Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or any of its characters. All original characters, however, belong to me.

Solstice
Chapter 8


"How beautiful!"

Usagi stared out into the Tokyo skyline and felt a pang of relief as she realized the city was still asleep. Though streetlights glowed and electric billboards flashed, Tokyo's millions mostly remained in their cramped apartments, sleeping off the weekend's madness. Good. Seeing all the normal hustle and bustle would have made her nervous. She preferred not thinking about her future responsibilities: the pressure of caring for all those people.

Usagi turned from the glass wall with a heavy sigh. But when her gaze drifted to her boyfriend, a smile tugged the corners of her mouth. Titan was still asleep. Adorable was not a word that normally described him. But when nestled comfortably among the silk sheets of his king-sized bed, snoring softly, he looked so. Like a happy little boy. Usagi couldn't resist going over to kiss Titan on the temple. She knew how much he loved sleeping in on Sunday mornings, so she was careful not to wake him.

"My darling…" Usagi whispered lovingly.

What Titan had done the night before was a complete surprise and ultimately just what she needed. After brushing a stray rose petal off his pillow, Usagi then glanced at the alarm clock. It was 7 am. Mamoru was expecting her long before now. Instead of rushing home though, Usagi explored her surroundings. She had come to Titan's place many times but had never paid its décor much attention.

"Sugoi…"

The bedroom was large, much larger than normal bedrooms in Tokyo, and filled with exquisite mahogany furniture. Along with a fantastic view of the city came plush carpeting as well as beautiful silk prints, surely collector's items, mounted on the walls. But these all belonged to the hotel. Inside the massive walk-in closet was where Usagi saw more of Titan's personal belongings. The rack of fine suits. The tailored shirts. The perfectly polished shoes. Seeing all this luxury reminded Usagi that Titan was a Takeda Group executive—a fact she often forgot since he worked as hard as a lower-level drone.

The blonde then drifted into the bathroom. It was styled in the manner of a private spa, including a Jacuzzi tub by the glass. Being spied on was no worry because suites started on the massive hotel's thirtieth floor. Only a helicopter had a chance of seeing Titan bathing. Giggling at the silly thought, Usagi drifted over to the marble sink. On its countertop were the usual men's toiletries but, in this case, included large bottles of expensive cologne. Usagi grabbed the one labeled Armani then sprayed a little into the air. She inhaled the crisp scent in one, deep breath. It smelled just like him…

"Bunny? Bunny, are you still here?"

Usagi left the bathroom to see Titan was now sitting up. He still looked adorably sleepy. His strong arms and perfect abs, however, reminded the blonde that he was most definitely a man.

She sat on the edge beside him. "I hope I didn't wake you."

Titan's mouth suddenly claimed hers. The kiss warmed Usagi's entire body with its fire. Last night, Titan had been soft and gentle. This kiss, however, was more his usual nature: hot and passionate. Usagi ran her fingers through his hair and moaned when Titan pulled her closer. As their tongues danced together, she contemplated how she could never get enough of his touch. They stayed like that for some time, making out like wanton teenagers, until Titan broke away.

"I'm leaving for New York City tonight. No time to sleep in." She fell under his searching gaze. "You look better…Happier."

Titan was referring to when she had burst into tears during dinner. The Moon Princess shifted uncomfortably at the memory. "About last night-,"

"Everything we discussed is our little secret. In fact, we should put it totally out of our minds."

That was how Titan handled problems he couldn't fix. The idea seemed callous at first but maybe Usagi should follow his example. After all, nothing could bring back poor Norio. And without the Ginzuishou, she couldn't heal Pluto's wounds. Still, Usagi's fist tightened. The powerlessness she felt was so frustrating. To be the Champion of Justice yet unable to help the people she loved! Norio-kun had been more than her boss. He had been a friend. As for Pluto, how many times had she offered sage advice? How many times had she fought alongside her princess to protect the future?

