chin as he kissed my collarbone, and then made his way up to my jaw. I could breathe his sexy Calvin Klein cologne. It was intoxicating. He started on the base of my neck. I could feel my breath hitch. I could feel his smile as he continued to my ear, leaving little butterfly kisses. He reached my jaw and kissed me all the way to my forehead. I felt his breath on my eyelids as he kissed each one and then to my nose. He rubbed his nose against mine and then kissed me passionately. I took him in. Everything he did invited me in. I just couldn't say no.

After the passionate lip lock, he stared into my eyes and pulled me up. I was standing and glanced around, and saw all my friends. He kneeled before me and watched me. He reached for his pocket and I felt myself go still. I knew what he was doing. I felt tears pricking my eyes. I couldn't help the smile that dressed my face. There he was, kneeling there as he pulled a velvet box and opened it, revealing a beautiful diamond ring.

"It's beautiful." I cried. The ring was simple. The band was made of a sliver vine that was covered by two Sakura flowers. Inside the beautiful diamond ring was a stone that looked like a fire. His fire.

"Will you, Mikan Sakura, be my wife?" He proposed.

"Of course, is that even a question?" I grinned. He slipped the ring on my finger and gave me a slow chaste kiss.

Everyone around us cheered. I looked around and watched as all the people whom I cherish and love, stand before me and wish us eternal happiness.

I couldn't contain my blush, which I knew he loves to see.

Hotaru hugged me and gave me one of her rarest smile. "Baka, you better be happy."

She turned to Natsume, "You hurt her in any way, I won't hesitate to beat the living shit out of you."

Ruka slapped Natsume on the back of his back. "Took you long enough. I'm happy for the both of you. Now get out there and enjoy your lives."

Natsume stared at me and gave me those secret smiles, even though they didn't reach his eyes, I knew he was happy. That would be enough for me. As long as he is happy, I will be happy too.

"When's the wedding?" Koko popped up from the crowd.

I turned to Natsume and gave him a questioning brow. He smirked and cleared his throat. "Everyone thank you for coming out here at such short notice. I hope everyone would be able to call in sick for this whole week. We are going on a cruise and the wedding will take place in 3 days. So, please pack your belongings right away."

"WHAT!" Everyone exclaimed.

"How can we be sick for a whole week?" Yuu asked.

"Are you crazy?" Permy questioned with narrow eyes.

Natsume smirked. "If you guys can't make it, then I'm sure we will get along fine without you. Besides, all I need is this idiot with the stupid smile and the tears in her eyes."

"Natsume, you can't expect them to drop their jobs for our wedding. That's unreasonable." I scolded.

"That's the point. All I want is you. All I need is you. I don't need anyone or anything else. But, I know how you would want me to give them a chance to be there, if my demands are unreasonable, then I do apologize." He shrugged.

"You are such a selfish man," I winked.

"Then, it's settled. Everyone, be ready at 9 o'clock sharp. If you are late, we'll leave without you. "He turned and grabbed my hand.


**** The Wedding day!*****

I can do this. I love him, I know that. Why am I so nervous? I thought to myself.

I stared at my reflection. My hair was in a waterfall braid. The white veil hid the blush very well. My lips were dressed with lily pink lipstick. My eyes gleamed with excitement and were decorated with black eyeliner. My smile never faltered. I knew what I wanted. I knew everything, yet I felt nervous. I didn't understand how I could be so uneasy marrying the man I love. It felt unreal. My dress was strapless and so beautiful. (AN: see the dress on my profile)

I glanced around my room. The red velvet curtains gave the room a sinister glow. Gold light slipped in and welcomed me with its warm embrace. I glanced at my future bed. The bed I would share with Natsume. It would be the bed that would literally watch as I am deflowered, as he deflowers me. I smiled at the thought, the thought that Natsume would be my first and last. He would be gentle of course, but picturing his smirk as he watched me, as I would break down the walls so he could see everything. He would be the one to see everything that used to be a secret out in the open. He would break down walls, barriers, even the chains that guarded my heart. He would be the one I had been able to truly be myself.

"Mikan, it's time," Hotaru gave me one of those secret smiled. She was dressed in a beautiful purple dress. ( AN: See the dress on my profile)

"I know. I'm so nervous, Hotaru. I don't know if I can do this," I gesture to the red satin sheets on the luxurious bed.

"Are you nervous over marrying Natsume or the fact that he is going to take away your virginity?" She smirked.

My face was beet red. "It's not the fact of the virginity. It's just… what if I'm not… good…" my voice trailed off.

Hotaru guffawed. She sat next to me and made me face the mirror. "Mikan, do you see yourself? You are a beautiful woman and Hyuuga will appreciate you. He loves you. I can see it in the way he looks at you. Even though you are a baka, he loves you and sex won't change anything. Now get out there and get married, before I have to come back in here with my baka gun." She grinned and I could see the twinkle of mischievous in her eyes. With that said, she left me alone.

