This chapter is rated T...for suggestions that are noted.

Storms Upon the Heat
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Chapter Seven
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Serenity tapped Motoki on the shoulder, and he turned and noticed her. "Sere." He smiled, and leaned down to give her a hug. "Going up to bed, I take it?"

She nodded. "I am. Congratulations again, big brother."

"Thank you." He kissed her forehead. "Your day will be here soon, and I'll get to say the same to you. Speaking of which, where is Endymion?"

Serenity grinned, blushing slightly. "Hopefully he's waiting on me."

Motoki raised an eyebrow. "Mischievous little sister I have…" He grinned. "Alright, though."

Serenity noticed Makato coming up and went to her. "Makato…you're my sister now."

Makato giggled happily, hugging Serenity. "I know! We're sisters! It's fantastic!" She looked around. "Where's my brother?"

"He's already left." Serenity's eyes wandered to the balcony. "He's waiting for me."

Makato looked at Serenity strangely. "You're in love with him."

Motoki's eyes widened and he watched Serenity's reaction.

Serenity nodded. "I am." She said plainly.

"You told me you wouldn't let yourself love him because…."

Serenity put a hand to Makato's lips. "I think he also loves me."

Makato's eyes went wide and she squeaked.

Serenity shook her head. "He tells me he won't love me for fear that he'll hurt me." She smiled. "But I'm sure I can convince him to just let his walls drop."

Motoki put a hand on his sister's shoulder. "Good luck, little one." He leaned down and kissed her cheek. "I hope you can succeed. You deserve it."

Serenity smiled at them both. "Thank you both. Now I'm going to go…he's waiting for me."

Motoki and Makato watched her leave.

"Do you think he really does love her, Mako?" Motoki asked, wrapping a gentle arm around her shoulders.

Makato shook her head. "I can't read my brother's heart, Moto…but I hope it's true…"

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Endymion paced the length of Serenity's bedroom, running his fingers through his hair. "What am I doing?" He muttered. "If I stay with her like this, I'll…" He turned and sighed, gazing out the window.

The door opened and Serenity slipped in the room, and noticed Endymion staring out the window. "What are you thinking about?" She asked, walking across the room and standing beside him.

He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. "Nothing, really."

She giggled and leaned against the window. "You have such a thoughtful look on your face, though, Endy. Come on, what is it?"

He sighed and pressed his forehead against the glass. "I just can't get over what you said earlier."

"That I love you?" Her eyes were twinkling merrily, and she leaned her face close to his.

"That…yes…" He muttered, closing his eyes. "I don't understand how…or why…"

She stared silently at him for several long moments, studying the lines of his face. Reaching over, she ran a finger across his cheek gently. "I can't explain it, Endy." She moved close to him, and turned his face to hers. "Things in one's heart are hard to explain. They're just there…they're unexplainable."

He sighed, placing his hand on her lips. "You have no reason to love me."

She giggled, kissing his fingers. "Obviously. You're impossible. You're stubborn, arrogant, and you're terrible when you're angry." Her eyes were lively. "But it just happened. It happened when you first looked at me." She smiled softly.

His eyes became critical and he turned away, and stood beside a bedpost, placing his hands around it. He stared blankly at the bed.

Serenity came to stand beside him again. She placed her hand on top of his. "Endy…are you sure you want to stay with me tonight?"

He turned and gazed into her blue eyes for several long moments. "I have to say I am afraid to."

She blinked.

He shook his head. "I'm afraid that the moment I do…" He sighed and closed his eyes, resting his head against the post. "I don't want to love you, Serenity. It would be so easy just to give in and…" He frowned. "You have to understand that I can't."

Serenity felt tears brimming in her eyes. "But I want you to. There is always the fear of hurt…when one is in love." She pulled his hands away from the bed and laced her fingers through his. "But that's just a chance you have to take, Endy…" She reached up and kissed his face softly. "Even if you break my heart…it would be worth it…just to have you love me for…the shortest of moments…"

His eyes roamed over her face. "Serenity…it isn't a good idea for me to be so very close to you…"

She frowned and pulled away from kissing him. "Why?"

He turned and stared blankly off. "Wars…councils….terrible things could happen and would pull me away from you…and…you would be left hurt and alone. I'm afraid to...love you…I told you…I never want to hurt you…" His voice trailed off, and he closed his eyes.

Serenity smiled softly, reaching up and brushing her lips against his closed eyes. "Stop worrying like that, then."

He opened his eyes and looked at her.

