Dear Readers,
Salutations Sailor Shippers! SailorLeia here, with another update for this Christmas story. Yes, this is posting after the Christmas season has come and gone (Happy New Year, January 2022). I'm just gonna keep posting these as much as I can while the inspiration lasts... hoping to finish this. Starting this again, I don't wanna quit it. This is going up later than hoped or planned. Ironically after the last couple of chapters posted (Where there are power outages and snowstorms). I was snowed in and lost my power for THREE full days and nights. Internet with it... No hot water, no generator, no heat whatsoever. Just blankets, lots of layers of clothes, and lots of prayer. Can you blame me for feeling responsible after posting such things? After putting so many characters through that... then I experienced it for myself. Sorry surrounding populace! Then when the power came back the internet was still out for a full week... ((sigh)) A tech had to visit our house...But I do have power and wifi anew and I am so grateful I could bust. Snow is in our forecast again ((I break into a sweat just thinking about it after all of that)) I hope this is reaching you all with plenty of warmth and sunshine. Here we go.
Sorry this wasn't included in chapter 3 {the first new chapter I posted in seven or eight years... I thought it was but} Special thanks to all of the reviewers who wrote in during the seven years this story was on hiatus. This readers are: guest mih, kera69lover, Trosario, sailorpristess, guest, LoveInTheBattleField, ObsessiveCumberbatchDisorder1, rubyalix, MangaGrl2665, RandomGirl, Sailor Silver Ladybug. You all kept me going... even in my darkest days. Thank you all so much. I never gave up on this story because of you.
Special Thanks to CARO my review since I started posting again. Even though it was spanish it was lovely and I did understand it without a translator. Yay! Thank you for writing in and complementing my take on Andrew. Hope you're still reading, Happy new year (2022) and Much Love!
Dedicated to those dreams that aren't as easily achieved during the holidays. But we dream about them anyway. Because as much as this time of year is Jesus' birthday, this is a part of the season too. Having the strength and courage to still have hope in your heart.
"A Memorable Christmas"
Chapter 9 - Full Moon Christmas
Finally… Back to Serena & Darien…
(Serena's Viewpoint - Still Stuck)
((AN: I should warn that in this chapter several passages are italicized to illustrate dreams being retold. Enjoy.))
I don't know how long I was asleep, it felt like seconds before I was being shaken awake by a pair of gentle hands. A touch long forgotten but I would still know anywhere, even if I couldn't see her at first. When I opened my eyes, I was face to face with my former mother during the Silver Millennium, Queen Serenity. I was in my princess gown and we were sitting in my old bedroom in the moon kingdom. She told me the same thing that she used to say whenever she woke me up. "Rise and shine my little moonbeam, it's time to get up."
"Queen Serenity… mother… what?" I began to ask and before I could even get a full question out she was answering me.
"My precious daughter, did you know there's going to be a full moon this Christmas Holiday?"
"No I didn't." I answered her honestly, even though I was still surprised to see her.
"It's just one of the many miracles you'll witness this year. Don't think I haven't been watching over you, not even for a minute. That I haven't noticed your struggles this holiday season." She smoothed my right pigtail as she said. "You've had to overcome so much in such a short time. You've had to be so brave, with none of your actual guard present. That was something you never had to face in your past life. The Sailor Guardians were always with Serenity, yet Serena has none."
"But it's fine," I assured her. "I understand that my team needed more time to heal and rest. And I wasn't completely unprotected, Endymion's guard took me in and we've all gotten pretty close."
"I know, I saw that too." She elbowed me. "You know, not everyone would have forgiven them or trusted them as easily as you have. In fact all of your Sailor Guardians are struggling to come to terms with these new warriors assisting you in your goals. But not you, no. You Serenity haven't changed at all in that estimation. You always followed your heart without a blink of doubt and even I have always awed at that ability."
"I didn't get that from you, like I've always thought?" I asked, turning her compliments back on her.
"Not at all, I over-questioned every step I took when I was in power. My path to trusting my heart was always ledged in indecisiveness and doubt. Before that too, if I'm being perfectly honest. More like your prince does now, in your current lifespan." She insisted, even while I nodded my disbelief. "No, that trait was all your father's influence and he's thrilled to see that part of himself live on in you."
"My father?" I asked, "You've never mentioned him in these meetings or visions before. I never knew him, did I?"
She ratified, "No, sadly he perished in war before I knew I was going to have you. You were that little piece of him I got to keep."
"Are you with him in heaven? Is he tall or short? I've always wondered how I'm so short and you're so... not. Is he proud of me too? Or does he worry all the time like Luna?" I heard myself asking her all before she could answer any of these questions.
Thankfully she wasn't offended by my inquiries. My mother giggled into her own hand, before claiming. "How I do miss your spirit and your light in heaven, dear Serenity. But you've got a lot of living to do before we meet there again. In answer to your questions, yes we are together in heaven. Both watching over you and everyone that you hold dear. Whether it is your team, our feline guardians, your make-shift brute squad of kings or that Earth prince. Or your current family and friends who are so important to you as well."
"So my aunt-" I tried to ask, before I started to choke on my words. Thankfully she understood my inquiry before I even had to ask it.
"Yes, Tessa is coming to join us soon, and when she does. We will be among those here to greet her and help her ease into this life in peace. Since she's already such an earth bound angel, it won't take much educating. Don't you worry, but we will also be with you. As you deal with letting her go as well, we know that won't be easy for you."
"I only wish I could have been there to say goodbye in person." I shared, still feeling like a heel. Like a terrible distant relative instead of the close niece I actually am to my aunt.
My mother shot me a look that I didn't understand at all. Then she said, "God works in mysterious ways, dear. You know, we're not the only one's taking notice of your struggles and selflessness this entire year and as well as this Christmas. Even if more so this holiday season compared to all others before it."
"What are you saying?" I was mystified.
