AN: Well, so far, so good. Second one shot up. This one only took me about 45 minutes. It's shorter than the last one. But I liked the way it wrapped up. I didn't feel like it needed any padding. The title is from an old 50's or 60's song with the chorus "How do you know if he loves you so? It's in his kiss." It's been stuck in my head and it seems as good a title as any. Any feedback is welcome.

Title: It's In His Kiss
Rating: K+ (I believe, if I'm wrong, please let me know)
Summary: Silver Millennium. Minako and Kunzite are attracted to each other, but he doesn't want to pursue it. Can anything break him out of his dedication to bachelorhood?
Couple: Venus and Kunzite
One Hour Challenges:
#167 Sentence "A kiss is just a kiss. Don't read more into it."
#121 Scene Somene gives one of your 'Couple' a present that makes the other of the 'Couple' jealous.


Crown Princess Minako, the senshi of Venus, stood with her sister senshi on the balcony, gazing down at the arriving diplomatic parties. Among the crowd, she spotted her old friend Melora, a young redheaded woman that had once been her closest friend. When she'd left Venus to assume her duties on the Moon, she'd sworn that they friendship would never be forgotten.

She'd meant it in all truthfulness. Melora was a wonderful person, full of life and laughter, a perfect companion for the energetic, high-spirited princess. Yet, in the senshi, Minako had found everything she needed. Wrapped up in obligations and her new family, she'd barely given life on Venus a second thought. A small twinge of guilt stabbed her as she contemplated the likelihood of a confrontation with her childhood friend. She made a mental note to seek her out at the earliest moment.

Princess Ami suddenly leaned forward, distracting Minako from her thoughts. The Mercurian princess' face had lit up and Minako knew that could only mean one thing. He was here. They had finally arrived. She scanned the area beneath them quickly, her golden eyes searching for his silver locks. It took her a long moment, but then, like the sun bursting out of the clouds, she saw him. Her breath caught in her throat and she stared shamelessly. He was absolute perfection. His curtain of silver hair, his serious gray eyes, the sharp planes of his face, his muscled chest . . . she sighed softly, losing focus.

"Minako," a musical voice called from the interior room, "can you help me with my laces?"

Minako responded automatically, her feet taking her to stand behind her Princess even before her mind had fully escaped its haze. She smiled at the smaller girl, who was clutching a pure white gown to chest, the back gaping open. "Of course, Serenity."


Kunzite rolled his eyes at his companions. Though they remained in their positions around the Prince, they were obviously scanning the crowd for the objects of their affection. He could have told them that they were on Princess Serenity's balcony, but he wasn't inclined to be helpful. Just the fact that he'd immediately been drawn to that flash of golden hair as she'd turned away from the balcony grated on his nerves. His attraction to her was ridiculous, he told himself. She was not fascinating. She was merely . . . beautiful. No, he frowned, she was absolutely gorgeous. And that alone spelled trouble.

He shook his head, clearing his thoughts. It didn't help that the last time they'd met, he'd been taken in by her charm and beauty as he'd escorted her through the palace gardens. He'd noticed the romantic nature of the walk and the way her eyes were practically begging him to kiss her. He might eternally deny that he'd wanted to kiss her from the moment they met, but what harm could a stolen kiss in the garden do?

Well, maybe it wasn't the kiss that was harmful, he grimaced, giving up his attempt to ignore her as they entered the great hall and settled in to their spots to await the arrival of Queen Selenity and Princess Serenity. He watched her as she animatedly spoke with a redhead in the Venusian delegation. She was the only one of the senshi who had appeared, so he assumed she had slipped out specifically to meet this girl. They hugged tightly and Minako hurried away. Endymion noticed her movements and shifted impatiently, as if he were going to follow the girl into the halls and seek out his beloved. Kunzite gave his anxious Prince a warning glance and then retreated back into his thoughts.

Minako had clung to his hand as they walked back to the palace, her usual chatter silenced. A beatific smile graced her features and Kunzite suspected he was grinning like a fool. That kiss had been amazing. He'd never felt such a level of connection before. He could almost see a future for them.

