The light of the palace had dimmed, everything overall becoming softer by the whims of candle light and the soft ambient glow the entire planet seemed to take on as their day ended. The halls were wide and airy, adorned with intricate pillars and silver lanterns, interesting art work as many castles contained that told stories of their histories. While Kunzite would always and forever prefer Elysium, he had never before seen a more romantic and beautiful atmosphere as he had simply strolling through those candle lit halls, so rich with white marble, sparkling crystal and silver. It gave the palace and almost glittering quality, the way the silver veining of the marble with small flecks of gold flickered in the light while crystal chandeliers and candlesticks shimmered rainbows over intricate marble statues. Of course Endymion and Zoisite weren't his ideal companions for such a romantic stroll, nor the Mauan man that guided them, but their awed gazes and whispers told him that the sentiment was shared.
The glittering crystal and candle-lit ambiance followed them out onto a wide veranda lit by an array of lanterns just above a vast lawn of strange grass coated in diamond dust and silvery white hedges accented by flowers of pink, purple, and blue. Mars was standing triumphantly on the lawn having created an impressively large bonfire, Mercury and Jupiter her audience from the safety of the long table no doubt set to serve the party for dinner. Amusement laced their voices from the distance as they chattered between themselves while all sorts of silver haired men and women set up a buffet that looked as mouth watering as it smelled. Kunzite had completely forgotten the necessity of food until he smelled whatever Heaven was being served since his stomach had taken its time to adjust after the transport. A haunting melody drifted over the air as three string artists played songs he'd never heard off to the side. Strangely, Kunzite kept seeing something shimmering in the rather bright silver evening. Almost like the fireflies of his own planet floating on the air but fainter, more like a fine glitter.
"Some say they are fairies." Kunzite snapped his head in the direction of the voice, greeted by the Queen's molten stare and the Princess' wide smile at her side. Her face was kind, and warm with the most beautiful soft smile. "Truly it's only the moon dust settling, or perhaps a shard of crystal falling from a tree.. could be magic..either way even the air sparkles here."
"Your home is beyond the realms of beauty Your Highness.." Kunzite spoke softly, once more turning to stare out into the soft glow their nights held, drifting over a fantastical garden he was anxious to explore. "a dreamscape of it's own creation."
"Ah, so Earthen Warlords are privy to pretty words. You have an appreciation for the big picture General, more men of War could learn from a man like yourself." She smiled graciously, Kunzite tried not to pay mind to the eyes Endymion and Serenity gave each other beside them as to not draw attention. It was easy enough when you're being stared down by an ethereal Goddess.
"I like to think of myself as more of a man of honor, of loyalty than war. When one has purpose as I do toward my Crown and my people, war becomes increasingly important to avoid." His grey eyes clashed with Endymion's for a second, the Prince's face warmed by his words. Kunzite spoke very little on a good day, only speaking when something important was to be said. "A man will do anything to keep his honor sacred..." Kunzite paused again as Venus emerged from the darkened doorway and onto the terrace with her guardian in tow. The soft silk of her gown, and that corset she'd changed back into glimmered in the dim light. She was radiant, and he found himself short of breath again, ignoring the erratic beat of his heart when her blue eyes met his. He'd almost forgotten to finish his own sentence. "...when he finds such purpose to live for."
"Ah Endymion, you are lucky to have such a man as leader for your Shitennou. His passion explains much about your army's reputations as well." Clearly her focus had shifted to his Prince, her voice gushing and happy. Kunzite shifted on his feet just slightly, watching with his eyes alone as Venus joined the side of Princess Serenity. "Our Venus is nearly devoted to a fault, I'm not sure what my Kingdom would be without her. She is certainly the same to Serenity that General Kunzite appears to be for you." At mention of her name, Venus beamed over at her Queen and Princess with such love on her face, a devotion that mirrored his for the dark haired man at his side. It was a practiced and genuine smile at once, and when Venus glanced at him in passing toward the waiting dining table, Kunzite swore his heart jerked in his chest.
"Kunzite is exactly the leader our Golden Army needed, he keeps me in line as well, but all four of my men are my world Your Highness. There are no better on Earth for certain." He quirked a smile at his Prince when he clapped a hand onto his shoulder and Zoisite's simultaneously. The younger General flushed, bowing to excuse himself no doubt to go talk to the girls at their table seeming uncomfortable in close proximity to a real Goddess. It was also no secret to Kunzite how Zoi felt about their politics, perhaps he'd just had enough for the day though he assumed the Mercurian might have had a thing to do with it. It was rare for Zoisite to have access to someone with such knowledge. He'd feared more than once that he and the other Shitennou weren't exactly academic enough for the caliber of conversation the young General craved.
Politics aside, Queen Serenity was disarming. Where she had been so official and cold earlier he found that she and Princess Serenity were equally just as warm, friendly and sweet with curiosity. He found it hard to think that this arrangement could be so bad, knowing once he was at home to face the cold reality of it all, he'd probably change his tune. There was still so much to consider. Regardless, Princess Serenity was much like her Mother it seemed, the way she laughed or became fascinated by something of their world Endymion explained to her in further depth. Kunzite frowned, grey eyes darting between the three of them while they took part in such light hearted banter. For a Queen that held the Earth at arms length for so long, she was quite welcoming and he couldn't help but think there might be another motive at play.
The evening was brighter here than on Earth, no doubt reflecting light all around them from the pale dust on the ground and crystals hidden in places you would never have thought to look. Now that all parties were present, the Queen ushered them toward the table where the buffet style spread awaited them. The arrangement was surprisingly casual, merely as though a group of friends were meeting for a dinner party than guests at some Royal diplomatic occasion. Queen Serenity explained that the ball was for all that formal nonsense and to please make themselves at home. Kunzite remained baffled by the at sentiment but filed in line with his plate regardless because he felt as though he hadn't eaten in days.