She still smiled all knowingly as she patted my shoulder and said, "Just don't count all the miracles you've witnessed this season as a done deal just yet. Alright?"
"Yes mother." I agreed as she pulled me in tighter for a tight hug.
She told me, "I love you so very much, Serena. Never lose that ability to love and forgive everyone. Never forget that at times that is your greatest super power. And never forget that we love you, you're always watched over and never without that love in your heart promise me that. Do you promise?"
I barely said, "Yes-"
Then I woke up and I was back in my bedroom, springing up from where I'd been sleeping on my window seat. Darien was still laying on my bed, he was still reading by the light of lamp overhead.. so the room was dark except where he was reading. He glanced at me and asked, "Are you alright?"
I assured him that I was and tried to go back to sleep. But my mortification was choking me a bit considering I had only been asleep for like ten minutes. And already I was springing awake like a little five year old having had a nightmare. He chuckled lightly and bid me sweet dreams as I miraculously managed to fall back to sleep…
The next time I fell asleep… and drifted off to dreamland. I was face to face with all of my girls individually. Amy first then Lita, then Raye and lastly Mina. It was like I was touching base with them the absolute moment their memories resurfaced. I was helping them realize that was what was happening and understanding all that they were reliving...
For Amy I imagine I was a little late and Lita it was probably real time or close to it. For Mina and Raye it felt weird still, like it was dealing with things that hadn't happened yet. I also felt like a lot of what I was doing and saying wasn't me (Serena, it was more princess or one of my alter egos... I felt a little dettached from it all) I somehow knew even when it was happening I wasn't gonna remember everything when I woke up. I was only asleep for five minutes, and yet all of that talking happened. When I finished with Mina and she faded off into the distance. Unexpectedly I saw my aunt Tessa and she said something…
What was it? What had she been trying to say?
Even though I couldn't understand what she said, I sprung awake and immediately started crying. I guess it just hit me a little too hard seeing Tessa in that setting. It was like she was already gone, thank goodness she isn't. I know that, but as I curled into a ball and cried. It wasn't long at all before I was being lifted up and hugged by my Prince. He comforted me and kept whispering things remind me he was still here. He carried me back to my bed, and laid down still holding on to me. I don't know how long it took me to calm down, it was made all so much harder by all of the excess emotion turned up dealing with the Scouts before Tessa. Between all of those emotional conversations...
there was no way I could possibly come out with a dry eye or unbroken heart...
Darien whispered sweet nothings and comforted me, till I unexpectedly fell asleep again. (Yeah I was shocked too) I'll never describe it right, but laying there with him. I was so warm and safe, so protected and complacent... I couldn't keep my eyes open. If I had been alone, sleep would have been completely impossible.
…This time… My Dreams Focused...
(Even more embarrassingly)
Endymion was the one waking me up, and he was insistent on living out the moment when Darien will remember. What it will be like to hold me and kiss me again. After so many years have passed. I would have loved to speak more, to have talked out more of these things with 'dream Endymion.' Practicing at it more before I am faced with the real thing and real moment. But all this prince in my dreams wanted to do was make up for lost time. Making out and sharing in our love that way, if not hinting at taking things even further. Simply because that had been the way that they had done things. Endymion and Serenity, that is.
Imagine my utter disgrace springing to wakefulness with the object of your affections right next to you. By some miracle he was asleep this time, still wearing his reading glasses and still holding onto his opened book and me. The reading lamp was off, so the room was dark and quiet… and surprisingly cold.
So I jumped up to run to the bathroom, where the best mirror was posted. So I could check myself before I wreck myself. Because dreams this realistic and steamy tend to leave behind actual evidence (hickies, okay). Thankfully he was totally oblivious, my room was freezing and the lights weren't working. So I ran back to my nightstand and got a flashlight. Before I went to check the breaker box in the basement. I ran for the bathroom with my flashlight since it would be the only way I could see anything.
Yep, Endymion had managed to really leave a few love bites behind. I was suddenly grateful for the lack of lights and power. It saved me from having to explain bruises Darien hadn't left on my neck. My hyper healing was fading them out as we speak. Come morning, they'd be gone… God willing.
I walked down to my basement, trying light switches the whole way. None of them worked, and our breaker box just confirmed. Power is out, great. By the time I was back outta the basement. My teeth were chattering. So I started to build a real fire in our real fireplace in our dining room (the living room one is electric, this is the one we use during power outages, with firewood, newspaper and matches). Once I had that started I checked on Darien who happened to be awake. Looking out the window at the dark neighborhood.
"Power's out, as I'm sure you've noticed," I said.
"Yeah, I managed to gather that assumption for myself," He answered, smarty pants.
"I built a fire in the real fireplace, in our dining room." I said grabbing blankets and pillows. "I suggest we sleep down there, just to make certain we don't freeze."
"You have a real fireplace AND that expensive electric one?" He asked, with a little awe in his voice.
I shrugged, "My daddy isn't just a run of the mill reporter. He's the editor of our paper and he's always traveling for this and that. We're not rich or anything but we're okay. Besides the old couple, that my parents bought this house from encourage my parents to keep the traditional one for times like this. It was really good advice, don't ya think?"
He grabbed an arm full of stuff too and said, "Right now. I can't help but agree with you. Lead the way, I'm freezing."
I armed him with a flashlight, and did as he asked. When we got down the stairs just shy of any accidents. We both made ourselves at home on the sofa and love seat in the corner. They were the closest spots to the heat where we could stay warm and not get burned. Also the easiest place to lay down. He took the sofa and I took the love seat. I got his area all set up and nice, even though he kept telling me I didn't need to. He's still a guest, and I insisted.
