Well, I got more reviews, so I'm continuing my story!
Disclaimer: Destiny and Fate are my children. If you wanna use, you gotta ask.
Chapter Summary: Things heat up between Setsuna and Demando, who no longer love Endymion and Serenity. Nuff said.
Chapter 3-In Which Setsuna Learns a Little More about Demando
Previously...
*********************Fate's POV**************************
While Destiny was in the kitchen, I took the liberty of giving Demando a little push. Nothing big, I just lifted the weight of his doomed love from his shoulders. He still remembered Serenity, but he no longer loved her. I did the same for Setsuna. Hotaru and Rubeus needed no such push. I smiled, and went to find the Smirnoff Ice I kept hidden in a secret refrigerator in my room.
**********Setsuna's POV***********
I don't know what happened, but all of a sudden, I felt a tremendous weight lifted from my shoulders. The weight was gone from my heart as well. It felt wonderful! I turned my head, to see Demando smiling happily. That shocked, as well as pleased me. He had a really lovely smile, one that lit up his whole face. I found myself unable to look away. He really was quite good- looking, his white hair and blue eyes making him look more exotic than anything. My gaze dropped from his face to his body, and in spite of myself, I began to, as Minako used to put it, 'check him out'. His body wasn't at all bad either. Not excessively muscled, but not overly thin.
"What's wrong?" Demando asked. I felt my face burn slightly.
"Nothing. You just looked happy about something."
"So do you, Sailor Pluto."
"Would you care to talk about it?"
"You're beautiful."
Now my face was definitely burning. "Excuse me, Demando?"
"That's what I was thinking."
I looked down. "Oh. Thank you." I let a handful of sand trickle through my fingers.
"May I call you Setsuna?"
"If you wish."
"Setsuna?" I looked up, only to find a pair of lips pressed hesitantly to mine. I hadn't been kissed in a very long time, since the Silver Millennium I think, and I would be lying if I said I didn't enjoy it. I figured I should like it while I could, and I wrapped my arms around his neck, leaning into the kiss. He pulled away, and smiled at me.
"What was that for?" I asked.
"No reason at all." He smiled again, and I sighed happily.
************Fate's POV***************
Alright, so I made a few modifications. It wasn't like they were gonna kiss on their own, was it? This was the real Setsuna, the person she would have been if the whole Endymion thing hadn't happened. She acted the same mostly, but she was happier. Same goes for Demando. He was actually someone I would date, but hey, can't win them all!
**********Demando's POV***********
She was so beautiful. I was starting to forget why I had ever loved Serenity. How could I have even looked at her when I had a goddess in front of my eyes the whole time? The kiss was pleasantly sweet and addictive. I wanted another one, but I didn't want to exceed my boundaries. Setsuna had a lock of hair in her hands, twisting it around nervously. She was a little like a teenage girl, awkward and unsure. I don't think she'd been kissed before.
"Do you still love Serenity?" She asked suddenly.
"No. Do you still love Endymion?"
"No. My mind is on other things." She said, still twisting her hair around her finger. She chewed on her lower lip in thought.
"Other things like what? Me?" I didn't mean to say the last part, but it just came out anyway. Setsuna blushed, and looked down at the sand. She looked out over the water, and her eyes widened.
"Oh, my." She said. I looked in the same direction, only to find Hotaru and Rubeus somewhat occupied. I looked back at Setsuna, whose eyes were wide and shocked-looking. I took the opportunity to pull the lock of hair out of her hands and squeeze one of her hands gently. She turned towards me and I let go. "Demando, what are we going to do now?"
"What do you mean?"
"Since you say you are no longer in love with Serenity, I see no need to keep you at the Time Gate any longer."
"I want to stay."
"Why?"
"To get to know you a little better. I don't know why, but I feel connected to you, Setsuna."
Setsuna looked down at the sand. "Kindred souls."
"What?"
"That's what we are. I read it in a book, in France, around the 19th century. It means we're alike in ways we have yet to discover," Setsuna said softly.
"I see. Well, am I allowed to stay at the Time Gate?"
"I have no power over that. It is up to Chronos, my father, unless I get a direct order from Fate, Destiny, or Time. We can go ask now, if you like."
"Sure. But how are we going to break the news to Rubeus and Sailor Saturn?"