"I'm pretty sure we could solve all of the issues of the Alliance with food." Jupiter winked at him with a kind smile while they filled plates. His brow quirked in mild amusement though he apparently didn't give her the reaction she'd hoped for.
"I don't think it's that easy." Her emerald eyes glittered when she laughed a little, placing some pot roast on his plate for him. Kunzite eyed the dish and raised his brow at her.
"You can solve anything with food if it's good enough." She began to serve herself as well. "Hey I slaved over this roast. You'll just have to trust me that food like this could entice Universal peace." Jupiter was gone with another easy wink, heading back toward the table leaving Kunzite to follow. He decided he was happy to test this lesson in trust when the scent of the dish hit him, and he remembered again that he was starving. Venus was in front of him, tag teaming against Endymion with Princess Serenity, looking more like sisters than ever in that very moment. They laughed at the poor Prince who didn't quite seem to know how to handle himself between the two very playful divine girls who were curious to see if he could balance their dinner plates on his plated pauldrons. Even Kunzite had to admit it made for a rather humorous mental image and hoped they'd make good on their threats to test him.
Kunzite studied all he could of Venus in her natural state, at home where she'd be more comfortable in efforts to understand her complexities. She was certainly more alive, more animated while she spoke casually, seeming to entertain even Zoisite who joined in with more questions about the reports and rumors of her achievements in apprehending some of the less desirables of the Galaxy that she proudly obliged to. This seemed to create unease in the Silver Queen even as she added her comments of praise for Venus' job well done, or a good natured jab that the Venusian was efficient, if not eager. Even among her duties she moved and spoke so freely that it was harder to keep up with conversation with the Queen who was gratefully ready to start their meal, appearing relieved for the change in subject while they all settled into their seats.
He took his place beside her, content to observe while they ate and the wine flowed freely. She was loud, laughing and talking across the table, playing the act well that she'd never met Endymion before let alone given him the fuel he needed to get here to this place. Kunzite could see it though, between bits of conversation and laughter of which there was no shortage between Zoisite's questions and the Queen and Princess simultaneously teasing his Prince. He could see a sadness flicker across her features, or some bit of frustration that appeared so out of place in her and it only fueled his curiosity. He also noted how her arm would sometimes bump his own as they ate and otherwise ignored the other's presence aside from the one or two times their eyes would meet in crossing conversations. Kunzite had even rest his hand on the table a moment to say something of little importance to Zoisite and he could feel her fingers brush against his glove just slightly in her errand to reach for a napkin. He wasn't entirely sure when this little game had begun but it took him off guard enough to nearly make him choke on his wine.
Kunzite ended up speaking to Mars and Jupiter for a time, mostly to keep himself from becoming occupied so much by the Venusian girl beside him, and also get to know the girls his men had become a bit too enamored with. He couldn't blame them, as suspected they were as warm and kind as they were beautiful, and Earth's women couldn't hold a candle to these girls. It was clear there was a bond between them that nearly rivaled he and his Shitennou, competitive with an air of love most blood relations struggled to achieve. Kunzite wasn't a man to place much stock in the validity of fate and yet he couldn't deny there was something at work here that made perhaps too much sense. Jupiter even grew smug when he commended her cooking, unable to lie when he told her it was the best meal he'd ever had.
"Aren't you glad you trusted me now?" She'd asked him while Mercury gushed over how good it was as well. Too easy to see how Nephrite would have become charmed by the Jovian after two meetings. All the same, Kunzite knew once he got home, harsh reality would be what it was and he'd have to work on snuffing their relationships into something more professional and productive. For now he offered the Jovian a toast in response, words falling flat of how wonderful the meal actually was. It wasn't Serenity's four warriors he didn't trust after all, not that he trusted any of them completely.
The Queen said her goodnites once she had her fill of food and conversation, departing from them with a kiss to her daughter's head and leaving the group to the watchful eyes of two Mauan guardians who for the most part had kept their distance. Conversations seemed to group off, of course the Prince and Princess talking quietly while she finished the food left on Endymion's plate. Mercury seemed to relax a little under Zoisite's endless questions, the two were even arguing about something having to do with their method of teleportation and how it worked. Mars and Jupiter seemed to stick together leaving a strange beat of silence between himself and Venus who seemed content to watch them all, her eyes seemed so far away.
Kunzite swallowed a large mouthful of wine for added courage since small talk wasn't exactly his thing, and now that she was so close, it was hard to maintain whatever nerve he had earlier when he promised himself to take advantage of this time they were allowed. He'd never admit it but speaking to anyone so casually often gave him a bit of anxiety kept well concealed beneath his rather stoic demeanor, passing it off for boredom or disinterest. A product of abuse for his inquisitions at a younger age.
"I admit, my expectations have been exceeded." Kunzite commented as the crowd thinned out some in favor for the bonfire on the lawn. He lifted his glass in a small toast to Venus when her head whipped around to look at him, lips tensed in a barely discernible smirk.
"Were they so little?" Her brow was quirked, lips threatening to follow suit. His eyes followed hers over to Mars and Jupiter, seemingly enjoying a private conversation of their own before they headed toward the fire for seemingly more privacy. Kunzite smirked back when she looked at him, sipping his wine with a bit of cheese left on his plate.
"I had none." He leaned back in his chair casually, shifting just slightly toward Venus with his arm hooked over the back. A vicious lie because he had about a billion expectations before they teleported onto this alien planet, all met with the first glimpse of gold in a stark white and silver land. That very moment he was allowed to see her without the cover of night. To see that she was even more than he thought she was, and that he was in fact damned to be so haunted by her even more.
"You appear to be omitting information again General. I refuse to believe you came here with no expectations." Venus shifted in her chair as well, smirking with a light flush on her cheeks from the wine no doubt. Kunzite sought to drown as her blue eyes darted between his grey, both smug with no reason or right to be.
