Sailor Moon

I do not own Naoko Takeuchi's characters.

Chapter 3

When they came out of the tavern, Serenity breathed a sigh of relief. What a vulgar place! she thought. She watched Endymion as he walked toward their horses, which were just outside the tavern. Their reins had been tied around a wooden post.

As Endymion unfastened the reins, Serenity glanced around. Traveling merchants and local shopkeepers had their items out today. An outside market at been set up in the town with merchants' colourful booths lining the streets.

She craned her neck to see what they had displayed. She pursed her lips when she realized she couldn't see from her tiny height. Not saying a word to Endymion, Serenity walked slowly in the direction of the market.

She had never been to a town market and bought anything. She touched the bag of money that hung from her belt as she approached the booths. There were so many interesting things; exotic-looking foods, jewelry, fabrics, pottery and much more.

Endymion had Amazon's reins in his hands and turned to around to give the horse to Serenity. He frowned as he saw that she was nowhere in sight. He felt a surge of panic; had she been captured?

He looked to his left and did a double take when he saw her in the town square, browsing. He let out an exasperated sigh and grabbed the reins of both horses. Then he made his way over to the town square.

One booth displayed various kinds of silk, cotton and linen. Serenity's fingers trailed over the purple silk. Next to the booth with textiles was a merchant who sold beads, jewelry and stones. The beads had interesting designs that Serenity guessed were hand-painted and the stones were of various colours.

One particular booth caught her attention though. There were desserts of every shape and size! Her eyes widened and she licked her lips unconsciously. "They look so good!" she murmured.

The vendor that was running the booth, a heavy-set woman with gray hair, smiled. "They're three for two coins today," she told her. Her round hand gestured to the berry-filled tarts, cream desserts and biscuits arranged on a tray. "These are very good…"

Serenity put a finger to her chin and looked genuinely distraught. "Oh….what do I buy?" She glanced down at the money in her hand. "I only have five coins!"

"That should be enough, don't you think?" a deep voice from behind her said. Serenity jumped and gave a cry, the money flying out of her hand. She turned to see Endymion, standing there with a raised eyebrow and a smirk.

She gave a gasp and put a hand to her chest. "Oh! You scared me!"

Endymion bent down to pick her money up. When he placed it in her hand, he asked, "Aren't you going to get me anything? After all, I am your guest…"

She glanced up at him briefly and then turned back to the vendor. "No." she responded simply, her voice flat.

Endymion gave the blonde a wry look while she was turned. He should have expected an answer like that. He moved up beside her and smiled at the vendor. Women couldn't resist his disarming smile. The vendor returned the smile and waited for Serena to select her desserts.

He watched as she debated over the many desserts and reached out a tentative hand to the cream treat. "Don't you think six desserts are a bit much?" he questioned, skeptical and amazed at her large appetite. "I mean, I could eat a couple if they're too much…"

She turned her head and gave him an almost amused look. "Too much?" she said. "Six desserts are nothing!" she exclaimed, waving a hand.

Endymion's eyes widened in bewilderment. "What?" he cried, a laugh escaping his mouth. "Six desserts are nothing?" He furrowed his brow. "Do you know how fattening that is, Serenity?"

"Well, it is a lot of fat…" she admitted slowly. "But it's just this once"- She shrugged. "I mean, it's not like I'm eating these sweets everyday!" She selected three cream desserts and three different biscuits.

He frowned. "You mean you never have desserts at the palace?" he asked. "Come on, Serenity, every noble has the luxury of desserts!"

"Yes, I have them all the time!" Serenity responded, handing the money to the woman. Endymion sweat dropped.

"Aren't you worried about gaining weight?" he pressed curiously.

She glanced at him and then accepted the box of sweets from the woman. "Well, I…" she trailed off. She shook her head. "That's none of your business!"

Endymion was taken back by her defensiveness. She secured her purse around her belt and walked toward the horses. Endymion laughed.

"How are you going to ride with all those desserts?"

Serenity looked at the horses and pursed her lips. "I don't know," she responded. She glanced around at the town square. She flipped her bangs out of her eyes and squinted at him. "Do you want to walk and look around so I can finish these?"

He frowned. "You're going to eat all those now?"

"Yes!" she replied, annoyed. "Why not?"

Endymion looked at her a minute and then shook his head. "Okay…whatever floats your boat…" He grabbed the horses' reins and pulled them along. "Let's look at the- oh, chocolate!"

Serenity turned to him, confused at his sudden exclamation. She watched as he walked over to a booth that displayed a strange brown food she had never seen before. Endymion paid the vendor and walked towards her with a plate of the strange food. He took a piece and seemed to eat the whole thing in one bite.

