Embracing Destiny
Disclaimer: I don't own any of these lovely characters... well, I suppose the *few* I made up I do, but I try not to do that *too* often. :P Don't sue, you'll get nothing anyway.
By Selenity Jade (Jadesama@aol.com)
AIM: SelenityJade
Chapter Four: Heaven on Mercury?
Rated: PG13
Time stopped.
Blue. Deep azure blue. That was the only coherent thought in her mind. His blue eyes trapped her own. She forgot how to breathe. She couldn't even question who he is. He was there and her soul rejoiced. She felt a nudge from an elbow, yet couldn't tear her eyes away from his. He was heavenly. He was important. She knew. Deep down inside herself she felt it. Felt it so much she nearly wept.
"Serenity!" a voice hissed into her ear.
She snapped out of it and tore her gaze from the beautiful man to look at Sailor Mars. She blushed and continued on to their seats. She noticed Mars' wink at Jupiter, but decided to let it pass. She hoped she hadn't been standing there gawking like an idiot for *that* long. She would die of embarrassment.
Sitting down, the Senshi all traded glances and winks, which Serenity caught. She mock glared at each one of her friends. "Stop it!" she whispered, leaning towards them.
Venus smothered her grin and tried, unsuccessfully, to sober her expression. "I apologize, Princess. Which guy you choose to gape at is none of our business." At her friend's glare, she started to giggle. "Even if the Prince of Earth *is* handsome."
"Stop it!" Serenity was quickly turning red under the teasing of her friends. Yet, she couldn't help feel joyful. Before, they would have *never* teased her. Now, they were friends.
Besides, he *was* handsome.
~~~
"Your Highness, I do believe I caught you drooling," a very amused Nephrite drawled nonchalantly.
Endymion snapped his head around to glare at his guardian. "Do not start, Nephrite."
The other guardians grinned. "My Prince, I do believe that is a blush I see. Kunz?" Zoycite asked innocently.
"I do believe his face is getting redder. If it is not a blush, he may be getting feverish. We may have to take him to the Healer," Kunzite said with a completely straight face.
"And if you four do not knock it off, I'll kill you all," Endymion growled, glaring at his guardians.
"You forget, Highness. We can all beat you with a sword. How do you purpose to kill us then?" Zoycite asked with a wink at Nephrite.
"Fine!" Endymion spat out and sat hunched over in his chair, picking at the folded napkin. He *knew* he was blushing. By the gods, she was gorgeous. And he was *caught* gaping at her. He refused to admit he was drooling.
*No* woman made the Prince of Earth drool. He conveniently forgot that *no* woman had ever made him gape, either.
Zoycite nudged Kunzite. They both looked over at their prince and burst into gales of laughter.
"What *now*?" Endymion demanded.
"You had a grin on your face. I do believe that our Prince has fallen in love at first sight, Jade," Kunzite said stated as if he were talking about the weather.
"There is no such thing. Now knock it off. She was just gorgeous. And it surprised me is all."
All four guardians looked at him. Endymion knew not one of them believed him.
He sighed in defeat. "Fine, she's a goddess. Is that better?"
"No, but it's a start." Nephrite looked across the large blue dining room towards the Lunar delegation. "All the Senshi are gorgeous. What made you drool over the 'flighty' Princess?"
"No clue. She just... pulled me to her. Can't explain it."
"Hmmm. Sure." Endymion caught the distraction in his longtime friend's voice and followed Nephrite's gaze.
He started laughing. "I do believe I am not the *only* one caught staring. Nephrite, you are gaping at Jupiter."
Nephrite snapped his attention back to his comrades and actually blushed. He mumbled an apology and looked down at his lap.
As the other three guardians proceeded to give Nephrite the same treatment Endymion had just received, he grinned. He was glad the attention had shifted from him.
Glancing back at the Princess, he felt his heart pound. She was lovely, he admitted. Stunning really. Small little thing, too. Nothing like the normal woman that usually caught his fancy. Or rather, he amended, snagged onto him. Women didn't catch *his* fancy. He caught theirs and he was thereafter considered prey to them. He allowed them their games. Thinking *they* had won, when in reality, he got exactly what he wanted. And it always suited him that they had no attachments to him.
Watching as the silver beauty laughed at something one of her Senshi had said to her, he wished - for the first time – for an attachment. He wanted her, he realized. And it scared him.
