Chapter 6

The Chess Game III

I could not believe how antsy I was. I had no reason to be antsy. No reason whatsoever. Yet there I was, sitting on the edge of my bed, clutching the sheets to keep myself from springing up and pacing.

I had not seen her all day. Mother had taken her soon after breakfast, claiming that Serenity needed a new wardrobe. I emphasize heavily on the word needed. Mother was obsessed with clothing and I was pretty sure she had dragged Serenity to every single tailor and seamstress in the kingdom as well as every type of accessory shop available. I felt pity for Serenity, since I knew how tiring it was to go shopping with my mother.

Now it was evening though. Everything outside was wrapped in darkness. The warm fire crackled in the hearth, giving the room a warm, cozy feeling, which was just what I was going for. She was supposed to be coming soon, and everything had to be just right. I had a small table set up next to each chair by the fire with wine and small snacks. The chess board was already set up and I had made sure there was enough wood in the room to keep the fire going all night if the need arose.

Now all I had to do was wait.

No longer able to sit still, I got up and started to pace the room. Why was I so nervous? If I could have answered that question, I would have been a very happy man. It was not like me to be nervous and high strung. It wasn't as if something monumental was going to happen. We would simply enjoy a few games of chess, exchange conversation, and I would set my plan in motion. There was nothing to be nervous about. Even if the plan didn't work, so what? I would try something different. It really didn't matter all that much, it couldn't. Could it? No, of course not, it was not going to change the world. "Endy--?" If things didn't work out then they simply would not, end of story, there would be something else I'd be able to do. "Endy?" Of course it would be nice if it did work, since it would make life a whole lot easier and perhaps be the first step in--

"Endy!"

I stopped pacing and looked to the door. My breath caught in my throat as my eyes fell upon a vision of utter beauty. She was standing there in the open doorway with moonbeams filtering in from behind her, giving her a silver glow...

--It had to work.

"Usagi...I'm sorry, I didn't hear you open the door," I explained, walking over to her.

She smiled. "You seemed to be deep in though. I called you three times before you finally heard me."

I gestured for her to enter before closing the door behind her. I led her to the chess table and motioned for her to take a seat in one of the over stuffed chairs. She sat down, smoothing out her skirt over her knees. The pale pink fabric showed off every curve on her body and I had to look away before she caught me staring at her. I lowered myself into the chair opposite to her.

"Your mother took me all over the city today to get some new dresses. I've never seen so many colors all at once in my life." She fingered the delicate fabric and looked up at me. "What do you think?" she asked a little hesitantly.

"Beautiful," I murmured.

She smiled. "I loved the fabric."

I gave her a lopsided smile. "I wasn't referring to the dress."

I could see her blush as she blinked at me in surprise. "Th-thank you," she stuttered. Her gaze dropped down to the chess board and I could see her hands fidgeting. I gave a gentle tug on the heart string, enjoying how she took in a sharp breath at the action.

"Shall we play?" I asked.

Usagi nodded. "Yes, you can start."

Thus, the game began. It took about ten minutes before she finally dared look at me again and it wasn't until nearly the end of the game that she was finally relaxed again. I managed to defeat her, though not by much. When her king fell, she leaned back in her chair, a smile plastered to her face."That was fun," she chirped.

I nodded. "Mmhmm." I pointed to the table beside her chair. "I didn't know when you and mother had dinner, so I made sure there was something for you to eat and drink."

Serenity giggled as she picked up a small wedge of cheese. "Your mother must have had me sample every kind of food your kingdom has to offer. Every two minutes she would have the carriage stopped and have one of the guards go and purchase something." She started to nibble at the cheese slowly. "I didn't mind though," she added with a smile.

I chuckled as I took the wine glass and sipped from it. "I know that I enjoyed the food on the Moon when we were there. It was different, but equally good."

Usagi sighed in contentment as she finished off the wedge. "But the food here is so...heavenly."

I smiled. "Well, shall we have another game?" Usagi nodded eagerly and we set up the table again.

"Do you mind if I ask you something?" I inquired as she moved out her pawn.

"No, not at all."

"What is it that you don't like about Alan." I could see her tense slightly at the name, but the game continued.

"I don't know what it is about him," she replied as I brought out my knight. "The first time I saw him I didn't like the way he was looking at me. I don't know what it is, maybe I'm just paranoid." She moved her pawn to block my knights next move.

"You like Motoki though," I pointed out.

"Yes, I do. Motoki is ver nice and knows how to keep his distance." She frowned as I brought out my other knight.

"You can trust Motoki," I told her. "He is a good friend of mine and he has great respect for you. He wouldn't try to do anything to make you uncomfortable."

Usagi nodded as she moved her bishop. "Thank you for the reassurance."

"Have you had any other problems since our arrival?"

"No, not really. Everyone is very kind to me," she answered. I had noticed a slight pause, though, before she answered me.

"If there is anything that ever bothers you, all you have to do is tell me," I said gently.

