Part II

You'd think people who so affectionately address us as their best friends would actually consider that possibility that we DO actually hear—and most often even listen to!— everything they say. But, noooo…does anyone every figure it out?

"I might be starting to…", Serenity spoke to no one in particular. Strangely, she felt as if she were eavesdropping. "Or reading someone's diar—erm…right. I guess that fits…"

Well, who would've thought I'd miss you back when you drove me up the wall…When Luna came to you…and you spent weeks and months searching for the Moon Princess…! Now, Usagi-chan, I could understand your failing your Math class, but….some things are just obvious! Honestly…! You know, moon tiara, moon prism power, moon healing…sailor moon…

Serenity smiled in amusement, just as a slight brush crept to her cheeks. She sat back down at the desk, propped her chin in her hands and looked down at the rapidly filling pages with growing affection. As the next sentence appeared, she burst into loud giggles.

And I would have bet my pretty front cover that your blue-eyed nemesis would turn out to be your prince! You mentioned him every five lines or so… mostly to add another unflattering appellation to a constantly increasing list.

"And to think he's taking the grousing of the Council for me now…my dear Mamo-chan…"

I admit Chibi-usa had me barking up the wrong tree for a while there, the little brat. I first thought she was a spawn of the Underworld come to destroy domestic tranquility. It might have been your own biased description of "the Evil Child with Red Eyes" that led me to that mistaken conclusion!

It would have taken nothing short of a genius to figure out her lineage from day one; and a genius, dearest Usagi, I am most certainly not. That doesn't mean I need to be discarded at the bottom of a dusky drawer, though! This world is certainly not fair to my kin…what sad fate a wise diary has…!

The Neo-Queen replied to the last words with a shrug and a shake of her head. "You're cute…but such of a pessimist…!"

Dare I remind you of Haruka-san and Michiru-san? I wanted to tear my pages off hearing you talk about how much you admire their elegance and grace, and how mysterious they are…and then wondering just who the two mysterious Sailor Soldiers could be! If only you had listened to me then, Usagi-chan…I could have told you much about the Talismans and the Grail…

Serenity's eyebrows sprang upwards in undisguised curiosity.

I peaked into Queen Serenity's diary, alright? And all that just to be able to help you…if you'd let me! (so much for that plan…) So, the diary of Her Majesty intimidated me… it was always so calm and knowledgeable. It told me bits and pieces about the three talismans. I had my sneaky suspicion about the owners…but when I tried to check with Pluto's diary, it was fruitless. And mind you, I asked nicely, flattered, threatened and whined!

Torn between hilarity and thoughtfulness, Serenity tilted her head, pondering the words she read.

I sometimes wish I could at least spring open every now and then. My pages are already developing the symptoms of close confinement. The empty are envious of the written ones, while the latter are paranoid that their precious ink will wear off onto the white paper. It's difficult to keep organized and sane... you of all people should understand that Usagi-chan! After all, you know the true meaning of Chaos…you did live in that room of yours for sixteen years! Oh, and there was that brief encounter with Chaos incarnate, of course. So you see what I mean…

"I certainly begin to, yes…"

I miss the knowledge of what is happening in the world. You know, I was quite good at making predictions! If only you had listened to—bar that, if only you had even heard—my advice…you would have known the truth about Haruka-san and Michiru-san long before you actually did…and discovered it was Chibiusa's dream Pegasus resided inside of (I had a small chat with her diary to make sure…is that cheating?) I even tried to sneak a preview of the future…but Pluto's diary wouldn't share a single word—again! The nerve…! We are still in doubt whether it is really the diary acting secretive, or Pluto did not tell it anything. My bet is on the latter…

Again Serenity gave a small laugh.

"I've really been missing out all these years, haven't I?", she wondered aloud as new words decorated the diary page.

Yes, those were the good days… But here I am now, all alone and ignorant and quite dissatisfied, if I may say so.

Amusement flickered in the Neo-Queen's eyes as she picked up the pencil again. The words she had been reading disappeared the moment the black coal tip touched the paper. But she remembered them well.

"I see my rants have made you a bit grouchy. But that's alright, because you've listened to me for so long that it's high time I returned the favor! "

At that moment, she heard the door to the quarters open, and a weary King Endymion walked in. He shook his head tiredly, but the sight of his wife brought a small smile to his lips.

"At times like these, I wish I were just Chiba Mamoru again…"

He was surprised to see Serenity burst into loud giggles.

"What, that smug, importuning Mamoru who always laughed at me? The insufferable man who called me a dumpling-head?"

The King was caught by her cheerfulness. He advanced towards her and trapped her in a tight embrace. Serenity put a hand on his chest, and lovingly caressed his face with the other. Just before their lips met, he jokingly winked at her:

"Oh, insufferable am I? Well, next time, you're chairing the meeting with the City Board!"

You're really there, Usagi-chan? Well…have I got some news for you…! Coaxed it out of Mercury's diary…is that cheating?

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