"I have no idea. I doubt they'll notice we've gone, but I should tell Hotaru anyway." Setsuna stood and ran down to the water's edge, and informed Hotaru of her plan. The Senshi of Death nodded, and Setsuna walked back. "Are you ready?" After seeing me nod, Setsuna conjured up her staff and opened the Time Gate. We stepped into the mists again. Setsuna transformed her swimsuit into a dress, and I took the initiative to also put on something a little more appropriate. Setsuna took my hand and led me to another gate, which we stepped through. It opened up into a castle, and Setsuna led me down one long hall after another. Finally we reached a pair of big oak doors, and Setsuna took a deep breath before knocking.
"Enter, daughter."
Setsuna and I walked in. Sitting on a throne was a man that could've been Setsuna's twin brother. He had the same complexion, and hair color, but his eyes were black, and sparkled with starlight. Next to him was a beautiful woman with Setsuna's red eyes and braided black hair.
"Sets-chan, to what do your father and I owe this pleasant surprise?" The woman asked, stepping down from her throne to hug Setsuna warmly. I stood a little behind and to the left of Setsuna, trying to be unnoticeable. Her mother saw me, and her eyes widened in surprise. She sat back on her throne.
"Mother, Father, I need to ask your permission to keep this man at the Time Gate with me a little longer."
"Why, daughter?" Chronos asked. His wife placed her hand on his arm and shook her head slightly. Chronos sighed. "Very well. Mortal, approach my throne."
I walked up to the throne. Chronos leaned down and stared at me. It made me nervous for a few minutes, but I stared at him back. At last Chronos leaned back in his chair and laughed warmly.
"Daughter, he may stay with you as long as he likes. Now, get back to your post, young lady!"
Setsuna curtsied to her parents and I bowed. Then, with Setsuna in the lead, we left.
*************Throne Room*****************
"Well, Proserpine, are you sure?"
"Very. I believe she's falling for him, and falling fast. What did you see?"
"He's falling for her."
"May our daughter find the happiness she deserves."
"And what of Hotaru?"
"She's already in love. I can feel it."
*****************Setsuna's POV******************
I was so happy that Father and Mother agreed to it. Instead of going back to Neptune, I took us back to the Gate. "Demando, would you like to go back to Neptune?"
"No, I'd rather stay here, and leave the lovebirds a few moments' peace." Demando said, making his way back to our house.
"Oh. I believe I'll stay with you." I transformed my somewhat medieval dress into something a little more modern, a pair of black pants and a button down white shirt. When I walked into the house, Demando was in the kitchen getting himself a glass of wine. I settled for tea. We sat down across from each other.
"Well, Setsuna?"
"Yes?"
"Would you let me make dinner for you sometime?"
I flushed. "That would be nice."
"How about today?"
"Right now?"
"Why not? You go upstairs, and put on your best clothes, and I'll call you when dinner's ready."
"Really?"
"Yes, really."
I stood. "Okay. I'll see you in a few minutes." I went upstairs, and began running water for a bath. I remembered that I had also given Hotaru a large selection of bubble baths, and I selected a honeysuckle-scented one. I added a liberal amount to the hot water, and when the tub was just short of perfectly full I turned off the water and got in. Hot baths had always been a sort of fetish of mine. I closed my eyes and placed a radio in a corner, playing Beethoven's Ninth Symphony softly. I began thinking of something to wear for this night. It had to be something nice, but not overly so. A thought came to me, and I envisioned a deep red dress, sleeveless, with a plunging neckline, and straps made of garnet. A slit ran up the middle of the dress, allowing for the black silk skirt to show through. Dark red slippers encrusted with tiny garnets completed the outfit. I sighed and lay back in the water.
**********Demando's POV***********
One thing about Setsuna: she sure knew how to stock a refrigerator. There were all sorts of foods in there, from every country. I decided on something Italian: stuffed manicotti shells and Caesar salad. I began boiling the manicotti. While that was boiling, I began to make the stuffing for the shells, which consisted mainly of ricotta and herbs. I was so intent on adding the right amount of herbs; I didn't notice the manicotti was over boiling until I tried to take it out of the pot. It wouldn't come out. So, I moved to plan B: Caesar salad. That was something I could make. I fixed the salad, and found a wine to complement. I looked down at my clothes. They were stained with spaghetti sauce, ricotta, and all sorts of different things. I hurried upstairs to shower and change. Setsuna had given Rubeus and I our own bathroom, and I gratefully made use of it. While in the shower I decided that a pair of black pants and a white shirt was suitable for my plans. I got out the shower and dried off. Setsuna had also taken the liberty of making sure there was aftershave, and plenty of cologne. Gods bless the woman. I dressed and ran a comb through my hair, applied some cologne, and walked out of the bathroom. I could hear the tub draining in the girls' bathroom, so I decided to wait by the door until she was finished, and then escort her down to dinner. The door opened, and Setsuna was caught unawares.