After he was all set, I made quick work of my own makeshift bed. But it wasn't till I was climbing back under my covers, on this new bed, that I noticed… Darien was staring at me. Not his usual amused at my antics grin, or smart ass 'do you really want to do it that way' look either. He was just smirking and staring… I chalked it up as lack of sleep. Or trouble sleeping in a strange place. Or let's not forget my out of nowhere wake-up-breakdown, I must seem like such a lose cannon to him.
But when I asked him, "What?"
He claimed, "Nothing it's just… I'm not used to anyone fussing over me like you have been since I got here."
"Sorry, is that a bad thing?" I shrugged.
"No, I guess not." He shrugged back, "It's just… I treated you so terribly for so long. I guess I don't feel very deserving."
"Of this Christmas thing? Or of kindness?" I asked him.
"Both, I guess." He struggled to explain. "I know I'll never say it enough. But, thank you for taking me up on this plan. Thank you for believing me when I even brought it up. And thank you for opening your home and sharing all of this Christmas with me."
I was so stunned, I hardly knew what to say. I kinda nodded and said something like, "Sure, thanks for being here." Lame! So lame! Why am I always so useless when it comes to this guy?
Even as I was settling down and starting to unwind, so I could maybe sleep again. He was smiling easier and still staring off and on. We chit chatted a little and I couldn't help but notice it. After those dreams of Endymion I couldn't help but blush. I was sharing that, "Every Christmas Eve... well, every normal Christmas Eve. My older cousins sleep here, because they think their cooler or something. While all of us younger people sleep right under the lit Christmas tree. When we fall asleep Santa comes and whoever wakes up first has the job of running and waking everyone else up."
He chuckled, instead of laughing with his usual snark and asked, "Have you ever been first?"
"Four times! Yes, I have!" I said excitedly to his delight. He needs to lay off the coffee, 'sleepy-Darien' is an absolute delight.
He said, "The things I do this time of year are Andrew's parties and lots of reading at home - Aw, I should probably mention that Andrew doesn't just do the one Christmas party at the Crown."
"I didn't think he did," I shared. "He's way too into the spirit, when you've got that much if it inside. You've gotta spread it out."
"I believe that!" Darien nodded before saying. "He was my fail safe reaching you today. That's why I had to use your phone, to let him know I'd made it."
"What would he have done if you hadn't?"
"I didn't think he could really do anything to help. But it turns out that I've once again underestimated my best friend. He sent guys on snow mobiles to make certain I got here safely. Friends of yours too. Kirk. Nathan."
I wasn't shocked, but it warmed my heart that my guys were looking out for our shared Prince. And Andrew had sent them when he knew Darien was doing something dangerous. Could I love these men any more... answer, a resounding YES! I said out loud, "Wow! That was nice of them, I guess their trial runs with their new toys must have been a success."
"Yeah, they were a lot faster than they are in the movies too." Darien had to gush before telling me, "But don't be too hard on them about risking it. I don't think I could have made it here with out them and theirs honestly nowhere else I would rather be tonight."
I tried to play it cool but, WOW! How awesome is that? "I'm so glad to hear you say that... especially when you're stuck here with no power."
"We've got fire though, and we're warm. In my apartment, we would be so screwed, I don't have anything as nice as this." He confessed before shooting back to his point. "The reason I am bringing him up. Andrew is... because Andrew's Family's House party is happening tomorrow night."
"Oh, it is." I stated. "Now that you mention it, I do remember Lizzie and Rita mentioning that on the phone this morning."
"Yeah." He blushed, I guess he was a little flushed. Not used to the heat from the fire. "They've been preparing for it all day today. Even though they are not expecting the usual turn out of guests... Because of the snow, ya know."
"I can see why." I agreed, wondering if he knew Andrew was already expecting us to attend this party together. They'd already told me so on the phone.
"They're more insistent than normal that I attend this thing, and I should warn you. They're expecting us to come together-"
I helped him out, "Yeah, as each other's dates, just like we did at the Crown. Yeah, they kinda told me over the phone an warned me that they were sending my own friends to come get us too. I know."
"You do?" He asked surprised.
"Yes, Lizzie and Rita were supposed to come for the craft thing today too. But they couldn't, so they clued me in while I was on the phone with them earlier."
"Well, they never mentioned any of that when I talked to them." He said as he wondered, "All they said was they had talked to you and they were down because you were too far away to reach."
I shrugged, "It's cool, I didn't really have any plans for tomorrow besides helping as much as I could at my guy friends' manor. That;s not too far from Andrew's party. They're all going too, so I'm sure we can catch a ride with them easy. They have to finish decorating for that Ball, that's happening the next night. By the way, they ALSO expect us to pair up for that bash. Just FYI."
"So you're not opposed to two more possible dates with me?" He asked with real hope.
I answered him honestly, "Of course not, I had a blast the other day with you. But can I ask you to clarify something for me first?"
"Anything." He said sincerely, wonder if he isn't gonna regret that.
"Our date the other day was sorta real and sorta staged, pretended... even. Are these other dates gonna be like that, or are we just calling them dates for real now?" I asked him, and I was so relieved when he smiled.
"Serena... I have really wanted to date you... for a while. I just never knew how to bring it up and not insult you, or have you think I'm kidding, or teasing you. So I kept it hidden for a while, but now that I know what dating you is like. I-I... I would like to keep at it, for real. If that's right with you."
"Me too," I said on a breathe of sheer ease.
"Then it's settled," He clapped his hands together and the clap echoed in the quiet dark house. "We'll attend all of these parties as each others dates and we'll see if we have as much fun as we did during our first one."
"Sounds like a plan." I stretched as I could feel sleep creeping up on me again, I guess it was more than relief I'd felt easing my mind. I yawned, and did just managed to say goodnight to my prince again before the utter blackness of deep sleep took me over again.
...Still Stuck...
...and Happily so...
