Title: For the Good a Kingdom
Author: Silent Figure
Beta-Read and Edited by: Megara09
Author's Note: It has been a really long year for me. My day to day profession is an emergency manager. And I'm afraid this year just hasn't stopped since March. It's been really, really long hours and lots of weekends lost. I do also apologize for the length of time it has taken me to both update and even just write this story in general. New ideas keep popping up. And I am writing a Silver Millenium fic using some of the scenes you've read in this story already. I hope to complete this story and begin posting the new one in the next year. I have also been very fortunate to have the help and support of my first ever Beta-Reader Megara09. She's been incredible and a great help in going through my chapters and editing them for me. She also has given me some great advice as I wrote through the tough part of this chapter. I promise there is more to come, but for now enjoy this lengthier chapter and all the tension between Endymion and Serenity and their guardians.
Suggested Song: "The Anointing" - Rupter Greyson-Williams: The Crown Soundtrack
"I grieve and dare not show my discontent,
I love and yet am forced to seem to hate,
I do, yet dare not say I ever meant,
I seem stark mute but inwardly do prate.
I am and not, I freeze and yet am burned,
Since from myself another self I turned" - Poems from Queen Elizabeth I
The click of boots on marbled floors interrupted the silence in the room which Vargas had inhabited for the last half hour. Vargas smoothed out the wrinkles of his business suit as he came to his feet, a carefully neutral expression on his face. His glinting green eyes followed the king's approach from across the room as he came to stand in front of Vargas on the other side of the table. Vargas took the measure of his ornately-dressed king, sporting a black, single-breasted military style dress shirt with a mandarin collar. Golden, intricately-designed buttons ran left of center on his chest. He wore matching dress trousers and shiny black boots, indicating that the king was set to attend a formal dinner.
The ebony-haired king leaned forward, placing his hands on the surface of the table. His midnight blue eyes blazed with rage, though Endymion's facial features, too, were carefully neutral. Vargas merely provided him with a smile as he bowed low before him.
"Why do you think you are here, Vargas?" the king inquired seriously as Vargas rose from his deferential bow.
"Sire, I was merely acting in our best interest-" he didn't hesitate to begin.
"You were acting in yours!" the king interrupted with a bellow.
Vargas could not contain his subsequent flinch of shock. "The documents made it very clear the classified status would end upon her arrival," Vargas tried to explain after swallowing deeply, coming to sense his situation was something more akin to that of a lamb standing in the presence of a lion than that of a councilor being dressed down by his king. The king was a taller and far more physically intimidating figure than himself.
"They were changed, Vargas, and we both know you had the overall itinerary, knew we planned on addressing our two world nations tomorrow morning to deliver the news," Endymion accused.
Vargas' eyes widened in what appeared to be feigned shock to Endymion. "Sire, I would never," Vargas answered, hand over what Endymion assumed was a black withered heart, "risk this alliance."
After a momentary pause and with a soft sigh, Vargas continued his explanation. "It is quite necessary to our survival. Even I can see that, Sire. And admit to it. I was merely acting within the scope of my duties to keep the public informed, and Cassidy did so insist I be on her show. To be honest with you, Your Majesty, I had not paid much attention to the schedule, as we on the wider council are not really involved in most of the activities."
"For good reason," Endymion countered, his eyes narrowing, the corner of his mouth twitching half in sneer, and his nostrils flaring.
"Sire," Vargas breathed, "I would never question your judgement in these matters. I mean, I must admit, I do wish we were more involved-"
"No." Endymion instantly shut him down, not even bothering to allow the Councilman to complete his suggestion, before Endymion straightened up to his full height.
"But we must approve of the treaty before it is passed to our legislature for their approval," Vargas attempted to reason.
Endymion didn't hesitate to reply, "Moments ago, you said you would never question my judgement. Now it would appear, for all intents and purposes, you are doing just that. Which is it, Vargas? I can assure you that a treaty we can all get behind will be formed."
Vargas sighed, providing an acquiescing smile to his king. "Forgive me my impertinence, My King."
Endymion nodded. "You know the protocol about going to the media. You'll be fined for this. And, pending an investigation into the matter of the changed dates, you may be removed if you are found to be the party responsible for it. Regardless of the findings from the impending investigation, it would be wise of you to avoid any more interviews or public statements."
Vargas' lips thinned, his eyes lighting up in fury – though he wisely offered no insult. "I can assure you, Sire, I had no part in that."
Endymion smiled grimly, replying, "We shall see." Releasing a heavy breath through his nostrils, he moved to leave the room.
"Your Majesty," Vargas finally called out, halting Endymion, who was midway through the doorway, hand still gripping the handle. The muscles of Endymion's back visibly flexed through the tightness of his dinner dress shirt. "Did I not help you achieve what you wanted? You trusted me once."
Without turning to face him, the king simply lifted his head, addressing his question, "A mistake I am still steeply paying for." The door slammed shut behind him an instant later, leaving Vargas alone in the room.
He wasn't left alone for long. The door swung open again a mere instant later as Zoicite entered, outfitted in a white and gold dinner dress uniform similar in fashion to the king's.
Vargas watched as the blank-faced general held open the door, allowing the other Sectarian councilmen behind him to file into the room.
"Take a seat, gentlemen," the general directed.
"What is the meaning of this?" Vargas questioned as the other four Councilmen began taking seats nearby at the other tables scattered about the conference room. A second later, another entered the room – a military advisor they all recognized as one of the worst and most bland of briefers – with a laptop in hand.
Zoicite's eyebrow raised as he noted Vargas still stood on his feet. "You, too, Councilman Vargas. Have a seat." Zoicite jerked his chin in the direction of the chair behind Vargas.
Vargas sat down slowly, confused, keen green eyes watching as the colonel took out his laptop.
"Tonight, you all have a special briefing in store for you", Zoicite addressed the room. "Colonel Blaze will be addressing some immediate internal threats we are deeply concerned with."
"What of our dinner? It is nearly 6:00 PM," Councilman Zhao asked, infuriated with the imposition.
"Oh, your briefing this evening will be catered. And our caterers will provide coffee and tea for you, caffeinated and decaffeinated, on your breaks", Zoicite assured them, not once wavering in his seriousness.
"How long is this to be?" another councilman demanded to know, flabbergasted with the idea of the briefing taking so long as to even require a singular break.
Zoicite stepped forward with a shrug, his own boots clicking against the marble floor. "For as long as the colonel requires."
"If this is so important, then where are the councilmen from the other parties?" Vargas sneered, arms crossing defensively over his chest.
Zoicite nodded his head, completely unaffected by the Councilman's blatantly disrespectful tone. In fact, Zoicite's brows scrunched as if he was just as surprised as they. "I am afraid they've very recently taken some annual leave."
