Story: Beloved Midnight

Chapter: Seven

Anime: Sailor Moon

Pairing: Serenity/Endymion

Rated: Teen

Author's Notes: It's been almost a year since I last updated this story; over a year since I lasted updates several others. To everyone, I am truly, truly sorry. Unfortunately, for over a year now, my drive to write fanfiction as incredibly decreased. It makes me upset, but I can't seem to get myself motivated enough to write fanfiction anymore. On a brighter side, however, I do have every intention of finishing my stories. I'm not the kind of person who leaves things unfinished... even if it takes me awhile to get it done. I started this chapter several weeks ago, picked it back up, and actually finished it. I'm sorry if there are errors. I'm just glad I got it out. Enjoy!

I awoke to the sound of sizzling food in the kitchen, the fragrance wafting into the bedroom. Pushing the covers off my body, I noticed a small, matching robe lying at the end of the bed. I slipped it over my shoulders before tying it loosely around my waist. Walking out of the room, I found Endymion in the kitchen, leaning over a hot stove.

"What'cha making?" I asked, sleep still evident in my voice.

He looked over at me, a smile spreading on his face. "Eggs and bacon."

"Yum," I said, sliding onto one of the bar stools in front of the island counter.

He picked up the pan, bringing a spatula under the eggs to lift onto a plate waiting beside the stove. A few pieces of bacon were already on it, and the steam rose off the eggs as they settled beside the meat. He placed the meal in front of me where a glass of milk was already positioned. I immediately started eating.

Nodding, I said, "This is good. Thanks."

"You're welcome."

He got his plate ready before taking a seat across from me. We ate in silence for a few moments, the sound of the forks scrapping across the plates seeming to echo throughout the small cottage.

"So do you have any plans for today?" I asked.

"You mean "do we have any plans for today?'"

"Well, yes, of course." I blushed. I looked down at my plate, the eggs seeming to blend together with the bacon.

"It's all right, Serenity. I was thinking we could go to the beach after breakfast. Does that sound good to you?"

Serenity smiled. "Yes, that sounds wonderful. At home, my mother doesn't let me go to the beach too often. I've missed it."

Endymion looked at her, his eyes soft. "Why didn't she? My men and I always went to the beach when we were growing up."

Serenity shrugged, quickly stabbing a small piece of scrambled eggs. "We did too. Luna would take us, but as I got older, the trips were allowed less and less. Momma wanted me to focus on my studies. She didn't think it was proper for a young lady of my position to spend all day in the water." Endymion chuckled, making Serenity glare at him. "What?"

"Your mother was only saying that for your benefit. If I didn't know any better, if she had the choice, she probably would have joined you at the beach. Don't assume that your parents are prudes when it comes to enjoying life. They really do only want what's best for you."

"Really? Well, from what I can recall, ten years ago your parents thought I was what was best for you. You didn't have this mindset then, obviously."

Endymion laughed, low and deep. He swiftly moved his hand through his hand, his eyes suddenly glowing a dull gold around his pupils. "No, I did not. But Serenity, I was a teenager. Did you really think at that age I would want to do as I was told? I know that's not an excuse—you've told me that—but you just have to understand that I was. When I was growing up, all I cared about was being a warrior. I was obsessed with being the best swordsman. I loved spending all my time riding my horse, fighting with my friends, messing around, and just rebelling." He cracked a smile, one that was slightly crooked. "When I got old enough, I traveled to the local city outside of the palace gates."

"Yeah, so?"

He leaned across the table slightly. "On a more serious note, I have to tell you that I was a bit of a playboy. All of us were. We loved going to the city and sleeping around. It's what we did at the time. It's how I blew off the steam of being who I was. I didn't want to be king. I enjoyed it when we were in the middle of a war and I would have to spend months on end out on the battlefield with my men instead of at the palace. They were my family. We were all brothers. It only mattered that I was the crown prince when we were actually fighting. Besides that, we were equal."

Serenity sighed, crossing her arms and leaning back in her chair. "Why are you telling me this?"

"Because it wasn't until I arrived here and saw you again that I knew what I was meant to do. I knew that I was supposed to rule with you by my side. We both know at first that I denied it. I just want you to understand that I have changed. I'm willing to be the best husband and the best king with you."

Serenity started to smile. "I already know all this. I already know you're committed as am I. I don't need an explanation anymore. I just want you to give loving me a chance. My biggest fear is being in a loveless marriage."

Endymion reached across the small table, resting his hand on hers. "I never said I wasn't going to give that a chance. You never know." He squeezed her hand. "Now, eat your food before it gets even colder."

Serenity giggled, grabbing her fork. After they finished the meal and downed their milk, Serenity stood to head to the bedroom to change.