~~~
Serenity gazed longingly at the stars. She was feeling a bit homesick, she realized. But something else was bothering her. She had escaped the Senshi to traverse the famous Gardens of Mariner. They were heavenly, she had to admit. Yet, she still longed for her own garden. She missed her mother. She missed her room. She missed gazing at the blue orb that was the Earth from her Balcony.
Tomorrow, they would be touring Mercury with the ruling family and Ami was to be their guide. They would visit the islands near Mariner first, of course. Ride the glorious winged sea horses. She was looking forward to that. The glorious horses of Mercury were legendary throughout the Galaxy. As a little girl, she longed to ride one. Now she was getting her chance.
Why couldn't she be happier? She was longing to go home. And she avoided it ruthlessly in her mind, but she knew that her reaction to the Earth Prince was really bothering her.
Never had she had such a reaction to anyone. She knew many handsome men. Many beautiful ones, too. Yet, something about that man brought her breath to a stop, made her heart to pound and her mind foggy. He affected her in ways she didn't even know were possible. And all with *one* glance. Nothing else.
He made her nervous. Throughout the evening, she had gazed at him out of the corner of her eye. She had hoped the other Senshi wouldn't notice.
A rustle behind her startled her out of her reverie and she spun around to face the same man she had just been thinking of. She could feel her face redden.
"I apologize for startling you, Princess," he said in a deep melodic voice. His blue eyes looked deeply into her own, drowning her.
"No need to apologize. I should have been paying attention." She swallowed nervously.
"What are you doing out here all alone, Princess? It could be dangerous. Where are the Senshi? Aren't they your protectors?" he asked in concern.
She blushed and looked down. She never noticed how *short* she was until now. He towered over her small frame by quite a distance. "I sneaked out. They think I'm in bed."
"Ah," he breathed out. "That isn't very wise, Princess. They protect you for a reason."
She snapped her head up angrily. 'How dare he!' "That they do, Your Highness," she snapped. "Yet, I do not see *your* Guardians anywhere? Where, pray tell, are they?"
He had the decency to look down in embarrassment. "I also sneaked out. However, I do believe you have no training with a sword or martial arts, where as I do. I can take care of myself. What would you do?"
"I have my own ways of protecting myself, thank you," she replied sharply.
The prince sighed in defeat. "I apologize, again. I seem to have offended you. I didn't mean anything untoward, Princess. I was just worried about your safety."
She looked down, embarrassed. "I did realize that, Highness. I am tired of being 'guarded' all the time. It seems to have made me snappy. I apologize as well."
"Quite all right, Princess. Let us start over, shall we? My name is Endymion," he said bowing over her hand and kissing it lightly.
A jolt ran up her arm as his lips touched her hand. "My name is Serenity, Prince Endymion," she said softly. She was still recovering from the brief contact.
Endymion looked up into her eyes, a mistake he knew immediately. They stared at each other for what seemed to be an eternity, though it passed all too quickly. Neither knew how much time had passed.
Endymion was the first to break off the contact as he looked over his shoulder and coughed in embarrassment. "I do know what it is like to be guarded all the time, also, Princess. Yet, we cannot have you wandering about alone. What shall we do?"
She snapped her head up and opened her mouth to reply. She was stopped short by his wink. She felt her heart lurch at that simple, yet incredibly sensual gesture.
"I do think it would be wise to offer my services as your protector when you wish to 'sneak' out again."
She giggled. "Thank you, dear sir. I would greatly appreciate that." She knew that she didn't *need* the protection. It would, however, give her time with him.
"You are most welcome, Princess." He grinned down at her and winked yet again.
"Only on one condition."
He arched that damned eyebrow at her further. "And that is?"
"You call me Serenity. Not Princess, deal?"
He smiled at her, causing her heart to stop. "Only if you call me Endymion."
"Deal."
He bowed low to her and offered his arm. She took it gracefully and giggled. They continued through the gardens. "So, Serenity, is this your first time on Mercury?"
"Yes," she said softly. "This is my first time off the Moon, actually."
"Really? That is too bad. I've been all over the Galaxy at one time or another."
"I wish I could have done that. The Moon is isolated. Therefore, I had to be. They couldn't have something happen to the Heir to the Silver Millennium," she said sadly.