Zoicite delivered a quick and efficient bow to the councilmen, all of whom were either glaring or whose mouths were o-shaped. "Councilmen, I must take my leave now. It will not do for me to be late for dinner with the Lunarians. If you'll excuse me." Zoicite turned then to the military briefer. "Colonel. The room is yours."
Once his back was to the Councilmen, Zoicite allowed himself a smirk as he quickly made to exit, certain the Councilmen would fight amongst themselves not long after he departed.
…
Serenity moved her hair to the side, allowing for Celeste to lay a singular, delicate tear drop pearl necklace around her neck. Once she was done with the clasp, Celeste placed both hands upon Serenity's shoulders, looking into the full-length mirror alongside her queen.
"Your Majesty, there is not a warm-blooded man in this castle who could resist you tonight. Not even that detestable man, Vargas," she complimented in admiration of her handiwork.
Serenity smiled briefly, her eyes dropping away from her reflection for a moment - not because she was shy, but because she wasn't entirely certain she believed the words spoken, thinking first of what her ex-husband might think of her.
"Thank you, Celeste. That'll be all for tonight," Serenity replied, looking back up at Celeste in the mirror with a gentle smile, her fingertips briefly brushing against one of Celeste's on her shoulder.
"You're certain?" she asked. "You won't need help unbuttoning the back of the dress later? Or maybe another could unbutton it for you..." She trailed off a moment suggestively before continuing, "A king perhaps?"
Serenity rolled her eyes to keep from laughing, though her smile grew to one more genuine. "Do not be ridiculous, Celeste. One of the Senshi can help me with it later. Go, spend the evening with your husband."
Celeste nodded, stepping away from the Lunarian Queen and walking towards the door of her room. She turned back when it was partially open. "He'd be a fool not to want you, Your Majesty," Celeste replied seriously.
"He already is one for letting her go," Minako countered as she sauntered into the room, entering from their joint parlor door.
Celeste merely nodded in agreement before leaving the two finely-dressed women to one another, Serenity turning away from the mirror to face her friend.
Minako whistled, causing her queen to shake her silver head, her cerulean eyes finding the ceiling. "She's right, My Queen, you look-" Minako paused dramatically before pinching her forefingers and thumbs together. "-primo."
Serenity sneaked a glance at herself in the mirror, her eyes trailing over her fitted A-line dress made predominately of white lace with draped sleeves, a full skirt, and a deep neckline which came together again with a delicate button at her neck. A pearl necklace hung in the open space and, turning to the side, she eyed the lacy back, the delicate material nearly see-through. Her hair fell in tight curls down her back, free of constraint.
"What does that even mean?" Serenity asked, mouth pursing as she tried to decipher just exactly her friend meant, before turning to take in the image of her equally-gussied up friend.
Minako shrugged her bare shoulder, coming to drape herself on a nearby chair. "Not really sure. Just something I heard once in an American film. Think they used it a lot in the 80's, especially in Vegas - or was it New Jersey?"
"That's the dress you settled on?" Serenity asked with a raised brow as she eyed her friend's single-shoulder golden gown. The shoulder the gown covered had a long, sheer gold lace-draped sleeve, leaving her other arm and shoulder completely bare. The skirt of the dress fell near sheer just below mid-thigh and, true to form, there was a thigh high slit. She wore a matching gold belt at her waist and a golden chain around her neck with golden hoop earrings. Her hair, too, was free of constraint tonight, though hers fell straight down her back.
Minako immediately sat up straighter at her question. "What? Why? Should I change again?"
Serenity animatedly shook her head in response. "No, no, please don't. I imagine if you did, we'd all be late waiting on you." She paused a moment before saying, "It's just very…sexy."
"It's couture, is what it is, Serenity," Minako replied, shrugging again, "and I am embracing the image that I am some otherworldly thing once more. It was so fun in the last life."
"Ah," Serenity replied, turning to look at herself one more time, wondering if her choice of dress had been too conservative.
"Don't even go there - you look breathtaking," Minako commented, recognizing the self-doubt in Serenity's eyes. "You look like you would instantly have a cult following among all the comic-con nerds if they saw you. There would be a costume of you couples would use for their-"
"Weddings," Rei interrupted, clasping her remaining earring on her ear, having just entered the room and, overhearing and recognizing where Minako was going, instantly finding the subject inappropriate.
Minako groaned before grumbling throwing a hand up in defeat. "Not what I was going to say, but sure. That works, too."
Serenity giggled, finding it odd how one moment, it felt as though Serenity were speaking with Miliani and they lived in their past life, and then just as suddenly, a reminder of their present brought reality crashing back in.
Ignoring her, Rei continued, "Serenity, she is right, though; you've no reason to doubt yourself. I know you hate hearing it, but you look like a goddess."
"What are we talking about? How goddess-like our queen is again?" Makoto teased, earning a glare from Serenity as she joined the room, with Ami following closely behind.
"Oh, Serenity-" Ami began, hands in prayer at her lips as she eyed her gorgeous queen. "You look-"
"Thank you," Serenity interceded, deciding she didn't want to talk about how she looked any longer.
"We were talking about how Serenity could be a popular costume for cosplay," Minako filled in the newcomers.
Taking in a deep breath, Serenity looked over the other three, suddenly feeling better about her choice of dress. Rei wore an elegant fitted long-sleeved red dress, its beaded neckline forming a deep V, and princess sleeves. Her hair was up in a braided, detailed bun.
Ami wore an empire waist gown of dark blue, long sleeved and collared. Serenity raised her eyebrows at the neckline – steep, thin, and straight – embroidered with a delicate ice blue design which dropped to her waist where the full skirt began.
Serenity met Makoto's eyes, sharing a look of surprised understanding.
Makoto was dressed in an off the shoulder sleeveless form-fitting forest green gown. The bust of her dress was overlaid with lace of the same color green, drawing the eye to the intricate detail. Her hair was in a braided, side-style updo, which Serenity assumed Rei helped her with.
"Oh, yeah, totally. I can see it," Makoto agreed with Minako's assertion. "Do they even still do that anymore?" she continued, face scrunched up in confusion as she tried to remember the last time she saw such a convention.
Minako's face mirrored Makoto's expression as she, too, considered the thought. "Not sure. Don't think they do comic-cons on the Moon," Minako wondered aloud.
A knock at the door ended their discussion as they all looked at one another, each one wondering who would proverbially draw the short straw and open the door to greet their escort.
"I can get it," Ami began to volunteer, but Serenity walked forward, opening the door hastily. She highly doubted it would be her ex-husband come to escort her anyway, given palace protocol.
Serenity's eyes lit up in excitement as she came face to face with Motoki. "Motoki!" she shouted, launching herself at the man dressed in a tuxedo, wrapping her arms around his neck.
