* 2022-05-31
I've got some new ideas brewing, including a short one I hope to finish before the summer break. Keep a lookout for it!
I do hope you come to visit me again. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart, for enjoying my stories; it means the world to me! Bardzo dziękuję! Merci beaucoup! Gracias! Obrigada! Till next time!
Be warned that my stories contain mature subjects and are PG18+++. There is graphic violence, coarse language, sexual situations, and triggers as my characters deal with emotional, physical, or mental traumas.
A Final Escape
Chapter 28
"As good as it could go." Darien's shudder didn't go unnoticed. Serena's mom had gushed over him while the father had looked ready for murder. However, the young man was grateful. He was only dealing with Serena's human father. If he had met the Moon's King back as Endymion, it would have gone very differently. Probably a slightly bloodier direction. The Monarch had been known to be fiercely overprotective of his wife and daughter.
"It will take time for them to warm up to him but he's already got my mom wrapped around his finger. Not only did I slip the fact that Darien's studying to be a pediatric doctor, but he showed up with a huge bouquet for my mom!"
"How did they take you guys moving in?" prodded Mina.
"They don't know yet. Please keep it that way! They just think Darien asked me out finally after I was 18. That tonight is one of our first dates."
While her parents were aware and reluctant about Serena moving in with her girlfriends, they weren't informed that guys would live there too. That technically, Serena would be living with Darien. And the bubbly blond had no idea how to break the news to them. She didn't want her dad to shoot Darien. Because he'd already threatened to do it…
"Well, if there's a ring on your finger, he might not mind."
Darien's matter-of-fact calm statement made Serena gasp. "A ring? When did you start thinking about that?"
"Somewhere along the past four years. And since Neph didn't waste time, why should we?"
"I'm not getting married to you yet! I want to finish college and then university! Get my degrees in psychology and politics. As a future Queen, I have to learn how to take care of my people! So I can't devote all my energy and time to being a stay-at-home wife to your pompous future head of pediatrics doctor self. Please, what kind of woman did you think you were dating?"
"Oh no bunny, we both know you're lying! I know I'm the top priority in your life, head, and heart. You can bullshit all you want. But whether you're a stay-at-home mom or the planet's Queen, I'll support you the whole way, just as I know you'll support me. See I wasn't even thinking of becoming head of a department or specializing in pediatrics. But damn woman, you know my heart better than I do." Darien kissed her hand gallantly. "Thank you, my queen. I'll convince your father one way or another. Your mother is already on board. If not, I'll send her bouquets every Sunday until she is. But then that might irate your father…"
"So damn calculating! You're going to be such a shrewd King!"
"Am I the only one who misses their arguments… The lovingness they radiate is cringe-worthy," Lita teased, fake shuddering.
"Imagine how he'll act when he's a father?" Zoisite added.
"He'll be a natural. Didn't Serena used to call him an old man?" Mina mused before tapping the table excitedly. "The guys, Lita, and I are all done, when are you going to move in?"
"I booked a weekend vacation for my parents. That way I can move in with Darien without them insisting on helping and discovering the truth. I'll probably only invite them a month after starting college… To break the news to them. It'll frustrate and worry them but also give them a chance to see me be on my own for a while," Serena calculated.
"Amy is moving into the spare bedroom next weekend with Mrs. Anderson's and my help." Zoisite beamed happily, still holding his girlfriend's hand.
"Wait?! You're not moving in together?" Mina asked confused. Only Kunzite and her, and Jed and Rei were supposedly not sharing rooms. They were missing then a spare room where Hotaru could nap when she visited.
"No, we're not," Amy replied calmy but her cheeks betrayed her embarrassment. They had just agreed on dating. And Zoisite wanted to take things slow, get a chance to court her, as he put it. Honestly, this was all new ground for her. As much as yes, she was attracted to him, and as much chemistry there was between them, Amy was not ready for what the move-in would imply. Just that soft sweet kiss had made her breathless and nervous simultaneously. The thought of going further intrigued but scared her a bit. So yes again, she liked Zoisite's slow plan and was grateful for it.
"Aww, you guys are adorable!" Serena squealed.
"Whatever happened to the troublesome duo? As I recall it, you two caused endless mischief at the Mercurian balls," Nephrite taunted, only to spit out his drink. "Zoi! Come on! Hot pepper! Fuck!" Lita chuckled as she rubbed his back as he downed cup after cup of water.
"Hey, Litz. Mom wants a picture of us as she couldn't take one since you moved out." Ken turned reluctantly toward Nephrite, staring daggers. "Would you mind?" He handed his cell to his best friend's… husband. That was going to take time getting used to.
The General rose without taking the phone and got in Ken's face. Lita rolled her eyes, was she cursed or something? Sure Zeus was all about drama, that's why he screwed everything on two or more legs and then had to deal with Hera and his other wives. Well, she didn't need a harem at her feet. She didn't need a line of men to fulfill her needs. 'One guy was drama and work enough! Thank you very much!' the amazon within her sighed.