Usagi had kept all those frustrations bottled up inside. It wasn't like Mamoru was interested in hearing them. Her friends, on the other hand, did care but normal life was causing the Senshi to drift apart. Usagi only saw her friends during holidays and the often-cancelled Senshi meetings. Over the past year, Titan had become the only person she could really talk to. His arcade days taught him the special ability to make someone willingly divulge their deepest, darkest secrets. And last night, the blonde cracked under her lover's encouraging glances. She had finally opened up about her feelings of worthlessness, barely hiding her identity as Sailor Moon.

"I'm not sure I can do that."

"Then do what you feel is best." Titan hugged Usagi's waist. "I hate seeing you sad."

Indeed, he did. Usagi gently grasped the gold pendant hanging around her neck. It was a loving attempt to replace her brooch: something Titan had noticed she stopped carrying. The ornate, three-dimensional heart featured round brilliant diamonds in addition to seven different colored gemstones that serendipitously matched some of the Senshi's uniforms. Attached to the heart was a tiny key, also diamond-encrusted. And within the middle of the pendant, there was a small opening shaped like a keyhole. The blonde usually refused to accept gifts from him. However, this one was different. Titan was saying that she, Usagi Tsukino, was the key to his heart.

"It will get better with time. Just like you said." Their lips met in another kiss. This time, short but still very sweet. Usagi sighed dreamily when it ended. "Thank you for the necklace."

"A mere token of my affection, Bunny." Titan lovingly stroked the Moon Princess's golden locks. "If you would let me, I'd shower you with more."

"That isn't necessary."

"Why not? Can't you understand that I would do anything for you? That you deserve everything I want to give you?" He titled Usagi's head up, so she could stare directly into his serious eyes. "Tell me something you want. Anything you want."

Titan was expecting to hear of material items. A bracelet to match her new necklace. A coat she saw in a chic department store. Perhaps even a grand kimono for the upcoming cherry blossom festival. What he heard instead were sad whimpers and what he saw were big, salty tears falling down Usagi's cheeks.

"Bunny…" Titan tried to wipe the tears away but they were quickly replaced. "What's wrong? Did I say something-,"

"I want to be with you!"

Usagi flung herself into Titan's arms and wept hysterically into his chest. Last night, she had talked about what it felt like to lose Norio and to discover that Setsuna was critically injured. But she still hadn't allowed herself to acknowledge the emptiness in her soul— a deep, dark feeling that threatened to consume her, especially over the last two weeks. Usagi had first felt it the morning after Mamoru took her virginity: the day he began cruelly rejecting her love. It was something she could feel but never coherently explain, so she didn't say anything at all. But the emptiness kept growing. The darkness kept eating and eating away at her soul and the only person who made it stop was Titan. Titan with his love-filled eyes. Titan with his protective embraces. Titan with his unyielding devotion and thoughtfulness and caring.

"I-I feel so trapped!" Usagi wailed pitifully. "Mamoru hates me! He hates me! He doesn't touch me. He-he barely even speaks to me unless I've done something wrong. But every day, I have to go back to that empty apartment and sit all alone and pray he stops hating me…."

"Oh Usagi-,"

"All my friends expect me to marry Mamoru. I couldn't leave if I tried! They'd drag me down the aisle because I'm supposed to create a future with him. I'm supposed to be happy with him. I can't though because I am only happy with you! I try so hard to balance you two but no one has ever loved me or looked at me the way you do. I don't love Mamoru anymore." The tearful princess placed several kisses across Titan's tattoo, desperately trying to prove her affection. "I only love you…I want to be with you…."

Moved by her confession, Titan hugged Usagi closer. He was always certain of her love. Her desire to be exclusive, however, had been ambiguous at best. Every time Titan proposed she break off her loveless engagement, Usagi said, "I love you more than anything. But leaving isn't as simple as it seems." Before now, he never realized Usagi felt she didn't have a choice whether to leave or stay. Titan had just thought a part of her still loved the idea of Mamoru, of Prince Charming. But now that the villain knew otherwise, perhaps leaving could be as simple as it seemed.