He blinked in confusion for a moment before returning the embrace. "Usagi?" he asked, stunned almost breathless in disbelief as they pulled away from one another. "I'm sorry, I meant Your Majesty." Motoki swallowed before bowing before her.
"Enough, Motoki, it's alright," Serenity waved him off, adding, "though I do go by Serenity mostly, nowadays."
He rose back up to full height, eyes wide as saucers as he took in the woman before him. "You are stunning. If I had known you'd grow up to look like this..." he trailed off.
"You'd have still married your wife," Serenity finished for him, her own eyes wide, offended for Reika that he would even hint at making a different choice in his life partner.
He blushed deeply before spluttering, "It could've been that I was going to say I would've tried to keep you from meeting her again tonight. I honestly think she may want to leave me after she sees what a gorgeous creature you've become. She's always been open-minded."
Serenity cleared her throat, looking down, cheeks flushing.
He began to look around the room at the other beautiful women, continuing, "Really, she'd leave me for any of you."
Serenity covered her mouth as she giggled, meeting her friends' equally amused eyes before she reached up, cupping his cheek with affection. "She couldn't leave you if she wanted to, Motoki. That woman has always been so deeply in love with you. Really, there is no other man for her."
They both laughed at Serenity's witty play on words before the blond man stepped fully into the room to be surrounded by the stunning Senshi, each one offering a warm greeting and embrace. Once everyone had exchanged pleasantries, he turned and offered the queen his arm. "Well, shall we? There are some people eagerly awaiting to lay eyes upon you."
Serenity took a deep breath, her grin fading to a touch of a hesitant smile on her lips before she linked arms with him. He led the way, knowing Serenity's entourage would follow close behind.
Serenity was surprised to find the halls mostly quiet, generally empty of occupants. There were not even servants bustling about in preparation for a state dinner. The group didn't pass by anyone, in fact, who looked as if they were going to attend such a formal event.
As the group rounded a corner, they finally came upon a red-headed woman dressed in a similar fashion. She was bent down, attempting to fix the tie of her littlest blond son's suit while an elder red-headed boy ran around her in circles. "Darren," his mother chastised him, "stop running around."
They stood in front of a large ornate door, which Serenity assumed led to the dining room.
Serenity grinned warmly as she recognized Reika and what must be hers and Motoki's children. "Reika?" Serenity asked as they neared her.
The red-headed woman's head snapped up in her direction. Serenity registered surprise in Reika's brown eyes before her expression turned to one of relief and then happiness. Reika stood up, the full length of her light tan, classic A-line gown coming into view. "Oh, thank goodness. Motoki, can you take care of Darren?" she asked in desperation as they came closer.
Motoki was quick to release Serenity's arm so he could step forward to snap up his eldest son before settling the four-year-old on his hip. "Here we go," Motoki grunted before muttering lowly but calmly to his son, asking the boy to mind himself.
Reika came forward, her arms open as Serenity fell into them. "Oh, Serenity it has been too long." Reika pulled away from her embrace, looking upon the young queen with admiration. Reika's hands cupped both sides of Serenity's face in a motherly fashion. "Look at you, you've grown into a phenomenal woman. Good lord. If you wanted to give up being queen, I'm sure you could be an intergalactic model. I am certain your ex-husband is in there right now, dreading to be reminded of what a fool he was when he let you slip away."
"Thank you, Reika. You look gorgeous, too. Motherhood could not come in a more stunning form," Serenity replied, blushing, clearing her throat before turning to look at the younger blond-haired boy hiding behind his mother's skirt, his light brown eyes looking up at her with curiosity. Leaning down so she was level with him, she greeted, "Hello there, handsome. And what is your name?"
"Zach!" he shouted excitedly before sticking some of his fingers in his mouth.
Serenity grinned at the sight, taking a deep breath. She could not mention her own child, so she settled upon saying, "Well, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Zach."
Reika watched her littlest son, placing a gentle hand on his back. "And what do we say to the queen, darling?"
The little boy giggled looking up at his mother with a shrug. Reika cleared her throat, choking down her giggle, a flush of embarrassment fanning out on her cheeks as she knelt back down. "We say, 'it is nice to meet you, too, Your Majesty'," Reika whispered into the littlest boy's ear, her hands fixing his unkempt tiny dinner jacket.
Zach looked back up at the Queen before attempting to address her. "Nice to meet you, too, Yo Maje-" He paused and looked at his mother, confused with the word.
"Majesty," Reika led, and her youngest boy mimicked the sound.
"And I'm Darren, Your Majesty," the red-haired boy still in his father's arms greeted.
Turning to the older son, Serenity offered him a smile as she approached the other two Furahata men. "And it is a pleasure to meet you, as well, Darren."
Serenity glanced at Motoki, whose eyes were sparkling with pride as he leaned into his son's cheek, laying a loving kiss upon it. "Say thank you," he goaded his eldest son gently.
"Thank you, Your Majesty", the boy replied tilting his head downward in an attempt to bow while still in his father's arms.
"Your boys are absolutely lovely and so adorable," Serenity complimented the two grinning parents.
Her Senshi came forward for their own introductions to the young boys and to embrace Reika. They were all laughing at Zach's obvious confoundment over Ami's blue hair color when the clearing of a throat drew their attention to the door they'd found Reika and her boys in front of earlier.
Jadeite stood with the door half opened to the dining room, dressed in a white and gold dress uniform akin to the one he wore in his prior life, though this one was more modern. Formed and fitted in a similar fashion to that of the global military force, it was notably different from the global military in that the colors of white and gold were the signature colors of Elysian. Not Crystal Tokyo's silver and white, the same colors of the Moon Kingdom.
"Apologies for the interruption," Jadeite began, his blue eyes focused solely on the queen. Serenity could hear the light intake of Rei's breath from just behind her, could feel a perceptible change in temperature in the ever-warming air. "His Majesty asked that I check on the status of your arrival, but I see I did not have to go far to find that answer."
The initial silence in response added to the tension in the hallway as the five Lunarian women eyed the resurrected blond-haired General. Glancing at the family beside them, Serenity caught the Furuhata's hesitation, could see how they practically held their breath in anticipation of such a meeting. The children in their arms squirmed, confused with their parents' sudden stillness. After all, just beyond the door were three more of his like. And their king. It would be the first time they would all truly be reunited together in a singular room for more than a few moments since before the fall of the Lunarian Kingdom – lifetimes ago.
Serenity, realizing it must be her to end this silent standoff, licked her dry lips and offered a smile in hopes of dispelling the tension. "Of course, it is no problem at all, General. I must apologize for keeping your king waiting. We may have gotten carried away with preparing for dinner and most especially once we reunited with our old friends, the Furuhata's."
Jadeite nodded, offering no indication of judgement, either good or bad, in his expression upon hearing her excuse. It was odd for Jadeite to be so quiet. To not commentate in some mildly offensive manner with a lopsided grin. At least, it would've been in his last life. His nature was the most similar to Minako's of this life, except his quips were more self-deprecating and better calculated.