She smiled at me. "I know. Thank you. Check."

I moved a pawn to block her queen. The rest of the game we played out in silence, with her finally cornering my king. "Checkmate!" she said triumphantly as I knocked my king over.

I smiled as leaned back and took another sip of wine. It was time.

"How about for the next game we make a wager, just to make it more interesting," I suggested.

Usagi's eyebrows rose. "A wager?" she asked, her attention obviously caught. "What kind of wager?"

"Just an innocent wager," I replied nonchalantly, setting the wine goblet back on the table. "What would you like me to do if you won?"

Usagi pondered for a moment. "I don't know," she finally said. "What would you do?"

I rubbed my chin. "I can't decide that for you."

I watched as her mouth twisted into a pout. "Well I really don't know," she said.

I chuckled. "How about once the game is over the victor can choose his or her spoils."

Usagi considered this for a moment."Fine, but it can't be something that would be completely embarrassing or life threatening."

"Deal," I replied, and we began setting up the board. The two armies faced each other, and almost without warning, the battle began. "So, you enjoyed the afternoon with my mother?" I asked casually.

"Shh," she replied. "I'm concentrating."

I chuckled. "Are you really that scared that I'll beat you?" I teased.

A mischievous smile lit her face. "No. I just need to figure out how to make this quick and painful for you, since the stakes are higher than ever before."

I laughed. "Well you just keep concentrating then. You're going to need a lot of it if you're wanting to try and humiliate me." I couldn't help but laugh again as she stuck her tongue out at me, then resumed 'concentrating.'

The battle wore on. I could almost feel the warriors growing fatigued with the passing time. I refused to give up though, and Usagi didn't look like she was willing to step down either. It took her a full forty five minutes to get me into check, one which was too tight for my liking. I managed to escape though and bring her into check myself, but she evaded me.

Finally, at long last, after an hour of battle, the king fell. He lay there on the chess board, face down, completely still. "Checkmate." Victory was mine.

We both let out our breaths in a big whoosh as we sat back in our seats. "That was intense," Usagi squeaked out. "I think I strained my brain on that one."

I nodded. "Me too. That was very long."

Usagi stared at me. "So, my Lord, what will be your spoils?"

I smiled. "I'll tell you a little later," I replied, chuckling when she started to pout again. Before she could voice any protests, and glanced at the chess table. "So what do you think? Do our brains deserve a break for a little while?"

Usagi nodded, the pout dropping from her face. "Yes, please. That was a defeat I do not wish to repeat. I need a break."

I nodded and stood. I easily picked up the small table and moved it off the rug. Then, rather than sitting in my chair, I sat down on the rug in front of the fire place, leaning back on my hands and stretching out my leg. Serenity stared at me for a few seconds before smiling and sitting down on the ground too, wrapping her arms around her knees to keep herself upright.

"Do you like it here?" I asked suddenly. She glanced at me, then looked back into the dancing flames.

"Why do you ask?" she inquired.

"Can't I just be curious?"

"I suppose...yes, I do like it here, but I miss home." She paused and gave a small sigh. "Everything is so new here, I feel a little overwhelmed."

"Well, you certainly look like your adapting well."

She smiled. "I'm happy that I've met Naru and Anne. They are both really nice, and they make me feel welcome here." She glanced at me again. "I'm also glad I have you and Motoki to keep me company, as well as Luna."

"We all enjoy your company," I said softly. "You are a very unique person, Usagi."

She smiled. "I try to be cheerful. I just like seeing people happy."

"I want to see you happy," I stated. "You have not looked too happy since...our wedding."

Usagi frowned slightly. "I'm still getting used to things, that's all," she responded, although I could hear an underlaying sadness in her words. There were a few moments of silence. Usagi perked up suddenly. "So, what do you want me to do, since you won that last game."

A smile touched the corners of my lips. It was time to begin. "I want you to do something, something that you might find a little difficult to do, but not impossible."

Tilting her head, she gave me a confused look. "What?"

"I want you to move a bit closer to me--" I motioned to a spot almost right next to me. "--don't worry, I promise I won't touch you." Usagi looked at me hesitantly, then slid herself closer, resting her weight on her hip so her legs were stretched out next to her. She leaned all her weight on one arm, draping the other across her stomach.

"Is that all?" she asked.

I glanced down at the rug, then back up at her. Her eyes were dancing with amusement and curiosity, and I was very tempted to reach out and bring her to me. Of course, I didn't.

"No, that's not all," I replied. I swallowed, surprised how hard it was to speak all of a sudden. Why was I so nervous again? "I want you to--" I swallowed again. "--I want you to touch me."

There was silence. Neither one of us moved, spoke, or even breathed I think. Finally, Usagi's lips parted. "Endy, I don't think--"

"Usagi, please," I whispered, cutting her off. "I promise I won't try and touch you. I won't move at all, you have my word. All I want for you to do is put your hand on my face and keep it there for a few seconds, without fear that I'm going to jump on you and hurt you."