(Darien's Perspective)
As Serena started to drift back to sleep, over on her little shortened sofa. I was resting on the full sized sofa, and I was relieved to see her possibly sleeping again. She'd been sleeping peacefully before. All lit with moonlight shining in from her window, more beautiful than I could have ever guessed. But a nightmare must have woken her up, because one moment she was fine. Then the next thing I know, she was bawling her heart out. Ripping mine out along with it. I had done everything I could think of trying to comfort her. I picked her up and hugged her, I tried to tell her everything was alright. I even carried her back to my resting area (but really, her bed), taking her with me and laying down. She'd never said anything about what she'd seen. I had a good guess and I hoped her aunt was okay. She had gotten back to sleep. Hiccuping every now and again, when she wasn't snoring lightly... somehow even that was comforting. No I don't understand it myself.
So peaceful, so cute, breathing and snoring every now and again. Such bliss.
The last thing in the world I expected was to sleep myself... It just didn't seem like it was possible. But I normally can't sleep in strange places or beds that aren't my own. The moment she was next to me, all warm and curved into my left side. I couldn't keep my eyes open... I drifted right off with her before I could mark my page, take off my glasses, or turn off the lamp over my head.
As I slept, I dreamed the same premise that I always see.
My Princess was in the shadows (she's usually asking for my help or) asking me to find her. Except this time I wasn't meeting her on a moonlit balcony like normal. No, tonight we were back to back sitting on park benches and facing different directions. No matter how I tried to turn and look at her. I couldn't, and I was wearing a tuxedo, top hat and strange mask. We must have been attending a masquerade or something to be wearing such a bizarre getup. There was a party happening inside of the place we were sitting next to. We just were sitting outside of it... And the Earth was hanging overhead in the air instead of the moon.
Trippy as all of this seems, my princess asked me, "Where are you right now? Why are you not in your usual dwellings?"
I answered her truthfully, "I'm snowed in with a friend. She was gonna be all alone for Christmas."
"She?" my princess repeated and I sucked my breath through my teeth.
"Yeah, she is a girl." I couldn't lie.
"I see," The princess said as she swished her hair and dress. Not that I could see any of this I could only hear it and guess. She turned to look at my back, how come she can do that and I can't. "Do you plan on sharing this friendly girl's name or do I get to guess?"
"Her name is Serena, and she's having a very hard time this season." I said, just before some kind of force that had been holding me in place let me go. I could breathe easier, and move, so I spun around to look at my princess who was now standing and observing the party almost completely out of my sight.
She was being hidden by a strange murkiness that was obscuring her shape and form from my view. She went on anyway saying, "I was so afraid you were speaking of Ann or some other girl. Serena... that's something different."
"You know Serena?" I asked my princess.
"Know her?" She asked sounding surprised, then after an exhausted breath she said. "Serena is far more than a friend to you, you may not be able to admit it yet. But as the keeper of your heart allow me to tell you. She's important and vital to your quest."
"She is? Are you certain?" I asked, feeling strange and uncomfortable with her happiness right now. Why was she so happily telling me to love someone else when for years she's told me that SHE loved me?
She went on to explain, sounding more upbeat all the while. "Yes! Saying I know her would be a vast understatement. Darien, she is the name, the presence and light in your life that is gonna start turning everything around for you. She not only gonna pull you out of your current rut and put you on your true path. But she's going to awaken your heart and bring you to me. Trust her, and let yourself love her."
"Listen, I don't lov-" I began but she cut me off.
"You can't deny it to me. I know your heart better than anyone, better than you, and you love her, Darien... Let her in, and you'll find me."
I could still hear her words whispering in the back of my mind. "Let her in, Love her like you're supposed to, and You. Will. Find. Me."
Even now when I was awake, I heard those words. It made no sense to me that my princess wanted me to love someone else. Whether it was some one she knows or a total stranger. I even told the princess, "This makes no sense, how can you be totally okay with even the idea of me being with anybody else?"
"Because you and I are meant to be." She said so confidently, I guessed myself for a split second. Before the millions of new questions popped into my head.
"Then how can I love anyone but you?" I asked her again and I couldn't see her smile, but I could hear it.
"Darien... She is the person who will unlock you heart, it's okay. A soon as you let yourself love her, you'll see me. And see that I've always been right there, just waiting for you to notice."
After that mind-boggling episode, you would think that I would be completely useless. But when I woke up I was alone, there was no power and Serena was nowhere to be seen. I called out to her but no answer. I tried to turn the lamp on over my head, but it wouldn't work... No power, and it getting very cold, very quickly. As I was looking out the window at the darkened cityscape. I was surprised when the bedroom door flew open and Serena with a flashlight came flying in. She'd already built a fire down stairs and we relocated to that warmer venue. It is a wonderfully cozy spot, I had to admire.
As much as I should be confused by my latest run in with my Princess. The same one I've dreamed of for years, and loved even longer I think...My mind was reeling with ideas. For ways to somehow make it so that instead of staying separated. Serena and I could share again, the way that we had been upstairs, in her room. Just like when I trapped her against that tree in the park yesterday. I was so addicted to her warmth and softness. I couldn't seem to think of much else... What is happening to me? Is this why the princess thinks I'm in love, does she know this is happening to me? Is that what all that love talk was about? Usually she's always telling me that she loves me and needs my help... Where did that whole thing go? So many questions?
So why do I feel so reassured by her words, why do I feel so much lighter suddenly. Why can't I stop smiling or staring at Serena, even now, when she's clearly back to sleep? What is this? Am I really this happy? Am I just not used to this much actual happiness? Yeah, that's gotta be it. Growing up, I never knew joy like this or elation brought on by Christmas. Or other people I enjoyed being around so much. I learned to never count on people except Andrew, his family and Rita. They were usually the only people I let in. Now not only was Andrew trying to convince me to open my heart to Serena. He'd gotten his whole family on his side and now even my dream princess was telling me to let Serena in. How had Andrew managed to even get 'dream princess' on his side? I wouldn't put it past him, but at the same time... I haven't spoken to Andrew about my dreams since we were in middle school together. I doubt he even remembers such juvenile sounding aspirations.