"In present company, I'll only say they were exceeded upon arrival." He tore his gaze away, admiring the relaxed and luxurious scene they made surrounded by food and wine, good music and casual but light conversation. Serenity was currently begging Endymion to dance with her, which he declined surprisingly. He was an exceptional dancer, and the music was fitting. Amusing to him that the Prince should grow so bashful now. He laughed a little in his throat, glancing at the tablecloth a moment before he could resolve himself to look back at her. "We'll just leave it at that."
"For now." She mused, tearing her eyes away to glance toward the Mauan sentinels and downed the rest of the wine in her glass in one drink. Then she locked eyes again, her smile spreading into something that had his heart thudding against his ribcage as though she were appraising him with her dazzling blue eyes, the wine probably having a bit to do with her boldness. It very well could have just been the way she was gauging by her behavior all evening, and it dawned on him that for all their encounters he still knew very little about her. "Are all of the Four Kings so eloquent? I hadn't thought you so capable of speaking the way you did in the meeting earlier."
"The Shitennou are said to be wiser, more powerful than other Earthen beings. Hardly the Legends we are made to be as you know, some of even the Heavenly Four could stand to mind their manners." Venus laughed a little, face lighting up in glorious amusement as she seemed to relax with the memory of Jadeite's rather foolish behavior. "Pleased to prove you wrong I suppose. I hadn't realized you found me so incapable."
"Oh no! It's not that at all!" Venus shifted toward him erratically, waving her hands to dismiss the implication of her previous words, her thigh bumping his in the process and remaining there. "Quite the opposite actually, I find myself admiring you... I mean the way you always seem so sure and steady, certainly stronger than the average man of Earth. But I mean you have to admit you hardly speak, and when you do.."
"I say exactly what I need to say Venus." Kunzite grumbled, frowning at the empty state of his wine glass. He thought he might need something stronger the way she sat, her bare leg exposed through the slit of her gown, thigh pressed against his with big appraising blue eyes boring into him.
"Well what if you WANT to say something? Needing to say something, and wanting to can be equally important General."
"Was there something you wanted to tell me Venus?" He remembered well her careless touches during dinner, their hidden glances during the meeting, all small in comparison to the long tense moments in Elysium's gardens but equally as potent to him. The thought of her response made his heart beat rapidly.
Thankfully Serenity seemed to come to his rescue, demanding her guardian dance with her with an enthusiastic tug of her arm that almost had Venus literally falling into his lap, her hand finding his shoulder if only to steady herself. Kunzite became spellbound when her blue eyes met his, both wide and startled, but she never looked away as Serenity whisked her away toward the lawn dragging a poor stuttering Mercury away from Zoisite as well. He hadn't been able to tear his eyes away if he wanted to.
Endymion and Zoisite joined him in his enrapturement as the three girls pulled Jupiter and Mars to their feet to join them. Their laughter was more carefree than anything he'd heard within the walls of Elysium as they danced together in graceful movements and flowing fabrics. Venus danced with each of them, drifting from one partner to the next in fluid and seductive movements Kunzite was certain might ruin him, her giggles light and harmoniously adding to the lighthearted song playing.
It was here that Kunzite realized that Venus was chaos. How she smiled so brilliantly but seemed so sad. Her harsh command that rivaled her own child-like curiosity and like himself, she seemed to deny herself of his attentions the way he tried in vain to steal himself from hers. Kunzite wondered a brief moment what her chaos would mean to such a grounded man like himself and his stomach churned not from the fear, but the thrill of it. She was an untamed and wild thing where the other girls seemed at least proper, and Venus was the perfect diplomat when she needed to be, rather proper herself. She had been for the most part on her visits into his world, to see her in her own was quite another thing. The woman he watched now, dancing scandalously with Mars was not a thing of propriety.
He thought Zoisite might get a nose bleed when Venus kissed the Martian girl perhaps a bit less chastely than they were used to seeing a woman kiss another. Kunzite wasn't far off from one himself and he hoped his face wasn't nearly as red as the European King's. It was ludicrous, taboo, a distraction he neither wanted or asked for. Emotions were touchy for him to put it mildly, refusing to entertain the notion that real feelings could develop for her. No reason for it other than she was with no doubt the most beautiful, and charming thing he'd ever seen in his life, and perhaps the most forbidden. Common sense told Kunzite that forbidden things often held the most appeal, and Gods there was so much about this girl that was forbidden. He told himself it was a passing thing, an infatuation that if he wasn't careful could land him a date with the Hangman or worse, the guillotine.
He frowned to himself, finding his thoughts winding down darker pathways of late when he told himself he'd enjoy this trip for what it was. Repercussions were to be left to the wayside until he was tucked safe and sound behind the desk in his study back home to plan for whatever supposed progress was about to be made. He glanced at the stars a moment, they'd often caught his attention this evening, appearing so close sometimes he thought he could just reach out and touch one. He thought of Nephrite's premonition, followed by Beryl's darker one, whatever these stars had told him tugged at his mind. Kunzite wasn't prepared to fall, not for anything, or to anyone.
Some very beautiful silver haired women emerged from the double doors out onto the terrace. They held silver platters of cakes and fruit, several delectable sweets and chocolate that Kuznite knew would be Endymion's downfall. It was rare he indulged in such sugary things but if the Prince had a weakness it was certainly chocolate. Zoisite and Endymion both stood, making Kunzite follow suit down toward the lawn to retrieve the girls still dancing and laughing to the music that had yet to cease playing. Endymion was almost swept away to dance by the tiny Princess clad in white, her big blue eyes widening and lighting up at the mention of dessert. Amused eyes watched Serenity drag him back toward the terrace immediately, excitedly chattering about Jupiter's chocolate lava cakes that he simply had to try with any thought of dancing forgotten.
After the roast, Kunzite was inclined to join them with promise of sampling more of the Jovian's food so he could rub it in Nephrite's face later, but that flicker of gold in the firelight held much more promise than sweets. Zoisite offered Mercury his arm, stating he'd very much like to try Jupiter's desserts, joking he might need her water wielding abilities should something as hot as lava be involved. Kunzite almost rolled his eyes, Jupiter and Mars both giggling at him with hushed whispers, falling on the diamond coated grass with exhaustion in front of the fire. Venus stood still, head tilted back toward the sky with her eyes closed, chest heaving with a sheen of sweat on her skin from dancing near the heat of the fire.