"Would you mind escorting me in?" Serenity offered, stepping forward with her hand extended. A peace offering.
This seemed to spur him into action. "Of course, Your Majesty." He bowed low, taking hold of her pale, delicate hand so he could briefly brush his lips across her knuckles before pulling her hand into the crook of his elbow as he stood back up.
Serenity didn't glance behind her at her Senshi of War, instinctually guessing that her violet eyes were ablaze. The warmth radiating at her back increased ever so slightly once Jadeite took Serenity's hand. The faintest sound of a protective snarl was heard by all - though no one verbally indicated they'd heard it. But Serenity noticed the tension in Jadeite's bearing. A stiffness in his shoulders and walk, as though prepared to turn and fight the bristling Senshi of Mars at any moment. Following his lead, Serenity stepped through the door, her eyes widening as they adjusted to the darker room.
Rather than bright, illuminating lights around the room, Endymion had opted for this first dinner to be candle lit. Tall candelabras lined the private dining room. Shorter, more elegant candelabras sat on the surface of the long rectangular table set for at least thirty. The rectangular table stood right of center of the room, a grand fireplace on the far-right wall, and it appeared, just behind the far end of the table, there was a glass doorway leading to a small balcony.
The left side of the room allowed for space to congregate with several similarly-dressed people standing about in conversation, champagne flutes in hand as a few servers walked amongst them with hors d'oeuvres. The smaller-than-expected setting screamed intimacy, perhaps - Serenity initially believed - because a much larger audience might lead to more public of a spectacle. But as Serenity took in the faces, she realized the true reason for the purpose of such an intimate setting. She paused, her hand unconsciously squeezing Jadeite's arm, her breath hitching in her throat as she glanced at each and every other guest in the room.
While Endymion was nowhere to be seen - and the other three missing Shitennou likely with him - before her stood her childhood best friends, Naru and Umino, both of whom stood close to one another with matching wedding bands on their ring fingers. To her right stood her middle school and high school teacher, Sakurada Haruna, aged but still somehow commanding of the room. Upon Serenity's entry, Haruna paused in her discussion with three younger people whom Serenity recognized as her former classmates: Yumiko, Kuri, and Asanuma. Lastly, her eyes found her fully grown little brother, Shingo, and a beautiful strawberry blond woman she took to be his American wife, Rebecca. Bile rose in her throat, her freed hand smothering the gasp of surprise escaping her lips.
Serenity felt a comforting hand at her shoulder, one she instinctually knew for Minako's, but her eyes remained trained forward on the people gathered. The gesture told her she was not the only one stunned by the other guests here tonight. This was truly unexpected - and unplanned by her guardians.
It was Naru who dared to step forward first. They stared at each other for but a moment before a squealing Naru launched herself at Serenity, wrapping her arms around the young queen. The Senshi and the Furuhatas behind her covered their ears until the squeals ceased.
"It's been too long," Naru whispered, salty wetness seeping into Serenity's hair.
Serenity nodded her head in agreement, glistening tears collecting at her lashes, a few making an escape down the sides of her cheeks. The two pulled apart, wiping their tears, eyeing one another and taking in the differences five years could make in one's appearance.
"You look incredible. So regal. Your hair is silver now. It looks so good on you," Naru breathed, sniffing as she pulled away briefly to glance down, "and you didn't trip while wearing heels!"
The two women laughed at the shared understanding, Serenity nodding just as choked out, "And look at you, you're married, and so beautiful, too! Your hair is longer." Serenity couldn't help but caress the red curly tresses which for the first time was just as long as Serenity's, where once it had always been in the style of a bob.
"It is," Naru replied, subconsciously running a hand through her own curly strawberry hair as well. Turning over her shoulder, Naru beckoned her husband, "Darling, come say hi."
Serenity was shocked by the good-looking young man approaching her. A young man who'd once been viewed by Usagi and her friends as a huge dork. The formerly skinny, spectacled 'know it all' had grown up into a taller and a bit more filled out man than she would've thought he would be, though he still wore spectacles. His glasses actually fit his face in a complimentary way where once they'd been too large. "Umino," Serenity greeted, grasping one of his hands as he bowed before her.
"Your Majesty," he acknowledged, his voice still somewhat nasally. He straightened up to his full height, pushing his spectacles up the bridge of his nose. "You are…more than anyone could ever have imagined."
Serenity and Naru both giggled at the backhanded compliment. "Thank you, Umino," Serenity managed between giggles before her eyes were drawn to movement beyond the couple. He had been hovering out of the corner of her eye, respectful and patient but eager.
"Shingo," Serenity greeted hesitantly, finally turning to him. He took one step forward before halting, unsure. She could see him struggle with how best to approach her, perhaps even how best to address her.
"Usagi," he opted to call her after a moment more, stepping closer so he was well within arm's reach.
They hadn't seen one another since before her parents' public spectacle those five years ago. She took a moment to take his image in. He'd grown into such a fine young man. She could see in Shingo's face so many of their parents' traits. Her father's jaw, even his hair before it began to grey. Shingo had always had their mother's eyes, but now they were just as soft and just as caring as their mother's. Judging from the way his eyes took her in, she could sense he was thinking how unlike their parents she now looked. No evidence in her grown form was indicative of their genetics. Rather, she was the spitting image of a powerful, long-deceased Lunar queen. Now the whole of Earth, her parents, and her brother knew the reason.
Biting her lip, she glanced down, avoiding her brother's scrutiny, afraid to encounter judgement.
"You look…"
Serenity nearly flinched as he spoke aloud, unsure of what he would say.
"...so pretty. Wow, I never thought I'd ever hear myself say that to you," Shingo marveled, laughter and even love laced within his voice.
Serenity's eyes flicked up quickly to meet his grinning ones. She choked on a half laugh, half sob as a tear escaped down the slope of her cheek. "You're still a brat, I see."
Shingo nodded his head as he stepped forward, moving so close she impulsively decided to pull him in for a hug. When his arms wrapped around her, squeezing meaningfully, something in her released. She buried her head in her brother's shoulder to hide the tears and muffle the sounds of her sobs, though she was certain her shaking shoulders gave her away.
"I missed you, too," he whispered into her hair, a hint of tears in his voice.
It took her a moment or two, but finally she pulled away, sniffling and wiping at her eyes. He reached up, helping her after he'd cleared away the evidence of his own happiness.
"Come, it's high time you met my wife." He led the young queen towards the strawberry blonde woman he'd been standing with earlier, looping his arm through hers. It was clear Shingo had no intention of separating from his sister for the remainder of her reunions and greetings. It'd been too many years.