I watched as she chewed on her bottom lip, trying to hide the trembling. She turned her head and stared into the fire, contemplating what she should do. "You won't move at all?" she asked.

"Not unless you wish it."

"Close your eyes then," she whispered.

"Pardon?" I asked, not sure why she had made such a request.

"Close. Your. Eyes," she repeated. "I don't want you watching me."

"As you wish," I said, still unsure why she wanted me to have my eyes closed. I did comply with the request though. For several moments there was no sound except the crackling fire. I kept my eyes closed though and waited patiently. Finally, I heard the sound of rustling fabric, and I could feel her moving closer. I mentally checked our thread, and I felt it getting shorter, so I knew she was coming closer. I could her breathing, deeper than it usually was. The smell of lilacs and vanilla suddenly enveloped my senses, causing my whole body to quiver with anticipation. She was so close, I could feel it.

At first, physically, I felt nothing. I still waited though, and then I felt warmth radiating to my skin on my cheek. The lightest pressure was put on my cheek, and I almost wasn't sure if her hand was or was not there.

Then I was sure. I could feel her delicate hand pressing against my cheek, hesitantly but surely. Her fingers molded to my face, warming the skin beneath them. I had to bite the inside of my cheek to resist the urge to lean my face into her hand.

That was all I had been expecting. Nothing more. What I had not expected was what she did next. Rather than simply taking her hand from my face, she slid her fingers across my cheek, outlining my cheek bone with the tips of her fingers. She ran her palm down my jaw line to my neck, bringing it forward so that her thumb was still resting on my chin.

I felt my heart speed up and the blood rush through my veins at an ever increasing speed. I had not expected that such a gentle touch could heat me up so much. Her thumb increased pressure on my chin ever so slightly as she started to rub it back and forth. I couldn't help but suck in by breath. She didn't seem to notice though.

I opened my eyes. I couldn't help it. I had to do something. I regretted my action almost though. Almost.

Usagi was still leaning on her hip, her legs stretched out beside her, leaning on one hand and using the other to cup my face. She was completely focused on the task at hand though and didn't even notice me watching her. Her eyes were staring at the point where her thumb was, completely mesmerized. My heart started to beat even faster as I watched her. She looked beautiful, illuminated by the soft golden glow of the fire. She licked her lips and nibbled her bottom lip, then released it. I had to bite my own lip to keep from leaning forward and capturing her soft lips with mine.

She slid her fingers down my neck then back up to my face. I started to get a bit nervous again, since I was starting to feel rather warm and I found it increasingly difficult to steel myself against moving. Her fingers reached my cheek bone again, her eyes following their every movement. A light blush lit her cheeks and her eyes were slightly closed, giving her an almost sultry look.

She let her gaze roam over my face and then our eyes met; everything in the room froze. I could feel her heart accelerating through our link, and I was sure she could feel mine too by the wide-eyes look on her face. I could feel her hand beginning to quiver in its position on my cheek. She looked afraid, yet at the same time bold and confident. Then I felt it; a gentle tug on the heart string.

My whole body shuddered and my eyelids flutter closed. My heart hammered in my chest with such strength I was sure it was going to leap out. Without warning though, the warmth of her hand disappeared from my face. My eyes snapped open.

"I'm sorry," Usagi whispered as she held her hand against her chest.

"For what?" I managed to whisper hoarsely. My skin sill burned from her touch. "You did nothing wrong."

"I-I just thought that..." she let her sentence trail off.

I gave her a lopsided smile, and for the first time since I met her, I could feel myself blushing. Not much, but a little. "I didn't mind," I murmured. "You can do that whenever you like." I leaned on an elbow and held out my hand to her palm up. She stared at it for a moment before touching her fingers to the palm and running them across it. She let her fingertips travel to the tips of my fingers, over my callouses, to the joint of my thumb, then she lay her palm on mine. I didn't wrap my fingers around her hand. It nearly killed me in not doing so, but I didn't.

Finally, she drew her hand away from mine. Her eyes shone brightly as she gazed at me, a joy-filled smile on her face. "Thank you," she whispered.

I smiled back. "You have nothing to thank me for," I replied. "I was simply collecting my winnings."

"Of course," she agreed, the smile never leaving her face. She glanced to the chess table. "Shall we have another game?"

I chuckled. "Perhaps another night, my brain is still recovering."

Usagi sighed. "Ahh well. I will have to wait to defeat you and gain my own spoils."

I nodded. "Yes. Another night."

We stood and said goodnight. As soon as the door closed behind her, I fell onto my bed and stared up at the ceiling, a grin plastered to my face.

The sip was given. Now her thirst would begin.

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--Disclaimer--

I do not own the rights to Sailormoon or any of the characters. That honor belongs to Naoko Takeuchi, and I am simply a lowly author who can use her characters for my plots.