She laughed softly and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, pulling herself close to him. "That could happen, you're right. But if it did…I'd always have you in my heart, even if you weren't ever with me again physically."

"I…" He found himself wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her off the floor. "Serenity…" He gazed into her eyes. "Would you promise…if I ever had to leave you…that you wouldn't…" His eyes became pained. "…hate me?"

Serenity gazed back at him. "I could never hate you." She tilted her head slightly. "Setsuna hated you when you left her."

"She does, yes." He laughed. "But she isn't of any worry to me…I care less what she feels for me."

"I'm glad." Serenity pulled gently away from him, placing her feet on the floor again. "I'm going to go undress." She pecked his nose, her eyes twinkling.

She started to head to the washroom, but his hand grabbed her arm and turned her back to him. She raised an eyebrow. "Endy?"

He pulled her closely to him. "Don't go." He whispered. He unclasped the diamond pins in her hair, and watched her hair fall down around her.

She shook her head around and laughed. "Alright, I won't go."

He took her arms and pulled her to the bed, sitting down himself. She stood in front of him, blushing furiously.

"Endy…"

"Hmm?" He glanced into her eyes.

She leaned down and brushed her lips against his. "Do you plan on making love to me tonight?"

He laughed. "And what if I am?" He asked in a soft murmur, kissing her back.

She blushed and pulled back. "I have nothing against it." She smiled nervously.

He laughed. "Would you like me to wait until our wedding night, Sere?"

She shook her head. "No, Endy…I don't see a reason to…"

He grinned slightly and pulled her close to him, resting his head gently on her waist. "Yes, but…I think I shall wait." He took one of her hands and kissed the palm gently. "Go dress for bed, Sere. I will stay with you…but we'll save that night." He pulled her face to his, kissing her gently.

She pulled away with a grin. "If you say so, Endy…" She laughed slightly and left the room.

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The next morning, soft clouds were hanging in the skies. Endymion awoke and looked beside him at Serenity cuddled softly in his arms. He smiled, and stared out at the gentle rain, not daring to move.

Serenity stirred soon beside him, and her eyes opened clear and blue. She smiled up at him. "Good morning."

He grinned, leaning down and nipping at her lips. "Good morning, Serenity…"

She buried herself deeply in his arms, nestling her head gently against his bare chest. "I don't want to get up."

He laughed. "Well…it is still morning. We could go back to sleep, if you wish."

"I don't want to." She murmured against his skin, kissing him gently.

His hands ran down the soft silk of her nightgown, and he grinned. "Then what do you want, Sere?"

She laughed, her voice muffled in his chest. "I don't want to tell you for fear you'll think me terrible…"

He kissed her forehead. "Never." He nudged her face up to his with his thumb. "Now tell me what you want…and I'll see what I can do." He kissed down the side of her face gently, stopping and staring at her.

She smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing herself against him. "Do you really want to know?"

He rolled his eyes. "Serenity, really…yes, I want to know."

She giggled. "Are you SURE?"

"Serenity!"

She laughed and kissed him. "Alright, alright." She grinned. "I want…what you wouldn't give me last night."

He raised an eyebrow.

She pressed her lips gently against his ear. "Make love to me."

His eyes widened and he looked at her. "Serenity?"

She blushed, staring up at him through her eyelashes. "I told you. You think me terrible."

He grinned, pulling her close to him. "No…no, Sere. I don't." He kissed her forehead. "Are you sure you're ready, though?"

She nodded. "I wanted you to last night…"

He kissed her hair. "Serenity…"

She blushed.

He grinned, laughing. He pulled her to lie beside him again. Running a hand gently down her face, he kissed her lips softly. "I did tell you if there were any way to give you what you wanted…I would."

He leaned down and slid the straps of her nightgown down. "Are you sure, Sere?" He stopped and looked into her eyes.

She nodded and helped him pull the gown off. "I am."

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Melodine, Cassandra, and Dermius sat around the breakfast table quietly.

Dermius cleared his throat. "Well…I of course didn't expect to see Motoki and Makato until this afternoon when they leave for their honeymoon…but where are Endymion and Serenity?"

Cassandra sipped slowly at her tea. "I have a feeling they're together."

Melodine looked up from her porridge. "Do you think they…?"

Cassandra grinned. "Slept together? Of course. Did you not see them last night? Dancing as they were? Leaving the ball together to sit on the balcony? And then Serenity exchanging words with her brother, and then leaving suddenly. It's obvious. They planned to be together last night."