Titan rubbed Usagi's back and held her until the sobbing ceased. When her body stopped quivering, he again made the blonde meet his gaze. "My beautiful rabbit…my angel…" He kissed Usagi on the lips, rolling their tongues together leisurely, before suddenly licking her cheek in a slow, animalistic fashion. A contented sigh escaped him. "I know a way we can be together…without you breaking up with Mamoru first or your friends' interference."

What Usagi saw in Titan's eyes made her shiver. The love for her remained but there was also a calculating iciness. A total lack of compassion for humanity. Usagi had always known darkness existed in Titan. She acknowledged it but always encouraged him to do better. To keep his evil far away from Mamoru. But now, as Titan slid off her pink nightgown, the blonde realized how angry she was. Angry at Mamoru for constantly neglecting her, for making her- the Princess of the Moon- feel absolutely worthless. She had loved him over two lifetimes yet all she received now was disdain.

Usagi held a hand to her wet cheek. "Tell me."

Crack!

Lightening shot from dark clouds down to the ground below. Thunder rumbled the skies. Usagi hated storms, especially unexpected ones. She gasped in surprise though she wasn't sure whether because it began to rain in torrents or because Titan was nibbling her earlobe.

"No, I want you to have plausible deniability." Her lover smirked darkly. "When I go abroad next month, you are coming with me. Let us leave it at that."

"You're still married."

"Not for long, I promise you."

The nightgown hit the floor with Usagi's panties quickly joining it. All she wore afterwards was the gold pendant, her naked perfection lying on display. Shining eyes. Milky skin. Luscious breasts. A slim waist with gently curving hips. Titan's eyes eagerly devoured the sight. Meetings could wait. It had been too long since they'd pleasured each other and he planned to enjoy this beautiful goddess.

"Let's seal our bond, Usagi. Right here. Right now." The words suddenly came to Titan as he removed his boxers. "Swear to me that I am the only one in your heart. That there will never be another because I am your only future."

Usagi's heart swelled. "I swear." His face hovered above hers but she did not let their lips touch. Not yet. "Swear to me the same. That you will also love me forever and create a new future with me."

"I swear."

Their mouths met just as lightening struck Tokyo Tower. Pedestrians shrieked and ran fearfully for cover. But many stories above the fray, a princess and a villain were too busy ravishing each other to care. Titan explored every inch of Usagi's form: kissing all the right places. The blonde mewled loudly and licked his toned abs while reaching down to touch his manhood. Having previously been deprived of sport, it quickly grew to impressive size and Usagi kept stroking Titan until he shoved her down onto the pillows.

His eyes glittered predatorily. "Oh, I'm going to have fun with you Bunny…."

He proceeded to do unspeakable things to Usagi. Actions so sinfully wonderful that the Moon Princess knew she would never divulge them outside the bedroom. Titan had worshipped her body before but this time was different. He was forceful. Aggressive. A wild animal none could tame. His hands groped Usagi everywhere and allowed her no mercy from his wandering tongue. When she whimpered in pleasure, he hissed with satisfaction. But when he spread her thighs wide apart and she modestly tried to hide herself, Titan growled savagely, practically baring teeth before he shoved her hand away. The blonde cried out as her womanhood soon became victim to his expert mouth. As Titan explored her most sacred places, colors swirled before Usagi's eyes, blinding her from noticing a most unwelcome spectator.

Lord Charon stood on the thin ledge outside the glass wall watching the two lovers with cold eyes. He analyzed their position and raised an eyebrow when the moaning blonde quaked under her lover's tongue. Even in their reincarnated forms, the Moon Princess and the Sun Emperor could not resist each other. Serenity was completely covered in his aura, allowing Charon to easily follow her to the Divine One. And there was no better time than now to confirm his earthly identity. The two did not realize it but they were undergoing a bonding ceremony: an ancient ritual that would bind their souls for eternity. It had been performed long ago on the night Emperor Leonides claimed the princess's maidenhead and now would be completed in this new life.

"You called for me, my lord?"

Beside Charon appeared Nox who kneeled on the ledge with catlike grace. Out of the corner of her eye, the Mordae Queen saw Titan flip Usagi onto her stomach and instantly realized the purpose of her summoning.