"I'm sorry. My parents were a little protective of me, too. Being an Heir to anything seems to guarantee that you're caged and treated like glass."
"I know. I just sometimes wish I wasn't."
"I understand that. I sometimes wish I were a simple farmer. Someone who was 'free'. They don't consider themselves free, though. They wish to be us and call that freedom. I guess the grass really is greener on the other side of the fence, eh?"
Serenity smiled at him. "Yes, it is. I came to realize it was better for *me* to rule unwillingly than someone else who wants the crown."
"Very true, Selenity. I never really thought of it that way."
"I guess I've thought a lot about it."
"I guess so." He paused and looked down at the silvery goddess that held his arm delicately. "Are the Senshi as fearsome as they say?"
Serenity giggled. "No, they are just women. And my friends."
"I know that they caught the eye of a few men tonight."
She looked at him suddenly and stopped. "Really? They did? Who?"
He laughed. She decided she most definitely loved his laugh. "My Guardians. Nephrite is drooling over Jupiter. Kunzite is gawking at Venus. Zoycite was blushing because of Mercury. And my dear Jadeite was longing after the fiery Mars."
Serenity laughed. "That's good. Tomorrow night after the tour is the ball and maybe they will be asked to dance. You think?"
"Hmmm, if they get over the fear of them. They are of sufficient nobility to do it, at least."
"Yes. I hope they do! They need some romance, I think."
Endymion looked down at her. "And you don't?" he asked her softly.
She smiled slightly in pleasure. His voice seemed to caress her heart. "I don't know. I used to dream of it, when I was a little girl. But what is romance to an Heir? I think it might break my heart to fall in love, only to marry someone else. For my duty. I don't think I'm strong enough for that."
Endymion lifted a hand to gently caress her cheek. "Maybe you'll fall in love with someone and still marry them," he whispered to her.
She felt his proximity acutely. She was aware of every breath he took. She could faintly smell roses coming from him. "I don't know..." she said almost silently.
He leaned down and lifted her chin with a finger. He gazed into her eyes, marveling at her innocence and wisdom. A contradiction, yet it fit her somehow.
She held her breath. She knew he was going to kiss her. She knew it. Her first kiss. She felt him lean closer to her. She closed her eyes in anticipation, her mouth slightly parted.
He didn't understand what was going on in his head. Kissing the High Princess? That isn't what really disturbed him, however. He *wanted* to kiss her. To pursue her. He wanted to taste her sweet lips. He wanted to wrap his arms around her. He wanted her in ways he never knew existed. His body lusted for her, while his heart yearned for her. And his mind feared her. Yet, he continued to lean down to taste her. Unable to stop himself as his mind screamed at him.
As their lips touched, it was if a small little lock clicked open within their hearts. Tender and loving, his lips barely grazed hers. A simple kiss. Yet it was so perfect, so emotional, she nearly wept. She felt complete. Happy. 'I'm in love.'
Endymion's mind ceased to function. He tasted heaven. And he wanted more. Deepening the kiss, he wrapped his arms around her tiny frame, noting absently how perfectly she fit within his arms. He felt her arms snake their way around his neck, pulling him towards her. He dreaded pulling away, feeling the absence of her kiss, but he knew it would have to end. 'I can't believe she is kissing me...'
She could feel his hand at the back of her neck, holding her neck securely. His other hand clenched at the waist of her dress. Almost holding on for dear life, she thought. Giving in, she surrendered herself to him. Her heart, soul, and mind were his. He parted her lips and tasted her. His hand moved to clench in her hair.
All too soon, he released her. He gasped for air. Her own breath sounding ragged to her ears. She was still held against him. "Wow," he breathed out.
"Yes. It was. Wow," she replied, her voice slightly hoarse.
He clenched her small body to him as he gasped in the crisp air, marveling at the feel of her within her arms. She was so tiny. So beautiful. And he had just kissed *her*. A goddess stood encircled within his arms and he had dared to kiss her. And she kissed him back. He could hardly believe it. "Hmmm," he murmured into her silver hair.
"Hmmm, what?" she asked him. She sighed as she felt him inhale deeply. She felt like he was worshipping her. Like she was important. Wanted. Needed. Loved. Although she knew it was practically impossible for him to love her after only one kiss. Even if she knew... he was the one. He was who she had been waiting for her whole life. He filled the emptiness within her soul. He completed her. He was *the* one.