Out of nowhere, Serena springs up and heads for the bathroom. I don't think her eyes were even open when she went past me. Yet somehow she was walking just fine, and I heard her shut the door. After a few moments more with my thoughts she returned, but instead of climbing back onto the love seat. She climbed on top of me and went right back to complete sleep... This was exactly what I had been wanting, since we'd been this way upstairs. So even though I know I should have simply put her back on her makeshift bed. I wrapped my arms around her tightly. While wrapping my blanket around her and savored these precious moments. Before (once again) I too fell asleep in the overwhelming comfort of her closeness.
{AN: We live for moments like this, don't we fan-fic writers? readers?}
...The Next morning...
(Serena's Perspective)
When I had been dreaming, I had seen a perfectly normal Christmas. With the house busting full of relatives, friends and all decorated to a tee. Mom, Dad and Sammy were all here too. Aunt Tessa wasn't sick at all, she was the life of the party like normal. It made this whole experience seem like a distant nightmare...What had surprised me most about this vision. Was that I had been overcome with an inescapable feeling of missing Darien terribly.
Then I opened my eyes and come face to face with a sound asleep Darien. Like, his face right in my face. I had been sleeping on top of him... Why? How did that happen?
I have no idea!
As my brain woke up more I of course recall the blizzard. Being snowed in, Darien's surprise appearance yesterday, being stuck with him [twist my arm] and the power outage last night. How we had bundled up and lit the dinning room fireplace to stay warm. When I saw him so close, and realized he was really here, I gasped so loudly I covered my mouth trying to maintain the sound. But it was too late, the noise was made, it was loud and Darien is a very light sleeper.
His midnight eyes cracked open to clash with my wide-eyed gaze and a smirk quirked up the left side of his mouth. He greeted hoarsely, "Oh, Hey."
"Hey." I said back in a whisper. "Do you happen to know why I'm on top of you? Because I have no idea how I got here."
"Oh Yeah." He said like he was going to explain, but then he didn't. His eyed had drifted closed again, so I tried to sit up and climb off of him, but for some reason, I couldn't budge.
So I asked him a little louder, "Well could you enlighten me? How I got here and why I can't move?"
He took such a deep breath, that I moved a little with him. Then he said, "You got up and went to the bathroom, I thought you might be sleep walking and it turns out I was right. When you came back you climbed on top of me and went right back to sleeping laying down."
I hid my face and exclaimed, "Oh God! I am so sorry."
"Don't be," He smiled, "This is exactly what I had been hoping for when I got down here and couldn't get back to sleep."
Say what? My mind was blown so I asked him, "Hang on? Are you telling me that you wanted me to climb on top of you?"
He thought about that for a minute before he said, "Well, when you say it like that... it does sound pretty weird doesn't it? I guess after that nightmare woke you up, and I got to hold you for a little bit. All I wanted to do the rest of the night was to keep holding you."
"You-You did?" I asked, before asking, "Is that why I can't get up? You're holding on to me."
"Uh, Yeah." He answered, "I guess."
"Are you gonna let me go now?" I asked still not able to break free?
I felt him fold his hands in the small of my back, before chirping a happy, "Nope."
"Why not?" I demanded, twisting and squirming around in his grasp.
"Because the fire we had in the fireplace is long gone and the warmth we have built between our combined body heat is too good to give up." He reasoned.
Still wiggling around in his hold, I laughed out. "But if you let me up I can build a new fire and warm up the whole room."
He considered this, by looking up at the ceiling thoughtfully. Before nodding his head back and forth, "Nope-Nope, still not worth it."
I could hear my phone (but really it's also my communicator) ringing off in the distance, I told him I needed to go answer it. But he was still like, "Nope, no way. This is survival which is much more important."
So I finally asked exactly the question he'd been waiting for. "What's it gonna take for you to let me go?"
"A good morning kiss." He claimed.
I lost it, "Uh-AH! No, no way, I am not kissing anyone when I know I haven't had a chance to brush my teeth first. Yours or my morning breath could be a deal breaker for all I know."
"Well then I suggest you get comfortable. It's gonna be a really long morning till you give me a little warmth I can keep while I build a new fire." He claimed as he tucked me in the teeny space existing between his body and the back of the couch. He'd jammed me in there like he was storing me away for the winter. I had no way of escaping. So I did the only thing I could have done to escape. I grabbed his face and told him, "Okay but you asked for it buddy."
Then I laid a kiss on him that was so good, I felt his toes spread out before curling, like he was touching the stars. His arms went limp and I finally pulled myself up and out of there. Never breaking the kiss, I was fully standing up, in front of the couch and he was still insisting on keeping this contact. Till I was finally able to break it off and run for my phone. Calling over my shoulder, "There had better be fire when I come back."
"Yes ma'am," he called back to me. Before I closed the door and answered the phone. Which just so happened to be my mom. She had rested beside Aunt Tessa in the hospital all night. Mom hadn't been able to sleep and neither had Tessa. So they'd stayed up and talked all night long. Mom was heading back to my grandparent's house now, to see if she could sleep there. While my grandparents were taking their shift with Tessa now. Mom also wanted to check on Sammy and me... bring us both up to speed on Tessa's treatment. Which yes, really was to the point of merely keeping her "comfortable" now. But Mom was so exhausted, heartbroken and angry with the situation... her positivity, patience and tact was all running alarmingly low. I tried my best to cheer her up a little before she speaks to Sammy. I hope I helped her with that at least, she had been very down and low when she'd been talking to me.
As soon as I hung up with her, my big brother brute squad also known as the four kings of Heaven was calling me. To bring me up to speed on all of the parts of my alter ego's life I'd missed. Mercury is BACK! Jupiter is back! Mars is possibly back... she's pending, it's progress. Mina's still clueless but that is a lot of support to regain all in one snow storm. Even if it is just Jupiter and Mercury. Ya know what, let me pass this torch off to a better explainer...