Stopping, she turned to Endymion who was cleaning up the kitchen. "Endymion?"

"Yes?"

A small blush rose on her pale cheeks. "Thank you… for last night."

"You're welcome, Serenity."

…

The sun was high in the sky, casting the perfect temperature for a day at the beach and in the water. Serenity was lying out the plaid blanket on the sand while Endymion carried the small picnic basket from the cottage. Serenity white swimming dress brushed against her thigh as she bent over to fix the corners, making Endymion smile and look away as he started to take out the light food of hand sandwiches, fruit, and crackers.

"So that's what the Terrains wear to swim in?" Serenity asked, indicating to his black trunks.

Endymion grinned. "Yeah, and the ladies don't wear dresses to swim in. They wear bikinis."

"This isn't a dress. It's a slip, and it's comfortable and modest. What is a bikini, anyway?"

Endymion laughed, shaking his head. "Never mind. You're face would turn red."

Serenity's face formed a pout, but she quickly grabbed a sandwich and took a bite. "Mm, this is good. Once again, your cooking skills shock me."

"I am a man of many talents," Endymion said, his eyes twinkling in the afternoon sun. "Many, many talents that you will someday discover."

A blush burst on her cheeks as she covered her mouth. "Endymion!"

A deep rumbled of laughter came from Endymion as he lifted his shirt over his head, revealing a well tanned, smooth and muscular chest. This only caused the princess's blush to deepen as she shoved the rest of the sandwich into her small mouth.

Grinning down at her, Endymion said, "Come. I know you're hungry but it's better to swim first. Besides, I can't wait to see your hair wet."

Serenity almost choked on her food before watching Endymion stroll to the glittering, clear blue water. Brushing the few crumbs off her lap, Serenity quickly stood and followed her new husband. They stood together at the edge of the water where it lapped against the white sand, retreating when it got too close.

Endymion sighed. "Well, the days getting any younger."

Before Serenity could respond, the prince had scooped her up in his strong arms and raced into the sea. Letting out a high pitched scream, Serenity covered her face in his shoulder to avoid the splashing water. But that couldn't save her for Endymion had soon suspended her in the air and down into the water. Serenity came up coughing and spitting, the water soaked clean through.

"I can't believe you just did that, you butthead!" she cried, rubbing at her eyes.

"Oh, so now I'm a butthead? Hm, last I checked, we were named husband and wife, not butthead and wife." Endymion laughed before diving underneath her legs and coming up behind her. Serenity twisted around, her arm creating a wave in the water.

"I'll get you for that!" she said.

"You're too slow!"

"No, I'm not!"

"If you weren't, then why haven't you gotten me yet!"

"Because you're too fat!"

"Too fat? Please! I saw you checking me out earlier! And if I was too fat, I'd be the slow one!"

"I'M NOT SLOW!"

Endymion continuously dogged the princess while she struggled to get her bearings. It had been a long time since she was allowed in the water. She swam towards her new husbands but he continued to escape underneath the water, usually slipping right underneath her thrashing legs.

"You know, if you keep swimming like a scared gorilla, you're going to get tired very fast," he said, his lips still grinning from her display.

Serenity saw red. "A gorilla? Oh, I'll get you for that one!" She lounged at the laughing prince, landing on his shoulders from behind. Grabbing her legs and waist, Endymion effortlessly flipped her over his shoulders and into her arms, their faces close. Serenity was breathing heavily, her face flushed from the chase. Endymion's eyes glazed over as he watched her parted lips and her chest rise and fall with each heavy breath. His face started to move towards hers, his mind turning foggy at the thought of kissing her again.

Almost there. But he watched as Serenity started to lose herself in the unexpected moment, her eyes closing and her lips slightly puckering. Shaking his head, he released her in the water.

"Excuse me," he said before swimming to shore where he got out and started walking to the cottage. His shirt was still lying on the picnic blanket.

'What happened?' Serenity wondered as she returned to shore, not bothering to follow him inside. She figured he needed some time alone.

…

Later that night, Serenity had decided to cook for him instead. She was inside, busying herself around the kitchen. She had yet to see Endymion since the incident at the beach, and the princess tried not to let herself worry. She pulled out the ingredients Lita had told her she needed to make baked chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, and steamed corn. She remembered her Jupiterian friend packing a few recipes to help make things easier for her and tonight was the perfect moment to make them be of some use.

It wasn't hard to make the meal since Serenity didn't have the pressure of her mentors watching or her friends, and Serenity was quite proud when it came out smelling delicious. She started to plate the food when she heard Endymion emerge from the bedroom, his eyes looking tired and worn.

"What's that smell?" he said, coming into the kitchen and looking around. "You cooked?"

"Of course. You didn't think you were the only one with hidden talents, did you?" she said, placing the plates on the small, wooden table in the corner. A few candles had been lit in the center.