"You are beautiful," he sighed into her hair almost inaudibly.
She blushed and held him a little tighter. "No, I'm not."
He snapped his eyes open in shock. She didn't know how beautiful she was? How like a goddess she seemed? "Yes, you are."
She giggled softly. "If you say so." And it was true, now. He made her feel beautiful.
"I do say so. I don't think I'll change your mind though." He closed his eyes again. He loved standing there, holding her.
She snuggled deeper within his embrace. "You might."
He pulled away a bit to look down at her. He lifted his hand and gently traced the contours of her face. Mesmerized by her. "I can't believe this is real."
"Me either."
The continued staring at each other for a few long moments. Each memorized the face of the other, completely unaware of their surroundings. Endymion half smiled at her before leaning down to drink of her once more. As their lips touched again, Endymion felt it run through his entire body. He felt desire well up within him. Something that usually took a lot longer. He felt it immediately with her. He wanted her. Badly. She affected him like no other had before. It scared him. Yet, he couldn't stop himself.
She felt him tighten his arms around her and expected him to deepen the kiss once more. Instead, he broke it. He winked at her and grabbed her hand, pulling her along after him. She didn't know where he was taking her. She found she didn't care one bit. She trusted him. She didn't know how she could trust someone this fast. She didn't trust easily. Yet, here she was. She completely trusted some Prince she had just met. And she wasn't even worried about it.
He led her to a small clearing not far from where they had been standing earlier. He stopped and looked down at her surprised face. He grinned and unclasped his cape to lay it upon the ground, beneath a large oak-like tree. He bowed low to her and motioned towards the makeshift blanket.
Serenity giggled and curtsied in thanks before gracefully stepping upon the cape and settling herself on it. She arranged the skirt of her dress around her, making sure to leave room for him. She looked up at him expectantly.
He flashed her a quick smile before sitting beside her. He leaned against the trunk of the tree and grabbed the startled princess. He pulled her into his lab and wrapped his arms around her tightly. He felt her settle comfortably within his lab and lay her head against his chest.
She felt a little naughty being so close to a man without a proper chaperone and yet, she couldn't protest. It felt so right. So many contradictions were in her heart because of this man. This one man. He made her feel. Made her feel alive for the first time in her short life. She hoped this night would never end.
"I'm glad I met you out here, Serenity," he said softly, his lips brushing her ear. It sent shivers down her spine.
"I am too."
Endymion couldn't resist the urge any longer and kissed her head. He trailed kisses on her forehead, ear, and neck. Everywhere he could reach. He felt her shiver in response. "I can't stop kissing you," he breathed into her ear softly.
Serenity smiled faintly, too absorbed within the delightful feelings he caused. His lips burned where they touched. His breath tickled her neck as he brushed his lips across the soft skin there. She softly moaned.
He grinned and moved his hands from their place around her waist. One rested on the small of her back, gently tracing small circles. The other rested on her calf, just under the hem of her skirt. He felt her settle deeper within his lap. He moved his kisses from her neck to her cheek, her eyelids, and her nose. Finally reaching her mouth, he took her lips with his own hungrily. Like a man starved, he devoured her. His mind warned him against going too far with her. She was special, it said. Take it slower. Yet, another part of him wanted her so much. Almost too much. Finally, the last part of him, the part that held some women in a scornful light, told him that if she gave into his desire right then, she wasn't worth it. If she gave in now...
She felt his hand move up her leg. Her body delighted in it. Her heart loved it. Her mind screamed at her. 'Not now!' She felt his hand trail higher on her thigh and she gently pushed it back down to just above her knee, letting him know gently. And she felt his grin against her mouth and he didn't push. She felt as though she passed some sort of test.
He pulled his lips from hers and leaned his forehead against her smaller one. His breathing came out in gasps. "You are something, you know that?"
"Really?"
"Oh, yes." He pulled her tighter against his chest and closed his eyes. Leaning back against the tree, he relished the feel of her within his protective embrace.
She shut her eyes and breathed in the scent of him. Roses. She leaned against him, listening to his even breaths.
The silence and complete contentment each felt lulled them both into sleep.
~~~
AN: *Blush* Don't ask. I can't believe this...but I know exactly where I got the inspiration for this part of the story. I...cannot believe it's been that long since I've written this part.