Dermius laughed heartily. "Well, let them. I see no reason why they cannot. They'll be married in a matter of days. Which brings me to think…Melodine, will you be able to travel with us for the wedding?"

Melodine nodded. "I have been feeling better. I hope I'll be able to."

Cassandra smiled. "I'm very glad."

The breakfast room door opened and Motoki and Makato entered, laughing together.

The three turned and glanced at them.

"You're up." Melodine noted.

Cassandra grinned. "Now I wonder where our Hershim prince is…and his fiancée."

Motoki sat beside Dermius at the table, Makato beside him. "They're still not up?"

Dermius shook his head. "No. Cassandra believes they are together."

Makato giggled. "They are. Serenity told me last night."

Motoki looked at her sternly. "She may not have wanted that known, love."

Makato looked down sheepishly. "Sorry."

Melodine laughed. "It's quite alright. I'm glad they are, in fact."

Makato looked up. "Serenity believes that Endymion loves her. It's so exciting. She told us she is in love with him."

Cassandra sighed dreamily. "How simply wonderful. To think…they'll be happy."

Melodine smiled. "It is good. I didn't believe these pairings would work. But look at them. All four of them…happy."

Motoki and Makato looked at each other and smiled, grasping hands under the table.

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Endymion looked into Serenity's eyes for a long time, watching her trying to regain her breath. "Are you alright?" He whispered, brushing his hand through her hair.

She nodded, breathing heavily. "Yes…I'm fine…" She smiled. "Thank you…"

He kissed her forehead. "We have to leave soon." He noticed a pout on her face. He laughed and nuzzled his face against hers. "You do want to see Motoki and Makato off, don't you, sweetheart?"

She gasped. "They leave for their honeymoon, yes?"

He nodded. "A short one, I suppose. Our wedding is in only four days." He grinned at her blush. "You blush at that…and yet you've not blushed once in the past hour…"

She laughed. "I can't explain it…"

"You're beautiful." He kissed down her neck softly, gently tugging at her skin. "I wish we didn't have to leave…" He murmured against her skin.

"Me, either…" She whispered, burying her face in his hair. "But we do have to…"

He sighed and pulled away from her. "You're right." He sat up, sitting on the edge of the bed.

Serenity sat up as well. She stared for long moments at his bare back, blushing. "Endy…"

He turned and glanced at her form sitting and looking at him innocently. His eyes roamed over her for several moments before responding. "Yes, Sere?"

She blushed. "Well…tonight…will you…not go to your room?"

He grinned. "We have the rest of our lives together, dearest."

"I know…" She blushed. "But I want you here with me."

He leaned over and kissed her lips softly. "Alright. Now come on, we both need to dress…they've already missed our presence, I'm sure."

She nodded. "Hopefully we won't be bombarded with questions."

He grinned. "There's no way to escape it, knowing my mother."

Serenity's eyes widened. "I haven't gotten the chance to really meet her. I saw her for the shortest of moments."

Endymion kissed her forehead. "Well, get dressed, and then we'll go meet her!"

She laughed. "Alright, alright. I get it. I can't stay in bed all day, no matter how much I may want to."

Endymion grinned. "We leave for Hershim tomorrow, you do know that, right?"

She nodded. "I know. It will be a very busy day today. I have to pack all of my things and…oh, there's so much to do…" She said helplessly, falling back on the bed and burying her face in her pillow.

Endymion laughed, stood, and leaned over, scooping her up in his arms. She squealed. "Endy!"

"Get up, Serenity." He said in a mockingly stern voice. He gently lowered her to the floor, kissing her cheek. "I'll see you at breakfast, alright? Go dress."

She nodded. "Alright, alright." She grabbed her nightgown and went into the washroom.

Endymion watched her leave, smiling to himself slightly, before dressing and leaving to go to his own room.

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Rei, Ami, and Makato all rushed around the sitting room.

"This is crazy, my dears." Makato muttered, hanging a final streamer across the fireplace mantle. "Serenity does not need a party to cheer her up. She is very happy."

Rei laughed. "Yes, well, this was days ago that I planned this, Makato. I wanted still to go through with it. It's her last day here in Fellotinhan. She will miss it."

Ami sat on a prim sofa and chewed on a cookie. "Fantastic cookies."

Makato beamed. "I made them."

Rei grinned. "She's such a happy wife, isn't she, Ami?"

Ami giggled and ate another cookie.

