Daydream Believer 4/6
Rated PG


He blinked quizzically and the other pair did the same. "S-Serenity? Is that really you?"

The blonde angel smiled. "It's really me. It's good to see you again, Mamoru. I was wondering when you'd come back. It's been a while since you made that promise."

Mamoru looked at their surroundings then back at her. "In case you haven't noticed, Serenity, we're not in the gardens. In fact, we're not even on the Moon."

Serenity's eyes widened twice their size and her head whipped around. "We're not? That's funny, the last thing I remember was wanting to see you again and then falling asleep." She gasped suddenly. "Oh no, don't tell me I'm actually... I must have really done it this time. My mother will be furious with me when she finds out I'm missing. And on the Earth, no less!"

"Serenity, it's okay. Your mother won't find out."

She whirled on him. "That's what you think! My mother finds out about everything I do! You don't even want to know how harsh she can be when she finds out I've gotten into trouble."

Mamoru smiled. "Trust me. Even though you're here, it's only through a dream. You're not missing from your home at all."

"Oh. Well in that case, pinch me."

"Excuse me?"

Serenity giggled. "You said so yourself. If this is all a dream, pinch me!" Mamoru raised an eyebrow, slowly leaned forward and gently pinched her arm.

"Ow!" she exclaimed, holding her arm protectively at the elbow. "You didn't have to do it so hard."

"That wasn't hard."

She threw him a look. "Maybe not to you, but I'm a lady, and ladies are much more sensitive than they appear," she retorted, sounding much like an entry from an old textbook.

Mamoru smirked. "How old did you say you were again?"

Serenity stuck her tongue out at him. "For your information, I'll be sixteen after the next summer solstice."

"Figures."

Her hands flew to her hips. "And just what do you mean by that?"

He shook his head. "Nothing at all, but would you mind getting off me? I'd like to get out of bed." Serenity looked down and discovered she was practically sitting in his lap. She blinked and quickly surmised the situation. She was on a rather comfortable bed... sitting in the lap of a very handsome man. "Oh!" She yelped and scrambled off the bed as fast as she could, winning a deep chuckle from Mamoru.

"Sorry," she mumbled, suddenly falling to the floor. Mamoru bolted to her side. "Are you all right, Serenity?" Her cheeks flushed in embarrassment as Mamoru helped her to her feet and led her over to a chair. "I once learned that the Earth's gravity is six times as much as it is on the Moon. But I never thought I would experience it for myself." She gave him a sheepish grin. "This seems pretty real for being a dream."

Mamoru smiled at her childlike innocence. There was something about her that drew him to her. Studying her features from her very unique hairstyle all the way down to the dainty slippers she wore that matched her dress, he decided that there could be nothing wrong with her. And even if Serenity turned out to be just a dream after all, then for the short time he knew her, she really was perfect.

"Mamoru, are you all right?" She had caught him staring at her. His cheeks flushed and he quickly looked away. "I, uh..." he stammered, and then he walked out to the kitchen quickly, looking for an excuse. "Would you like some water, Serenity?"

"That would be nice," she replied demurely, watching him leave the room. While he had been staring off into space, she had been gazing at him the entire time, though he didn't know it. Something about him made her smile. Perhaps it was the way he laughed or that little smile that showed up on his face when he was content. Though she barely knew Mamoru, she felt close to him, as if she had grown up knowing him all her life.

Returning to the room and handing her the cup of water, Mamoru glanced closely at Serenity and suddenly cupped her face in his hands, seeing something he hadn't before. "Have you been crying?"

Serenity's eyes widened, almost positive that the telltale tearstains were still there. She went over to the mirror hanging above the bureau, stumbling a couple of times and verified that her eyes were still slightly red and puffy. Hanging her head, she left go of the bureau, Mamoru just barely catching her before she fell again.

"You have been crying," he affirmed, going into the bathroom and dampening a towel. He returned and handed it to her. "Why, Serenity? I've never seen you sad enough to cry before." Then again, he hadn't really been around her long enough to know why she would be crying, but he didn't care about the facts.

She took the towel gratefully. There were so many reasons for her tears, but she couldn't tell him the real reason. Not yet. "So many things have been happening back home, Mamoru. I'm especially worried about my mother."

"Why?"

Serenity sighed. "Part of the universe is at war right now and it's edging closer and closer to our Solar System. Because my mother is Queen of the Moon and rightful ruler of the Silver Millenium, she is at the moment the only one with enough power to stop the evil forces from taking over everything."

