Author Notes: Ok, I know its been 2 weeks, but I'm sorry! I seriously began writing this last week, but simply couldn't find the time! Thanks for all the nice reviews, and keep them coming! I appreciate the time you guys take to comment! And yes – you can simply review saying you'd like to be part of the mailing list, and I'll add you that way too!
Disclaimer: Sadly, I do not own Sailor Moon – though I would glad take the rights if they should be offered. ^_^ I did write this story though, so don't blatantly copy it or claim it as your own. *eyes narrow* There will be consequences.
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"Come on Serena! Try again!"
Endymion yelled across the room at the retreating figure. When she reached the
opposite wall, she turned on her heel and sprinted. Seeing her break into a run
toward him, he maneuvered his body into a defensive position. "Come on… come
on," he muttered to himself, silently praying she would get it right this time.
His partner was even closer now, racing at a speed that would have made him
nervous, if it wasn't for the fact that he trusted her completely. Closer and
closer she advanced until, at about five feet away from him, she hesitated.
"Dammit – no!" he cried, as he watched her jump at him with a high kick, then
staggering at the last moment and falling the floor with a loud thud.
Sighing, he crouched down, "I
can't believe you! You - you did it again!"
Frustrated, he ran his hands through his dark, ebony hair, frowned, and then smiled
coyly, "I know my stunningly, handsome face may be a little distracting at
times – heavens, sometimes I'm surprised
at how attractive I've become. But you must learn to overcome your feelings for
me and do the BLASTED JUMP!"
Scowling, she retorted, "Oh
get over yourself…'stunningly, handsome face'? Unlike the rest of the females
at this castle, I haven't been blinded by that ego of yours which has steadily
grown to the size of a star. I can
still see your face, and every time I run up to kick it, I'm suddenly filled
with a pang of guilt – I would only be making your face uglier. Then where would you be, oh Spaniard
prince?"
"Shut up, doll.
Just because you can't make the jump doesn't mean you should take it out on
me."
"Arrogant pig – you started it."
"I was only trying to help you, you ungrateful wench,"
"You mean putting me down is helping me?
Newsflash: I do not thrive on insults."
"Yes you do – it's the only thing that drives you. And I did not put you down!
Now try again!"
"No! I'm sick and tired of you
barking out orders!" Serena yelled, and then stalked out of the room without a
word.
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Endymion sighed, and then hurried to the window to watch her angrily march away, across the courtyard, and enter the east side of the castle. He was about to pack up his training gear for the night and get some rest, when it occurred to him that Serena's room was on the west side of the castle. The east side was the boy's dormitories, and he suddenly panicked. She wouldn't mess up his room, to spite him for insulting her, as he had all night whenever she attempted the high kick. In actuality, he was just trying to fuel her, so she would be angry enough to get it right – not run away.
This is happening more and more often… she keeps running away from our midnight practices. Especially when I yell at her – her eyes well up as she stares at me, then she blows up and runs off somewhere, he realized, suddenly thoughtful. This time though, I'm going to follow her. She's been messing up that jump all week – she usually gets new jumps or kicks right away. Eyes set with determination, he bent over to put on his boots, and then run after her.
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"I hate him, I hate him, I hate him, I HATE
HIM!" Serena screamed, angrily thrusting her sword to the floor, the sound of
its blade hitting the floor echoed its shrill note throughout the room. Andrew,
who was patiently listening to Serena, winced at the sound, but remained
silent. "Drew – for the past week, every attempt I have made to let the jackass
know how I feel about him, he insults my combat techniques as if I was just
another "one of the guys".
"Sere – for the past four
years, that's all you ever wanted: to be "one of us". To be treated equally,
and now – you don't want that?" Andrew asked, finally asking what Serena often
asked herself.
Calming down, Serena took a
seat beside Andrew on his bed and rested her head on his shoulder. She looked
thoughtful for a moment, and then slowly replied, "I – I want him to see me as
more than just a rival – I want more now. I don't know – this may be stupid,
but I want him to notice when I part my hair differently."
"It's like all he cares about is how good I am – he's always on my back when I fail, and he's always criticizing my form, or my kick, or anything! He never insults the other boys, or tells them when they do something wrong. And he's never given me the smile he gives the ladies of the court, he gives me that grin – that blasted, handsome grin after I finally execute an exercise perfectly. He'll hold the ladies close at the balls, whisper words that bring them to blush and giggle. After he danced with me at the Midsummer's Feast, he gave me a handshake! A handshake Drew! We were dancing close, our lips were nearing, and then the song stopped and he pulled away and gave me a handshake. Ugh!" Serena finished, falling back on the bed with an exasperated sigh.
"Listen – as arrogant, egotistical, pigheaded or incredibly stupid Endymion may seem – he likes you. You know he does. He wouldn't waste hours of his time with you every night if he didn't. That whole rival thing – you know that's just an excuse. You think he would even bother with you, too tell you your faults, if didn't care about you?" Andrew finished, but stopped as he saw tears well up in Serena's huge, blue eyes.
"Why won't he tell me so? It's so hard Andrew! It's so hard watching him flirt with a lady, then train with me as if I was just another guy. You know?" she finished, looking up at his with questioning eyes.
"I know Sere, I know." The farmer noble replied softly, pulling her in his arms and gently kissing her on the forehead.
"I love you, Andrew." Serena whispered.
"I love you too, Serena." he responded, holding her closely, but the quiet reverie was broken with the sound of a door shutting softly.
Startled, the two looked up and stared up in surprise at the cold, slate eyes of Prince Endymion of Spain. His hair was magnificently tousled by his run through the courtyard, and he looked menacing in his black cape and armor. His mouth was thinned to a grim frown, and the expression on his face was simple enough to read: he was extremely pissed off.
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Endymion ran through the courtyard, toward his
room. He thrust his door open to find it intact and empty – no Serena. He
thought for a moment, and then rushed next door to Andrew's bedroom, surprised
to see it slightly ajar. He clutched the door handle and began to turn the
brass handle, but stopped himself at the sound of Serena's voice.
"I love you, Andrew." It was
at that moment it dawned upon him that perhaps, Andrew's friendly attitude
towards Serena was something more. Endymion had always wondered why Andrew
would come to Serena's defense at any given time, and yet – he had never
believed them to be a couple. Suddenly, the prince lost all control at the
thought of anyone man attempting to woo Serena – his veins filled with anger at
the mere thought. He was confused – Serena was his adversary, his rival; why is
he jealous at all? Jealousy - is that was
it is, a voice replied mockingly, as if it had known all the while.
Endymion had no idea what he thought, or what he felt – so he did the only
thing he could: he opened the door.
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Author Notes: Hey!
Sorry it was so short, but I had to stop it there! I didn't really want to
write what happens next – that's for the next chapter. Haha – all you Mamo and Usa fans don't go flaming me yet – just
wait and see what happens. ^_^ Amazingly enough, I have the entire plot planned
out. Well… all I can say now is REVIEW
PLEASE!
And once again, if you would like to be part of my mailing list, review with an
email, or email me yourself! sakura_cherry_blossoms@hotmail.com
