Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon

Misunderstandings, Truth, and Lies by sdikanimefanatic

Chapter Five: Dinner and Meetings

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"Serena, are you okay?" Amara asked, concerned for the welfare of the smaller blonde.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I just want to go home," Serena informed Amara coldly; they didn't see Jack behind them rolling silently into a crouching stance, his eyes focusing on the reincarnated Moon Princess.

When she finished her sentence, Jack seemed fueled by insanity as he attempted another lunge at the small blonde. Amara immediately reacted to the sudden hostile movement against the smaller blonde and swiftly delivered a powerful punch to the man's midsection, causing him to double over in agony; a follow-up elbow driven between his shoulder blades knocked him to the ground at their feet. The tall blonde Scout of Uranus turned around to make certain Serena was alright once more.

But Serena had walked away from the scene, making use of the distraction provided by her biological father, and was already getting in her Volvo, her groceries resting on the back seat behind the driver's seat.

Distressed the Princess was leaving them without giving them a chance to explain, Hotaru rushed towards her, speaking quickly to make their case, "Serena, I'm sorry. We're all sorry. I know you won't forgive us right away, and I wouldn't either if I were you. But give us a chance to earn your respect and a place in your heart."

Serena sat in the driver's seat of her Volvo, her blonde brows drawn together in a slight frown as she thought about what they said before responding, her voice full of disappointment. "You guys will always be in my heart, friend or foe. But you're right -- you have lost my respect."

"At least allow us to see you home so nothing else happens to you," Amara begged of the smaller blonde.

Closing her eyes, Serena sighed but nodded her head -- it was the least she could do; after all they did save her from Jack and…she did miss them. In subconscious unison, Amara and Hotaru let out a relieved breath; they didn't think that she would actually accept their proposal.

The two Scouts were tense as they followed Serna home, keeping an eye out for any suspicious vehicles and following the taillights of her Volvo faithfully; however, despite their tension, they were glad to see their princess once again. When they arrived at where she was staying, the two were astounded that she lived there. When they emerged from the tree-lined drive, they saw it was literally a mansion, with a manicured lawn and front garden; a fountain of an angel carved from white and silvery marble pouring water from a pitcher of gold with koi swimming in its base seemed to dominate the front garden – they could barely make out a path leading around the side of the large house, connecting it with the garden that was in the back.

"Serena, how can you afford a place like this?" Amara asked curiously as she stepped from her convertible.

"Oh, I live here with Andy and Eliza. I always see them together at dinner; they switch between one working and watching the business while one is here with me. Come, help me with the groceries," Serena said as she got out handing a bag to both of them.

As Serena opened up the door to the mansion they heard a familiar man's voice yell out a greeting, "Serena's home!"

Amara and Hotaru followed their princess into her home, looking around in awe of the décor as they passed through the foyer and the dining room visible through the open double doors and stopped inside the massive kitchen with its sparkling clean counters and floors and gleaming appliances.

"Just set them on the table," Serena instructed them gesturing to the table.

She could hear their movements in the quiet room, from their footsteps on the linoleum to the rustling of the grocery bags being placed on the wood tabletop. Wary of over staying their welcome, Amara gestured to Hotaru that they should leave. As they were about to leave, she stopped them.

"If you really want to help with your situation in gaining my trust back, then you will stay for dinner with Andy and Eliza," Serena exclaimed secretly hoping they would accept her offer, wishing to begin the healing process, before asking, "Now can one of you hand me the chicken and lettuce?"

With that said, the preparation for dinner started. Amara and Hotaru were remarkably good helpers she found, springing into action getting the necessary items she asked for. In the middle of cooking they were interrupted by an angry voice at the kitchen's dooray.

"Serena!" Andy said in a low and dangerous tone, his muscles tense and posture wary as he eyed the two Scouts that had betrayed his cousin. "What are they doing here?"

"I invited them for dinner after they saved me from Jack," Serena stated not even moving her eyes from the chicken she was cooking, making certain to put emphasize the name Jack to get her point across to anxious reincarnated General.

"What! Where did you see Jack? And how did they help you?" Elizabeth asked beside her brother, confused at the sight of the Scouts in her kitchen and angry at the thought of that man trying to harm Serena again.

"While I was exiting Lola's he found me. After our 'brief' conversation he was seething and about to hit me. Before he did Amara threw him back and Hotaru came up to check on me." Serena said, exasperated at her overprotective cousins.

"Now dinner is ready why don't we go eat?" Serena suggested in hopes to lighten up the dreary mood as she began to gather the food. Amara and Elizabeth decided work together get the table ready, while Hotaru and Andrew got the drinks from the massive refrigerator.

Dinner was eaten in silence, with only the clinking of silverware and glasses audible.

Near the end Andrew spoke up, addressing the subject that had been gnawing at him. "Serena do you plan on letting these two back into your life? And what about the others?"

"So far, yes," Serena replied as she set her glass down, her tone serious and posture like that of her past self. "They've proven themselves loyal by protecting me from Jack, and during our previous discussion said that they were willing to do anything to earn my respect. Also they've sat here and ate dinner with us when they know how much you and Elizabeth hate them… Plus we need them for Alonis."

"Who is Alonis?" Hotaru asked curiously, her dark brows drawing together in concern.

"She is the princess from the Forbidden Moon, she tried to steal the crystal from Serena a thousand years ago. And I bet she's going to attempt it again," Amara explained, recalling the first attempt from her previous life.

"Exactly!" Serena agreed, recalling the attack on her earlier, "She has gotten stronger then she was before and I need my Scouts to help me. I would like you two to do me a favor and call a meeting tonight when you leave. When everyone is there, tell them they are to be here at 6am -- any later than that, they will not have access to the mansion. I bid you good night, Hotaru, Amara. I expect you both to be here tomorrow." With that she got up from the table and went upstairs to get some much needed sleep.

"I hope you will not disappoint her or us for that matter, because we will not be as forgiving as she is," Andrew stated calmly after his cousin had departed, his eyes steely as he looked at the two Scouts whom had stood.

"I will see you out," Elizabeth said rising from her seat at the table.

When the pair of Scouts had left through the front door, the red-haired teen locked the house down.

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Once again I have to thank Beka for doing a phenomenal job with this chapter. i am trully honored to have you as a beta.