Story: Beloved Midnight

Chapter: Six

Anime: Sailor Moon

Pairing: Serenity/Endymion

Rated: Teen

Author's Notes: I'm updating this quickly? Seriously? I'm shocked. Let just say I'm ready to get moving on completing this story finally. Haha. Enjoy.

The blackness scattered, its sticky fingers pulling back to the sides. My mind and heart exploded with the intensity of the kiss, and I could have sworn I heard the whole world suck in a breath in wait. His lips lingered on mine for a split second, but the moment seemed to drag as we both tasted each other. It was so brief but so alive. I wanted more. I couldn't stand straight. My legs were started to fold with his heat, but the arms he had wrapped around my waist kept me standing.

I could feel the electrical currents dancing between his lips and mine in perfect symphony.

Before I could fully let myself go, he pulled away. My eyes stayed closed, my mouth still slightly parted. Everything in me begged for him to come back, doubling the fire. Nothing happened. Opening my eyes, I looked at him. He had stepped back a few feet, his hand on his head.

"I'm sorry," he whispered. He was completely still; the wind didn't even move his hair. It was as if he wasn't a part of the moon anymore.

"Don't be," I said. I tried to go to him, but his hand shot up, stopping me in my tracks. His eyes were closed. I could feel the time slowly passing as we stood there. I couldn't stand the silence. "Endymion?"

He looked at me. "Are you sure you want to go through with this?"

"Go through with what?"

"Marriage."

"Yes." It was such a simple, easy word to say. I would have expected it to fall with a thousand weights out of my mouth, but it seemed to fly right off my tongue into the heavens. In that complete moment, I knew my answer was the beginning of something beyond this world.

The news elated my parents. The announcement of our engagement spread across the solar system within hours, and soon we were being hoarded with the preparations for our wedding. Impressively, Endymion was present for each meeting concerning anything from flowers to curtains, dresses to suits, and food to the vows. He put his word in for each moment it was required and kept a calm and open attitude to what was to come.

My mother arranged an engagement ball in our honor two nights after the news reached as far as Pluto. Everyone was to attend, and everyone did. The colors of the Moon and the Earth were apparent in each item possible, and every royal guest was present. I danced with Endymion when people were looking, and I even let him guide me around. My mother was happy with my attitude. I was happy to be moving on with my life. For so long I had been stuck in a hole. It never got deeper but it never filled up either. Now, with my engagement to the Prince of Earth, I could finally enter the next stage of my life.

It didn't matter that he didn't love me. It didn't matter that I was starting to love him. It didn't matter that I was about to be married to someone from another world. All that mattered was that he accepted me enough to be my husband, and for now, that would be enough to keep me going.

Light gold sunlight streaked across the plush, white carpet of my bedroom. My mind slowly drifted back to reality, letting my dreams of the night fall into their own slumber. The air smelled of flowers, and after opening my eyes, I could see why. Dozens and dozens of the most gorgeous bouquets littered every possible spot of rest in my room. Every flower found in the solar system was in some way included in the arrangements. Standing up from my bed, I walked out into the sitting area of my suite, and it too was full of complete bouquets. My mind started to go hazy as the smells mixed together, but I was entranced at the captivating vision before me.

Luna walked in, not bothering to knock. "Morning, Serenity. I trust you slept well?"

"Yes, I slept just fine." I gestured to the area around me. "What is all this, Luna?"

She smiled. "Oh, Serenity. Do you ever listen in your lessons? It is accustomed to honor the royal bride on the morning of her wedding with flowers from every land her kingdom sees over. However, in your special case, everyone decided to spoil you with going a bit overboard."

"I'd say."

"Do you not like it?"

I shook my head. "It's not that. It's beautiful! I was… I was just caught off guard."

"The people seem to be pleased with the match between you and Prince Endymion. Everyone hopes to see a complete tranquility finally settle over all the lands in this galaxy." She sighed. "It brings great joy to all to know that this match may change the world. I am so proud of you, child."

"Oh, Luna," I said, sighing. I pulled my old friend and mentor into a hug. I would have never gotten here without her.

I could hear the lump in her throat. "It's just hard to believe that you're getting married today. I still can remember the day you were born as if it had just happened." She pulled away as she brought a handkerchief to her eyes.

"Hey, you're not the only one who is feeling this way," I said, winking. With a smile, I pulled her with me to my closet. Maids had already started to enter my chamber, ready to assist the bride with her dress because today was the beginning of my jointed life with Endymion.