Kunzite found himself awkwardly standing alone, Jupiter's amused chuckle snapping him from his daze when he realized they were probably teasing him. A light clear of his throat and sideways glance had them sobering their faces, masking their amusement if only for the moment. Sparkling dust kicked up small clouds under his boots with the few steps toward Venus who remained oblivious to her surroundings and sadly oblivious to him. It was important to him that he let go, knowing he would never be able to know her outside the realms of a partner in arms, a fellow soldier wrapped up in this same mess. Like it or not, Venus was currently orchestrating this whole thing with far more grace than himself since he was on the side without the power. Thankfully her orchestrations seemed to help correct that balance as well.
"Care to walk? I showed you my gardens, it's only fair that you show me yours." Venus turned to face him, still smiling from the dance she shared with her Martian friend, the golden light of the fire hitting her hair and lighting her from behind. It had Kunzite doubting himself already, if it would truly be enough to just know her. Her gaze flickered over toward the Mauans who still mostly sat speaking in private, eyes a glittering blue clearly in consideration of sneaking off.
"That's no fair General, you have no supervision over you in your gardens. I'm afraid mine won't be as forgiving since my Guardian is quite aware of your presence. He may think I've dragged you off to take advantage of you." Kunzite full on raised a brow at this, swallowing hard with an added step in her direction. She grinned mischievously, making it increasingly difficult for him to not consider that notion in further depth.
"A common occurance Princess?" Her eyes took on a dream like quality and shifted back toward the fire with a small laugh in her throat.
"I am known to kiss men with fickle intent. Playful really, but never take advantage." Her sadness stunned him when she turned to face him again. "Amorous as Venusians can be, most of us are harmless really. I know what my nature should be... but it's not, I have kept my virtue."
Kunzite really wanted to bluntly ask her why such a thing would make her sad, but words became lost to him at the implication that she hadn't yet taken a man into her bed. The turn in conversation felt far more forbidden than their stroll through his gardens but he somehow wasn't surprised. For all the books he'd read over the years about the lewd nature of Venus' people, she had always been different. The firelight had the gold within her eyes flickering, drawing him into her with a subconscious step forward. He was fascinated by her free spirit, the loose way she had with her tongue that further solidified she was no Princess. He simply couldn't break free of her. Each time he got the resolve to walk away, she pulled him back in.
"So you haven't bewitched me then?" His grey eyes fell to her full lips, drifting upward to her eyes over the utter perfection of her face.
"Not by any source of magic, no. So I don't know General, have I bewitched you?" Venus tilted her head to gaze up at him, expression either flirtatious or amused, perhaps a mixture of the two.
"No. I suppose not." Kunzite swallowed hard, stepping passed her toward a stone bench not far from the comfort of the blazing fire, surely warmed by it's proximity. He didn't know what else to say to her question because he didn't believe his own words for an instant. She HAD bewitched him somehow. If not by magic then by the grace of something unearthly and dangerous. She was a powerful ally if nothing else, she'd proven that already, and he was no man to pine after a woman. Venus was the most powerful ally of the Alliance itself placing her between them and his own people. He could see how being that bridge would be lonely, the pressure it brought when she shouldn't have been involved with his people at all. Venus was a soldier, she could be nothing more. A sad notion considering all he'd seen of her these past few hours.
"Avoiding questions again General?" She'd followed him, watched the deep exhale Kunzite allowed to escape his lips, a careful hand raking through his silver hair as he took a seat on the bench indeed warmed by the fire. He eyed Venus, her careful approach toward him to take a seat on the other side of the bench. It felt too small, their shoulders nearly touching.
"I simply didn't find it appropriate to engage in conversations about such intimate things. Forget I said anything." Kunzite avoided further explanation around any bit of their initial conversation, his grey eyes flickering through the tall flames of the fire to the Mauan's sitting on the stone steps of the terrace enjoying what appeared to be parfaits. Kunzite still didn't miss the antsy demeanor of Artemis, how his gaze would shift toward them in varying intervals.
"Didn't find it appropriate or do you just not understand?" His lips tensed in annoyance, wishing she'd just drop it. Venus shifted toward him as much as the small bench would allow. Kunzite had to try very hard to not pay any mind to how her leg became completely exposed from the hip down, and Venus didn't even seem to notice.
"Both." He grumbled, eyes falling flat with sudden need to get away from her for more reasons than he was comfortable with.
"Well you for instance... your rather sordid reputation with women. You may act as you please, take lovers as Venusians call it." He frowned, sighing tiredly when Venus didn't seem to want to let up on the conversation. Grey eyes shifted down at her without the courtesy of moving his head, lips tensed while she gazed up at him, blue eyes wide and curious.
"I don't love those women." He remarked, trying to pay more attention to how the diamond dust in the grasses shifted and stuck to the black leather of his boot than her unflawed skin bared so close to him that her bare leg nearly touched his. Kunzite cursed the realization of why these things might make her sad, the clarity of it all so obvious the way she spoke.
"On Venus when you take a lover it can be a casual occasion, or a repeated one with no emotional bonds. Love isn't limited to binding relations General, love is love and you can feel it for a moment or it can last eternities if it is powerful enough, and there is no power greater than that of true love. As a Venusian, relationships of all kinds are essential to our need for mental or physical stimulation. We are selective of who we allow close to us because toxic relations have no place in our lives, we have a need to feel love of some kind to thrive. Based on my roles here I have limited myself to kisses. Sometimes ardent touches but nothing beyond that."
Kunzite stared at her, Gods he knew he was staring but she hardly seemed real the way she spoke to him so casually, as though she'd known him forever. Even so they took turns keeping an eye on the people around them as though they were doing something wrong or engaging in more than conversation. It almost felt natural that way, her explanations further solidifying that Kunzite knew exactly why she acted the way she did.