...Morning at the Manor...
(Kirk's Perspective)
I was the first to awaken, of everyone apparently, even before our live in staff. They'd all been up late decorating... again. I left Mina with a tray of her favorite breakfast and a note explaining my whereabouts. Before heading out of my room to find my brothers. We had a princess and prince to retrieve and I would be damned before I would let either one of them down. Especially over something so easy as a rescue mission of this level. I found Zoisite sleeping soundly with Mercury, in her room. He hadn't been able to extract himself from her embrace without waking her as well. Together we split up trying to locate Nephrite, he wasn't in his room or Jupiter's.
They were found by Zane, sleeping soundly on a sofa in the largest room that still needed decorating. Jupiter was sleeping soundly prop on his shoulder, and he'd been resting his head against hers. He was able to leave and not wake her up. After arranging breakfast for both other Sailor ladies, we all met up at the communication terminal contact Jaden and Serena.
We knew we would be going and getting Serena. This had already been discussed at length yesterday, that was pretty set in stone. When we called her, it would be more confirming times for packing and picking up... if she was awake. Contacting Jaden would be more of a touching base thing. Just seeing theoretically where he was, but when we placed the call.
"Jadite here." He'd answered sounding off, almost choked. Not his normal cocky, arrogant and self-assured self.
I asked, "How are things at the Hikawa Shrine this morning?"
"I'd love to tell you, but I'm no longer there, I'm here." He explained.
All three of us, repeated, "Here?"
Zoisite recovered the quickest and clarified, "Where exactly is here?"
"Uh... Home... I'm in the garage as we speak. Walking into the house... Woah! Christmas Overload! I didn't know Christmas was getting kept here. Somebody's been busy decorating, Neph, looks like you were able to get a lot done. Good for you." He said sounding like he was wiping at a runny nose. Like he'd been crying, leave it to him to try and divert the focus off him using humor at a time like this.
"I'm gonna go out on a limb here and guess that Mars remembers." I asked, really only expecting confirmation.
To all of our absolute horror, he said, "I don't know."
All three of us where on his case so quick. Asking, "What do you mean you don't know?" in perfect unison.
Nate was the first to speak after that saying, "Jay, you had one job. Watch over Mars and monitor her progress, since three other Sailors have returned. Her return isn't an if any longer. It's a when! How can you possibly f*** that up?"
"Listen, I will explain everything when I get there. I just... I can't re-live this over a phone to you guys. Or more than once either. Just sit tight, I'm coming up." Jadite insisted.
I did as he asked while Zane and Nate both took off like bullets to get Amy and Lita. For about the millionth time, I wished Mina remembered so that she could be involved. However, it did occur to me that she could want nothing to do with me if her memories had returned. So perhaps it's for the better... even if I miss her (even knowing she's a few rooms away... Still sleeping), I wish so much that I could get her input on so many of the decisions we face. While I was sitting I went ahead and tried to get a hold of Serena. Knowing Jaden wouldn't want to go through this more than once.
It took a few tries but Serena did answer and ask me, "What's up Kirk?"
Her voice too sounded altered and a bit off. So I asked, "Serena are you alright?"
"Yeah... yeah." Serena assured me with a tone that sounded like she was on the brink of tears.
"You don't sound alright, your highness," I replied before asking. "By chance, did your mom call before I did?"
"Yes." was my only answer.
"Alright." I affirmed, "You don't have to tell me anything you're not ready to say-"
She cut me off assuring, "Tessa's okay, she's ...she's 'comfortable' as she's gonna get, or that's what the hospital says. She just had a rough night and Mom needed a little pep talk before talking to my brother. I'm just all outta pep at the moment."
"Okay," I breathed a breath of relief. Thankfully Tessa was still with us and it sounded like she was surrounded in support. If only Serena could be there for her, like she wanted to be. I tried to get her mind off of all of that disharmony, "I'm glad to hear that we're not waking you up or disrupting everything. I really don't want to have to kill any princes today, for getting fresh."
"There's no need for that," She assured quickly, her voice brightening slightly already. "He's been a perfect gentlemen the entire time. You know that!"
"I had hoped," I admitted, "But I don't know this version of him as well as I've known others."
"He's building a fire in the fireplace, we still have no power and it's COLD. After that I'm gonna get him to pack up, while I'm packing a small bag for myself. Are you guys still coming this morning to get us?"
"Yes, that's still the plan." I started, but Serena concluded for me...
"So why do I get the feeling these plans aren't the only reason you're calling? I am alone if there was anything else." She was kind enough to include in her assessment of the situation.
"You're certain that no body's listening?" I asked and she confirmed.
"Yes, now what else is going on?" She could obviously sense something was up.
"Jaden's home." I revealed on an exhausted release of breath.
"Home? You mean he's there and not with Raye anymore?" Serena verified.
I nodded even though she couldn't see me. "Yeah, and he's about to tell us what happened, he's walking up here right now. The other guys are grabbing their girls, and he sounds like a mess over the radio. So I called knowing you'll want to hear what he has to say, and likely to only relive this once."
"Thank you, Kirk. I do want to hear this and I hope everyone is okay." She manages to say just as Nate, Lita, Amy and Zane all walk back in with a 'tore-up from the floor up' looking Jaden. He unzips his heavy coat to hang it off the back of his chair. I told Serena, "Here they all come now." Then I turn and address the rest of my colllagues, informing them that Serena's here remotely.
Amy and Lita knock me outta the way, chair and all, rushing for the microphone. Both shouting "SERENA! SAILOR MOON! PRINCESS!"
Serena is tearing up on the other end saying, "Oh you guys! You don't know how good you sound! I wish I was there, that I could see you. And Luna! Artemis! Oh, snow stuck-ery freaking sucks right now."