Minako skipped into the room. She twirled around in front of Makato. "Look, new cousin! This is the color I like! Think of it when my birthday comes up!" She fluffed her bright orange dress. Her usual bright red hair bow was atop her head.

Makato laughed and leaned down to hug the girl. "Alright. No more green. I understand, Minako."

Minako giggled. "Yes!" She looked around. "Are you telling me that we're the only ones to be at Sere's party? It's not good enough!"

Rei shook her head. "No, no. There are several others coming. The princesses Haruka and Michiru from Neurtuneus, and the young princess of Saturan, Hotaru, will be here as well. Serenity tutored Hotaru, remember? And of course, Motoki and the other royals are coming, and then Endymion and Serenity herself."

Minako sat beside Ami and grabbed a cookie, munching on it. "You know who isn't coming, I hope."

Rei's eyebrow rose. "Who, Minako?"

"That…lady person…Setsuna."

Makato arched an eyebrow. "She isn't invited anywhere near Endymion nor Serenity."

Motoki and Endymion walked into the large room. Endymion's eyes widened as he looked around.

"What's going on here?" He asked.

"Sere's having a surprise party." Minako chirped.

"It's a going away party I had planned days ago, before you arrived." Rei explained. "Motoki and I planned it. It at first was to cheer her up…but now it isn't needed for that reason. It's just a small party to see her off from Fellotinhan."

Makato giggled. "We're having it soon, so that Motoki and I will be able to be here."

Ami suddenly stood up. "Wait! We could say it's a small wedding party for Endymion and Serenity!"

Makato grabbed a cookie and began to eat it, sitting on the other side of Minako. "Yes, but there will be another of those in Hershim, dear Ami. And we'll all be there for that. No, let's just keep it as Sere's leaving Fellotinhan party. I had a small party when I left Hershim."

Ami sat again. "Well, alright."

Endymion grinned. "You were giving her a party to cheer her up, Motoki? Am I that terrible?"

Motoki laughed. "Of course you are." He grinned. "No, it was really because she was rather depressed before you came."

Rei nodded. "I thought a party would help."

Makato looked at Rei. "No wonder you wanted to come here early. You're a lady of Hershim who resides in Fellotinhan for most of her time."

Rei laughed. "I've acted as an ambassador for the past year. But there really isn't need for me now. I can return home to Hershim. Serenity will be there, and it is my home."

Makato smirked. "You'll leave me here, my dear friend?"

Minako patted Makato's arm. "Don't feel bad. Sere's leaving me here to put up with Auntie all by myself."

"I heard that, little lady." A chirp came from the doorway.

Minako yelped, feeling her aunt's hand on her shoulder. "Um, um, um…"

The king and queen of Hershim and Melodine had entered the room.

The former queen of Fellotinhan laughed and leaned down to peck Minako's cheek. "It's alright, dear. I'm just not fun like Serenity is, am I?"

Minako's face was flushed. "It's not like that, Auntie…"

Melodine patted her head and looked at Motoki and Endymion standing on the far edge of the room. "Endymion, you and Serenity were not at breakfast this morning. May I ask why?"

Cassandra smiled brightly. "Yes, dear. Why?"

Endymion found himself blushing. "Well…I…we…were…out."

Motoki grinned. "Out, Endymion?"

Endymion jabbed the Fellotinhan king in the side. "Yes, Motoki. Out."

Motoki laughed. "Whatever you say." He went to Makato's side, placing his arm around her waist. "It's dangerous staying near him." He nodded towards Endymion.

She laughed.

A servant came into the room. "The foreign princesses have arrived, majesties."

Motoki looked at Makato. "Who?"

"Haruka, Michiru, and Hotaru."

The three were soon ushered into the room, standing among them.

Hotaru was the youngest princess among the many nations, at only 12 years old. Her short black hair was brushed straight, and she wore a simple black dress trimmed in white. She soon went to Minako, trying to befriend her. The two sat around the fireplace, and pulled out a game of jacks to play, their frilly dresses billowed about them.

Haruka and Michiru, twin sisters from Neurtuneus, were the eldest of all the princesses. At twenty, they looked nothing alike. Haruka was very tall, with short blonde hair and dark brown eyes. She towered above all the other ladies in the room, and was only slightly shorter than Endymion and Motoki. Michiru was like the rest of the princesses in height, short and petite. She had soft aqua-green eyes and soft brown hair, and was usually very quiet. They mixed in with everyone, and conversation was loud among them.

