Chapter Seven: Lust and Chasity (PartTwo)

The dress from Mina was a dark green, the color of the leaves midsummer just after a rain. It fit his mother in more than one way. "You look beautiful, mom."

The rest of the family applauded the pair, his mother blushing while Endymion wrapped his mother in a cloak of a thick flannel and a silk lining. The winter wind would not be kind to his mother in her fine gown. He had his cover on already as well as his mask. Placing the top hat and glove Mina insisted on, Endymion held out his arm for his mother to take.

His mother gasped softly at the coach that waited for them just outside, helping her in. Endymion had never had such an opportunity to spoil his mother like this, and he might have been taking it too far, but not an ounce of him cared.

Her hand rested in his arm as the carriage lurched forward. The continued lack of tremors she'd experienced was due to the pendant she wore around her neck always. Since Endymion had given it to her, his mother's hands never shook. They still ached when she spent too long working on her needlepoint, but Endymion ascertained that the gem couldn't fix a condition of age. He did wonder if a ring would have been more helpful, being closer to the afflicted area. Endymion had imposed enough on the Luna company's kindness, the clothing he and his mother wore from them as well as the carriage.

When they came to a stop, his mother gasped again. Endymion shared the sentiment, the grand hall before them quite a sight. Glittering gold statues and bright white candles met them as handsomely dressed men escorted them to the door. Endymion had his mother in his grip as soon as they left the comfort of the carriage behind. The affair already had Endymion's nerves in a bundle, and now he felt all the more out of place amongst it.

His mother clutched him tightly with her nerves, but his mother never suffered from a lack of manners as he did. She greeted many that passed in silver and blues, the women in gowns of silk and chiffon. The men were all in a similar dress to Endymion, which calmed him as he felt like an overdressed peacock. He knew to keep his gloves on by example, but he was allowed to remove his hat. The tails of his tux flapped and reminded him of their presence as he moved about, so he did his best to focus on his surroundings instead.

Somewhere in the room was a great feast as chocolate and cooked meat scented the air. It mingled with a strong floral scent that was all the flowers placed about. Add in the flames that lit the room, and it was a pungent smell that threatened to knock Endymion back. But he had smelled worse when he worked the salt mines; he could bear this for a few hours—especially with his mother enjoying herself so thoroughly.

He followed her lead, letting his mother take them around the ballroom. A few were already dancing; they were late in large part to the clothing they were not used to putting on. The ball had only just begun, though, so they were hardly out of sorts.

"I believe I see the Tungstons. We should say hello." His mother looked up to him for an answer, but he had none, "then our hosts' firsts?"

"Whatever makes you happy, mother."

She offered him a small, comforting smile and turned to the front of the room. He didn't dare tell her he dreaded greeting the host more than anyone else. The soft amber color of Mina's gown stood out in the hall of greys and blues and blacks. The woman she stood beside had long white hair, reminding Endymion of Serenity. The light lavender gown she wore was closer to white, and the pair stood alone, greeting those who neared. Endymion found his heart bounced in his chest that Serenity wasn't in sight.

Mina leapt at the sight of him, "Endymion!" She reached out, and he took her hand with his free one. "Mother, this is Endymion. Endymion, this is my mother, Selene."

"Ah, the famous Endymion. The man that my eldest was so impressed with she made a position for?"

He was getting examined, and Endymion wondered just how much Selene knew of him. "Yes, I'm afraid that's correct."

She smiled, "do not be so shy. I've heard good things from all about you and your work."

He bowed his head, "thank you. Selene, Mina, this is my mother, Rhea."

The ladies all bowed in acknowledgment, and once righted, Mina took his mother from his grasp. "What a lovely pendant. It's from Endymion?"

Rhea nodded and smiled sweetly. "Yes. It is a wonder, from your company? It helps with my hands. They used to tremble terribly."

"Oh my, how awful. That would conflict greatly with your work!"

"You're familiar with my designs?" Rhea asked, confused.

"Oh yes!" Mina squealed. "I'm a designer myself. I love your gowns!"

"Yes," Selene added, "we're all familiar. My daughter is quite the fan."

Rhea blushed, "Oh my, what an honor. To be liked by such fine people. And one of my own profession?!"

"You should consider coming to Luna. I would love to have you! And you could join our daily lunches with your son!" Mina cooed.

His mother looked at him with wry fascination. "Is that so? Endymion has never been very social."

"He is with us!"