"Oh! Demando I..."
"May I escort you down to dinner?" I offered, presenting my arm to her. She flushed and took it. Together we made our way downstairs. I had also taken the liberty of lighting candles, and filling up the wineglasses.
"It's lovely!" Setsuna breathed. I led her to her seat and helped her sit in it.
*************Setsuna's POV***************
The dining room looked terrific. There was little light, except for a pair of candles flickering on the table. Demando helped me to my seat, and took his. The salad he had prepared looked really delicious, and he had even provided some after-dinner mints. I took a bite of salad and a sip of wine, both of which tasted wonderful.
"Do you like it?"
"It's delicious." I proved my point by taking another bite of the salad. It really was good. We ate in silence for a while, and when the salad was gone, we began to talk.
"I suppose you've seen the world, being Time Guardian." Demando said.
"Yes, and a lot of this solar system as well."
"What would be your favorite place?"
"I think that the Venus of old was my favorite. It was beautiful. There were plenty of flowers, and everyone was happy."
"I see. You don't think it'll be like that after Princess Venus is restored to the Venusian throne?"
"It might have a lack of people at first, but I'm sure it will be in a few millennia."
"Will you be able to see it then?"
"Senshi are immortal, Demando. I thought you knew. When we decide to pass on the title of Senshi to our daughters, we become goddesses, or gods, depending on whether you're a Senshi, or a Senshi's soul mate."
"So the soul mates are immortal as well?"
"Yes."
"I see. Interesting."
"Why?"
"Well, in your case, wouldn't your lover or soul mate if you prefer, stay at the Gate with you?"
"Yes, I believe so."
Demando nodded distantly. "I see."
"Demando? May I ask you something personal?"
"What?"
"Why did you fall in love with Serenity?"
"Until now, I thought she was the embodiment of grace, beauty, and kindness. She was so beautiful. It was like she was a goddess, and I was just a mortal. I knew I had a better chance than Endymion to capture her heart."
"I see."
"May I ask why you loved Endymion?"
"He was the first man I had ever met that treated me as an equal, and gave me attention. I liked that feeling. I suppose it was an infatuation at first, and then it became a one-sided love." I said softly, staring off. I thought of something. "Demando, why did you say until now?"
"Because you are everything I thought she was and more."
I placed my hand on his cheek. "No, I'm not."
"Yes, you are. I could..." Demando trailed off, and surprisingly, blushed.
"You could what?"
"I could fall in love with you."
"No, you couldn't."
"Why not?"
"I'm mean, and selfish, and anti-social, and, and..." I had run out of things to say. Demando pressed his lips to my palm.
"You just described me."
"I did not."
"Yes you did. Setsuna, you are far from mean, selfish, and as to anti-social, you're just quiet. Do you not want my love?"
"I don't know."
"What do you mean?"
I opened my mouth slightly, then closed it and sighed in frustration. "I'm afraid, okay? I'm afraid that you won't love me like I love you, and that you'll leave, and fall in love with someone else."
**Third Person POV**
Demando stood, with Setsuna's hand still pressed to his cheek. He walked around the table to where she sat and took both her hands in his. "Setsuna, I..."
Hotaru and Rubeus walked into the kitchen, laughing and talking. Upon seeing Demando and Setsuna in their interesting position, they slowly backed out of the kitchen and ran up to their rooms.
Demando kneeled in front of her so that their eyes were level. "As I was saying, Setsuna, we don't know what'll happen. We could be soul mates for all we know. Even if that isn't the case, I'll stay with you until you find your soul mate, and then I'll leave with no questions, and no arguments."
"Okay, but what if I don't find my soul mate?"
"Then we'll be together for a long time, don't you think?" Demando smiled gently.
Setsuna looked down at her lap. "Thanks, Demando. I really appreciate it."
"No problem." Demando stood, and returned to his seat. We finished our dinner in silence. After it was over, Setsuna stood. "Do you need help with the dishes?"
"No, I can manage. I'm sure you have something you need to be doing."
"You're right. I should be standing guard." Setsuna henshined into Sailor Pluto and left. Demando actually hummed to himself as he washed dishes.
At the Time Gate, Setsuna smiled to herself as she watched the couples in Crystal Tokyo.
*********************************************
All done, y'all! So, what did you think? Please, feel free to review. In fact, I urge you to. Just no flames, please.