Lovies!
Disclaimer: I don't own any of these lovely characters... well, I suppose the *few* I made up I do, but I try not to do that *too* often. :P Don't sue, you'll get nothing anyway.
By Selenity Jade (Jadesama@aol.com)
AIM: SelenityJade
Chapter Four: Heaven on Mercury?
Rated: PG13
Time stopped.
Blue. Deep azure blue. That was the only coherent thought in her mind. His blue eyes trapped her own. She forgot how to breathe. She couldn't even question who he is. He was there and her soul rejoiced. She felt a nudge from an elbow, yet couldn't tear her eyes away from his. He was heavenly. He was important. She knew. Deep down inside herself she felt it. Felt it so much she nearly wept.
"Serenity!" a voice hissed into her ear.
She snapped out of it and tore her gaze from the beautiful man to look at Sailor Mars. She blushed and continued on to their seats. She noticed Mars' wink at Jupiter, but decided to let it pass. She hoped she hadn't been standing there gawking like an idiot for *that* long. She would die of embarrassment.
Sitting down, the Senshi all traded glances and winks, which Serenity caught. She mock glared at each one of her friends. "Stop it!" she whispered, leaning towards them.
Venus smothered her grin and tried, unsuccessfully, to sober her expression. "I apologize, Princess. Which guy you choose to gape at is none of our business." At her friend's glare, she started to giggle. "Even if the Prince of Earth *is* handsome."
"Stop it!" Serenity was quickly turning red under the teasing of her friends. Yet, she couldn't help feel joyful. Before, they would have *never* teased her. Now, they were friends.
Besides, he *was* handsome.
~~~
"Your Highness, I do believe I caught you drooling," a very amused Nephrite drawled nonchalantly.
Endymion snapped his head around to glare at his guardian. "Do not start, Nephrite."
The other guardians grinned. "My Prince, I do believe that is a blush I see. Kunz?" Zoycite asked innocently.
"I do believe his face is getting redder. If it is not a blush, he may be getting feverish. We may have to take him to the Healer," Kunzite said with a completely straight face.
"And if you four do not knock it off, I'll kill you all," Endymion growled, glaring at his guardians.
"You forget, Highness. We can all beat you with a sword. How do you purpose to kill us then?" Zoycite asked with a wink at Nephrite.
"Fine!" Endymion spat out and sat hunched over in his chair, picking at the folded napkin. He *knew* he was blushing. By the gods, she was gorgeous. And he was *caught* gaping at her. He refused to admit he was drooling.
*No* woman made the Prince of Earth drool. He conveniently forgot that *no* woman had ever made him gape, either.
Zoycite nudged Kunzite. They both looked over at their prince and burst into gales of laughter.
"What *now*?" Endymion demanded.
"You had a grin on your face. I do believe that our Prince has fallen in love at first sight, Jade," Kunzite said stated as if he were talking about the weather.
"There is no such thing. Now knock it off. She was just gorgeous. And it surprised me is all."
All four guardians looked at him. Endymion knew not one of them believed him.
He sighed in defeat. "Fine, she's a goddess. Is that better?"
"No, but it's a start." Nephrite looked across the large blue dining room towards the Lunar delegation. "All the Senshi are gorgeous. What made you drool over the 'flighty' Princess?"
"No clue. She just... pulled me to her. Can't explain it."
"Hmmm. Sure." Endymion caught the distraction in his longtime friend's voice and followed Nephrite's gaze.
He started laughing. "I do believe I am not the *only* one caught staring. Nephrite, you are gaping at Jupiter."
Nephrite snapped his attention back to his comrades and actually blushed. He mumbled an apology and looked down at his lap.
As the other three guardians proceeded to give Nephrite the same treatment Endymion had just received, he grinned. He was glad the attention had shifted from him.
Glancing back at the Princess, he felt his heart pound. She was lovely, he admitted. Stunning really. Small little thing, too. Nothing like the normal woman that usually caught his fancy. Or rather, he amended, snagged onto him. Women didn't catch *his* fancy. He caught theirs and he was thereafter considered prey to them. He allowed them their games. Thinking *they* had won, when in reality, he got exactly what he wanted. And it always suited him that they had no attachments to him.
Watching as the silver beauty laughed at something one of her Senshi had said to her, he wished - for the first time – for an attachment. He wanted her, he realized. And it scared him.