A hand gently pressed to his shoulder, Lita greeting them. Raye and Amy were with her the terrible foursome altogether before Endymion and his mother. As he expected, they were kind and gentle with his mother. With them preoccupied, Endymion began to search, looking for hair the color of gold. A difficult feat with all the golden dressing.

"She's not here." Amy spoke, breaking his search, "Serenity is outside on the balcony, getting some air. Perhaps you can persuade her to join us?"

"Yes, please talk some sense into that girl?" Selene spoke harshly, "she has been out of sorts lately; I scarcely know what to do with her!"

"I would love to meet this woman?" His mother added as if he needed more encouragement.

"I shall…do my best." He offered with a weak smile.

Finding his way through the crowd, Endymion soon faced the dark windows of the balcony. He could make out Serenity's figure, glowing in the night. She leaned against the railing, looking up at the full moon. He somehow found himself beside her, his throat constricting at the sight of her. It had been three weeks since he'd last viewed the woman, and the time apart had only made her more…beautiful. Deep in his mind, he knew it was the fancy occasion, a vast difference from the last time he'd been in Serenity's presence. And yet, it was more than this.

Serenity was wearing another one of his mother's gowns.

Did she know? Had she discovered the connection and worn it on purpose? Or was it another happy coincidence put together by fate? Endymion didn't believe in destiny, but he felt this meeting, this moment was somehow designed by the stars. He blamed it on missing Serenity greatly without so much as knowing her real name for most of their time together and the sudden freeze of leaving the hot party.

Her eyes finally left the moon above and fell to him. He watched as her bright blue eyes went wide, recognizing him even with the mask in place. He expected as much, not seeing the appeal of the masque in the first place. He would know her eyes anywhere. And her smile, but she had yet to show it to him.

"Endymion? What are you doing here?"

He tried not to feel offended, "I was sent to collect you."

"I meant, what are you doing at this party?"

Endymion was feeling very confused. Wasn't Serenity the one that insisted he come? "I was invited."

The smile she wore was forced, "I see. And you brought Ms. Beryl as your guest?"

He shook his head, and the fake smile dropped. "No. I brought my mother. Who would like to meet you, if that is alright?"

"I…I would be honored."

He offered his arm, and Serenity hesitated to take it. Her hand in his, bare against his gloved one, he cursed the white cloth that kept him from feeling her soft skin. Endymion also felt something hard on her finger and took a glance once it was settled on his arm. It was a ring…on her ring finger. He had to take deep breaths while Serenity said nothing, letting him guide her around like a woman unattached when she clearly was.

As they entered the ballroom, many eyes flashed their way. What with Serenity engaged, he hoped they didn't create a scandal. But as many smiled, Endymion ascertained they didn't recognize him or Serenity and thought them a happy pair.

His mother brightened at the sight of Endymion's partner. Serenity might not have wanted him to be there, but she was very polite to his mother. "I'm so pleased to meet you!"

Rhea was beaming, "Oh my, you are stunning!" His mother's eyes flashed to Endymion and made him regret telling her all that happened during his 'interview'. "Much prettier than the other women you've brought my way?"

"Mother!"

Serenity flushed and forced herself not to look away. "I'm sure Endymion brings home a lot of lovely women."

"No, my dear," Rhea explained, "he never brings anyone to my attention. Not like this." Endymion was ready to take his mother home early when he saw her eyes gloss over. "Is this…my dress?"

Serenity's hands flew to the silk, running her hands and eyes over it ideally. "Is it? I was never told who made it…" that answered Endymion's early question, "You do amazing work, I love it. I also bought the wedding dress you made…." Endymion's heart stopped, and Rhea's eyes slowly went to him. He hadn't told his mother what this party was for, but he was sure she now knew, "it's so lovely, Mina ios going to have you make hers as well."

Now Endymion was confused, looking to Mina for the answer, but the woman was too busy beaming. "Mina, are you planning ahead?"

The woman cast Endymion a nasty look befitting a scorned woman. "No! If anything, I'm behind!"

"Is that an imperial crystal?" Serenity asked, gently touching Rhea's gifted necklace.

"Oh yes, you know of it?" Serenity nodded, not taking her eyes off the stone, "My son gave it to me. For my tremors."

"And how has it been working?" Amy asked, being a scientist in the middle of a party.

The smile his mother wore warmed his heart, making it easier to ignore the sting that remained in it. "Like magic."