Disclaimer: Destiny and Fate are my children. If you wanna use, you gotta ask.
Chapter Summary: Things heat up between Setsuna and Demando, who no longer love Endymion and Serenity. Nuff said.
Chapter 3-In Which Setsuna Learns a Little More about Demando
Previously...
*********************Fate's POV**************************
While Destiny was in the kitchen, I took the liberty of giving Demando a little push. Nothing big, I just lifted the weight of his doomed love from his shoulders. He still remembered Serenity, but he no longer loved her. I did the same for Setsuna. Hotaru and Rubeus needed no such push. I smiled, and went to find the Smirnoff Ice I kept hidden in a secret refrigerator in my room.
**********Setsuna's POV***********
I don't know what happened, but all of a sudden, I felt a tremendous weight lifted from my shoulders. The weight was gone from my heart as well. It felt wonderful! I turned my head, to see Demando smiling happily. That shocked, as well as pleased me. He had a really lovely smile, one that lit up his whole face. I found myself unable to look away. He really was quite good- looking, his white hair and blue eyes making him look more exotic than anything. My gaze dropped from his face to his body, and in spite of myself, I began to, as Minako used to put it, 'check him out'. His body wasn't at all bad either. Not excessively muscled, but not overly thin.
"What's wrong?" Demando asked. I felt my face burn slightly.
"Nothing. You just looked happy about something."
"So do you, Sailor Pluto."
"Would you care to talk about it?"
"You're beautiful."
Now my face was definitely burning. "Excuse me, Demando?"
"That's what I was thinking."
I looked down. "Oh. Thank you." I let a handful of sand trickle through my fingers.
"May I call you Setsuna?"
"If you wish."
"Setsuna?" I looked up, only to find a pair of lips pressed hesitantly to mine. I hadn't been kissed in a very long time, since the Silver Millennium I think, and I would be lying if I said I didn't enjoy it. I figured I should like it while I could, and I wrapped my arms around his neck, leaning into the kiss. He pulled away, and smiled at me.
"What was that for?" I asked.
"No reason at all." He smiled again, and I sighed happily.
************Fate's POV***************
Alright, so I made a few modifications. It wasn't like they were gonna kiss on their own, was it? This was the real Setsuna, the person she would have been if the whole Endymion thing hadn't happened. She acted the same mostly, but she was happier. Same goes for Demando. He was actually someone I would date, but hey, can't win them all!
**********Demando's POV***********
She was so beautiful. I was starting to forget why I had ever loved Serenity. How could I have even looked at her when I had a goddess in front of my eyes the whole time? The kiss was pleasantly sweet and addictive. I wanted another one, but I didn't want to exceed my boundaries. Setsuna had a lock of hair in her hands, twisting it around nervously. She was a little like a teenage girl, awkward and unsure. I don't think she'd been kissed before.
"Do you still love Serenity?" She asked suddenly.
"No. Do you still love Endymion?"
"No. My mind is on other things." She said, still twisting her hair around her finger. She chewed on her lower lip in thought.
"Other things like what? Me?" I didn't mean to say the last part, but it just came out anyway. Setsuna blushed, and looked down at the sand. She looked out over the water, and her eyes widened.
"Oh, my." She said. I looked in the same direction, only to find Hotaru and Rubeus somewhat occupied. I looked back at Setsuna, whose eyes were wide and shocked-looking. I took the opportunity to pull the lock of hair out of her hands and squeeze one of her hands gently. She turned towards me and I let go. "Demando, what are we going to do now?"
"What do you mean?"
"Since you say you are no longer in love with Serenity, I see no need to keep you at the Time Gate any longer."
"I want to stay."
"Why?"
"To get to know you a little better. I don't know why, but I feel connected to you, Setsuna."
Setsuna looked down at the sand. "Kindred souls."
"What?"
"That's what we are. I read it in a book, in France, around the 19th century. It means we're alike in ways we have yet to discover," Setsuna said softly.
"I see. Well, am I allowed to stay at the Time Gate?"
"I have no power over that. It is up to Chronos, my father, unless I get a direct order from Fate, Destiny, or Time. We can go ask now, if you like."
"Sure. But how are we going to break the news to Rubeus and Sailor Saturn?"
