Disclaimer: Don't own it, never will.

Title: Love Isn't Always Deadly

Author: baby bunnie

Rated: PG-13

Genre: Romance

Episode 8: Truth Amongst Reality

Serenity giggled to herself as she thought about Endymion. They had been meeting for many a weeks now, both of them drowning in the simplicity of it all. They would meet, and then spent the night together, discussing the mysteries of their future. By dawn, Serenity would be weary and desperate for sleep, and she would fall asleep in his arms, waking up later only to find him gone. She would then tromp home, swathed with disappointment of his departure.

He was sweet to her, however, and Serenity felt thrills whenever he was near, as if something exciting was always about to happen. Yet, it was always the same; soft whispers in her ear, long fingers tickling her to tease, and gentle kisses that marvelled Serenity.

But he was never there when Serenity wakes up; she wondered if he felt remorse for his actions. Another giggle escaped her throat. She simply couldn't imagine in any way that Endymion would feel regret. It was simply not him. She threw her legs up in the air and swung up, spinning her body into a sitting position on the bed. She would go see him today, and she would come home the next morning missing him. It was like an everyday thing now.

Serenity got up and strolled over to her window. She would see the willow tree and the moon as well. It would near the tree's peak soon. Once again, she slung her cloak clumsily around her shoulders and fastened the cords around her neck. Going out to the stables, she whistled and waited until Kei appeared. Then, she jumped on the mare's back and set off, heading towards the Clearing.

Endymion was late. Late enough that Serenity woke up to see that it was dawn and he had never came. Had he forgotten about her? What was going on? She signed, disappointed, and stood up dusting herself off. Kei had been guarding her. Serenity smiled and stroked the mare's soft mane, whispering words of affection.

A sound reached Serenity's ears, distant, but clear. Sucking in a breath, she shifted her weight just enough to see behind her. Her eyes darted around with unease, scanning the sweeping hordes of blooming periwinkles around the clearing. Dawn was always beautiful here; the sun would let its weakest rays through the trees, leaving a soft splash of honey light here and there. Birds were starting to wake as well, chirping the start of the day from unseen havens. There was a wholeness that completed everything that dawn stands for when you stand there, and one can wonder about the wonders of life for until the noon sun beats down on you repeatedly. That wholeness, however, was disrupted by the faintest sound that stands out so much, the sound of an individual other that yourself.

Serenity clasped her hands together and lay her head on the horse's flanks, waiting for the sound to identify itself. She had no intention of hiding, not that she could. It was a clearing, and by running to surrounding trees would generate too much noise. And what if it was Endymion? She couldn't rule that possibility out of her mind.

Endymion shuffled towards the clearing, feeling demure about Serenity's expected departure. She was going to be unhappy again. And this time, it wasn't due to forgetfulness… or perhaps it was. He had unexpectedly walked upon a group of bloodthirsty demons outside the gate and had got rid of them quite easily. Unfortunately, he managed to cover himself in blood, and had to go back and change. It was then that Raye arrived and dragged him towards the Conference room. There was a meeting today with the Elders and he had completely forgotten. Raye had taken care of that. The meeting was awkward, as the Lord's usual graven look and discerning add-ins had completely vanished. Instead, he was fidgeting and nodded at everything said. The meeting would have continued, but was randomly stopped. He still could not believe that he had told Serenity to wait for him on a day of a meeting. For once in his life, he felt despaired.

Parting the shrubbery that led him to the agreed spot, he walked in, eyes searching. Immediately, his eyes set itself on a white horse… and the figure laying on it.

Serenity hopped up at the sight of Endymion and ran into his arms, clutching at the fabric of his shirt tightly, burrowing her face in his chest. She felt his arms go around her, tightening, and she looked up. "You're late…"

Serenity noticed no response, only the look in his eyes. She couldn't tell what it was and didn't quite feel like pursuing. Sighing, she let go of him and walked towards the horse, sitting beside her. Approaching footsteps was heard and she closed her eyes and leaned against the willow tree. The footsteps stopped, and rustling of fabric was heard as Endymion bent down. She felt his fingers brush her bangs aside, then his lips on her own, pressing in, demanding more. Serenity relented and reached for his face, pulling him towards herself. Soft kisses trailed down to her neck and there was a mumble of incoherent words.

"What…?" Serenity pried herself from his arms unwillingly.

"Nothing… and I know I'm late." Serenity heard the hesitation in his voice and frowned.

"What's wrong?"

"I want to take you back with me. I want you to stay with me through the Seasons." It came out as mumbles and mutters under his breath and Serenity giggled.

"I can't understand you…" She laughed again and wrapped her arms around his neck, plastering herself on him. She waited patiently as he repeated his sentence in a whisper, stroking her cheeks while talking. "Seasons? You mean all year?"

"No… the…" A red hue crept up Endymion's cheeks and startled Serenity. Was he blushing? She wanted to know badly, but how could she ask such a question?

"What is it?" She probed gently, narrowing her eyes ever so slightly.

"Every vampire has… his or her seasons… where, well… they-" He paused and coughed, as if embarrassed. Serenity figured that he was obviously uncomfortable with this topic.

"I won't laugh… if it's a laughing matter at all." She nodded her head firmly, earning a chuckle from Endymion.

"That's not it…" She held her breath as he bent close, breath brushing her cheeks. Leaning towards her ear, Serenity enjoyed the closeness as he whispered three words. "Heating, bonding, and mating."

Serenity's eyes widened and she shot up, staring at Endymion in surprise.

"What?!"

Bwaha. I am alive! What, no fear? All right. I have no excuse for updating, just hopes that you have enjoyed this super short chapter. Chapter 9 will be up very soon because I have really finished the whole story this time, and I am starting the sequel already. And since this Chapter is so short, Chap 9 will be up really, really soon… like 3 or 4 days. :)