"My lord, is this storm the result of His Highness's passion?"

Charon nodded. Being Master of the Sun, Emperor Leonides controlled all forms of light and the magic was amplified by his mood. Lightening storms tended to occur when he was either angry or extremely passionate. In this case, it was definitely the latter mood as the emperor was now giving enthusiastic oral to his princess from behind. Charon's azure eyes flicked over Usagi's flushed face and voluptuous body. Pride swelled in his breast but did not alter his blank expression.

Nox, however, knew her master well. "She is a shining star, my lord."

"Indeed." Charon witnessed Usagi quake again. Titan greedily licked up her honey. "You are sure Serenity resides with Endymion?"

Nox affirmed so. Because the Moon Princess was vulnerable without the cursed Ginzuishou, Mordae had been secretly guarding her for the past two weeks. "We have also learned the earthly identities of the Inner Senshi. I will be glad to kill them all, including Endymion, if my lord wishes."

Charon watched the emperor's reincarnation slap the princess's bottom when she didn't resume all-fours quickly enough. Immortal beings were domineering creatures and their desire to mate insatiable, especially once focused on one person. Serenity would not tire though. Her needs would grow to match his.

"Those traitors can only die at the Divine One's command. I am almost glad Aurora failed so miserably. We would have overstepped our boundaries otherwise."

"If we cannot execute Endymion and the Senshi now, then what shall we do in the meantime?"

More lightening struck the ground as cries of rapture resonated from Titan and Usagi. He had entered her now and was ramming the blonde wildly, clutching her waist for support. Charon nodded in approval at the sight and said to Nox: "Return to Elysian. We shall discuss my plans there."

"I understand, my lord."

Charon's attention returned to the spectacle after his Mordae disappeared. He felt no arousal. To do so would be highly improper. So, while the storm raged behind him, all Charon did was watch. He watched the bed shudder. He watched Usagi moan and clutch the sheets. He watched Titan continue his sexual conquest, making Usagi lie flat to experience even deeper penetration. His hands moved from the blonde's waist to clutch her shoulders and his mouth to kiss her ear. Both were too absorbed in pleasure to notice their bodies glowed gold: the color of successful bonding.

"You are mine…mine forever." Titan growled when he reached the brink. "And-I-am-yours…forever!"

The exclamation was followed by a roar of completion that coincided with the Moon Princess's moans of pleasure. Lightning flashed. Thunder rumbled. Rain poured. And as Usagi shuddered in orgasmic bliss beneath him, Titan filled her with hot seed before collapsing in exhaustion. Charon watched the two lovers cuddle into each other and then disappeared into thin air. The ritual was complete.


"Mr. and Mrs. Takeda! Please let me take your umbrellas."

It was ten o'clock. The storm had begun over two hours ago but heavy rain still pounded Tokyo's narrow streets. Yet, anyone who knew Yayoi Takeda also knew that she loved Harry Winston in all types of weather. The salon in Ginza with its iron-clad doors and velvet chairs was her safe haven. She knew the names of every salesperson, all of whom flocked to show her the most impressive pieces. For in addition to a credit card with no limit, she also had the manager's private line on speed-dial. And every time Yayoi entered the salon, she always left with a new, sparkling best friend delicately wrapped in tissue paper. Good experiences and special treatment convinced Yayoi that nothing bad could happen inside those enormous glass walls. So whether she was happy or sad, her first stop in Ginza was always Harry Winston.

"So nice to see you again, Mori-san." Determined to keep up appearances, Yayoi grasped Ryo's hand. "We came to find jewelry for the annual gala."

Every year in late March, the Takeda Group hosted an extravagant gala to celebrate its successes. It was the grandest event of its kind in Tokyo. All of Japan's elite, from near and far, from music idols to foreign ambassadors, craved an invitation to see and be seen. But as the illustrious chairman's discerning wife, Yayoi ensured only the crème de la crème entered the hallowed doors of the Tokyo National Museum that night. She and her friends who belonged to the Tokyo Aid Fund- the philanthropic arm of the Takeda Group- filtered the guest list thoroughly, maintaining only the finest names. And being among Japan's finest meant that Yayoi had to wear her finest— a difficult task since she was cut off from the Takeda family trust.