"You and me gonna have problems?" Nephrite demanded, staring the 'best friend' down. Laelia's brother had been a serious problem in their past life, but he wasn't about to let it become one this time around. He wouldn't allow anything to upset his wife, even if she could handle herself better than he ever could. No, this lifetime, he'd make damn sure she knew only happiness. And Ken was a taint on it as far as he was concerned.
"You don't deserve her!" Ken snapped back.
Jadeite, Zoisite, and Darien placed bets on who'd throw the first punch as Kunzite got up to break up the fight before they ruined prom for everyone.
"You're right, I don't." Now Lita was about to intervene, worried about Nephrite's mental health. He needed to stop putting himself dow… "Lita was and always will be an emerald among mediocrity. Her confidence, her strength, and her integrity are enough to emasculate any man, that is why most feel threatened by her. She is a lightning bolt no man can ever tame or break or dream of holding. But any man who she chooses to stand by her side should cherish that, and I do, and I'll work my ass off to stand equal by her. It's the challenge that's kept me alive all this time and that I'm more than willing to undertake. So friend or not, I'll destroy anyone who tries to get between us. I love Lita and I'm never letting her go again."
Ken shook his head and stepped back, letting out a long breath. "I'll back off because I want her happy. Make her happy! But if you ever hurt her, I'll take her away."
Lita huffed as she stepped between both guys. "If he hurts me, I'll break both of his legs. No need for you to get involved." Lita wrapped her hands around Nephrite's neck. Only one man had been able to stand by her side, make her feel like an equal and a lady simultaneously. And he was alive, holding her. Unlocking her arms she stood next to Ken. "K, take the damn picture, I wanna dance with my hubby."
Giving the phone to Mina, Ken wrapped an arm around Lita's shoulder as they smiled for the picture. Nephrite waited, glaring, his arms folded, barely curbing his need to pulverize the guy for touching his wife. "Later, Litz. Mom said to bring him for Sunday dinner. You both better show up, or she'll have all of our heads."
"I'll bring her fav dessert to make it up to her. Have fun tonight, K."
"You too…"
"Damn Lita. We could turn your life into a novella!" Mina beamed, already coming up with a story synopsis that Amy playfully started doodling down.
"NO WAY! I'm done with drama!" Lita shuddered visibly at the thought of willingly being at the center of a drama series. Not waiting to hear more of Mina's ideas, she dragged Nephrite to the dance floor. It didn't take long for the couple to completely immerse themselves in the music and each other.
"Amy, may I have this dance?"
The anxiety at her possible refusal forced Zoisite to keep his casual smile steady. He was not used to taking things slow or asking for them. And there was a fine line he needed to walk with Amy. He needed to take the initiative, but he couldn't pounce as that would scare his little mouse. He needed to appeal to what drew her but not overstep, as that would shut her down. It was the same kind of tango they had played back on Mercury. But it had been simpler back then as he hadn't developed feelings that prompt him to get closer. And by the time he had, they had been comfortable around each other.
No matter how much his mind cursed the setback or need to win her trust and affection again, his heart was giddy at the development between them. And it must have shown because she laughed at him as she hesitantly agreed.
"I'm not that good of a dancer."
"You're a fast learner. AND you have ME to teach you."
"Modest as always," Amy jibbed, knowing it was best not to let his ego grow out of proportion.
"What are you waiting for to ask me to dance, your JackAsshness?" Serena leaned on the table, eying Darien.
"Well, as long as you promise not to step on my toes Meatball Head," Darien answered as he pulled her to stand up. But they never reached the dance floor as Rei and Jadeite finally joined their table.
"Rei? You okay? You're really pale Rei! Is that why you haven't called us back or been around," Serena worried over her friend, who just rubbed her tummy and pulled crackers out of the table's basket before
scarfing them down. "I'll call Amy, and we'll take you hom…"
Shaking her head, the raven-haired priestess let the crackers settle in her stomach before pulling roughly Jadeite by the collar of his suit. "Get me decaf tea with honey. And I want pastries. Well, hop to it!"
"Cherie, you just emptied your stomach again. Maybe let's wait and see if the crackers stay down before you tried to eat something more," Jadeite answered calming, slowly prying her fingers off him.
"You did this! It's your fault I can't hold food down! Don't make me repeat myself twice! I'm starving and I can't enjoy prom if I'm hangry now can I!?"
"OH MY GOD!" Mina and Serena squealed loudly over the music, summoning their friends back from the dance floor.
"What's the problem," Lita asked, looking around for danger.
Before Jadeite could run to get the food for his understandably irate girlfriend, Darien head locked him.
"Did you knock her up?"
That got gasps and shouts out of the assembled group.
"Well, what did they expect? They disappeared for a week, only to return blissfully happy covered in love bites and hickeys. No wonder things went south to fertile lands," Zoisite pointed out, amused beyond belief at the turn of events. Jadeite went from having a bullseye on his forehead to bullseying Rei.