Serenity held his mother's hands in her; neither wore gloves, skin on skin, and Serenity had no struggle touching a woman far below her class. "They look as if they still hurt?"

She was speaking about the puffy and red look to Rhea's fingers and palm. Without another word, Serenity began removing the ring she wore on her finger, the one Endymion had thought was her engagement ring. He couldn't tell the difference, not between a crystal and a diamond, but the finely made silver that held the stone made Endymion believe it was a real diamond and an actual engagement ring.

Serenity slipped onto his mother's finger while Rhea protested loudly. "I can't!"

"I don't need it; it's just decoration."

"With its healing properties, perhaps we should include it in the medical supplies?" Amy asked.

Serenity nodded, then watched Rhea's hands heal before their eyes. "That's one hell of a stone," Endymion mumbled.

Rhea reprimanded with her eyes, but no one disagreed. Then, Lita gave him a gentle shove. "Endymion, why not thank Serenity's kindness with a dance?"

His heart was in his throat. He wanted that more than anything, to have Serenity close to him. But she was engaged; he couldn't do that, could he? "It's alright, no need to thank me…."

Serenity tried, but Rhea was already pushing them together. "Yes, maybe you can teach my son how to lead?"

Maybe it was the loss of her ring? Or how Serenity continued to make his heart react in every way possible. It wasn't all good, but it was more than any woman had ever affected him. It was why he grabbed her hand through her protesting and pulled them to the dancefloor. It was thick with people now, couples spinning in rhythm with the music played loudly by the nearby band.

He swung her around and then pulled her in close, forcing her to be close to him. The hand that was supposed to be on his shoulder was on his chest, keeping a small distance between them. The music was a slow tempo, one that Endymion could handle. Serenity kept her eyes to the floor, other couples, anywhere but at him, yet he could still see the shimmering in them as if Serenity was about to cry.

"It's only a dance, Serenity. And it'll make my mother happy, so please, don't cry." She slowly raised her head with that, and Endymion fought off the urge to kiss her. And it was a strong urge, one like 'e'd never experienced before in his life. He needed to remind himself of the reality. "I'll return you safely to your fiance soon."

Her breath caught in her throat softly, but he still heard it. It forced him to spin her, needing some distance. It didn't last long; Endymion couldn't bear it. Now that he had her in his arms, he would struggle to let her go. Serenity wore a frown when she returned to his arms, tears still waiting to be shed.

"Is that why you came? You came tonight to see me with someone else?"

"Why would I want to see that?" He growled.

His anger was sudden and barely contained. It had Serenity's eyes popping to his. Yet, the clear blue gems had him calming instantly, even as a crystal tea fell down her cheek. "To make you feel better? To ease your mind from any slights I might have against you?"

Endymion found himself cursing his gloves again; the backless dress Serenity wore would have felt even better in his hold if he didn't have them. He still didn't stop trying, running his hand up and down slowly, hoping she wouldn't notice. "Why would you have slights against me? You were the one that lied."

"I did that with good reason, and you know this. You, however, only had selfish reasons to hide your engagement."

He leaned in, struggling again with his urges, and pushed towards anger. Mad that he had to fight his desires so damn hard with the woman in his arms. "I didn't hide it; I wasn't engaged."

"But you wanted to be. You had a woman picked out already. Where is Beryl tonight? She's here, isn't she?"

Endymion didn't want to talk about Beryl. He only wanted to talk about Serenity. "I didn't know that the position offered was to be your husband. Things would have been very different if I'd known."

"You mean you would have admitted your reasons at the start?"

Scoffing, Endymion turned his head away, "and if I had, we never would have known one another as we do now."

Serenity pulled at his hold, but the dance wasn't over. Not yet. "I cannot decide whether I'm happy or not to know you. The ache in my heart tells me it would better never to know you. But when I look into your eyes…." Serenity trailed off and flushed, pointing her face to the floor, "you should be with Beryl now, not me. And I should be with my family."

"Don't you mean your fiance?" Endymion said through gritted teeth, Serenity trying to push him away again.

She laughed, short and darkly, unfitting of her. Then looked Endymion in his eyes with another forced smile on her lips. "I'm not engaged. This party was never for me; it's for Mina. She's marrying the love of her life, and I am off the hook…for now."

The song ended, and Serenity pulled away. Endymion was in a shocked state, his chest ready to explode. But, there was never any doubt; he would never feel like he did for Serenity towards anyone else.