"You kiss men to feel something." It became painfully obvious how close she sat to him, her own sadness stifling to him as though she knew he understood. Venus was lonely. For all the beautiful friends she had, her soldiers and the Princess she clearly loved more than life itself, she was lonely. Kunzite had such a conversation with Jadeite about this, a late night over too much bourbon about how nothing felt right, no matter how many women they entertained in their beds. That feeling Zara had told Kunzite he'd get never came, there was never anyone he loved more than Endymion. There was no one to make him question his resolutions against love or make it seem possible that he could have the real love of a woman in tandem with his loyalty to the crown. No woman alive to make him want her, and only her for the rest of his life. And then she spoke.
"Yes." Her voice was barely a whisper, her gold laced eyes locked onto his mouth and simply seething with a longing he tried not to feel tighten in his chest. Quickly coming back to reality himself, he watched her snap out of it, hands waving dramatically. "I mean Venusians aren't just a bunch of attention mongering, sex crazed people, we can LIVE without affection...Lips to my people are mostly a sensory organ used to speak intentions only we can feel and taste those intentions, the emotion behind them. Touch is almost a secondary requirement even if a kiss is a form of it." Kunzite could feel it again, stringing tighter between them and he knew they needed to be more careful now with such audiences that he not become so enamored by her or addicted to the tension he could physically feel.
"I would have never accused you to be such a thing. I think your status has been made something of a public affair. Odd considering who you are." Kunzite leaned back on his hands, hooking his fingers under the warmed bench finding his arm pressing against hers. He watched Jupiter and Mars a moment, sitting not far from them talking having been joined by Zoisite and Mercury. It was tragic really, her status to be this larger than life initiative to peace. No more tragic he assumed than his own internal battles against this tight grip Venus seemed to have on his thoughts. "I knew such intimacies were held sacred by the people of Venus. In my lands, love was more about possession, keeping women be it many wives or concubines separate in haremlik. It was said to be a sacred space but how many wives you hold often spoke of status."
"I don't think it's so odd. I was born to purpose, same as you General. Steps were only taken to shift some of those more distracting qualities in me toward that purpose." Venus laughed softly to herself. "I don't know how well it's worked since I still find myself wondering how things ended up the way they did. You seem to deny your own culture... you are older than I, far past marrying age. Do you have many wives?" Kunzite almost laughed, refraining of course because he found his restraint comforting, and stronger than ever now that she graced his life with so many challenges. Some professional and others certainly not.
"No. No wives. I find it gluttonous and disgusting. Women aren't things to collect but free creatures to come and go as they please. Fitting since men of my planet seem to do the same regardless of region. Of course not all look at women as equals but the weaker of our kind. Perhaps sometimes weaker in body but I have known strong minded women." He frowned, watching her lift her face toward the stars, brows furrowed in thoughts that looked almost painful. "Do you not find it odd that so many people fought to suppress the very nature of who you are?" Kunzite raised his brow, knowing he shouldn't speak so freely given some of those very people stood mere meters from where they sat, but it was insanity to him. They used a divine birth to manufacture something of their own design, and she seemed to have no problem being the product of it. But she did... and Kunzite could see it.
"Women are held in places of power in our Alliance obviously, I understand it isn't so on your world." He watched her profile silently, her eyes seeking solace in the flames in front of them. "You are a rare man of your planet to feel that way...I guess you had no more say in your own status than I had in mine. I..." She trailed off. It was there, pain flickered in her eyes a second before determination took over as though she delivered herself some self affirming advice. Kunzite found himself glad they were unable to forge her completely. Anyone could see that Venus had fallen into her duties with a grace all her own. It was present in her every interaction that evening, further complicating the puzzle of this girl that only frustrated him with no real reason for it.
"You seem to have a grasp on your duties, you wear them well." That frustration read well on his features more than likely, his face often needing deliverance from his self inflicted irritations. Kunzite shifted, trying to shift a little further away on the bench to no avail. It seemed to amuse her, though she regained composure and shifted back against the bench. Even so, he noted how she leaned ever so slightly against his arm, and remembered the Venusian's crave for touch. He swallowed hard, having such cravings himself though they had been less than innocent most of the time, and yet there was no scandal in it. Kunzite simply wanted to know her in ways he seldom wanted to know anyone, and it was infuriating.
"What about you? For all your reputations... has there been no one?" His face fell somewhat, watching the flames seem to lick the sky with effort to set the night on fire.
"No." Kunzite studied her face a moment then, before he stared back into the fire. It reminded him of home for some reason, maybe the dry warmth of it, or the company. Venus reminded him somewhat of Zara. A passionate woman, loving in her own way but fiercely independent. No one understood how years later he still mourned that old woman. That he should have written her, or taken that God forsaken trip back home to see her at least once more. "Well... there was a woman..."
"Oh?" Kunzite almost laughed at the utter acid behind the girl's voice, telling himself it was vanity that she sounded almost jealous.
"Not that kind of woman... she raised me." He took a deep breath, shifting his weight some on the arms he supported himself on that touched hers. She was warm, her scent offering him some comfort when he was feeling that sorrowful ache in his chest. "She was already too frail to join me in Elysium when I was summoned. I told myself I had time...and I scarcely wrote her before..."
"I'm sorry." Venus whispered, her apology cutting him off when it seemed he might get emotional. Kunzite was grateful, the girl seemed to understand him better than most and it made him long for her presence more, which also meant he found it highly alarming.
"No... I should be sorry. I am from Earth, and I'm on the Moon of all places gifted such hospitality and beautiful company. I should be thinking of happier times. It's just that death is the hardest part of life for Terrans...You never really get over it, it just becomes part of you."
"And you deny that what we are doing won't save your people from feeling the sadness you feel now?" Venus whispered, seeming to gauge the small party of their comrades gathered on the grass nearby the fire. "Did you tell her?"
"Did I tell her what?"