"What were you thinking!?" Kunzite demanded, already rubbing the bridge of his nose, feeling his pressure rise. Didn't Mina keep insisting they were going to lead a simple life now? How was a baby simple!?
"Stop worrying, you old fart. Rei's grampa is thrilled. He's already showing me how to manage the temple. It'll take a load off Rei's shoulders. I'll be taking care of the baby while she's focusing on being a Priestess and Senshi."
"Wait? What?" Kunzite snapped his head up, stunned. "You're not going back to the army?"
"Been there, done that. I'm taking a break until our boy is older. Shit. Cocotte, you look like you're about to be sick again."
"Well, that's because you're wasting time rambling and arguing instead of feeding me, you imbecile, incompetent…" Rei cursed colorfully and elaborately at Jadeite as he scurried away to get her food as the girls all fussed over their friend's news.
"I always assumed Serena would be the first one of us to get pregnant," Mina mused as she tapped her lips.
"Well it is surprising as they screw as jackrabbits," added Lita as she elbowed the bubbly blond!
"Hey! That's mean! We're careful! And who are you to talk! You guys are like the real 50 Shades of Grey, except you do the maso-sado stuff in the ring!" Serena countered.
"That's actually accurate," agreed Amy.
"Shit, I'm going to puke," Rei cursed as she lifted her elegant crimson gown and rushed for the bathroom.
The group soon broke up either to go check on Rei or go dance, leaving Mina and Kunzite at the table.
Kunzite looked over each couple in wonder. Never in the thousand years they'd been frozen did he see their lives playing out like this. His sole focus when they got free was vanquishing the Negaverse. And surviving Melaina's wrath...
They had defeated the Negaverse; but Melaina's wrath, that was another story. She knew exactly how to push him past the point of responsibility, of etiquette, of caring. Just as she was doing now, rubbing her leg in between his tights under the covers of the table.
Yanking her up as more school friends headed their way to take pictures, Kunzite pulled her toward the exit. But they never reached it as he pushed her into the unoccupied coatroom near the vestibule, boxed her against the wall, locking her hands above her head.
"I told you to behave yourself tonight if you wanted me to escort you."
"I did. I was… But then Rei's crazy hormones affected mine. And you know how Venusians are around those kinds of hormones. I won't be able to settle down and stop myself from pushing your buttons and enjoying the party in this state."
Shaking his head, he wasted no time shutting her up by kissing her. Mina had become insatiable since they hooked up on the table. He could understand why she had a string of lovers back on Venus with her appetite. But he wasn't complaining. He had a millennium of reserves.
It was too bad they couldn't head up to her hotel room yet... Prom wasn't that important, right? But if they disappeared, the gang would assume they were starting a relationship. Which wasn't the case. They enjoyed themselves but had agreed it wasn't serious. Plus, they made safe partners. No ties, no expectations, no relationship. No need for keeping secrets.
Except, Kunzite realized why he felt comfortable being with her. He was cold, unmoving, set in his ways, and she represented both a challenge to and a break from his rigidity. Mina was the lightness he needed in his life. As stoic as he was, it took something over the top to move him. And Mina's quirkiness and constant character shifts, not to mention persistence, was the only thing that broke through his control.
In those rare moments when he took those walls down, she'd stare at him in puzzlement. Mina wasn't the temptress of old or the blond ditz people assumed she was. No, Mina was truly the perfect embodiment and avatar of her Goddess. Beautiful, intelligent, charming, caring, alluring… The list was endless…
And every day, Kunzite's desire to protect her from the ugliness of life grew against his will. Not to mention the desire to own her. Because he wasn't anywhere ready to look deeper into those needs.
'I guess I was caught in her spell since that first time Milaina cornered me in the Moon Kingdom. Can't say it's as bad as I imagined it to be,' he let a small smirk touch his lips as he devoured her neck, finding and playing all her sensitive spots until his hold was the only thing keeping her up against the wall.
Epilogue
"I'd expect this from your Goddess," raved Rei, fighting a new bout of morning sickness. Completely giving up on helping with the move. "Not from Ares."
"I'm just as surprised as you," shrugged innocently Mina, knowing full well how twisted both Aphrodite and Ares were. "You have only yourself to blame."
"I bet he's bestowed this gift on you because you're taking the chance on each other," cooed Zoisite, hiding behind Amy.
"I'll be sure to punch Ares in the balls to thank him next time we meet," Rei replied with the sweetest false smile.
Gazing down into the looking glass, Aphrodite shook her head disappointedly at Ares as he cupped his balls.
"Told you they wouldn't like your gift," the breathtaking Goddess smirked at the man.
"But everyone loves children! What the bloody hell!?"
"You'd think by now you would have learned something about timing..." her gaze drifted to the ceiling without hope, as she prayed for patience. "Damn you're slow." Pivoting, she glided out of the viewing room.
"Hey, take that back!" the formidable Ares called, running to catch up to her. "Now tell me what to do because getting punched by a Senshi will fucking hurt!"