The door opened and a very disgruntled Serenity walked in, clad in a light blue dress with pearl accents. Her hair was in the normal style, with pearl bands wrapped around the buns atop her head. She stopped walking and her eyes widened, looking around at them all.

"What is this?" She asked, blinking rapidly.

Rei stood and turned to look at her. "Surprise, Sere!"

The Fellotinhan princess blinked again.

Endymion was soon beside her, and his arm instantly went around her waist. "It's a going away from Fellotinhan party for you, from your friends." He whispered.

Her eyes widened, and she smiled softly, turning to them all. "Really?"

Nods were seen throughout the room.

She smiled brightly. "Oh, everyone…thank you!"

Applause went through the room.

Minutes later, Serenity stood and chatted with Haruka and Michiru, Endymion by her side.

"It's been such a long time since I've seen you both." Serenity noted, sipping at her cup of tea.

Haruka nodded, glancing at Michiru. "We've been traveling a lot. We just returned from Perusia."

Endymion cringed. "It just has to be the greatest spot for travel, doesn't it?"

Michiru laughed gaily. "She mentioned you often, Endymion. I am sorry, but she still wishes to vent her anger."

Haruka rolled her eyes. "Setsuna, you mean? Ah, yes…she spoke of Endymion too frequently, in my opinion." She glanced at Endymion. "The girl wouldn't stop her mutterings. She voiced her outright opinion about you and Sere, and she obviously despises Serenity righteously." Haruka send a pitiful look to Serenity. "You are the most beloved princess of the world, and she downright hates you. You poor dear."

Serenity shook her head, laughing. "She can hate me if she wishes. I don't mind what she thinks."

Endymion held a gaze on her face.

Serenity was smiling softly. "She lost someone to me. I can understand her hate for me…but I love him, too. And I care not what she thinks…I will not give him up because of her mutterings."

Haruka and Michiru cast their eyes on Endymion, who was gazing at Serenity lovingly, his eyes captured by her.

The sisters exchanged glances, nodded to Serenity, and went across the room to converse with Dermius and Cassandra.

Serenity did not look at Endymion. She brought the cup to her lips and sipped her tea. "You're staring a hole in me, Endymion." She laughed slightly. Finally, she turned her head to look at him. "I'll be with Rei and Ami, if you need me." She nodded and left him to stand alone.

Minutes later, Melodine was standing beside him. She gazed across at Serenity, and then back to him. "You haven't stopped looking at her for the past ten minutes."

"I…" Endymion couldn't tear his eyes away from her. He watched her laugh with Ami, and hug Rei. He saw her help clean up the jacks that Hotaru and Minako had scattered around the floor.

Melodine watched his face. "You do love her, don't you?"

Endymion's eyes finally left Serenity, and he looked at Melodine. "I've loved her since she confronted me in the garden. When she wouldn't back down…when…" His eyes lowered to the ground. "She showed such strength…and she wouldn't let me control her…yes, I've loved her since then." He turned and watched Serenity again.

"Why are you admitting it now? To me?"

"You asked."

"She's asked you, though, many times…hasn't she?"

"Yes…but until now…I've been able to hide it well, haven't I?" He looked at the former queen again. "I can't anymore."

"Why?"

"She defied Setsuna's existence with her words." He murmured, more to himself than to Melodine. "She's intent on my heart…and she's not letting anyone come in her way...not Setsuna…not me." His eyes wandered to Serenity.

Serenity looked up from her conversation with Cassandra and noticed him looking at her. She blushed and looked away, back to Cassandra.

Endymion looked to Melodine. "I don't know how to tell her."

The former queen laughed. "You're a brilliant man, Endymion. I'm sure you'll find a way. I'm just glad you're finally admitting it."

He sighed. "I didn't want this to happen."

"Is it such a terrible thing to be in love with my daughter?"

"I don't want to hurt her…"

"You won't."

He looked at her. "I won't?"

"If you truly love someone, you can never purposely hurt them." Melodine smiled. "My husband said that."

"But…not purposely though…what if something happens and I do hurt her?"

"You have to learn to pick up the pieces, Endymion. Serenity is easy to forgive…you'll learn that."

He stared off at the princess he was destined to marry, love shining in his eyes. "I love her." He turned and laughed. "I can't believe it happened. I love her. I love Serenity."

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End Chapter Seven

Obviously…there was a section in this chapter not exactly suited for a K+ rating. I'm not sure what I have this rated as, but it should be rated T.

Anyways, hope you all liked this chapter.

Please review!