My dress had been beautiful. The red and white roses had been everywhere, and their scent had filled the church. Every member of my court had been present. My four best friends had been my bridesmaids, Mina serving as my maid of honor. Even the Outer Sailor Scouts had been given permission to abandon their posts for the day to come out for my wedding. My mother made sure everything would run smoothly so I could enjoy my day.

It was a wonderful ceremony and the reception that followed was just as good. After I said my goodbyes to my friends and the other guests, I was taken away by my new husband to a secluded area on the Moon for our honeymoon. We stayed in a beach house with the ocean clearly visible from our bedroom's window. The blue mixed with the silver in the water, making the scene indescribable.

Now, night had fallen, and we decided to retire to the indoors. Endymion peeled off his jacket, throwing it over the wooden chair in the corner of the living room.

"We're going to have to get used to being without servants or maids," he said, chuckling. "I can't believe your mother put us out here where we'd be completely alone."

I shrugged as I absentmindedly picked up his jacket and hung it on a coat hanger by the door. "I would suppose that it was all a plan to make sure we got to know each other before we returned to the palace."

"Knowing parents, you're probably right." He went around to the couch, letting his body fall into the dark brown cushions. "So…"

"So…," I said, mimicking him clearly. "Are you tired?"

"A little, yes. Are you?"

"Yes."

"We could go to bed if you want, Serenity," he said, turning his head to look at me.

"Okay." I started walking to the bedroom, my cheeks turning red. Mother had given me a speech about what was to take place on the night of my wedding. Every fiber in me shook with the fear of doing such things with Endymion this soon.

I could hear him following me. We walked in the dimly lit room together. I shifted me eyes away from the large, white, canopy bed that was position in the exact center of the room. The light wooden floor beneath my feet stretched on towards the bathroom, and I made my escape there. Closing the door, I breathed a sigh of relief. Sitting innocently on the sink's counter was a piece of clothing. Picking it up, I realized it was a nightgown… a very short, almost transparent nightgown. It would barely reach the middle of my thighs. Blushing, I cursed Mina for being the one to shop for me this time. I wasn't the one who packed my belongings and I knew nothing appropriate would be in my suitcase. This was my only nightwear for tonight.

With my cheeks tinted a darker red than before, I slowly peeled off my dress and slipped the nightgown on. I tried to stay in the bathroom as long as possible before opening the door again, and reappearing in the bedroom. Endymion was lying peacefully on the bed, a book open in his hands. He didn't have his shirt on, revealing a well built, tan chest. Black satin nighttime sweats were the only piece of clothing he wore but it was much more appropriate than what was given to me.

"Hey," I whispered, my eyes trying to avoid his face.

He looked up at me. "Hey."

I scrambled over to the bed, trying hard not to trip. Sitting down, I pulled my legs quickly under the sheets. "What'cha reading?"

"Just a random book I found in the closet over there." He sat it on the night table next to him. "It's about the history of the royal family."

"Oh," I said, "sounds boring."

He laughed. "That depends on your taste of books, Serenity." He lifted the sheets over his body, lying down. "Well, I'm tired, and so are you. Get some rest." He turned away from me.

"W-What?" I stammered. "Wait—"

He looked at me over his shoulder. "Something wrong?"

"I… I mean, we… aren't we supposed to…?" I blushed furiously, hating myself for being so nervous.

Endymion smiled a soft smile. It was a smile I never saw on his face before. "Serenity, I'm not expecting anything. I know the way you feel about me still, and I told you before that I'm not going to force you. I always keep my word. I know what is expected of you tonight, but I'm giving you permission to just sleep. The time will come when you are ready for me, but for now, just sleep and I'll see you in the morning."

"Uh, okay," I said, looking away. Placing my head on the pillow, I pulled the covers to my chin. "Goodnight, Endymion."

"Goodnight, Sere."

I gasped lightly at the name, glancing over at him. His breathes had become even and he didn't move. He was fast asleep. I smiled, grateful that he let me go. Sighing, I closed my eyes, letting my own body relax. With the day still fresh on my mind, I let myself fall into the comfort of sleep.

Okay, so the ending was a little awkward, but I think the way I wrote it shows Serenity emotions. She was really nervous, and I think the way it was written helps give off that feeling. I like it. Okay, so only three chapters left: two regular chapters and then an epilogue. I hope you liked this chapter, please review your thoughts and ideas. They are greatly appreciated and they make me feel compelled to get the next chapter out quickly! So don't be shy!

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MoonlightMaiden14