"Do you have any particular pieces in mind, Mrs. Takeda?" Mori-san asked once they'd followed him upstairs to the VIP room.

"Nothing by name." The socialite took a proffered flute of champagne. "I know I would prefer a long necklace for my gown rather than short. Let's start there."

Not more than five minutes passed when the table before Yayoi was filled with some of the world's most beautiful jewels. Her brown, petal-shaped eyes gleamed in satisfaction as she began clasping pieces around her neck one at a time. Ryo, absorbed with typing on his Blackberry, sat behind his wife in a throne-like chair. He kept an acceptable distance: not close enough to be intimate but not far enough to seem estranged. Shame. He was only here for pretend bonding time. But Yayoi wanted Ryo to remember how expensive jewelry emphasized her traditional beauty. For as much as she wanted to take everything home, she couldn't afford a single thing inside this room. Yayoi had already drained the last of her savings to buy her gala gown. Over the last three months, she had learned the hard way that being Tokyo social life did not coincide well with empty pockets. She lived in one of the most expensive cities in the world and was expected to maintain an image of glamour. But did Ryo care? Of course not. The man was ice. Puppies could be drowning right in front of him and he wouldn't lift a finger to save them.

Then again, perhaps that was an unfair example. Ryo hated dogs.

"Shall I retrieve anything for you, Mr. Takeda?"

"Cufflinks." The billionaire grunted, still not looking up from his phone.

"At once, sir."

Mori-san speedily returned with two attractive saleswomen behind him, each carrying a velvet box. Because Ryo was not close to a table, both opened their boxes and held them before him. Yayoi frowned when the one named Asami leaned over to flash her ample bosom. Women were always throwing themselves at Ryo for his bottomless bank accounts and aristocratic good looks. Hadn't Yayoi done the same? It wasn't like she married Ryo for love. The man didn't understand the meaning of the word, which was why she turned a blind eye to his numerous affairs. And to be honest, as long as her credit card bills were paid, Yayoi hadn't cared who Ryo bedded. Still, she had been completely unprepared when her husband announced his desire for a divorce. Their marriage was going nowhere, he said. But Yayoi knew the truth. Ryo had gotten tired of spending money on a lowbred woman with fading beauty. Why stay married to an aging crow when he could openly enjoy beautiful concubines across the world?

"I'd like to try on the sapphires please."

For the first time, feeling precious gems against her skin did not brighten Yayoi's day. Her big-shot lawyer brother had fought valiantly but the pre-nuptial agreement was iron-clad. Yayoi would only receive forty million yen and their apartment in Tokyo when the divorce finalized in April. Forty million would not begin to crack her mountain of debt. Ryo, however, had just received his annual bonus today— a sum of cash, stocks, and options totaling five billion yen. Just the idea that she was so poor while her husband remained so wealthy made tears prickle her eyes.

True, she wasn't young anymore or descended from old money. But for the past ten years, Yayoi had endured Ryo's icy reserve with grace and charm. That deserved a damn reward and Yayoi was taking it in the form of Ajibana Tower. It took weeks but, with her help, Mamoru Chiba had finally charmed Sakura Hideo to the point that she would unknowingly sign a net-exclusive agreement. All that remained was proposing Ajibana to the Takeda Group's Board of Directors next week.

"Those shall do." Ryo motioned to a gorgeous pair of white gold, diamond-encrusted cufflinks. "Hurry up, Yayoi. I am flying out to New York tonight and need to prepare."

"Oh, New York again?" She casually switched from sapphires to emeralds. "Who else is going?"

"The usual. Yamada. Enoki. Kimura. Nagano. I'm also letting Furuhata and Chiba tag along, which reminds me I need them both here right now." Ryo sent out a text message containing the order and then frowned at his wife. "Why do you care?"

"Just curious."

The billionaire looked suspicious and he should. Another plan was already brewing in Yayoi's devious mind— one that would gain her an even larger portion of Ryo's fortune.