It was why, with her admission, he grabbed her hand and forced her along. He didn't stop, not with her squirming and pulling, not until they were back out on the deserted balcony, too cold for anyone, including Serenity. He didn't let her go back inside. Instead, he wrapped his jacket around her, using it as an excuse to pull her in close.

Serenity was still struggling against him, and if he were any kind of gentlemen, he would let her go. But he wasn't, not the type Serenity was used to. So, she did what any woman would do; she tried using her words instead. "Endymion, this is wrong! Let me go! I refuse to be lead on by you any longer! What will Beryl think?!"

"She will think I've finally got the woman I want. Serenity, I'm not engaged to Beryl."

Her breath hitched, and this time, Endymion heard it loud and clear while Serenity did nothing to hide her face. Tears fell slowly, gushing out as she blinked at him. He let her have her moment, drawing in a slight breath.

"What?" She whispered.

"I am not, nor will I ever be, engaged to Beryl."

Serenity's eyes rolled around in confusion. Looking at his face, eyes, mouth, and also glancing to those still inside. "But I thought…with Lord Kunzite with Mina now…."

"You doubt your future brother-in-law?"

Serenity smiled softly and shook her head, "No, he loves her. And she loves him. It seemed too easy, that's all."

Now that she was no longer fighting him, Endymion pulled Serenity against his chest. It helped keep her warm and close, and she melted into him as much as her damaged heart would allow. "Permit me…to tell you a story?"

Three weeks ago…

"Please, come in," Mrs. Tungston stepped to the side, and Endymion carefully passed the threshold.

He was left alone in the formal living room, which was good because he needed to straighten his thoughts. The day's events were still spinning—Serenity's face at the forefront. When Beryl appeared, Endymion still had her fashing (tears down her cheeks mixing with her beautiful smile). She looked fresh and was a bit out of breath.

"My dear Endymion. How good of you to visit me." She gestured for him to sit, but Endymion refused. It threw Beryl a bit, but she continued. "I take it by the fine suit that you got the job at Luna?"

He had forgotten what he was wearing. It was much nicer than his best suit. A suit he'd left at Luna, so this was all he had to wear to work tomorrow as well as to this meeting. "Yes…they gifted it to me."

"A starting bonus? They must have been impressed! I know I am."

Beryl stepped up to Endymion and began petting his arm. He couldn't help but feel as though she was stroking the suit and not him. It was when Beryl looked up at him, staring at him with dull eyes, that he found himself feeling sick. "Beryl…do you love me?"

She looked aghast as if he had offended her. "What kind of question is that? I know you're poor, but even you should know that is a personal question."

"It's a simple question. One I thought I knew the answer to but now…."

"Listen, Endymion," Beryl fell to the couch across from the one she offered to him, her head in her clutch, "love doesn't matter. People like us can't afford the luxury. It's why I even entertained the Duke's advances." Endymion understood that, but he thought it meant Beryl loved him. That she only questioned his ability to care for her. Not that she felt no love towards him or the Duke. Beryl leapt up and stood before him with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "None of that matters now. Did you discuss starting salary with Luna?"

He took a step back, suddenly feeling far too close to the woman. "No. We didn't have the chance. But it'll be better than what I made before. It will help my family, so thank you for pushing me into it, Beryl."

"It will help us too!" Endymion's stomach turned, far more than when he did anything questionable towards Serenity earlier that day. "Do you think they'll give you any other clothing? Like, say, for your fiance?"

He shook his head in an answer but also to distract from the knawing in his belly that this was wrong. "Doubtful. I'm sure my pay won't allow it either. They're extravagant, and other things matter more. Like food and a house."

"They are not extravagant! And we will need things like clothing as well!"

"My mother can make anything you desire…."

"Your mother?!"

There was so much disgust in Beryl's tone. He didn't need clarification on the matter. Endymion had left behind a woman that proudly wore his mother's clothing, and the one before him now only lusted for more. He would never be enough for her. And he didn't want to be.

"Oh…"

It struck him hard, the feeling in his head, heart, and belly. And once he understood, they all came together. He felt…calm, pushing Beryl away and moving towards the door.

"Where are you going? It would be best if you met my parents and gave me my ring."

He froze and turned back on his heel. Beryl looked sincere and desperate. Endymion felt guilt, he truly did, but he was never what Beryl wanted, and he'd been wrong to think Beryl was what he needed. The truth was, he was never in love with Beryl. This wasn't love.