"What is that?" she asked, interested. Endymion passed her a glance.

"Chocolate."

"Chocolate?" she repeated, the word foreign and unfamiliar to her. "What does it taste like?"

"Like heaven," he told her, popping another chocolate in his mouth. "It's very sweet and rich."

"I see…" she said, eyeing the dark dessert. It did look good and her curiosity was getting the better of her. "Can I taste one?" she asked hesitantly. She knew that she had refused to share any of her food with him, so she expected the same kind of reaction.

He smirked at her. "Only unless you give me one of your desserts…" he trailed off.

She sighed and glumly reached into the box. "Fine…" she relented.

"And…a kiss."

Serenity paused and slowly raised her stunned blue eyes to his. She furrowed her brow.

"What?" she cried, eyeing him nervously. "Did you just say…a kiss?"

He shrugged and frowned at her. "Yes, it's just a kiss, Serenity…It'll only take a couple seconds at most and it doesn't necessarily mean anything…"

Her eyes were solemn and pensive as she observed him. "A kiss is…nothing to you?" she said quietly, furrowing her brow.

He smiled. "Serenity, I kiss women all the time! It's…just a…friendly gesture."

Serenity felt her heart beat fast against her chest. She did want to kiss him; she wanted to ever since she met him. She wanted to know what it felt like but she was scared. Kissing and being intimate was a sacred thing to her- not something to be taken lightly. To add to it, she was engaged and it definitely wasn't a proper thing for a princess to do.

Despite her inner desires, she declined the offer. Shaking her head firmly, she responded with a no. She almost laughed at Endymion's astounded reaction. He just blinked and observed her as if he couldn't believe what she just said.

Then just as quickly the astonishment passed and it was replaced by a serious look. "Alright then…" he replied. "If you won't, then I will…"

His words only sunk in when his thumb stroked her cheek and he leaned in to press his lips against hers. A soft gasp escaped her mouth and she was overcome with a weak feeling. His lips were warm and soft against her mouth as he slowly kissed her.

Time seemed to slow and Serenity became focused on the kiss. All her senses were heightened; she could smell the intoxicating scent of him. He smelt of pine, roses and smoke. He tasted of chocolate and wine. Endymion took her face in his hands and deepened the kiss, his lips becoming more insistent. The feel of his callused, rough hands against hers made her feel feminine and fragile.

For most of the kiss, she had been so stunned that she hadn't moved her lips. She couldn't help but give a happy sigh and she responded, brushing her lips against his gently.

When he pulled away, both let out strangled gasps, not realizing they were depriving each other of air. Serenity saw the dazed expression in his dark blue eyes and she touched her lips gingerly. He averted his gaze and ran a hand through his thick, black hair.

"I'm sorry, Serenity…" he said, looking guilty. "I shouldn't have done that…"

Serenity blinked. "It-it's okay…" she assured him softly. He shook his head, his eyes wide.

"No, no, it's not!" Endymion insisted, holding up a hand. He was still running his hand through his hair and he wouldn't look at her. "You didn't want the kiss and…I went ahead and kissed you!" He sounded angry and he turned away from her, hands on his hips.

Serenity slowly stepped up behind him. "But-but you yourself said it's just a kiss…" she countered. He turned around, a tortured look on his face.

"Yes, maybe to me but not to you!" he told her, grabbing her hands. She glanced down at their intertwined hands and then back up at him. He sighed and brought one of her hands up to his. He laid a quick kiss on it and said, "I acted on impulse. Forgive me."

Serenity put her hand over his and smiled. "Endymion, it's all right. Everything's all right!"

He observed her for a moment and then put his hands on her arms, pulling her close. "Disregard it completely." he said and briefly kissed her forehead. Serenity felt delight with his lips against her skin again. He pulled away and looked solemnly into her eyes.

Disappointment flooded through her at his words. Disregard it completely. Like she could! His kiss had been wonderful and sweet, making her feel light as air. And it hurt her that he would put so much unimportance on the kiss they shared.

She felt sadness loom over her like a cloud but then she admonished herself. Get a hold of yourself, Serenity! It was just a kiss, like he said…You hardly know the man!

"Yes, well, I can't very well disregard it, can I?" she responded, her voice light. He winced as she said this and she sighed. "Oh, Endymion, it was just a kiss and it was quite pleasing…" She caught his thoughtful look but continued on. "Let's just agree that it was a pleasurable kiss shared between two people! Just like how you and that tavern girl shared that kiss!" she added her voice overly chipper. She avoided his gaze by turning to Amazon and paying particular attention adjusting the saddle.