~~~
Serenity gazed longingly at the stars. She was feeling a bit homesick, she realized. But something else was bothering her. She had escaped the Senshi to traverse the famous Gardens of Mariner. They were heavenly, she had to admit. Yet, she still longed for her own garden. She missed her mother. She missed her room. She missed gazing at the blue orb that was the Earth from her Balcony.
Tomorrow, they would be touring Mercury with the ruling family and Ami was to be their guide. They would visit the islands near Mariner first, of course. Ride the glorious winged sea horses. She was looking forward to that. The glorious horses of Mercury were legendary throughout the Galaxy. As a little girl, she longed to ride one. Now she was getting her chance.
Why couldn't she be happier? She was longing to go home. And she avoided it ruthlessly in her mind, but she knew that her reaction to the Earth Prince was really bothering her.
Never had she had such a reaction to anyone. She knew many handsome men. Many beautiful ones, too. Yet, something about that man brought her breath to a stop, made her heart to pound and her mind foggy. He affected her in ways she didn't even know were possible. And all with *one* glance. Nothing else.
He made her nervous. Throughout the evening, she had gazed at him out of the corner of her eye. She had hoped the other Senshi wouldn't notice.
A rustle behind her startled her out of her reverie and she spun around to face the same man she had just been thinking of. She could feel her face redden.
"I apologize for startling you, Princess," he said in a deep melodic voice. His blue eyes looked deeply into her own, drowning her.
"No need to apologize. I should have been paying attention." She swallowed nervously.
"What are you doing out here all alone, Princess? It could be dangerous. Where are the Senshi? Aren't they your protectors?" he asked in concern.
She blushed and looked down. She never noticed how *short* she was until now. He towered over her small frame by quite a distance. "I sneaked out. They think I'm in bed."
"Ah," he breathed out. "That isn't very wise, Princess. They protect you for a reason."
She snapped her head up angrily. 'How dare he!' "That they do, Your Highness," she snapped. "Yet, I do not see *your* Guardians anywhere? Where, pray tell, are they?"
He had the decency to look down in embarrassment. "I also sneaked out. However, I do believe you have no training with a sword or martial arts, where as I do. I can take care of myself. What would you do?"
"I have my own ways of protecting myself, thank you," she replied sharply.
The prince sighed in defeat. "I apologize, again. I seem to have offended you. I didn't mean anything untoward, Princess. I was just worried about your safety."
She looked down, embarrassed. "I did realize that, Highness. I am tired of being 'guarded' all the time. It seems to have made me snappy. I apologize as well."
"Quite all right, Princess. Let us start over, shall we? My name is Endymion," he said bowing over her hand and kissing it lightly.
A jolt ran up her arm as his lips touched her hand. "My name is Serenity, Prince Endymion," she said softly. She was still recovering from the brief contact.
Endymion looked up into her eyes, a mistake he knew immediately. They stared at each other for what seemed to be an eternity, though it passed all too quickly. Neither knew how much time had passed.
Endymion was the first to break off the contact as he looked over his shoulder and coughed in embarrassment. "I do know what it is like to be guarded all the time, also, Princess. Yet, we cannot have you wandering about alone. What shall we do?"
She snapped her head up and opened her mouth to reply. She was stopped short by his wink. She felt her heart lurch at that simple, yet incredibly sensual gesture.
"I do think it would be wise to offer my services as your protector when you wish to 'sneak' out again."
She giggled. "Thank you, dear sir. I would greatly appreciate that." She knew that she didn't *need* the protection. It would, however, give her time with him.
"You are most welcome, Princess." He grinned down at her and winked yet again.
"Only on one condition."
He arched that damned eyebrow at her further. "And that is?"
"You call me Serenity. Not Princess, deal?"
He smiled at her, causing her heart to stop. "Only if you call me Endymion."
"Deal."
He bowed low to her and offered his arm. She took it gracefully and giggled. They continued through the gardens. "So, Serenity, is this your first time on Mercury?"
"Yes," she said softly. "This is my first time off the Moon, actually."
"Really? That is too bad. I've been all over the Galaxy at one time or another."
"I wish I could have done that. The Moon is isolated. Therefore, I had to be. They couldn't have something happen to the Heir to the Silver Millennium," she said sadly.