Tears appeared in her eyes again and she dabbed at them with the towel. "I believe in my mother with all my heart and might, but what if something goes wrong? I'm scared, Mamoru. So very scared. These last few weeks have been very hectic and everyone in the kingdom is nervous. And when you didn't come back, I was even more worried that something had happened to you. I wanted to see you so much!" she blurted out, then gasped and covered her mouth. That was the last thing he probably wanted to hear from a fifteen year old child.

Mamoru's features relaxed into a smile. "It's all right, Serenity. I wanted to see you too. You have no idea how much," he added under his breath, recalling his earlier behavior. He took the towel from her grasp and wiped away the fresh tears she missed.

"Thank you for understanding, Mamoru," Serenity replied softly, her cheeks still slightly flushed. She let her gaze travel about the room, stopping abruptly when she caught a glimpse of the scene outside. A gasp of excitement escaped her lips. "Can--can I go out there?" she said, pointing to the balcony. Mamoru chuckled and nodded. Without waiting another second she jumped up and sprinted outside, amazement filling her eyes.

Mamoru followed her outside, an expression of amusement tracing his lips. As she discovered new things in his world he realized how much he took for granted everyday.

"Wow, Mamoru, we're really high up," Serenity exclaimed in awe as she looked over the edge of the balcony. Then her eye caught the full moon hanging in the sky. "So this is what the Earth and Moon look like in a thousand years. Incredible."

"A thousand years?"

She nodded. "I was surprised when you said you were from the 20th century that night we first met. Back home, the 11th century is only a few months away from beginning," Serenity replied wistfully. "Mother has been planning a gigantic celebration, but with this impending war all the plans have been put on hold."

Mamoru gently laid a hand on Serenity's shoulder, touching both fabric and bare skin. The contact sent chills up her spine, and she shivered slightly. That was the first time he had touched more than her hands. Briefly she wondered what it would be like to have him touch her on more than just her shoulders. The blush raged over her face again and another shiver tingled all over her body.

"Are you cold, Serenity?" Mamoru asked, suddenly concerned. Not wanting to tell him the real reason, she blurted out, "A little, I guess." Moving to go back inside the apartment, Serenity momentarily forgot about the gravity and before she could take another step, she stumbled again.

Two arms wrapped around her waist before she fell. Serenity smiled at Mamoru gratefully. "I'm not normally this clumsy, but being on Earth isn't exactly normal for me." He laughed. "Then we'll just have to remedy that, won't we?" Before she could say anything, he scooped her up into his arms and carried her back inside.

Serenity yelped in surprise as he pulled her closer to him, but then she relaxed and almost snuggled into his warm embrace. She felt so safe and protected within his arms; nothing else had ever felt so right. She wanted him to hold her forever, to look down on her with such a loving gaze like he had had just a few moments ago.

If only she could take him back with her, he could be the one to protect her from all the fear she felt back at home. No longer would she have to worry about unfamiliar suitors fighting for her hand. She already knew who her choice was. She realized how high up she was and she clutched onto Mamoru's shirt, a small wave of panic running through her veins.

"Don't worry, I won't let you fall," Mamoru's voice echoed huskily through her ears. Serenity felt the blood rush up to her cheeks and she prayed silently that he didn't notice too much. The last thing she wanted was to look like just a silly little girl to him.

"Mamoru?" Serenity asked as he set her back down, trying to be bold, but her voice came out small and timid. "I--I really should thank you for putting up with me. I mean, it's not every day a stranger pops into your life from a dream you've been having. And you're so kind to listen to me, I just... I'm really..."

"Serenity? You're shaking. What's the matter?" Mamoru held onto her, feeling her tremble, not knowing if it was out of fear for something or if she had another reason.

"I don't know," her voice wavered and she began to slip from his hold, falling to the floor. Mamoru tried to grab onto her but he tumbled to the floor with her, stroking her hair as she began to sob. "I'm so worried about my mother. Recently she's been saying she'd do nearly anything to stop this war from happening. She even suggested arranging a marriage for me to another kingdom in order to create a strong alliance."

Mamoru was shocked. "Did you agree to it?" he asked quietly. Serenity shook her head fiercely. "I couldn't. I have told my mother that I refuse to marry under any circumstances other than for love. Even if I am the right age to marry, I won't be rushed into it."

He smiled and pulled her into his strong embrace, relaxing even more when she laid her head on his shoulder. He sensed such a strong spirit in her, even for one so young. At that moment, he became fully aware of her, especially because she was so close to him. The sweet aroma of her hair filled his nose, and he breathed in deeply, committing the scent to memory. Mamoru could feel her heart pounding next to his, almost as if they were beating in sync.