But the bubble burst, for him at least, as they broke through the concealing hedges and came within view of the Earth palace. He slipped his hand free of hers, which caused her to look up at him in confusion. He'd ignored her silent questions, his face again impassive and stern. She'd accepted it after a moment, deciding not to be offended, and he reasoned that she understood. He was General Kunzite, the closest of Prince Endymion's protectors. He was not some silly love-struck boy. He couldn't explain why he suddenly wanted to get away from Princess Minako as quickly as he could, or why the euphoria of their kiss had fled so abruptly.

He'd escorted her to her chamber, where she'd finally addressed him. "Thank you for showing me the gardens, General Kunzite." There was a definite note of pleasure in her voice, and more than a little subtle allusion to their kiss in her expression. She seemed to be silently requesting he kiss her again, in full view of the other people in the hall. He went cold as he realized she was reading more into the kiss than he could offer.

"It was my pleasure, Princess Minako," he announced formally, his voice ringing in the hallway so that eavesdroppers might catch the words correctly. Her eyebrows drew together as she playfully pouted at him and he realized she needed a clearer rebuff. Leaning in closely to press the expected kiss to her hand, he muttered, "A kiss is just a kiss. Don't read more into it."

Minako, for her part, reacted well. As she pulled her hand away, she smiled with too much effort and lightly teased, "But of course, my dear sir." She'd vanished behind her oaken door and spent the rest of the visit flirting with any male she encountered, himself included.


Minako was determined to ignore the effect the attractive General had on her. She couldn't bear to ignore him, but she did her best not to show her preference for his company. She was in good spirits because Melora had been wonderfully understanding. She'd even had a surprise. She was engaged and wanted to present her fiancé to Minako at the evening ball. As the meetings and arguments between planets finally drew to a close for the day, everyone began gearing up for the ball. She'd chosen her favorite ball gown of gold and white silk and had opted to leave her long hair unbound, which had left her with plenty of time to gossip with Serenity and the senshi about the return of their suitors. Even her status as the only single woman in the room couldn't ruin her mood.

Minako had drawn the first lot for chaperoning Serenity and Endymion, which pleased her because she knew the two would be on their best behavior for the first hour. It also left her with the rest of the party to be herself. Following the royal couple around with her was a young Venusian warrior who had been so impressed with General Kunzite that he had petitioned her father to let him join the General's personal corps. Minako remembered speaking with her father about the decision and encouraging him to allow it.

It was obvious Adonis was taken with her. He was a pleasant looking young man, with golden curls, bright blue eyes, and a handsome face. The gray uniform of Earth flattered him and she was content to dance and flirt with him. Occasionally, she would let herself imagine she was in Kunzite's arms, the gray uniform helping her imagination, but Adonis' voice would quickly shatter that daydream before she embarrassed either of them. She kept a careful watch on the people around them, always alert for any threat to her Princess.

Rei and Jadeite whirled their way closer, subtly cueing Minako that her turn of duty was completed. She allowed Adonis to guide her away and soon found herself on a secluded balcony with the young soldier.

"Princess, forgive my boldness, but I wanted to thank you for your personal intercession on my behalf with your father," he blurted suddenly. Minako's eyebrows rose and she was further shocked when the boy dropped to one knee. "I wanted to present you with a token of my appreciation. I wonder if you might wear it as a sign of my gratitude and affection for you."

Minako stared down at the bracelet he was extending towards her. Golden topaz stones glimmered in the candlelight, each one set into interlocking silver ovals. She smiled down at the young man, her clear eyes cautious. "Your gratitude is unnecessary, Adonis. I . . ."

Adonis cut her off, his blue eyes pleading and passionate, "Please, Princess, don't reject me."

She had trouble breathing at his choice of words. The same tightness that she'd felt when Kunzite had firmly rejected her constricted her chest. "Very well, then, Adonis. I thank you for the beautiful gift." She allowed him to fasten the bracelet about her left wrist and was glad when he finally rose to stand beside her. She strode to the railing and leaned against it, her eyes fastened on the glowing Earth before them. She tried to think of something to say to lighten the intense moment, but a velvety voice interrupted them.