"Tsukino-san, I'm ready for you."

Usagi smiled shyly as she scooted over to the beautician's chair. The Blue Ocean Spa was not her normal scene. Instead, it was the stomping grounds of Tokyo's elite ladies— those married to husbands with private jets and penthouse apartments. The cool, contemporary appearance of Blue Ocean appealed to its clients' sophisticated tastes but only made Usagi feel uncomfortable. She'd only asked Titan to loan her money for a haircut. Instead, he booked her an appointment at the swankiest salon in Tokyo and insisted on paying for not only the haircut but all her future expenses.

"Sugoi! Your hair is so pretty!" The beautician admired how her new client's shiny golden mane tumbled down once untied. "I hope you don't want to change the color."

"Arigato gozaimasu." Usagi blushed. "No color please. I just want it cut."

"Oh but we could do some lovely curls! Looser ones, of course. It looks more natural that way. How short do you want it? Well, most ladies your age wear it about here."

The beautician motioned just below the shoulder blades. Though Usagi nodded in approval, she let out a nervous sigh. Not about the hair. The blonde was ready for a change. But the possibility of becoming Titan's kept paramour terrified her. Some women spent their entire lives looking for an indulgent, rich man but Usagi was not one of them. True, her mother was a housewife living in a comfortable home. And occasionally, the traditional Kenji and Ikuko hinted they preferred their beloved daughter to become the same.

Usagi did want a family of her own someday but she also enjoyed independence. Earning her pay at Tsuhara Gym had provided that, and while not being an enthusiastic job-hunter now, Usagi did want to keep working as a fitness instructor.

So even though it clearly hurt his pride, she turned down Titan's credit card in favor of making her own way.

"Are you new to town, Tsukino-san?" The beautician asked after thoroughly shampooing and rinsing the Moon Princess's hair. "I don't think I've seen you in here before."

"Iie. I have lived in Tokyo my whole life. My boyfriend…my boyfriend wanted to pamper me today."

Usagi hesitated at first but then remembered that Titan had tossed her engagement ring across the room during their second round of sex. She hadn't been able to find it afterwards.

"Sounds like a keeper to me! Is it serious?"

"Very serious." The blonde began flipping through a magazine. More details seemed unnecessary.

While the beautician divulged her own romantic life, Usagi contemplated her pledge to Titan. It was like making a deal with the devil: satisfying yet unsettling. On one hand, she would get to be with the man she loved and who genuinely loved her. On the other hand, Usagi had a feeling this secret plan would absolutely ruin Mamoru. The idea that she would be an accomplice to his disgrace- plausible deniability or not- made her stomach churn. True, Mamoru treated her badly. But Usagi's anger and desperate desire to be with Titan had made her forget that the Earth Prince was also her first love…her first everything. Didn't Mamoru deserve a decent, sincere break-up? All Titan wanted was for them to jump on a plane without a word of goodbye. But Usagi knew was not only breaking Mamoru's heart but also destroying his beloved future. There would be no Crystal Tokyo. No monarchy. No grand palace. No servants. And unless Titan could somehow father her, there would also be no Chibi-Usa: a fact that made Usagi inwardly sob.

"Look at those paws!" The beautician exclaimed when Usagi brushed away a lone tear. "I'd say a manicure is in order!"

Not only were there a haircut and a manicure but also a pedicure, a full-body massage, and a facial. Each service already paid in full. By the time Usagi was ready to leave Blue Ocean, she felt like a new woman and knew Titan was to thank for that. Unfortunately, the bizarre weather was not conducive to maintaining beauty. At two-thirty, it was still miserable outside. Thunder. Lightening. The heavy rains and ferocious winds made using an umbrella absolutely pointless. Letting out an exasperated sigh, Usagi also grabbed an old newspaper from the reception area to cover her head when her cell phone rang.

"Moshi Mos-,"

"Where are you?" Mamoru's deep voice growled from the other end.

Usagi froze, unable to speak. "I-I-I-,"

"Get home now. We have business to discuss."


Author's Note: Hope you enjoyed this chapter! Don't forget to read and review!