"Yes…a pleasurable kiss." Endymion agreed, his voice low and quiet. The pair began walking again. They were both silent and Serenity cleared her throat delicately.

"Do you still want that dessert, Endymion?" she asked uncertainly.

Endymion gave a chuckle. "Oh, I already had my dessert…"

Serenity felt her cheeks flush and she gasped, feeling mortified at his unabashed hint. Her innocent reaction caused him to laugh harder. "Endymion! How dare you say such a thing!"

He laughed and observed her with warm eyes. "I'm only teasing, Serenity…" he replied defensively. She let out a little huff and shook her head.

Her gaze fell on her box of sweets. She suddenly didn't feel so hungry anymore. Yes, especially after you had a taste of Endymion! A thought in her mind said.

Her eyes widened and she frowned. Where in the world did that come from? She spotted two small children. They wore tattered, dark clothes and their skin was covered in dirt. A troubled look came across her face and she looked down at the food in her hands. Serenity took a deep breath and walked over to them.

"Sere"- Endymion began. He stopped and watched as Serenity made her way over to the two poor children.

The two children were solemn-looking and pensive as she approached them. It was a boy and girl. The girl was thin and dressed in an ill-fitting red dress while the boy's trousers were too short for him, almost coming up to his knees.

When the girl realized Serenity was coming to them, her green eyes widened and she jumped to her feet. The boy removed his cap and bowed to her as his companion gave a graceful curtsey.

"Your Highness." the boy greeted in a clear voice. Serenity smiled.

"Hello," she greeted, her voice warm. "How are you today?"

"Fine, thank you, Princess Serenity…" the boy responded.

The girl stared at her with earnest eyes and rubbed her stomach. "Just a wee bit hungry, Miss, is all."

"Lane! Do not be so blunt and informal!" he snapped, looking over his shoulder at her. "You address her as Your Highness, not Miss! She's the princess!"

"I know that, ya dummy!" Lane shot back, her eyes fiery. "I'm just telling the truth!" Serenity found herself fond of this little girl's gumption to stand up for herself against the little boy.

"Well, it seems that I have stumbled upon two perfect children to eat my desserts for me."

Both children paused and took in what she said. The boy's eyes widened. "What do ya mean Princess Serenity? Do you want us to eat those desserts?!"

Serenity laughed at his astonished voice and she opened the box. "Yes! I am far too full to eat all these!"

The children happily accepted the treats and continually thanked her. Lane gave her a hug, throwing her arms around her waist while the little boy kept on bowing. It felt good to give and provide for two children in need.

She bid them goodbye and joined Endymion who was watching her with a smile. She grabbed Amazon's reins and looked at him. "What?" she asked.

"You gave up your food to those two kids over there…" he replied. His eyes were serious as he observed her. "I'm proud of you, Meatball Head…You resisted the urge to eat the whole box and thought of other people."

Serenity was taken aback by the nickname. Her fists clenched and she bit her lip in annoyance. "Meatball Head?" she repeated, feeling her irritation bubble. She relaxed her shoulders and narrowed her eyes at him.

"Yes, it's my new name for you!" he responded enthusiastically.

"Well I don't want a new name…" she told him, guiding Amazon into the busy street. "I like the name I have…"

"Well, I think it suits you…" Endymion remarked. Serenity continued walking, not saying anything. She didn't understand why he always had to push things. "I mean the buns on your head sort of look like meatballs…"

Serenity turned to pass him a strange look and then she shook her head. "You are so strange…" she muttered.

"What?" the prince asked. "What was that Serenity?" His voice held a trace of challenge.

"Oh, nothing!" she responded, waving a hand. Endymion sighed and then smiled, knowing that he would have to shake her to get an honest answer out of her.

The effects of that exhilarating kiss they had shared earlier had seemed to fade and he was glad that no awkwardness lingered between them. That kiss, that kiss had excited him. He loved the soft feel of her and how sweet she had tasted. So unlike that tavern girl he had kissed! He had gotten a trace of her light, sweet fragrance- vanilla and lavender. He longed to smell that golden hair and feel the silky strands.

He openly admired her figure, his eyes scanning her up and down. The skirt of her dress flowed out and then narrowed when it reached her tiny waist. If she only knew how he was watching her now, she would certainly admonish him! He smirked and walked so that he was beside her.

"Shall we go back to the palace?" she asked casually, hoping that she could relax at home.

Endymion's face became hard and his jaw tightened. Serenity paused and observed him with concern. "Yes, we should... I want to find out if your mother has agreed to send troops to Earth."

ChibiVenus says: "Hope you enjoyed it! Aren't Endymion and Serenity a cute couple?" Please read and review! I appreciate your reviews.