"That you love her?" He hadn't. Kunzite never said those words to anyone. Endymion hadn't had the courtesy of hearing those words of him and he loved that man more than the breath in his lungs. He always just assumed he knew. It broke his heart all over again, that he left Zara to die alone in that big sandy house. That she never knew just how important she was to him, that she was still just as important to him now. "She knew.. if you told her or not. People show love in a lot of ways. She knew."
Kunzite swallowed hard, feeling her smaller hand warm on top of his glove. It somehow meant more to him that it was the Goddess of Love herself to affirm his fears were in fact wrong. There was something in her eyes when he snapped his gaze to hers, somewhat surprised she was already watching him, but Kunzite fell lost to it, ready to drown if she'd let him. They were careless though, to be so stupid to stare into each other like that, for her to touch his hand, and lean into his arm the way she did was risky enough with the guarding Mauans and their group of friends laughing so nearby on the lawn. There was a want in her eyes, Kunzite was unsure of how to read it but whatever it was, he knew it wasn't his place to give it to her. The moment passed gratefully, her hand leaving his and Venus tore her gaze away for the sake of checking on Serenity.
"Her name was Zara...I think she very much would have liked you." He admitted, telling the truth really. He could almost picture the two lecturing him over something he'd said or done until he felt about a foot tall. He almost laughed at the scene they would have made, unsure if his temper would have had the capacity to bear the weight.
"Would you tell me about her?" Kunzite actually smiled a little, his lips growing fond with memory and he leaned into her arm just a little bit more.
"She was a slave. My father bought her when she was young and still beautiful... but he was cruel and mutilated her, marked her as his own so she would never be allowed to marry or see her family again." Venus' eyes were wide, Kunzite winced a little and his lips pursed into a tense line. "My countries were brutal lands you understand, Earth gained its reputation somehow and I fear my lands were partially to blame. My Father was a horrid Sultan, and worse human, which is why I took such strides to reverse the damage he'd done." Venus nodded, clearly wanting to ask questions, he could see them aching to escape her own tensed lips.
"That's... so sad.."
He'd just parted his lips to speak when beyond the fire, he could see Artemis striding hastily toward them, interrupting his thought. Kunzite sat up, his face becoming that hardened stoic mask once more at his approach. Clearly while everyone else had enjoyed dessert they'd taken perhaps a bit too much time in private conversation.
"Venus. Your shift is beginning soon, you'll want to change and begin your rounds." He didn't miss the hostility in his too green eyes, that air of a father protecting his daughter. Of course after her admission of rather playful kisses and touches made him wonder who Artemis was exactly protecting. Perhaps it was that age old disdain people of his status seemed to have toward Earthen people, either way the sentiment was taken and Venus did little to hide the anger behind her eyes.
"Forgive me General, I've appreciated your time. We'll hopefully be allowed to speak again before your departure." Her eyes were sadder now, full of promise and longing that Kunzite swallowed down hard in his politely offered nod. Venus shifted rapidly, her once soft and almost pleading blue eyes rapidly turning hostile when they directed back to her Guardian.
"Thank you again Lady Venus. Please extend our gratitude to your Queen as well, this evening was beautiful." He stood, offering a polite shallow bow before Kunzite strode toward Endymion who was still sitting on the lawn talking with Serenity, Jupiter and Mars. Zoisite and Mercury were curiously absent. "I'll be turning in for the night Endymion. I suggest you do the same soon, our meeting is quite early tomorrow." He didn't wait for his response, simply entered the palace and retraced their steps back the way they came, ignoring the romantic splendor the evening brought with a tensed frown.
Kunzite sat on his balcony staring up at Earth. It had been a very long time since he indulged like this but the bottle he had shared with Endymion earlier was still plenty full, and he sought to get drunk. The wine had been too sweet, too weak earlier to do much for him, but his bourbon was plenty strong. It was the only way he could currently think to deal with how much he liked and distrusted the Moon Goddess simultaneously, or the prejudice against his people he'd now experienced first hand, and gods the utter turmoil of Venus. Certainly there were more pressing matters on their own planet he should have been more concerned by.
Kunzite was left frustrated to say the least, having opened up only just slightly in hopes she'd be able to do the same before they were interrupted. He hadn't counted on her duties for the evening, but regardless he knocked back a long drink, sitting on one of the stone benches on his balcony with his back rest against outer wall. Clouds of his home swirling hypnotically over Earth left him content to stop thinking entirely.
The castle grew quiet, he knew it was late but the alcohol still burned in his veins and he lay in bed later unable to sleep. The atmosphere was too thin, his mind raced too much, and the bed was unfamiliar though not uncomfortable. Kunzite didn't bother to strap his sword to his hip or reattach his cape, he wouldn't need it at this hour along with those Goddess forsaken gloves. He walked quietly into the hall, pausing at the stairs that he knew lead up to her bedroom and wondered if she too was still awake. He'd walked up to the top of the pillar lined hall to see a vast balcony just at the top of the stairs, peering down the hall to a familiar set up. There were four doors but only one on the far side and three down the other with a huge library at the very opposite end of the hall. A fire was lit in there and he could hear Zoisite's hushed voice followed by a soft lilting one that he assumed was Mercury. The wing stood out by itself, lined with long balconies he noticed, forming a courtyard that faced where the inner sanctum was. Smart- so the Senshi's windows could face the royal's for security without violating privacy.
Kunzite headed back down the stairs, walking the halls like a phantom to see what each monochromatic room held. The palace was beautiful, for what it lacked in color it made up for in grandeur and intricate stone and crystal work. His mood darkened from his conversation with Endymion, the question of happiness and all that went with it. The only happiness he'd truly known was coming to Elysium, meeting the Shitennou and Endymion. His new family, his purpose. A purpose he was damn good at despite the various bad reputations he'd earned in the process.
