Venus emerged from her shower in a giddy mood. Outside her window, the planet Earth hung like a colourful gem amidst the countless stars sprinkled in the dark expanse of the galaxy. Thinking of the joys brought to her by the blue planet, she smiled. Her thoughts briefly wandered to the Terran king who held the key to her heart before she seated at her vanity, mesmerized by her reflection.

A descendent of the Goddess of Love and Beauty she might be, but Venus was never vain about her looks. Serenity's guardians were all beautiful women who turned the heads of men. Mars was famous for her coal black hair and violet eyes, Jupiter for her feminine figure and doting character, and as adamant as Mercury was to disregard her sweet features, poetry and soings had been written in her name. There hadn't been a party in which the quartet didn't receive envious stares from female guests.

Although, Venus had to admit, the face that looked back at her from the mirror had matured from simply being angelic to sensuous. There was now a new glimmer in her eyes, and it seemed her cheeks had a permanent pinkness without applying blush. If her mother could see her now, Venus was convinced Aphrodite could detect the subtle changes in a blink. Nothing ever escaped the older woman's perceptive eyes.

Picking up her ivory comb, Venus worked to brush out the knots of her hair. The night was young, but it would take hours for her long mane to dry. She hated waking up to find her hair a tangled mess. The extra time and effort to untangle it could be better spent on other matters. She never understood why Serenity could live without a brush, and that girl had hair that trailed to the floor, for crying out loud.

"Of all the man you could have chosen, why an Earthling?"

Venus paused running her comb through long hair and spun around. Mercury stood by the door, blue eyes that were usually kind were now hard and scrutinizing. Taking in what her friend had said, the blonde resumed brushing and looked at the other woman from the mirror.

"What do you mean, Mercury?" Venus asked, playing dumb. Serenity must be rubbing off on her.

"You have been sneaking off to see a man again while you look for Serenity this evening, haven't you?" Mercury's tone was accusing like Mars when she was displeased.

The corners of Venus's mouth quirked in amusement. Not even Mars or Jupiter had dared to confront her of her transgression. She had rank over them, after all. "What makes you think I would do that?"

"I saw the bite marks on your neck." A moment's hesitation, an intake of breath, then in a tone that sounded as though it required some courage, Mercury continued. "They weren't there until your return."

"Can it not be a visiting nobleman who left them?"

Mercury stepped into the room. "A nobleman will never be good enough for you."

Venus snickered, and placed the hair brush on her vanity. "And how did you draw the conclusion?"

"We have been friends for a long time, Venus. I know what type of man you chase after."

"And?"

Mercury sighed. "You like thrills. You live for the thrill and danger. An affair with a nobleman can't provide you with the satisfaction a liaison with someone forbidden can give."

Venus cocked her head, smiling. Pulling her robe closed, she rose and walked towards her bed. "You seem to have given this a lot of thought, my friend."

The dark-haired girl pinched her nose. "Stop dancing around, Venus. You know you can trust me. Who is he? Is he one of Prince Endymion's men?"

Crossing her legs, Venus glanced at the blue planet before her eyes returned to Mercury. "Why do you want to know?"

"You are a princess of the alliance. You can have any man you want, and yet you put yourself in a compromising position and consort with a forbidden man. I am worried for you, Venus. Like how you were afraid Serenity would get hurt by falling in love."

"This isn't the same. You can't compare me to the Princess. The entire alliance looks upon Serenity. My affairs, however, are my own. It is almost expected that I will have many lovers. What with me being a Venusian and all."

Mercury grimaced, a faint blush tainting her cheeks. "Don't speak of yourself that way. The alliance respects you both as a princess of Venus and you diligence as the Moon's head guard."

Venus laughed, and waved it away. "Touché, Mercury. I know they consider me as a whore because I flirt and drink in parties. You don't have to fear hurting my feelings."

The normally demure woman visibly blanched. She would not meet Venus' eyes. "No one really thinks that." But the wavering in her voice betrayed her.

Venus patted Mercury's hand and drew her friend to sit on her bed. She gave Mercury's hand a gentle squeeze. "It's okay. I'm not offended."

Mercury offered a weak smile in return. "So which one is he, Venus? Is it the leader to Endymion's Circle of Four?"

Venus started, and released her friend's hand. "How do you know?"

"I don't see you as going after someone below your rank. You would want someone who is your equal," Mercury explained, voice patient and matter-of-fact. "What do you see in him? Haven't you heard the rumours that the Prince's First in Command is a dangerous man?"

Venus frowned. What right had her friend to sully Kunzite's name? She fisted her hands on her sides, gripping the bed sheets. "You do not know what you are talking."

"It is said he has a harem of pretty boys and girls, Venus. I don't want to see you have your heart broken again."

Mercury had struck a nerve. "They're only rumours."

"Be that as it may, there must be significant evidence to support these rumours. Endymion's Circle of Four is believed to be revered men liked the senshi. Don't you think it is odd that the best—or it is as my research said—of the four men should be surrounded by such disconcerting talk?"

"Why are you telling me this now?"

"Because I don't want to see you sink deeper, Venus. You are my friend. You deserve a man who will love and cherish you. I am dubious an Earthling can offer you the security and love a man closer to you can give."

Loosening her grip on the bed sheets, Venus ran a hand through her hair. The strands were still wet. "Who do you suggest then? Have you anyone in mind to introduce me?"

Mercury looked away. "No, I don't, but—"

"It's all very well, Merc. Don't worry, I know what I am doing. Trust me."

"You know you can talk to me, right?'

Venus grinned. "Of course."

"If you ever need anything, Venus. If I can—"

She patted her friend's hand. "Your offer is appreciated. But no, not now. Not yet."

"Okay," Mercury breathed. The dark-haired girl searched Venus's face, eyes the colour of sapphires hardened as though in pain. "I hate that I'm losing you to an Earthling."

Venus blinked in mild bewilderment. "You'll never lose me."

One hand touched Venus' face, and moved to the nape of her neck. "I lose you every time you go to him." She leaned close until their noses touched. "You were mine first."

Venus's breath hitched. She never noticed Mercury's feelings, so absorbed in her feelings for Kunzite was she. Putting her hands on Mercury's slim shoulders, she pecked her friend lightly on the lips. The kiss deepened when Mercury didn't pull away. Feeling the moisture on her cheeks, she broke apartaway, surprised to see the tears glistening in the other girl's eyes.

"There now," Venus said as she pulled Mercury into her arms. She smoothed her hand along her friend's back. "Why the tears?"

It took some moments for Mercury to speak. "It isn't fair. This is the closest I'll ever be to you, but he has everything."

Shaking her head lightly, Venus released Mercury and studied her friend. She brushed the other's tears away with her slim fingers. "But he can't see me every day as you do." Framing Mercury's face in her hands, she touched their foreheads altogether. "I'm sorry I neglected how you feel."

Mercury's fingers brushed the back of her hand. There were dimples in her cheeks as she smiled. "So you hate me now, Venus?"

"I'll never hate you," Venus said and kissed Mercury softly again. "I wish I can offer you more if my heart doesn't belong to another."