…
Jadeite closed the door behind him, glad to be free from the seemingly overly jovial reunions. He felt immediate relief wash over him as the sounds of the party became muffled by the solid door. For the most part, his presence in the room had been instantly forgotten by the Senshi and their queen upon recognizing their old friends. But he hadn't quite escaped the scornful gaze of the Senshi of Mars as he made his way to the secret doorway near the fireplace.
Passing through the antechamber where his king and fellow Shitennou patiently waited, he nodded his head in acknowledgement of the men who all simultaneously glanced up at him upon his entry. Only their king stood, his face giving nothing away but his gaze intense with a burning need to know.
"Went well enough. No anger or resentment. Not quite sure we should go in there anytime soon and interrupt their joyful reunion," Jadeite explained, glancing around the room.
Kunzite appeared to pay little heed, merely grunting in response as his eyes returned to reading the palace report in his hand. Both Nephrite and Zoicite were engaged in a chess match at a nearby table, though they'd paused in their game to listen.
Endymion nodded his head as he sat back down, breathing a huff of breath through his nose. Judging from his expression, Jadeite could see he wanted more details but would not ask while in the presence of his other men.
Pulling up a chair, Jadeite sat down across from his king, setting his feet up on the coffee table between them in their waiting room. Kunzite's eyes flicked up from his reading, annoyed and having magically sensed Jadeite's blatant disregard for manners.
Catching the look of disapproval, Jadeite set his feet begrudgingly back on the stone floor before turning to his king offering, "The reunion between our boy Shingo and Serenity went really well. Lots of tears. Of the happy variety. Seemed the Furahata reunion did, too, but I missed that one. Serenity also seemed incredibly happy to see Naru from what I could tell. Slipped out before I could see the teacher reunion."
Endymion again said nothing before glancing down, contemplative over the information provided. Likely relieved he made the right call to host a much less formal dinner than originally planned. To hold off on hosting a formal state dinner with world dignitaries, senators, representatives, and the external councilmen on the first night of the negotiations in favor of giving the Lunarians a more comfortable intimate dinner with those they left behind. An olive branch.
"When do you think we should join them?" Endymion finally asked, his eyes meeting Jadeite's once more.
"Is never an option?" Jadeite jested, shrugging his shoulders and running a hand through his perfect blonde locks. "All my interactions with Mars thus far have made me think I am not far off from a fate involving incineration."
"You were never far off from that fate, my friend, even prior to meeting her, whether it be in this life or the last," Nephrite countered smugly briefly glancing up at Jadeite while simultaneously making a chess move against Zoicite who sat across from him, chin in the palm of his hand as he strategized.
"I concur," Zoicite added, making a near-immediate counter move moments after Nephrite's piece landed.
"Boy, am I glad I left there to come here and feel all the love in this room. So glad you all are my sworn brothers in arms, shield to shield and all that," Jadeite replied sarcastically, crossing his arms. "Zoi is like two moves from kicking your ass, by the way, Neph," Jadeite added with a smirk, rubbing his chin as he took in the chessboard.
Nephrite sent him a glare before looking back at the board, scrutinizing where he might lose, feathers ruffled by the notion Jadeite might see his opponent's strategy more easily than he could himself.
"He's messing with you," Zoicite attempted to console Nephrite.
"See, now we both know I can't trust anything you say because you, you'll do anything to win. Your jedi mind tricks won't work on me," Nephrite countered, annoyed Zoicite even bothered to attempt at helpfulness.
A smile quirked on Zoicite's lips. "Mind tricks? I really don't know what you're talking about."
"Yes, you do," Jadeite, Nephrite and Endymion said dully in unison, resulting in chuckles all around with only Zoicite narrowing his gaze in mild offense.
A knock at the door startled everyone in the room, each man standing at the ready. Somehow triggered, their reflexes acting as though they were about to face some sort of attack. Reika appeared before them, smiling at the sight, a crafted brow raised in interest.
"I am sorry to interrupt whatever this is," she teased, making plain how edgy they all seemed to her before continuing, "but I noticed Jadeite disappear. If you had any concerns before, now might be a good time to join us. All the reunions have been had."
Reika's eyes landed on the king pointedly. "She's in a very good mood. The surprise was very much appreciated."
…
When Endymion and his men entered, they found everyone standing, hovering near the table but still animatedly engaged in conversation. The laughter quelled in anticipation as Endymion and his men's presence gained the attention of their Lunarian guests. Serenity's guardians noticed them first, their laughter fading. Grave expressions took the place of smiles on their faces, making the newcomers feel more like intruders than the hosts of this event.
Endymion's eyes were drawn to Serenity immediately. Her back was, at first, to him as she'd been speaking in depth with Shingo's wife. It damn near took his breath away when she turned to face him, having been alerted to their entry by the reactions of her Senshi, sensing the subtle shifts in the atmosphere. Her cerulean eyes found his just as quickly as when he'd picked her out in the small crowd. He swallowed deeply, mouth dry at the sight his former queen made in her elegant white lace gown, especially in the orange glow of the firelit room.
He suddenly regretted his choice of ambiance. Agonizingly intimate memories of similar settings with his ex-wife came unbidden to the forefront of his mind. It was in this lighting that Endymion of his life past had first realized he loved the Lunarian princess. Though it'd been in a tavern after one of their more incredible adventures then. And now, she was looking at him. Unlike earlier in the day, she was less guarded in her expressions, a soft smile graced her lips, gratitude shining in her eyes as she nodded her head in acknowledgement of his entrance.
Clearing his throat, Endymion finally spoke, knowing if he remained silent for a moment longer this would become even more awkward than it already was. "Welcome, everyone. Dinner is set to begin soon, so shall we take our seats?"
No one was quite willing to make the first move, or so it at first seemed. Until Serenity released her hold on her brother's arm, walking up to the King, her gaze holding his. He wasn't certain he could break eye contact even if he wanted to; it was almost as if he was bewitched by the vision before him.
Endymion didn't realize he'd been holding his breath until his chest rose when Serenity said loud enough so the entire room could hear, "Happily."
Briefly glancing over her shoulder, Serenity shot meaningful looks at her guardians, or more specifically Rei, Minako, and Makoto. Endymion, recognizing Serenity had accepted his proverbial olive branch, offered her his arm in reciprocation. This time, she didn't hesitate to take it as he walked her over to her seat. Her touch was just as distracting as it had been that morning. The phantom comforting warmth real once again, spreading from where her hand held his arm through his dinner shirt, sinking into the muscle of his arms. A feeling of rightness swelled in his chest. Just as his potentially crazed apparitions of her provided him during her five years of absence.
How he longed for the contact to be flesh to flesh once again as it was earlier in the day, just so he could feel the addicting electric current he knew in his bones would always pass between them. But he showed none of this; rather, his face remained expressionless as he pulled her chair out for her, earning another genuine smile from her.