"I'm sorry. My parents were a little protective of me, too. Being an Heir to anything seems to guarantee that you're caged and treated like glass."
"I know. I just sometimes wish I wasn't."
"I understand that. I sometimes wish I were a simple farmer. Someone who was 'free'. They don't consider themselves free, though. They wish to be us and call that freedom. I guess the grass really is greener on the other side of the fence, eh?"
Serenity smiled at him. "Yes, it is. I came to realize it was better for *me* to rule unwillingly than someone else who wants the crown."
"Very true, Selenity. I never really thought of it that way."
"I guess I've thought a lot about it."
"I guess so." He paused and looked down at the silvery goddess that held his arm delicately. "Are the Senshi as fearsome as they say?"
Serenity giggled. "No, they are just women. And my friends."
"I know that they caught the eye of a few men tonight."
She looked at him suddenly and stopped. "Really? They did? Who?"
He laughed. She decided she most definitely loved his laugh. "My Guardians. Nephrite is drooling over Jupiter. Kunzite is gawking at Venus. Zoycite was blushing because of Mercury. And my dear Jadeite was longing after the fiery Mars."
Serenity laughed. "That's good. Tomorrow night after the tour is the ball and maybe they will be asked to dance. You think?"
"Hmmm, if they get over the fear of them. They are of sufficient nobility to do it, at least."
"Yes. I hope they do! They need some romance, I think."
Endymion looked down at her. "And you don't?" he asked her softly.
She smiled slightly in pleasure. His voice seemed to caress her heart. "I don't know. I used to dream of it, when I was a little girl. But what is romance to an Heir? I think it might break my heart to fall in love, only to marry someone else. For my duty. I don't think I'm strong enough for that."
Endymion lifted a hand to gently caress her cheek. "Maybe you'll fall in love with someone and still marry them," he whispered to her.
She felt his proximity acutely. She was aware of every breath he took. She could faintly smell roses coming from him. "I don't know..." she said almost silently.
He leaned down and lifted her chin with a finger. He gazed into her eyes, marveling at her innocence and wisdom. A contradiction, yet it fit her somehow.
She held her breath. She knew he was going to kiss her. She knew it. Her first kiss. She felt him lean closer to her. She closed her eyes in anticipation, her mouth slightly parted.
He didn't understand what was going on in his head. Kissing the High Princess? That isn't what really disturbed him, however. He *wanted* to kiss her. To pursue her. He wanted to taste her sweet lips. He wanted to wrap his arms around her. He wanted her in ways he never knew existed. His body lusted for her, while his heart yearned for her. And his mind feared her. Yet, he continued to lean down to taste her. Unable to stop himself as his mind screamed at him.
As their lips touched, it was if a small little lock clicked open within their hearts. Tender and loving, his lips barely grazed hers. A simple kiss. Yet it was so perfect, so emotional, she nearly wept. She felt complete. Happy. 'I'm in love.'
Endymion's mind ceased to function. He tasted heaven. And he wanted more. Deepening the kiss, he wrapped his arms around her tiny frame, noting absently how perfectly she fit within his arms. He felt her arms snake their way around his neck, pulling him towards her. He dreaded pulling away, feeling the absence of her kiss, but he knew it would have to end. 'I can't believe she is kissing me...'
She could feel his hand at the back of her neck, holding her neck securely. His other hand clenched at the waist of her dress. Almost holding on for dear life, she thought. Giving in, she surrendered herself to him. Her heart, soul, and mind were his. He parted her lips and tasted her. His hand moved to clench in her hair.
All too soon, he released her. He gasped for air. Her own breath sounding ragged to her ears. She was still held against him. "Wow," he breathed out.
"Yes. It was. Wow," she replied, her voice slightly hoarse.
He clenched her small body to him as he gasped in the crisp air, marveling at the feel of her within her arms. She was so tiny. So beautiful. And he had just kissed *her*. A goddess stood encircled within his arms and he had dared to kiss her. And she kissed him back. He could hardly believe it. "Hmmm," he murmured into her silver hair.
"Hmmm, what?" she asked him. She sighed as she felt him inhale deeply. She felt like he was worshipping her. Like she was important. Wanted. Needed. Loved. Although she knew it was practically impossible for him to love her after only one kiss. Even if she knew... he was the one. He was who she had been waiting for her whole life. He filled the emptiness within her soul. He completed her. He was *the* one.