He found the ballroom, stepping into its elegant grandeur as it was already decorated for a party. Gold plates and decorations in their honor. Kunzite had heard rumors of the impressive Moon Gala's and celebrations but in person he'd never seen so much wealth and utter elegance despite the darkness that no doubt covered some of it up. He stepped out onto a grand terrace attached through huge glass doors, disappointed when the air was thin and the breeze was artificial. He missed the fresh air of Earth and Kunzite couldn't tell if it was the alcohol buzzing through his system or if the Moon Kingdom seemed to glow softer under the cover of nightfall's late hour.
He would have missed the heavy damp air of his home more, but a flash of gold caught his attention and air became unnecessary. She was so easy to catch on this landscape of silver, dressed still in her gold dress and corset she'd greeted him in, her pale skin flashing with the gold of her gladiator sandals when her legs would emerge from the high slits in her gown. Venus was clearly on patrols with that harsh gait she held that allowed her dress to float around her in more lively ripples of silk. Ethereal was the only word he could find to describe her, all gold in a world of silver, unreal like she almost didn't belong there. He dared think her wild and erotic beauty was far more suited for the Elysian Kingdom of Gold- but again that was probably the drink talking. He frowned, his brain and body both straining itself and stretching against his alcohol laced self control. Kunzite's stare followed her across the lawn, watching her disappear in the distance, though something told him he would see her again soon.
"Can't sleep General?" Her voice was beside him before he could register it, leaning her elbows against the railing and peering out over the grounds she guarded. He shifted his eyes to her, not daring to move his head or he'd drown in rivers of gold. Her light floral scent invaded his senses and it was so much more potent without the fragrant air of his gardens and Kunzite could better pick out the notes of oranges and something like lillies or honeysuckle. Kunzite was most afraid he would drown in the pools of her big sad eyes, twisting something inside of him that had him praying he wouldn't be ill. Like he needed a reminder that she was caring, and understanding, and so utterly forbidden.
"I guess it's the shift in the atmosphere." He muttered, uncaring that his tone was bored and seemingly uninterested. He wished she'd go away, leave him to his miserable thoughts and fantasies the late hour often brought. For obvious reasons, it was easier to think when she wasn't around and Kunzite desperately needed to escape. To free himself of fascination, to find a way out of whatever arrangements might happen, to return life to what it was. But could he? Knowing she was up here in this land of white and silver, damned to a loveless life when she all but told him she needed that to survive? Like there was a thing he could do, and the alcohol clouding him helped nothing to sort his erratic and irrational thoughts. Venus mumbled an agreement that came out more like a hum as though she might sing. Her voice suggested she would have a glorious singing voice, and he almost asked her to accept he really needed her to go away.
"Today went well I think.. Queen Serenity was very pleased with the proactive moves on Endymion's part. She might even agree to the joining of Kingdom's through marriage eventually..." He shifted his pale grey stare back down to her she was bent down, peering between her arms at her sandal clad feet, her hair falling to block his view of her face by a thick curtain of her gold hair. Kunzite frowned then. It was unbearable to be in her presence, a sweet and addicting misery that was made torture by being in her presence and not seeing her face. It was frustrating beyond reason to want someone to leave you alone and yet be devastated by their absence. "Look, I need to apologize for Arte-"
"You never got to tell me your name." He finally looked at her, she'd lifted her head but her eyes were hard and staring over the grounds looking anywhere but back at him. Her lips tightened to a straight line and her brows were furrowed. Kunzite recognized that face all too well, it was his face when his soldiers looked at him. Hard, cold, and unfeeling. He would have been offended, but earlier before he'd clouded his mind with the sweet numbing nectar that pulsed through his blood, he'd tried to make conversation with her Mauan guardian. Artemis had been the perfect gentleman of course, the very image of diplomacy when he asked questions about the Sailor Guardians and obliged with answers to his questions about the Shitennou. They ended up having tea after Kunzite apologized for his blatant staring, he'd just never seen beings like him and his wife before. This was of course before that very Mauan interrupted their conversation after dinner with far less grace.
He'd specifically remembered to ask about the meanings of the Senshi's names- why they merely went by the names of their planets. Sure he and his men were named for stones from their regions but their place of origin was merely a part of their titles. Artemis explained that as a sign of their loyalty to the Silver Millenium, their given names would be forfeit to represent their planets of origin. Kunzite thought it was arrogant bullshit, but had accepted the explanation with the perfect air of a gentleman. Except with her. The very second that Artemis finished the explanation he was no longer just interested to know it but obsessed. It was cruel, to lift up someone to be some Goddess-like symbol of Love and yet deny her of it. To strip her very identity from her and have the audacity to say it was a proud honor in the name of her people. Maybe it was an honor for them- if so why did she look so sad always? Kunzite wondered if he looked this way to his men, mostly he knew that on a normal day he just looked bored. Or pissed.
"You may refer to me as Venus. My name is of no consequence Gener-"
"My name is Kunzite." He interrupted with some poor attempt to break the tension. He didn't understand why she just wouldn't tell him that he wasn't to know it. "There is no need to be so formal at two in the morning when both of our worlds and their rulers sleep." The urge to kiss her. That urge that had almost won over his steely nerves last he saw her was stifling when her eyes met his. He traced her long lashes with his eyes, the slope of her lightly freckle spattered nose and soft pink lips. Her neck was long and graceful and his intoxicated state allowed him to appreciate the generous and appealing swell of her breasts. Her corset fell beneath her bust in solid gold and the lace like patterns carved into it glittered in the dim light.
"I am no mere girl you can simply lure to your bed General. Don't forget that I know your reputations." His heart skipped at her playful smirk and she nudged his side for good measure. It made him smile when Venus finally dropped her carefully placed and closed off facade. They weren't strangers by any means now, forged from duty and locked together in forbidden activities that they'd stop if given the first chance of course. But he had a respect for the Venusian that he didn't have for most men. He didn't have to fight her to know she was a warrior, a fighter to the core.