"Thank you," she said softly, taking her seat.
"Of course," he answered with a quick tight, uncomfortable smile before taking his own next to her at the head of the table.
Everyone else found their assigned seats by cursive name cards. The Senshi appreciated the carefully planned seating arrangements, which provided them a much-needed reprieve. At least for this first evening, they would not be sitting next to or across from their former lovers. Rather, their civilian guests were intermingled in a 'every other' sort of fashion between the Senshi and Shitennou. It made for a much smoother, lighter dinner for all involved.
Various conversations volleyed across the table. Life updates were shared, like how Ms. Haruna had married Yumiko's father, becoming her stepmother. And when Yumiko's father died, the two had become near-inseparable in their shared grief. Naru and Umino were trying for a baby. Jokes were told at many a person's expense as were some stories, though no one dared mention anything from a past life nor share stories of the Senshi's battles in this life. Most of the reminiscing centered around the time spent at Azabu Juban middle and high schools. Both Naru and Shingo offered up a few stories about Usagi as a child, inducing plenty of laughter amongst the group, much to Serenity's chagrin.
The Shitennou remained mostly silent, offering little more than pleasant smiles, sometimes chuckling, but rarely contributing any tales of their own. They dutifully held surface-level polite side conversations with those they sat next to at the long table, refusing to be the ones to end this delicate and likely temporary peace. The only Senshi and Shitennou to engage with one another at all were Minako and Zoicite, an odd sort of uneasy understanding between them.
Outwardly, neither Ami or Kunzite seemed to notice, but Endymion caught the two visibly go rigid when Minako joked about how uncomfortable and stiff Zoicite had been on their journey together from Crystal Tokyo to Elysian because she insisted she conceal her identity throughout the entirety of it. Really, none of the other Shitennou and Senshi seemed comfortable with the ease between the two guardians. Perhaps because it felt far too soon for such a truce to exist.
Endymion's mind was drawn away from his observations of the interactions upon hearing his name shouted by Reika's and Motoki's littlest boy, Zach, who had escaped the reach of both of his parents so he could race down the side of the table towards the king. Scooting his chair back away from the table, Endymion caught the excited, grinning four-year-old, who leapt into his awaiting arms. Lifting the boy up, Endymion settled him on his lap, an arm bracing Zach's middle. "Now, now, Zach you know your mother will be upset with you for running away from her."
Zach merely giggled defiantly, saying, "I know. But…but I wanted to talk to you, and she wouldn't let me come and, umm, talk to you. And I wanted to talk to you right now."
Endymion glanced down the table at the blushing Reika, who started to stand. Endymion shook his head silently, conveying she needn't fetch him just yet. Endymion didn't mind, he could use the time with the little boy. Endymion smiled to himself when he noticed Zach continually glance at Serenity, who was still preoccupied, enthralled with the retelling of Shingo's wedding.
"Have you met Neo-Queen Serenity yet, Zach? She lives on the moon," Endymion asked, leaning forward in excitement as he spoke about where the silver-haired woman next to him was from.
The boy's eyes brightened at the prospect. Hearing the mention of her name, Serenity turned away from her conversation with her brother, somewhat startled to find Zach sitting on Endymion's lap.
"Yes," Zach replied before leaning over to whisper in Endymion's ear, "She's very pretty."
Endymion laughed heartily, nodding his head before looking back up at Serenity. She was watching the boy, grinning genuinely at Zach, having clearly heard the boy's whispered commentary on her appearance.
"It would seem you have an admirer in my godson," Endymion explained on behalf of the boy, who blushed at Endymion's words before burying his nose in Endymion's chest, his little arms wrapping around his neck as if to hide from embarrassment.
Serenity's eyes flicked up to look up at Endymion. She blinked a moment, her pupils widening in surprise, her smile fading. Endymion missed the shift in her expression, his own gaze having rolled skyward, chuckling at the boy squirming around trying to borrow further into his embrace to avoid the perceived attention being drawn to him.
"Oh, we're going to be shy now, are we?" Endymion teased, bouncing the boy on his knee. Looking back up at Serenity, aiming to apologize on behalf of Zach, Endymion's mirthful expression fell at the sight of the sudden seriousness on her face. Her eyes weren't focused on anything in particular in front of her, the rise and fall of her shoulders just a little heavier.
Serenity blinked rapidly for a moment as if coming back to herself and, realizing she was being watched, she turned to Endymion with a feigned smile. "Sorry I…I just need to use the restroom a moment. If you'll excuse me," she near-whispered. Coming to a stand abruptly, she walked hurriedly down the table towards the doorway she'd come in through earlier in the evening.
Endymion watched her, concerned, his eyebrows scrunched in confusion.
Zach picked his head up off of Endymion's shoulder, chin tilting up towards him as he asked, "Where did the pretty moon lady go?"
Endymion shook his head, half smiling, attention drawn back to the little boy on his lap. "Just to the bathroom. She'll back in a little bit," he answered, ruffling Zach's hair and ignoring Reika's groan of frustration from down the table upon witnessing the ruination of her hard work on the boy's appearance. Endymion was amused at Motoki's barely audible attempts to console her.
….
Serenity was nearly running down the quiet hall, hoping she was heading in the direction of the bathroom. Swallowing hard, she tried to keep the rising tears at bay. Her heart hammered against her chest.
"Stupid," she muttered out loud, shaking her head as if somehow it would rid her of this overwhelming anxious feeling. Part of her was angry with herself for putting a damper on the evening. It had been going so well, barely any tension in the room. Happy memories were shared, the atmosphere light.
Endymion likely hadn't been fooled by her feeble bathroom excuse. It had been obvious he sensed that something had upset her. And it wouldn't take him too long to figure out the cause had been seeing the sheer joy on his face while holding his godson in his arms. While logically she recognized Endymion couldn't possibly know she'd deprived him of knowing his only child, deprived him of that very happiness he'd had holding Zach with their own daughter, the possibility he could come to such a conclusion still nagged at her mind.
Breathing a slow, even breath out, she reminded herself that common sense favored the chance he would come to believe her distress stemmed from the belief they both had been deprived of the child they were destined to have. And seeing him with a child, and so happy no less, reminded her of all that was lost when their marriage ended.
She forcibly slowed her frantic walk down the hallway, taking a moment to mindfully inhale and exhale. The regulation of her breath calmed her, the pace of her racing thoughts slowing in turn. Her secret was still safe. And, taking a momentary pause to praise all the gods in the heavens for this, her ex-husband was not capable of reading minds.
Sighing deeply, Serenity looked around her, suddenly wishing she had been paying more attention. After a moment, she came to recognize she had well passed the bathrooms, so she quickly turned around, aiming to find refuge in its confines. Her eyes widened as Jadeite emerged from a nearby hallway, mindlessly pacing erratically, a cell phone to his ear, seemingly completely unaware of her presence.