"I have no idea. I doubt they'll notice we've gone, but I should tell Hotaru anyway." Setsuna stood and ran down to the water's edge, and informed Hotaru of her plan. The Senshi of Death nodded, and Setsuna walked back. "Are you ready?" After seeing me nod, Setsuna conjured up her staff and opened the Time Gate. We stepped into the mists again. Setsuna transformed her swimsuit into a dress, and I took the initiative to also put on something a little more appropriate. Setsuna took my hand and led me to another gate, which we stepped through. It opened up into a castle, and Setsuna led me down one long hall after another. Finally we reached a pair of big oak doors, and Setsuna took a deep breath before knocking.
"Enter, daughter."
Setsuna and I walked in. Sitting on a throne was a man that could've been Setsuna's twin brother. He had the same complexion, and hair color, but his eyes were black, and sparkled with starlight. Next to him was a beautiful woman with Setsuna's red eyes and braided black hair.
"Sets-chan, to what do your father and I owe this pleasant surprise?" The woman asked, stepping down from her throne to hug Setsuna warmly. I stood a little behind and to the left of Setsuna, trying to be unnoticeable. Her mother saw me, and her eyes widened in surprise. She sat back on her throne.
"Mother, Father, I need to ask your permission to keep this man at the Time Gate with me a little longer."
"Why, daughter?" Chronos asked. His wife placed her hand on his arm and shook her head slightly. Chronos sighed. "Very well. Mortal, approach my throne."
I walked up to the throne. Chronos leaned down and stared at me. It made me nervous for a few minutes, but I stared at him back. At last Chronos leaned back in his chair and laughed warmly.
"Daughter, he may stay with you as long as he likes. Now, get back to your post, young lady!"
Setsuna curtsied to her parents and I bowed. Then, with Setsuna in the lead, we left.
*************Throne Room*****************
"Well, Proserpine, are you sure?"
"Very. I believe she's falling for him, and falling fast. What did you see?"
"He's falling for her."
"May our daughter find the happiness she deserves."
"And what of Hotaru?"
"She's already in love. I can feel it."
*****************Setsuna's POV******************
I was so happy that Father and Mother agreed to it. Instead of going back to Neptune, I took us back to the Gate. "Demando, would you like to go back to Neptune?"
"No, I'd rather stay here, and leave the lovebirds a few moments' peace." Demando said, making his way back to our house.
"Oh. I believe I'll stay with you." I transformed my somewhat medieval dress into something a little more modern, a pair of black pants and a button down white shirt. When I walked into the house, Demando was in the kitchen getting himself a glass of wine. I settled for tea. We sat down across from each other.
"Well, Setsuna?"
"Yes?"
"Would you let me make dinner for you sometime?"
I flushed. "That would be nice."
"How about today?"
"Right now?"
"Why not? You go upstairs, and put on your best clothes, and I'll call you when dinner's ready."
"Really?"
"Yes, really."
I stood. "Okay. I'll see you in a few minutes." I went upstairs, and began running water for a bath. I remembered that I had also given Hotaru a large selection of bubble baths, and I selected a honeysuckle-scented one. I added a liberal amount to the hot water, and when the tub was just short of perfectly full I turned off the water and got in. Hot baths had always been a sort of fetish of mine. I closed my eyes and placed a radio in a corner, playing Beethoven's Ninth Symphony softly. I began thinking of something to wear for this night. It had to be something nice, but not overly so. A thought came to me, and I envisioned a deep red dress, sleeveless, with a plunging neckline, and straps made of garnet. A slit ran up the middle of the dress, allowing for the black silk skirt to show through. Dark red slippers encrusted with tiny garnets completed the outfit. I sighed and lay back in the water.
**********Demando's POV***********
One thing about Setsuna: she sure knew how to stock a refrigerator. There were all sorts of foods in there, from every country. I decided on something Italian: stuffed manicotti shells and Caesar salad. I began boiling the manicotti. While that was boiling, I began to make the stuffing for the shells, which consisted mainly of ricotta and herbs. I was so intent on adding the right amount of herbs; I didn't notice the manicotti was over boiling until I tried to take it out of the pot. It wouldn't come out. So, I moved to plan B: Caesar salad. That was something I could make. I fixed the salad, and found a wine to complement. I looked down at my clothes. They were stained with spaghetti sauce, ricotta, and all sorts of different things. I hurried upstairs to shower and change. Setsuna had given Rubeus and I our own bathroom, and I gratefully made use of it. While in the shower I decided that a pair of black pants and a white shirt was suitable for my plans. I got out the shower and dried off. Setsuna had also taken the liberty of making sure there was aftershave, and plenty of cologne. Gods bless the woman. I dressed and ran a comb through my hair, applied some cologne, and walked out of the bathroom. I could hear the tub draining in the girls' bathroom, so I decided to wait by the door until she was finished, and then escort her down to dinner. The door opened, and Setsuna was caught unawares.