"I wouldn't dare accuse you of being some mere girl Venus," He leaned on one elbow, turning slightly to face her better. "As I mentioned, people like us aren't afforded the luxury of falling in love and building lasting lives with our intended. As a soldier I wouldn't place the burden of my busy schedule, or the thought that I may never come home to our children, or a woman I may or may not even love. It is easier to relish a woman for a night of pleasure than a lifetime of worry."
"You restrain your happiness because you feel like your love is a burden?" Her brow raised, and Kunzite knew he was probably about to get a lecture about love from the young Goddess so he'd have to tread lightly. He'd never been a big believer in love, not that it didn't exist but that it was as rare as the golden pearl.
"Your Mother hears the prayers of every Terran on that planet to guide them to the other half of their soul. I have only ever asked for guidance on how a woman would fit at my side on the front lines of war. Or beside me as I guard Endymion during diplomatic occasions where a sniper strings his bow and I must shield him from the arrow. Or as I wander night after night across Elysian's grounds to find a poacher or assassin seeking to cause the royal family harm. Need I go on Venus?" He gave her a smirk, hoping it made sense. As Kunzite grew older, he knew his body would one day quit on him. He was supposed to bear a son- someone to take his place for the throne's next generation. He hoped Endymion would take up the Golden Crystal, but for Earth's own benefit. It would grant them long lives like the Senshi and he'd never have to leave Endymion's side for the cold claws of death. If war or illness didn't take him first.
"At least you are allowed to love if you wanted. I think your Prince would be happy to be rid of you for a moment." They both fell amused as it was probably true. "You also have three other capable men who would do all of those things for you, as well as Endymion. If a woman cannot love you through all of that and stand proudly at your side then she is no woman. Not one worthy of a King's affections." An adorable light flush crossed the bridge of her nose and she toyed with her hair sheepishly. Her words struck him, as no one had ever vocalized that his so called affections were worthy of much more than his body or the social status his title offered, and no one referenced him as a King anymore. He'd been ok with it until she said it that way, he felt uneasy with the notion that her words insinuated more than just a boost of confidence for his ego.
"You speak as though you are forbidden to love, that seems absurd." He raised his brow, knowing full well that he had read this somewhere, and Artemis confirmed it earlier. But would Venus herself reveal her emotions on the matter. It was after all absurd.
"I may fall in love- I just cannot be married. I just do not see a point in hurting myself that way. I am Venusian and when we fall in love... " Kunzite was met with those eyes when she finally looked at him. Those sad, too blue eyes. She seemed to struggle with words a moment, seeking to choke him with longing that had his fists clenching at his sides. "it's absolute. When it's truly love, we love with everything we are. Body and soul."
He wished there were words for the kind of beautiful that she was. Something so precious and rare that no man could fathom earning her affection. Something so wild he doubted there was a man in existence to tame her, and what a shame it would be to tame such a woman that was far more soldier than Princess. The beat between them was so heavy it was suffocating, a few seconds of gazing at her soft lips and longing eyes had him positively maddened. He became enraptured by the way the light hit her cheek and the gleam of her hair that looked like fine spun satin. He'd touched it once, thick and soft in his fingers but he'd never allowed more than the back of his hand to move it from her face. She turned from him suddenly, lowering her head to look at her hands on the railing, obstructing his view of her almost completely.
"The meeting is early.. you really should try to rest." She spoke softly behind her gold curtain and before he could think, he was pulling it away from her face. His fingers laced in it, thick and smooth when he pulled it behind her shoulder.
"It is you that seems to be averting questions tonight my Lady. I had hoped we could speak more..." She'd often made fun of him, his ability to get out of speaking on any subject he didn't want to discuss. It was a form of near flirtation for him, as well as escaping items he should not, or would not speak on. One of his finer talents.
"I'm afraid your questions are difficult for me to answer." Her voice faded, his fingers that had graced the luxury of her hair now trailed the smooth slope of her arm. Gods he wanted to wrap his fingers around it, pull her to him and kiss away the worry in her eyes. His logical side would always win to these silly wants- he saved those wants for the loose women of taverns and stupid young girls who sought to gain status. Those silly wants were for trivial things that didn't matter. His logical side told him to run- that Venus was no trivial matter. That she in fact was a want he shouldn't have. Any further action a drunken mistake he'd pay dearly for later. "I'd very much like to talk more... but given the hour..."
"Matters of the heart I understand the strain of discussing, but your name is hardly a difficult question my Princess." His hand found hers on the way down her arm, it was warm and small in his own. Soft but there were telling light calluses on her palm and he wondered if she could wield a sword. Her eyes were wide as though she knew how badly his body ached for her. The way her very appearance made men mad with desire and yet it was different for him. She was everything he could never have, that no man would ever touch. Venus was a challenge in every way and he could not control it the way he could control everything else which was maddening. He wondered as he lifted her hand to his lips, the way her breath caught when they touched and perhaps lingered too long to be appropriate so he could inhale her skin and relish the warmth, if his ironclad resolve could withstand the wrath of her. "Goodnight Venus."
Kunzite hesitated in releasing her hand, Venus seemed dumbstruck by his actions and he couldn't blame her. It was wrath- her beauty, her wild nature, her kindness, her wit, her utter fascination with everything, the way she hid behind practiced smiles and acted so calm when he could see her sadness. He frowned on the way back to his room, his body reacting in ways his mind knew was not acceptable. He didn't love her, it was lust- pure and simple. Lust brought out by the alcohol he'd told himself once more he should cut back on. By now he felt completely sober, it was easier to blame that than admit that she'd dented his armor in ways no one ever had. Not even Endymion.
Kunzite ripped and clawed at his own clothes on the way to the lush bathroom in his rooms where he cranked the cold water and stepped in. Venus was hazardous to his health, he decided, the need to stay away becoming not an item up for negotiation. It took way too much effort to calm his body down before he could fall asleep, seeing red at his own stupidity. If he could just get through the next two days...Serenity and Endymion's foolish, but very real love affair was to blame, and all they could do now was try to see it through. Venus was a soldier, nothing more. It would just have to be enough.