"There you are, Adonis," Kunzite snapped. Minako whirled to face him, his presence on the balcony setting her heart pounding. He gave her a disapproving look, but his words were for Adonis. "Go relieve Piotr at the north entrance. He seems to be unwell due to something he ate."

Adonis saluted sharply, bowing quickly to Minako and mumbling his apologies before darting into the crowd.

Minako stared shamelessly at the perfect General. He stared past her at his home planet. They were quiet for a long moment. "I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't seduce my men," Kunzite finally muttered.

Minako gaped. "Excuse me?"

Kunzite pointed at her bracelet. "That seems a bit familiar. Can't they at least gift you when they leave in the morning?"

His subtle attack infuriated her. "How dare you accuse me of something so base!"

He shrugged offhandedly, still watching the clouds drifting slowly across Earth's face, "You are Venusian."

He was ready when her hand cracked across his face. He knew he deserved it, but the dark anger that had risen up inside him when he'd seen Adonis on his knee before her was pushing his limits of self-control. "He was thanking me for interceding on his behalf with my father. I don't toy with people the way you do, General Kunzite." Her accusation brought his hot gaze to hers and the way she sneered his name fueled the rage within him.

He invaded her space, trapping her between his body and the railing. "How have I toyed with you?" he asked silkily. "I've watched you flirt with every man you meet, whether he is available or not. And now you've taken to sharing tender moments with my soldiers when they have other duties to attend to."

Minako's head whirled at his closeness. His scent filled the air she breathed and she was clutching the cool railing behind her to keep herself from doing something stupid, like flinging herself into his arms and begging him to never speak harshly to her again. Or worse, confessing the ridiculous love she concealed for him. She met his gaze head-on, outwardly every inch a senshi princess. "What is it to you if I harmlessly flirt?"

"I don't like it."

They both blinked at the ground out phrase. It seemed a confession of something far more personal. Kunzite struggled to regain his aloof attitude, but Minako pounced, "Why? What does it matter to you if other men are attracted to me? If they want to spend time with me? Or if I want to spend time with them, for that matter?"

Kunzite leaned forward suddenly, the wall of self-control crumbling under her taunts, and he crushed his lips to hers. Minako gasped against his unexpectedly passionate onslaught and almost laughed when his tongue invaded her mouth. She fought back, fisting her hands in his uniform for support as she kissed him back with all her pent-up frustration and desire. His arms circled her waist, molding her to him, supporting her as the kiss gentled into an exploration of their mutual attraction.

The need for air finally broke them apart and Kunzite set her down on her feet, smiling softly at her red, swollen lips and dazed appearance. He absently smoothed the wrinkles from the fabric she'd clung so desperately to.

"Don't tell me that was 'just a kiss'," she pleaded softly, her eyes searching his.

His smile died, his eyes fierce, and her heart stopped for a moment. "I won't."

Her face lit up at his serious vow. It wasn't roses and moonlight and flowery words of devotion, but it might as well have been. She flung herself into his arms and reveled in the feel of his arms closing about her without hesitation. He held her for a moment, then stepped back. "I'm sorry I hurt you, Minako. I didn't think what I was feeling was real. I didn't know until I saw you with Adonis." He stopped speaking, his hand trailing down her arm til it reached the bracelet. He pulled at it as if it were some repulsive thing clinging to her wrist.

She brushed his hand away, laughing, "Then I'll have to thank him, when next we meet." His face was still hard as he glowered at the bracelet. "Do you hate it so much? It makes me think of us. Topaz for me, silver for you . . ." she trailed off as he unclasped the bracelet and stuffed it in his pants pocket.

"I'll keep that in mind when I buy you something. But I will not tolerate another man's mark on you."


It was a bit possessive, Minako thought, much later. But, she mused as she played with a lock of his hair and studied his sleeping face, she would probably have felt the same way in his place. She leaned down to place a soft kiss on his lips before settling back into his embrace, a contented smile drifting across both their faces.