"You are beautiful," he sighed into her hair almost inaudibly.
She blushed and held him a little tighter. "No, I'm not."
He snapped his eyes open in shock. She didn't know how beautiful she was? How like a goddess she seemed? "Yes, you are."
She giggled softly. "If you say so." And it was true, now. He made her feel beautiful.
"I do say so. I don't think I'll change your mind though." He closed his eyes again. He loved standing there, holding her.
She snuggled deeper within his embrace. "You might."
He pulled away a bit to look down at her. He lifted his hand and gently traced the contours of her face. Mesmerized by her. "I can't believe this is real."
"Me either."
The continued staring at each other for a few long moments. Each memorized the face of the other, completely unaware of their surroundings. Endymion half smiled at her before leaning down to drink of her once more. As their lips touched again, Endymion felt it run through his entire body. He felt desire well up within him. Something that usually took a lot longer. He felt it immediately with her. He wanted her. Badly. She affected him like no other had before. It scared him. Yet, he couldn't stop himself.
She felt him tighten his arms around her and expected him to deepen the kiss once more. Instead, he broke it. He winked at her and grabbed her hand, pulling her along after him. She didn't know where he was taking her. She found she didn't care one bit. She trusted him. She didn't know how she could trust someone this fast. She didn't trust easily. Yet, here she was. She completely trusted some Prince she had just met. And she wasn't even worried about it.
He led her to a small clearing not far from where they had been standing earlier. He stopped and looked down at her surprised face. He grinned and unclasped his cape to lay it upon the ground, beneath a large oak-like tree. He bowed low to her and motioned towards the makeshift blanket.
Serenity giggled and curtsied in thanks before gracefully stepping upon the cape and settling herself on it. She arranged the skirt of her dress around her, making sure to leave room for him. She looked up at him expectantly.
He flashed her a quick smile before sitting beside her. He leaned against the trunk of the tree and grabbed the startled princess. He pulled her into his lab and wrapped his arms around her tightly. He felt her settle comfortably within his lab and lay her head against his chest.
She felt a little naughty being so close to a man without a proper chaperone and yet, she couldn't protest. It felt so right. So many contradictions were in her heart because of this man. This one man. He made her feel. Made her feel alive for the first time in her short life. She hoped this night would never end.
"I'm glad I met you out here, Serenity," he said softly, his lips brushing her ear. It sent shivers down her spine.
"I am too."
Endymion couldn't resist the urge any longer and kissed her head. He trailed kisses on her forehead, ear, and neck. Everywhere he could reach. He felt her shiver in response. "I can't stop kissing you," he breathed into her ear softly.
Serenity smiled faintly, too absorbed within the delightful feelings he caused. His lips burned where they touched. His breath tickled her neck as he brushed his lips across the soft skin there. She softly moaned.
He grinned and moved his hands from their place around her waist. One rested on the small of her back, gently tracing small circles. The other rested on her calf, just under the hem of her skirt. He felt her settle deeper within his lap. He moved his kisses from her neck to her cheek, her eyelids, and her nose. Finally reaching her mouth, he took her lips with his own hungrily. Like a man starved, he devoured her. His mind warned him against going too far with her. She was special, it said. Take it slower. Yet, another part of him wanted her so much. Almost too much. Finally, the last part of him, the part that held some women in a scornful light, told him that if she gave into his desire right then, she wasn't worth it. If she gave in now...
She felt his hand move up her leg. Her body delighted in it. Her heart loved it. Her mind screamed at her. 'Not now!' She felt his hand trail higher on her thigh and she gently pushed it back down to just above her knee, letting him know gently. And she felt his grin against her mouth and he didn't push. She felt as though she passed some sort of test.
He pulled his lips from hers and leaned his forehead against her smaller one. His breathing came out in gasps. "You are something, you know that?"
"Really?"
"Oh, yes." He pulled her tighter against his chest and closed his eyes. Leaning back against the tree, he relished the feel of her within his protective embrace.
She shut her eyes and breathed in the scent of him. Roses. She leaned against him, listening to his even breaths.
The silence and complete contentment each felt lulled them both into sleep.
~~~
AN: *Blush* Don't ask. I can't believe this...but I know exactly where I got the inspiration for this part of the story. I...cannot believe it's been that long since I've written this part.
Lovies!