Pulling back, he gazed at her tearstained face and gently wiped the tears from her cheeks with the pad of his thumb. Slipping one arm around her slender waist, Mamoru got to his feet, keeping a hold on her the entire time. He couldn't take his eyes off her for a moment.

Serenity gave him a shaky smile. "Mamoru," she began, her voice soft and slightly hesitant, "Would it be wrong for me to say I don't want you to let me go?" She bit her lip and instantly regretted that she had said it. But instead of the rejection she had been expecting, Mamoru's arms tightened around her and he gave her a warm smile. "I'll hold onto you as long as you need me," he replied quietly, running his fingers through one of her ponytails.

She buried her face into his shirt, her sobs finally subsiding. "Forever?" she intoned softly. "Would you stay with me forever if I needed you?"

He gulped, then nodded. "I would... if it were possible. Serenity, you know as well as I do that somehow we're allowed to see and touch each other only through the power of our dreams. We never know when it might end. It could stop at any--"

Serenity rested a finger on his lips, ceasing his mindless babble. Then she looked up into his face with an expression that made her appear much older than she really was. "Well, if we can't have forever, hold me for tonight."

Mamoru's eyes widened at her sudden gesture, then he took her hand in his. He gently kissed her fingers one by one, relishing in the sweet taste of her skin. A sweet, tantalizing taste danced on the tip of his tongue and he wanted so much more.

He let his lips trace a pattern to her forehead, then slowly kissed each closed eyelid, hypnotizing her into a deep state of bliss. Mamoru gently kissed the end of Serenity's nose and for a moment he stopped to take a long look at her. Her fingers still gripped bits of his sleeve, and beneath her closed eyes two rosy spots flourished on her cheeks.

Running a finger over her pale pink lips, Mamoru suddenly lost it. His self control shattered and he couldn't hold back anymore. He let his lips brush lightly over Serenity's and as he tasted her sweetness, he covered her mouth with his completely, savoring every second. He wanted her to entirely be his in that one moment, but took it slow so he wouldn't frighten her.

Serenity responded eagerly the moment he began to kiss her. Unbeknownst to Mamoru, this was her first kiss and she wanted it to be the most memorable.

This was heaven, she decided. Pure heaven. She couldn't let it end just yet. Sliding her hands up his chest and around his neck, Serenity threaded her fingers through his thick hair, never once breaking contact. As she brought him closer, he stumbled and toppled to the ground, taking her with him. She laughed out loud at the pained expression on Mamoru's face as he smacked his head on the bedpost.

"And I was just starting to enjoy that too," he muttered under his breath, wincing and rubbing the back of his head. He stood up and pulled Serenity back up to her feet. She merely gazed at him and he felt his heart melt. Just the mere sight of her before him was enough to make him feel complete.

"Serenity.... can I see you with your hair down?" Mamoru asked breathlessly, trying to keep his emotions and urges in control. No woman had ever put him into a state like this before and he was trying hard not to take Serenity in his arms and kiss the living breath out of her again.

Blushing deeply, she reached up and undid her twin buns, letting a stream of golden hair cascade to the floor and pool around her shoulders. The last rays of moonlight shone through the window and lit up the edges of her hair which naturally curled at the ends.

"Kami-sama," he breathed, unable to take his eyes off her. "Are you sure you're not an angel from heaven instead?" She giggled, making her all the more lovely in his eyes.

Her face was bright red now and as Mamoru cupped his hand beneath her chin, he could feel the warmth of her face strongly as if it was pulsing within his own veins. "Serenity," he murmured, taking her into his arms once more, "I wish that this night didn't have to end." She sighed dreamily in response. "But the sun is starting to rise," he finished, the smile on his face falling a little. Pointing to the eastern side of his apartment, Mamoru gestured towards the pink and yellow edges of the sunrise peeping over the mountains in the distance.

"It's beautiful," Serenity breathed, watching the sunrise illuminate the edges of the city, bringing with it a wake-up call to all its inhabitants. She looked up into his handsome face. "I have this strange feeling that I have to leave you soon."

His grip tightened around her. "I know. I had the same feeling. As much as I know you have to go, deep in my heart I keep thinking that if I let you go now, I might never see you again."

Tears sprang to her eyes and she buried her face in his chest. "Don't say things like that, Mamoru," she wailed, her voice muffled. "We will see each other again, I know we will." Then Serenity began to notice a faint silver light surround her and she felt herself fading away. "Thank you, Mamoru," she replied softly, kissing him on the cheek once more. "I'll be waiting for you." With those last words she disappeared from his arms, Mamoru's final words echoing in her ears.

"I love you, my sweet Serenity."