She's right. Natsume loves me and even in the act, I know that it won't change. I was ready. The fear I was feeling before disappeared and my smile and confidence emanated from my stride.

It's time for my life to begin. Here I go. I pushed open the doors and was welcomed by Hotaru and my other bridesmaids. Anna, Nonoko, and Permy were all dressed in royal blue dresses. They greeted me with their smiles and the look of awe in their eyes.

"You look gorgeous," Anna gave me a hug.

Permy snorted, "You look so grown up that it's hard to picture you as the idiot with the goofy smile."

I glared. "Thanks. That gives me so much happiness that I cant contain my joy."

Nonoko jabbed Permy in the stomach. "It's her wedding day, and all you can do is insult her. You are unbelievable. No matter what she says, I think you look beautiful and I wish you and Natsume eternal happiness."

Even though what she said brought a smile to my face, it still wouldn't be true. We wouldn't have eternal happiness because Natsume doesn't have much time left.

"Thank you." I smiled.

Then I turned to Narumi. He gave me a soft smile and a tight hug. "I can't believe my little girl is getting married. I might just cry!" He frowned.

"Narumi, be happy for me. This is a big day for Natsume and I. Let's smile brightly and have fun!" I cheered.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

"Oi, hag. You don't even acknowledge my presence. Onii- san is marrying a very rude woman." He glared.

I looked at Yoichi. I smiled and picked him up in my arms. He was wearing a gray tux. He was the ring bearer. "I'm sorry! Yoichi, you know I love you so much, there is no way I would ever forget you." I kissed his cheek and he had a smile and blush on his face.

"Put me down hag. Just because it's your wedding day, I'll let it slide." He crossed his arms. I placed him on the velvet carpet of the cruise. I turned to Aoi. She smiled up at me and she looked so beautiful.

Aoi- chan, look how cute you look. "I praised. I turned to Yoichi as he admires her. "Yoichi, you better not let her get away." I teased.

He blushed but continued to stare at Aoi, "Shut up, hag."

"Arigatou, Mikan-nee."

Then the music started. We watched as Aoi walked with her beautiful sundress as she dropped flowers across the aisle. I couldn't help but hold my breath. Then one by one they proceeded across the room. Now it was my turn, my turn to cross the aisle and be greeted by him.

All eyes were on me and I held onto Narumi. I was anxious and self-conscious. Then everything changed. Natsume watched me with such affection that I walked faster and noticed how Narumi made me slow down. Natsume looked impeccable. He had a black tuxedo accompanied by a nice crimson, red tie. He knew how much I loved red on him. His hair was disheveled, but that made him look sexier. He gave me a small smile and I responded with a grin. All the worries left as soon as his eyes met mine. Finally Narumi passed me to Natsume. In that moment, I knew this is where I want to be. Everything was perfect. All I needed was him. He would be enough for me.

We turned to the priest. To my surprise it was Jinno-sensei. I gave Natsume a questioning look and he gave me a shrug. "I didn't know" look.

Jinno continued with asking each other for our vows. Natsume turned to face me and all I saw was his beautiful crimson eyes. "I could promise you a happy life, a life free of pain and misery, but that would be a lie. The truth is, there isn't a happy ending for us, but I hope you being here with me would be enough. I know how short-tempered I am, yet you stay with me. I thank God every day that he brought you into my life. I want to make you happy. I want so many things for you, Mikan, yet I know I won't have the time. I hope this year will provide you with the unwavering truth and faith that my life is yours. There is no doubt about it. I will always hold you and treasure you like the jewel you are. I love you more than life itself. Will you take me as your lawful husband?" he vowed.

I hadn't realized the tears cascading down my cheeks. I knew they were both from happiness and from fear. I sighed, "Of course, Natsume."

He reached for Yoichi and placed a white gold diamond band. Inside the stone held our initials. The initials that bound me to him, that bound us both to each other. He kissed the ring and my other fingers and looked up enough to wink at me. He stood, waiting for my vows.

"I could say what I love about you or even how we came to be, but that wouldn't be enough. Meeting you has changed me in more ways than one. Being here with you is all I need. You would always tell me that without me you wouldn't have the strength to go on, but you didn't realize that I felt the same way. Knowing how our time together will be short lived, I knew in my heart that without you I wouldn't be able to breathe. I wouldn't be able to think straight. The thought of losing you is too painful, too cruel, to even imagine. But knowing that I was the one who you would spend the rest of your life with makes me giddy. I will love you till the end of time. Time can take you away, but your heart will always belong with me. Will you give me the honor to love you and hold you forever and ever, as your lawful wife?" I cried.

Natsume wiped away my tears with little kisses. He stared into my eyes and muttered "baka." He stepped back and waited for me to reach for the ring. I grabbed it from Yoichi and held it firmly in my hand. I grabbed Natsume strong hand as I watched him, never looking away; I placed the gold band on his ring finger. His was a one of a kind ring. All around the ring held phrases that reminded him of the best moments of his life. Those moments were when we were together. In the middle of the band held our initials. In the inside I wrote him my message: Till the end of time, I will always stay by your side. My love for you will be everlasting, my sweet Black Cat.