"Oh! Demando I..."
"May I escort you down to dinner?" I offered, presenting my arm to her. She flushed and took it. Together we made our way downstairs. I had also taken the liberty of lighting candles, and filling up the wineglasses.
"It's lovely!" Setsuna breathed. I led her to her seat and helped her sit in it.
*************Setsuna's POV***************
The dining room looked terrific. There was little light, except for a pair of candles flickering on the table. Demando helped me to my seat, and took his. The salad he had prepared looked really delicious, and he had even provided some after-dinner mints. I took a bite of salad and a sip of wine, both of which tasted wonderful.
"Do you like it?"
"It's delicious." I proved my point by taking another bite of the salad. It really was good. We ate in silence for a while, and when the salad was gone, we began to talk.
"I suppose you've seen the world, being Time Guardian." Demando said.
"Yes, and a lot of this solar system as well."
"What would be your favorite place?"
"I think that the Venus of old was my favorite. It was beautiful. There were plenty of flowers, and everyone was happy."
"I see. You don't think it'll be like that after Princess Venus is restored to the Venusian throne?"
"It might have a lack of people at first, but I'm sure it will be in a few millennia."
"Will you be able to see it then?"
"Senshi are immortal, Demando. I thought you knew. When we decide to pass on the title of Senshi to our daughters, we become goddesses, or gods, depending on whether you're a Senshi, or a Senshi's soul mate."
"So the soul mates are immortal as well?"
"Yes."
"I see. Interesting."
"Why?"
"Well, in your case, wouldn't your lover or soul mate if you prefer, stay at the Gate with you?"
"Yes, I believe so."
Demando nodded distantly. "I see."
"Demando? May I ask you something personal?"
"What?"
"Why did you fall in love with Serenity?"
"Until now, I thought she was the embodiment of grace, beauty, and kindness. She was so beautiful. It was like she was a goddess, and I was just a mortal. I knew I had a better chance than Endymion to capture her heart."
"I see."
"May I ask why you loved Endymion?"
"He was the first man I had ever met that treated me as an equal, and gave me attention. I liked that feeling. I suppose it was an infatuation at first, and then it became a one-sided love." I said softly, staring off. I thought of something. "Demando, why did you say until now?"
"Because you are everything I thought she was and more."
I placed my hand on his cheek. "No, I'm not."
"Yes, you are. I could..." Demando trailed off, and surprisingly, blushed.
"You could what?"
"I could fall in love with you."
"No, you couldn't."
"Why not?"
"I'm mean, and selfish, and anti-social, and, and..." I had run out of things to say. Demando pressed his lips to my palm.
"You just described me."
"I did not."
"Yes you did. Setsuna, you are far from mean, selfish, and as to anti-social, you're just quiet. Do you not want my love?"
"I don't know."
"What do you mean?"
I opened my mouth slightly, then closed it and sighed in frustration. "I'm afraid, okay? I'm afraid that you won't love me like I love you, and that you'll leave, and fall in love with someone else."
**Third Person POV**
Demando stood, with Setsuna's hand still pressed to his cheek. He walked around the table to where she sat and took both her hands in his. "Setsuna, I..."
Hotaru and Rubeus walked into the kitchen, laughing and talking. Upon seeing Demando and Setsuna in their interesting position, they slowly backed out of the kitchen and ran up to their rooms.
Demando kneeled in front of her so that their eyes were level. "As I was saying, Setsuna, we don't know what'll happen. We could be soul mates for all we know. Even if that isn't the case, I'll stay with you until you find your soul mate, and then I'll leave with no questions, and no arguments."
"Okay, but what if I don't find my soul mate?"
"Then we'll be together for a long time, don't you think?" Demando smiled gently.
Setsuna looked down at her lap. "Thanks, Demando. I really appreciate it."
"No problem." Demando stood, and returned to his seat. We finished our dinner in silence. After it was over, Setsuna stood. "Do you need help with the dishes?"
"No, I can manage. I'm sure you have something you need to be doing."
"You're right. I should be standing guard." Setsuna henshined into Sailor Pluto and left. Demando actually hummed to himself as he washed dishes.
At the Time Gate, Setsuna smiled to herself as she watched the couples in Crystal Tokyo.
*********************************************
All done, y'all! So, what did you think? Please, feel free to review. In fact, I urge you to. Just no flames, please.