I pulled myself back up, off of the ground to say into the receiver. "We're coming to get you after this, if you'd like. We just gotta do this first, okay?"
"Okay," Serena can be heard wiping at tears. I know I can't see her, but I can clearly hear that somehow.
Then Serena's attention turned to Jadeite, along with the rest of us. She called out over the radio, "Jaden! Are you alright?"
"I'm here Moonie, and that's about it." He says looking a hundred years old. "I'm alive and that's about all I can claim."
"Are you hurt, were you in a fight?" Serena asked further.
Lita felt the need to share, "He looks like he took a trip through hell and back, Sere."
Amy asked, "Was all of this brought on by our enemies?"
"Yes it was, but it wasn't all them." Jaden said cryptically as his got a new tissue and wiped at some more tears.
"Please, tell us everything you can about what happened out there." Serena asked.
"A Cardian attacked, just before dawn this morning." Jaden clarified, still wiping at the tears and his nose. "Raye and I were up so early because one of our favorite regular visitors was coming to pray at the temple this morning. An elderly lady who lives a few houses over, that has completely won me over too. We all call her 'Granny,' even though none of us are related to her. Her real name is Evalynn Fields she's the same age as Raye's grandpa..I think they mentioned knowing each other as kids. But you know how all old people all secretly know each other. She's just the sweetest old lady who is grandma to everyone she meets...Even us who have never experienced a grandma. Whenever she comes in she sits and talks with everyone about everything. She has the best advise, best jokes and she can even touch my hard to reach heart... she never showed up this morning. Because the Cardian got to her first and now she's spending her Christmas in the hospital... I fought as hard as I could. but...I struggled to contain it on my own."
"Why didn't you call any of us?" Zane asked.
"We would have come!" Nathan swore too.
"Don't you think I thought of that?" Jaden asked, "I couldn't, I didn't have a chance. This thing was way too lethal and fast, I didn't have a minute to call anyone. For some reason my phone had no signal during this fight. But I think that particular beast was messing with the phone signals. It was manipulating any form of waves, sound-waves, radio waves... brain waves. It could mess with all of it, and it was strong. Superman strength and speed of light reflexes."
"Did Raye see any of this-this confrontation?" Serena asked, bringing everyone's minds back to the fact that this was all happening way too close to the pyro scout's home.
"She did," Jaden said with a heavy heart. "While I have no clue about her memories or the stats of her return. I do know that she blames me for Granny's injuries, she thinks that if I have powers like what she saw, 'I could have clearly saved Granny. Since I didn't, I'm useless,' her words. She broke up with me, fired me, and told me she never wanted to see me again. So I packed and headed to the hospital... that's where I was till just now."
"Is Granny gonna be alright?" Serena asked, with real concern. She would be worried about a lady she's never known or met before. That's just so perfectly our princess, isn't it?
"I felt so guilty and responsible, I sat waiting for news on her all morning." Jaden said, "When she was all set up in a hospital room and I got to see her... do you know what she told me. And she wasn't kidding either. She told me that none of her children or grandchildren were going to come see her this Christmas. They were all too busy or too wrapped up in their own lives the way most people are when they grow up. But now, they're all dropping everything to come home and see her. They're all coming to our ball too, I met them... nice people, even the kids. You know I don't always love kids, I usually think their all brats. I invited them, and they accepted. says that monster did her a favor, even if she is sore this morning. As happy as she is, and as much as she knows I tried to help her... I still feel so terrible that she was singled out. The sweetest soul on the planet... She didn't deserve any of that suffering or pain. Honestly, I feel way worse about that than I do all of the things Raye said and did."
I (Kunzite) had to ask, "Did she slap you across the face like your premonition hinted she would when she remembered?"
Jaden hesitated, "Uh...No, she didn't... I guess her memories are still locked away... and she already hates me. Things are really looking up for me at the moment aren't they?"
Serena's voice was crystal clear as she said. "Jaden, don't get too dishearted by Raye's behavior. Yes, it was dramatic, rash and harsh but she wasn't actually reacting to any of her feelings towards you. Take it from someone who has been dealt the blunt end of her temper more times then I could count. She was acting on all of her feelings toward that Granny lady and probably the ton of other things she's frustrated about. Things that have nothing at all to do with you. She shouldn't do that, but nobody's perfect. When some of the red obscuring her vision dissipates, and she's thinking clearly again. She'll either come back to you, or be an idiot."
"Thanks Moonie," Jaden sniffled, "But I've always said from the beginning that just because we get a second chance at life. Doesn't mean we're meant to get second chances all around. Raye is clearly meant for great things, and so am I. I was hoping those great things could coincide but it was foolish on my part. Thinking even clean slated Mars could ever see me as anything but the freak monster I really am."
Serena cut in, "You're not a monster anymore Jaden, you haven't been for a year. Now is that ego of your's a beast? Yes! But that has always been who you are, and I know if your brothers and I can love it so much. Raye does too, and if you are right and she doesn't come back than that's her loss. You've still got your brothers, our team and I can't speak for the other scouts, but you'll always have my love and support too."
Lita and Amy didn't hesitate to speak up for themselves assuring Jaden he had their backing as well as the princess'. Which I don't think my outspoken brother was expecting at all. He seemed truly humbled and amazed to have three Sailors in his corner. He seems to have been shocked into a rare silence. He may not have all of the scouts on our side yet. But the three that we have regained have never ceased to amaze me.
I used this golden opportunity to grab the mic and set up a time with Serena while I had her on the line. A specific time stamp to aim for arriving at her place; she had mentioned being afraid of her mother's Christmas goodies ruining in her family's freezer. Sitting too long with no power. I assured her that we wouldn't let that happen, and assured her that we had a plan. That all she needed to do was keep her prince out of the room in question.