"Yes, Cassidy, of course I've missed you," Jadeite groaned, head tilting back in exasperation.
Serenity's eyebrows scrunched together as she edged just a little closer out of curiosity, wondering if it was the Cassidy whom she had seen on television that very evening.
"I have been meaning to call. It's just that… Well, I've been a very busy man, in case you hadn't noticed," he explained, eyes rolling to the side, glancing Serenity's way. Fortunately, Jadeite did not catch a glimpse of her, as she'd ducked behind a nearby corner into another corridor just before he'd looked her way.
"I know it's no excuse. And it was made all the more difficult because it isn't like I could tell you the Lunarians were coming, now could I? I have to maintain Endymion's confidence and adhere to my security clearance level. We weren't even sure it was going to happen until it did. It's been chaos here since we found out. Preparations have taken up all my time," he replied, sounding near sincere.
Peering around the corner, she saw him shove a hand through his hair as he continued to mindlessly walk back and forth across the hall, listening to the obviously female voice emitting from the phone shout at him.
Serenity briefly wondered if she should reveal herself. She was, after all, eavesdropping on a private, possibly even intimate, conversation. It seemed wrong to be party to it. Still, from what Serenity had seen of Cassidy - if this were the same one – she was led to believe the TV personality might be anti-Lunarian. And Jadeite, one of Endymion's trusted Generals, seemed to have, at the very least, some kind of relationship with her. The implications of such a relationship existing gave her pause. Biting her lip, she bounced on her feet as she debated internally with herself. Her chest tightened at the thought of what this could mean for their negotiations and, more importantly, what it meant for Rei.
As if called upon by the very thought of her name, Rei came striding down the hallway. Jadeite instantly paused at the sight of her, phone slowly falling from his ear to hang from his fingertips at his side as he turned to face the approaching Rei, his back facing Serenity. Serenity could hear the faint sound of Cassidy still talking, though what words she said were too soft to be understood
"Where is she?" Rei asked sharply, suspicion plain in her voice.
"Where is who?" Jadeite retorted, sounding genuinely confused.
Serenity had ducked back behind the corner of the wall, so she was unable to see his physical reaction, but she suspected he looked perturbed, maybe even agitated.
"My queen. She came out here not long before you did," Rei replied, her voice slightly more biting than her opening line had been.
"Ah. Her. Haven't seen her. Didn't even know she was out here. Came out here to take a phone call," he explained nonchalantly, "so if you'll excuse me. I'm being rude."
"You're really going to pretend like you didn't see her leave? You left maybe three minutes after she did. And if you actually didn't, then what kind of Guardian does that make you hmm? One who is entirely incapable of situational awareness," Rei bit out her accusation. The denunciation of his capability as a Guardian was vaguely reminiscent of the first time Serenity had seen the two together in their past life.
"Hey, Cassidy, love, I'm going to have to call you back," Serenity heard Jadeite say through gritted teeth. He must've brought the phone back to his ear. Still, Serenity cringed the moment Jadeite so much as uttered Cassidy's name in front of Rei.
"Cassidy? As in Cassidy Tate?" Rei spit the name of the TV personality. She sounded shocked, but even more so infuriated by the prospect it might very well be the TV personality on the other end of Jadeite's phone.
"Mars, I saw your queen leave the room. But I didn't come out here to follow her if that is what you were implying. As I stated mere moments ago, I came out here to take a phone call. And so what if it was from Cassidy Tate, hmmm?" Jadeite challenged, mimicking Rei's earlier sound.
Serenity tilted her head back, vexed with both guardians' antagonistic natures. There was no way Serenity wasn't going to need to intervene now.
"Then I'd have to say you're still trait-"
"Rei," Serenity interrupted, pushing away from her hiding place, rounding the corner back into the main hallway, effectively drawing the two fuming Guardians' attentions away from one another.
Rei's eyes dragged away from Jadeite's blazing blue ones to meet Serenity's. The Guardian of Mars' chest expanded with a deep breath, her hands balled into fists at her sides. It took a moment more before Rei bowed her head, a laxness replacing the tension in her face and shoulders, her hands unfurling. "My Queen."
Nodding her head, Serenity approached the two, her eyes briefly glancing at Jadeite. There was a hint of shame in his expression, a light, barely tangible flush fanning up his neck, the pulsing vein there slowing.
"Your Majesty," he acknowledged, mirroring Rei's deference.
"Are you looking for the bathroom, Rei? I'm afraid you've passed it. I made the same mistake myself," Serenity addressed her friend pointedly.
The raven-haired beauty swallowed hard, her gaze dropping to the floor as if in contemplation. "I was, yes," she finally replied before briefly finding Jadeite's eyes, a hardness reflecting in her own, daring him to reveal her true purpose to Serenity.
Glancing at Jadeite, Serenity waited a moment for Jadeite to contradict Rei's response. To call her out on the lie. Instead, he smiled tightly at Rei before turning fully to face Serenity.
"I was just about to offer that I escort her there myself or provide her directions."
"Aren't you ever the gentlemen, Jadeite?" Serenity complimented, her double meaning seemingly not lost on either one of them judging from the flush of humiliation that fanned out across Rei's and Jadeite's cheeks.
"It is nothing. Shall I show you the way?" he offered with a bow of the head and offer of the arm. Both Serenity and Jadeite ignored the subsequent scoff that escaped Rei's lips the moment he finished speaking.
Serenity smiled warmly before replying, "Thank you, Jadeite, it is kind of you to offer, but I think the two of us have it from here. Please feel free to go back to dinner, we'll rejoin you shortly after we've gone to the powder room."
Nodding, he bowed to her once more before turning to Rei and doing the same, his gaze holding hers for just long enough to make it noticeable to Serenity. Some silent challenge transmitted between the two before he left the pair of Lunarians alone in the hallway.
"Maybe someone should tell him it's the modern era. Offering to escort women to the bathrooms like we're delicate little dolls is not only a little creepy and weird but chauvinistic as well," Rei couldn't help but comment just loudly enough so that the retreating Jadeite might hear.
"Rei," Serenity chastised, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I find it deeply ironic that this is about to come from my mouth, but need I remind you that we are here to bring about peace?"
"Right, peace. I'm sure that's what he was out here on the phone looking for. He's sleeping with Cassidy Tate, a woman who just hours ago brought Vargas onto her TV show to provide commentary on our arrival, to provide him an opportunity to set the stage for our negotiations," Rei grimaced, crossing her arms, a deep bitterness in her voice.
"You don't know that he's sleeping with her," Serenity sighed with the shake of her head.
"It's Jadeite," Rei countered succinctly, her face deadpanning.
"Yes…many, many centuries later," Serenity cautioned, aiming to calm the raging inferno brewing inside the Senshi of War, seemingly triggered by the notion of Jadeite having taken a lover in the possibly anti-Lunarian TV show host.