"No, but I didn't think you knew how to cook," Endymion said as he sat down.

Serenity placed the glasses of champagne on the table before sitting down as well. "I didn't. Lita—Sailor Jupiter—taught me. My mentors had tried several times but always seemed to fail. Lita knew me better than they did, and took it slow. Her attitude really helped get in the right state of mind to learn."

Endymion slightly smiled as he cut into the chicken and took a bite. He chewed it slowly, scrunching his face as he thought and swallowed.

"Well?"

"Not bad. Actually, no. It's really well done." He nodded. "Good chicken. Nice job, Sere."

Serenity blushed, turning away. "Thank you. I'm glad you like it."

The minutes ticked by as they ate; Serenity happily squealing as she tasted her food and approved of it. Endymion chuckled and kept on eating, his mind seeming to be on another matter. Serenity watched him from the corner of her eye, but knew that if he wanted to talk about it, he would. She wouldn't push it or bring it up. To her, it was important to not have any secrets in a marriage but it was also important not to be a nag. Things between her and Endymion were still shaky, but they were on stable ground. She didn't want to mess that up.

Endymion helped her clean up after dinner was over before they turned in for the night. Slipping into bed, Serenity waited for Endymion to turn off the light and join her. She could feel the bed sink as he settled in beside her.

"Did you have a nice night?" she asked, rolling over to look at him.

"Yes, you did a wonderful job with dinner," he said, staring at the ceiling.

"Thank you. If you want, I can cook breakfast tomorrow too."

"I'd rather cook for you, Serenity."

"How come?"

He shrugged, turning on his side, away form her. "I just would."

"Oh. Okay." She paused. "Well, goodnight, then."

"Goodnight."

The clock was ticking in the other room, causing Serenity to keep her eyes open at the sound. Her breathing was slow, but her thoughts were wired. She didn't know what to say to him. Something was obviously bothering him, but she didn't want to speak up. If only her mother would have spoken to her about these kinds of moments.

"You know," Endymion started, breaking the silence, "it's not going to be easy for me to live here."

Serenity turned her head towards him. "What?"

"I love the Moon. It's a beautiful place, but there really is no place like home. I just don't want you to get defensive when I say that I miss Earth."

Serenity sat up in the bed. "Why would I get defensive? Earth is your home. I wouldn't get upset if you said you missed it or wished we would live there instead of here."

"I just don't know how long I'm going to be able to stand being away."

Serenity reached over, her hand landing on his arm. "Hey, Endymion… I'm not going to confide you in the palace here. I had every intention of visiting your home with you when we returned. You're not my prisoner. You're my husband. Your home is my home. I promise we'll visit as much as you want."

Endymion was quiet for a moment. After a few minutes passed, he turned on his side to look at her. He reached for her hand, squeezing it gently between his fingers. "Thank you, Serenity. That makes me feel better."

Serenity smiled and stretched across the bed, placing a soft kiss on his cheek. "You're welcome. Get some rest. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

It didn't take very long for Endymion's breathing to go shallow. Serenity laid still for a moment longer, her eyes staring at the ceiling above. A smile graced her lips.

Everything would work out. Their relationship was blooming.

I want to remind everyone that you can check my working progress on my profile. If I am working on something, I WILL UPDATE IT! I promise. So if you're ever wondering if I might be doing something with a story you want updated, you can always check the section on my profile page. It will tell you what I'm doing and when I said I'm doing it! Just throwing that out there.

As for this story, I mapped out the outline for the final chapters. Looking at it, there are two more left: final chapter and epilogue. I'm hoping I'll have this story finished before summer starts. I would really like to complete my old ones. I feel so bad that they've been out so long and still aren't completed! I'm really happy with this particular chapter. There was just something about it... I hoped you liked it. Their relationship is definitely taking off, and please, don't lose hope in me. Sometimes, your motivation can help!

As for writing, I am very much interested in two stories I'm in the process of writing: "Will You Be My Valentine" and "Misery is Love." Both are Sailor Moon and both are really good! But because of situations like this one, I am not posting anything until I finish them. If you have any questions about them at all-like content, progress, etc-please ask. Their summaries are on my profile page if you want to check them out. If you want me to write them, BUG ME LIKE CRAZY! I really enjoy them, but just haven't brought them out in awhile. But they will be good when they're done and posted!

Ah, I'm babbling. Sorry! I'M SORRY FOR THE INTENSE LACK OF UPDATES! I STILL LOVE YOU! I CAN'T WAIT TO HEAR FROM EVERYONE!

REVIEW! REVIEW! REVIEW!

MoonlightMaiden14

P.S. And Sailor Moon is being reprinted in the U.S. in September! I'M SO EXCITED!