We would teleport ourselves (since we weren't afraid to do that anymore), we'd pop in, transport them back to our place. Store them in our freezers and fridges till she needs them. (We still have current) Where they can be maintained properly till they're needed.
She was staying with us for the ball, sleeping over tonight and tomorrow night as well (And possibly the rest of Christmas too, we'll see how she's feeling) she could still produce all of the traditional goodies that had become a part of all of our holidays. We guys have all only just gotten to be a part of these celebrations this year. Amy and Lita spoke with experience, we needed to make this work. So we teleported in while Prince Charming was nice and distracted, transported all of her things quickly. Promising that we would be back to get them for real with snowmobiles in a moment.
Yes, it would have been easier just to teleport them to and from her house. We planned on teleporting there with snowmobiles to her house, but Darien needed to see the ride back and remember it. Or things would just get weird, and none of us felt right about messing around with his mind. When we still carry guilt for the amount we messed with it already (Beryl's orders or not). In an ideal world, his memories return, and we could be a team again. With the Scouts and Serena as well as our former master... It may be unlikely, some may even label it a pipe dream. But that didn't stop my heart from hoping and aspiring for these ultimate goals.
When the predetermined time arrived, Nate, Zane and I saddled-up and teleported to Serena's house. We blasted a path through her front yard so that it would appear like we'd dug them out. Zane had even conjured shoves to make it look more believable. I was the first to reach the door of the house and knock. I have no idea what I just interrupted but when the door flew open Serena and Darien were both blushing like mad and kept glancing at each other. Like every other second...
Serena hugged all of us, like normal. Thankfully they both packed overnight bags and were ready to go once they'd put out the fire they'd been keeping warm with. Once Serena was certain that everything was turned off except her outdoor Christmas lights (which were hooked up to timers now and whenever the power did return they would flip on automatically). She locked her door crawled on the back of Nate's mobile and we were all off. Darien had once again chosen to ride on the back of my mobile. The whole ride I kept feeling like someone was staring daggers at us. I thought we were under attack or something. I felt it all aimed at Nate, it was so strong I thought that a new cardian was on the move. However, when I managed a glance at my side mirror, I realized this was no foe's deadly stare. This was an ally, that had a different sort of green with envy demon dangling off his back.
To say Darien looked jealous would have been like saying Antarctica is chilly. It would seem that he had a problem watching Serena hold on to another guy. So tightly, and shiver so obviously. So hoping to defuse the situation I shared with Darien. "Don't worry."
"Huh?" He asked a full minute later.
"There's nothing to worry about with Nate. He's in love with Lita and he got together with her last night. She's waiting for him at the manor and Serena's like a little sister to all of us. Besides when we attend your friend's party tonight. We were planning on letting you drive one of these mobiles. We have several, and we're gonna be letting Andrew, Garrett and few other guys borrow them. You can use one to escort Serena to and from that party tonight yourself, if you would like."
"I've never driven one before, is it difficult?" Darien asked.
"Depends, I've seen you on a motorcycle before, haven't I?" I asked, not trying to seem like I'd taken too much interest.
"Yeah, when we aren't living in a snow-cone factory, I ride all the time." Darien said, still shooting serious eyes strong enough to decapitate Nate... luckily he wasn't given that ability or Nathan would have been beheaded for sure.
"Then driving one of these should be a cinch," I said slowing down and switching with him about half way from the house. He easily drove us the rest of the way and was so thrilled, he forgot to glare anymore. By the time we where home, all of us were walking in together a merry group. Everyone was cheerful and laughing, talking to each other and it all got louder when Jaden, Amy and Lita greeted us all with something hot to drink. Amy, Lita and Serena were all crying together in a heap on the kitchen floor together. As soon as they calmed down and stopped crying together. Luna and Artemis showed up and it all got stirred up again.
My men and I did a good job of distracting Darien as long as we could. While all of us tried to distract ourselves from getting too choked up. At this grand display of emotion and relief just to be open with one another again. After sharing so much as warriors and not being able to acknowleage it before now.
The one time the Master noticed the waterworks he smiled back at us. "Jeeze, you'd think they hadn't seen each other in years! It's been what a few hours more than twenty four hours?"
Nathan shook his head and related, "Chicks, man."
He didn't seem too shocked or bothered, I was just so glad they pulled themselves together before Mina came down and joined them. Luckily Mina didn't join us till Nathan had already started putting all of us to work. Finishing up anything and everything before the Ball we would be throwing tomorrow evening. Mina pitched right in and we managed to knock out everything in no time. Then we all had lunch together, using that time to figure out just how we were going to be getting to Andrew's Family's House Party Tonight. How would be the best way to get all of the snow mobiles we needed to and from that location. Not to mention how we would be transporting everyone to the Ball tomorrow. This would be a great practice run, so we could work out all the kinks and imperfections. Before our own Christmas Gala tomorrow night... Which was also the night before Christmas Eve (Christmas Eve Eve).
When we had it all figured out, we split up to get dressed appropriately for the Furahata Family's Christmas party. Which had an ugly sweater theme, so all of us were donning sweaters and sweatpants, before reclaiming our coats and heading out for the night. I hoped Nephrite would be able to forget about all of the pressure of Tomorrow's party being perfect for an evening. It helped so much that Lita already had him laughing and de-stressing perfectly. Hopefully this night as well as tomorrow's evening would be our best Christmas events yet.
That's all for now folks…
I am hoping to truly finish this fic this time around. I'm already working on the next several chapters, here's hoping that the inspiration holds out and that happens. Thank you so much for being along with me on this crazy ride. I hope it has been as much fun for all of you as it has been for me. Mercury Remembers! Jupiter Remembers! Now all we need is Tux, Mars and Venus! We've still got a ways to go, but we've come so incredibly far. Don't cha think? See ya next time, Much Love!
~SailorLeia