"Beryl…forgive me, but I cannot honor our agreement."

"What agreement? You haven't asked me to marry you yet!"

Beryl had a point, but Endymion still felt the need to explain. "I'm a poor boy, Beryl. And I always will be. But that has afforded me the luxury of choosing my mate. I'm sorry you cannot select yours the same. I wish for you to be happy as I will never be able to. Perhaps the Duke will? But not me. Goodbye."

He felt lite as if he could walk on air. It was probably why he nearly ran headfirst into another in his path. "Excuse me."

"Endymion, was it?"

It was the Duke, Kunzite. Now free and thoughtless towards Beryl, Endymion only found joy towards the man before him. "Yes, Lord Kunzite, you have an excellent memory."

Kunzite chuckled softly, "you seem in good sorts. Did you confess to Beryl and receive her love in return?"

There wasn't a jealous bone in the man's body. Endymion envied that but not the man himself. "Something close to that. I wish you the best, Lord Kunzite. Please make Beryl happy."

Endymion tried to leave it at that, but Kunzite shook his head as Endymion stepped to go around, "no, it's not up to me. I thought…Beryl would be a good companion at best. And that I wouldn't find another but…I have. Today I met my match."

Putting out his hand to the man, Kunzite slowly took Endymion's in return. "I know the feeling. Good luck to you."

Kunzite shook Endymion's hand, acting like a changed man. But love had that effect. "You're a good man, Endymion. Good luck to you as well."

Serenity blinked up at him for a few moments after his story ended. The puckered look to her lips had his heart fluttering. She was beautiful and breathlessly adorable all at once. "I had regretted those words of encouragement until tonight. For a week, I had it pressing on me, how I waited too late."

"Why did you wait? If not engaged to another…I thought you were engaged for three weeks while you only a week?!"

Serenity was angry, but the flushed cheeks, wide eyes, and trembling lips only endeared her to Endymion more. "I couldn't exactly walk up to your house and knock, now could I?" Serenity huffed, and another tear fell free. This time, Endymion brushed it away, allowing his hand to linger on her cheek. "Every day, I hoped to catch a glimpse of you at Luna…."

"I stayed away on purpose. I couldn't…face you." Serenity suddenly perked up, "why did you think I was engaged? Did no one tell you what this party was?"

"I think…I got bam-boozel-led. Clever wording from your employees."

"Then why did you come?"

He laughed, barking it out and making Serenity jump as she now rested on him. "I was informed it was mandatory. Required attendance."

Serenity tried to fight off a smile, but it didn't work. "Mina would have been disappointed if you didn't come…."

"I'm glad I did. Tonight has given me more clarity."

"More clarity?"

Endymion gently pushed Serenity away. She looked sad until he stopped to drop to a knee. "Serenity…I have nothing to offer you. I live paycheck to paycheck and have an entire family with needs. But I love you. I love you, Serena, and I love you, Serenity. It took me less than a day to fall for you but, forgive me, as it took a little longer to realize it."

"And even longer to come clean about it," Serenity added with a smile, brushing her fingers along his jaw.

It emboldened him, turning to catch her palm with his lips. She softly giggled, and the words flew out of his mouth so fast, Serenity's hand caught it. "Marry me?"

The silence clicked by slowly, so much Endymion was sure his heart had relocated to his knees. But then, Serenity carefully got to her knees before him and took his hands in hers. "Yes."

Threading his fingers through hers, Endymion dared fate and kissed her. When she didn't pull away, he pressed deeper against her soft lips. Then he pressed harder, pulling her to him with his hands pressing into the small of her back. He let go of her hands then, letting her push or pull him away. Serenity wrapped her arms around Endymion's neck and sucked on his lower lip. There was nothing to deter him otherwise from thinking; this was heaven.

When they split, the small pop of their mouths made Serenity giggle again, and Endymion stole another short kiss. Serenity was running her fingers through his hair in a manner so loving; it made his arms shake. Then, she placed a single, sweet kiss on the tip of his nose. "I love you too, Endymion. And never want to be parted from you again."

The long, curling strands of her hair were brushing the backs of his hands. So much that Endymion ripped off his gloves and tossed them into the dark, returning to wrap Serenity's silk around his fingers. "Then…let us never part from this moment on?"

Serenity smiled so brightly that it lit up her tear-filled eyes, making them glitter. "Yes, please."