"He hasn't changed," Rei declared with finality, angrily shaking her head.
Internally, Serenity couldn't help but think that neither of them had. She hadn't seen Rei behave like this since she was Verena of Mars. Jadeite was the most powerful spark to ever light the Martian's fire, whether it be her anger or her passion.
"As for Cassidy Tate, she is a journalist. It's her job to interview all kinds of people, even Vargas. We can't rule her as-" Serenity halted with a flustered sigh upon seeing Rei rolls her eyes at her. "-as anti-Lunarian just yet. We don't know enough about her," Serenity finished once Rei had dutifully met her eyes again. While Serenity herself suspected the very same thing - in fact, she'd jumped to the same conclusions as Rei - she wasn't about to make the situation worse for Rei by amplifying their shared unconfirmed suspicions.
"It doesn't take a genius to see which way she sways on that view, Serenity. Why do you think you acted as you did?" Rei grumbled, her eyes escaping Serenity's oddly-piercing ones once again.
Serenity wanted to groan out loud but instead opted for a soft, reasonable response. "My actions were more related to Vargas and his words than any question Cassidy posed to him. Now, enough with this. It's been a lovely evening; let's not be the ones to ruin it."
Exhaling loudly, Rei reluctantly nodded her head in agreement.
"Good. Now, come on," Serenity urged, linking arms with her guardian, guiding her back towards the dining room.
"Regardless of if she's anti-Lunarian or not, Cassidy does wear a rather excessive amount of makeup," Serenity commented as the two walked down the corridor.
"She really does," Rei couldn't help but reply with a nod of agreement and a smile, one both of amusement and appreciation.
…
The evening air was perfectly cool, crisp. A crescent moon hung in the black canvas of the night sky, with not a singular cloud to mar its brightness nor the vividly glimmering stars around it.
Inhaling a lungful of the fresh air, Endymion closed his eyes for a moment before exhaling, a sense of calm descending upon him. The dinner had thankfully nearly ended - most everyone was either enjoying the last of their dessert, partaking in coffee, or enjoying an evening brandy or some other dessert liquor. Some, like the Furuhatas, had already retired for the evening. His own nightcap of a whiskey bourbon hung from his fingertips as he leaned against the balcony, looking out over his kingdom. Glancing over his shoulder, a smile twitched on Endymion's lips as he took in the jubilant scene through the glass balcony door of the Lunarians enjoying themselves at the table, surrounded by friends.
The night was a much-needed triumph, especially when compared to the extremely tense opening ceremonies earlier in the day. And looking upon the scene now, it was almost as if that offensive broadcast had never occurred. Still, there was much to be discussed in the coming days, the topics of which would inevitably lead to frustration and friction between the two parties.
There had to be some sort of release valve, a buffer, which was why he'd started the evening functions this way and had every intention of keeping the group of Lunarian friendlies attending tonight around for all of the coming evening events. Especially because all the events planned moving forward would not be nearly as intimate. The outside world would be amongst them all too soon. To include Vargas and his lackeys who, no doubt, could not wait to sink their teeth into the Lunarians however which way they could.
Willing himself not to stare too long at the group indoors, knowing his eyes would stray towards her, fixate on her, he turned back towards the evening sky. He groaned with the immediate self-deprecating realization that staring at the moon would only make him fixate on her more rather than less. It was impossible for the heavenly body not to remind him of her. She was the very embodiment of its majesty. Both their last life and this one, especially the last five years had taught him this. He was so frustrated with himself that he didn't notice the subtle sound of the balcony door opening behind him, nor the soft click of a heel on the stone balcony.
"Thank you for this evening," her soft voice interrupted his internal self-flagellation. "You didn't have to do this."
He froze upon hearing her voice, momentarily uncertain if it was real. If she truly stood behind him now. Coming to his senses, he turned to face her to confirm the reality of this moment. And there she stood before him, hands clasped together in front of her laced skirts. The curls of her silver hair blowing ever so subtly in the cool breeze.
"It was nothing. I just figured it might be easier on you if you felt you still had people here," he managed to verbalize his explanation.
"It isn't nothing," she disputed quickly, eyes wide. "It means a lot. What you've done for us."
He blinked dumbly for a moment, finding his mind unusually blank. Uncertain with what to say in response to her. Oddly uncertain of himself. An inherent nervousness building in his chest.
"I had forgotten..." Serenity began, stepping forward and coming to stand alongside him at the balcony's stone railing. Her hands came to rest alongside his, her eyes looking out across the night sky. "I had forgotten I still have people here on Earth who care about me. I told myself I didn't, really. That everyone who loved me, they would find a way to join me on the moon. They'd follow me without question. But that was unfair of me. Those who stayed… They all had good reasons, important reasons to stay, and I was too selfish to think about why someone might."
"Serenity!" Endymion gasped with surprise, unable to stop himself from reaching for her. The need to comfort her instinctual.
"Please, don't," she replied softly, her eyes downcast and averted from his own acute gaze.
His hand immediately froze mid-gesture, hovering momentarily above her shoulder before retracting.
"Don't try to make me feel better about it. You know it's the truth. And you know you didn't have to try to make me feel comfortable here," she admitted, her glassy eyes finally finding his. "But you did. And you deserve my gratitude for the effort. I am not certain I could've done the same if the roles were reversed, let alone if I would have if given the opportunity."
His mouth dried, words seemingly unable to come to him given his astonishment with her admission. Her vulnerability. While he had longed to confirm it, he had not expected such vulnerability to still exist within her. The immediate establishment of laws of silence enacted by her upon moving to the Moon had led him to believe her as cold and unfeeling as her past life mother had been. And from reports he'd received from his intelligence agencies in the past five years, she had seemed to embody the perfect goddess in all ways as her past life mother had raised her to do. And while visually she did look the part, her very confession moments ago had confirmed the woman who had come to define his existence may well have survived within this goddess.
She swallowed before ever so slowly, ever so gently, resting a hand upon his, her eyes hesitantly finding his again. "I appreciate what you've done. No matter what is ahead of us. Thank you. For tonight."
He wanted to say more, really, he did. But his uncertainty of her motives, not to mention their past - his misdeeds and hers - and his fear that she could overcome him once more made him settle for a nod.
She feigned an understanding smile before nodding in acceptance in return. Her hand fell to her side before she turned away from him, walking back into the comforting warmth of the heated dining room. Towards her ring of safety, her guardians and friends. Away from the chilled evening air, away from him. Somehow leaving him wishing she'd said more. Done more. Wishing he'd said more. Done more.
Instead, his eyes found the crescent moon hanging in the sky, his thoughts filled with all the things he wished he'd said in those precious few moments they'd had together alone. But the moment had passed.