Jinno- coughed in order to get our attention. Natsume glared at him. "Hurry up, old man."

Jinno sneered, "You may now kiss the bride." He stepped away and muttered "asshole".

Natsume didn't hesitate and grabbed my face. We stared and I felt the electricity pass through the both of us. I love you so much, Natsume. I grabbed his face and kissed him. I needed his touch, his kisses, his love. I needed everything. There was hunger, love, and lust in the kiss. He had to stop when he realized he was being watched. A little embarrassed and turned to the crowd. They cheered and laughed, and one by one they came to hug us and congratulate. It was all a blur. All I saw was Natsume.

We didn't bother with a reception. Natsume dragged me away from the crowd. "Thank you for coming. Now, it's time for the bride and the groom to have some alone time. Enjoy the rest of the cruise." With that said we slipped away and headed to our room. I loved the sound of our room. He pushed the double doors and locked it. He watched me. He always watched me.

I lay on the bed and patted the seat next to me. He smirked. "Polka dots, you are an eager little girl. You want me to take advantage of you? I must really be irresistible."

I glared. "Who said you would be the one to take advantage? I'm not wearing polka dots, baka. I'm wearing strawberry print."

He chuckled. "You would be the only one to correct someone about your own panties. I guess it doesn't matter, since I'm going to make you mine." There was softness in his eyes.

"I'm already yours, body and mind and soul." I grabbed his hand and pulled him in the red satin sheets. We faced each other and no words could describe our happiness.

"I love you." He whispered. Those words were enough to let me die in peace.

I pulled one of his raven locks and pulled his body closer to mine. He gasped in surprise. I giggled.

I searched for his lips and they found mine. It was soft and slow. Then the fire was burning through my whole body. The need was too powerful. I ripped his tuxedo and left butterfly kisses all over his chest. I marveled at his light tan skin. His little chest hairs tickled my cheeks. He watched me. He wanted to see the animal inside me.

I kissed him everywhere. I gasped at the little scars left on his chest. They were burned marks. It concentrated mostly on his heart. I felt tears dripping down on his heart. I kissed his wounds and his heart. A sobbed escaped, but that didn't stop me from loving him, making love to him.

I unbuckled his belt and ripped the fabric away and marveled at his beauty. He was perfection in my eyes. I admire him through my thick eyelashes. Looking at him, I knew he would be mine, always. Finally after all the restraint we've had over the years, we both were ready to be whole. I kissed him. The kiss itself was hungry and long. His tongue moved with mine in sync. It was incredible. I felt alive.

He was on top now. He watched me. I felt the blush that was created from our passionate kisses. He twirled one of my locks in his index finger. He brought it to his lips and kissed it. Still watching me, he unzipped the dress. I felt the breeze and shivered, and in an instant it was gone. I was covered, covered by Natsume's strong body. He held my gaze and then proceeded with kissing me everywhere. When I mean everywhere, I mean everywhere. Finally, he unclasped my white lace bra. He freed my breast and continued to marvel at it. He glanced at me, and I saw wonder in his eyes. I was a puzzle to him, a secret temple. He proceeded to my panties and chuckled. Once it came off, that's when my life began.

Once we finished. We lay on the sweaty sheets. I was on his chest. There was perspiration all over the both of us. We were both gasping for air. We never took our eyes of each other. He stared at me with love and pleasure. His hair was messier than ever, after our love making. He pressed closer and I snuggled.

"I never thought being with you would be so mind blowing. We should have done this way before." He chuckled.

I slapped his chest playfully. "You know it was worth the wait." I smiled.

"You need a bit more practice," he teased.

I pulled away from him and turned away. He made me blush. This was the fear I had, that I wouldn't be good enough.

He pulled me to his chest and bit my ear. Seductively he whispered, "You have no idea how much pleasure you gave me. I wonder if you really are a virgin."

I rest my head on his chest and kissed his arm. "I'm not anymore." I giggled.

He spun me around and pulled me closer. "Now, that's for sure. Now, you are all mine." He sounded pleased

I kissed his neck and relaxed into his warm embrace. I drifted off to sleep. I could faintly hear his confession.

"Two wishes done, 48 to go." He laughed. He believed I was sound asleep, so he continued.

"My first wish was to marry the woman of my dreams." He kissed the top of my head.

The second was to make love to her. I guess, even a baka like you can make a man's dream come true." He chuckled.

I kissed him again. "You are my dream, Natsume. You're all I ever want and all I'll ever need."

We both drifted off to sleep. In our embrace, we knew that happiness wouldn't last forever, but it'll have to last for now.


So? How did I do? Did I meet all of your expectations? I hope so. I promise to uodate moe frequently. For those who have read my other stories, prepare to see new chapters. I am finally inspired to write again. I apologize for the delay.

Have a wonderful Friday! :D