Title: Side-Story: Needed

Author: Cheska

Rating: PG/ PG-13 or rated T.

Disclaimer: Harry Potter and Sailor Moon belong to their respective owners. I simply dabble with their characters to make my own stories. I have no rights to them whatsoever.

These side-stories will contain short stories pertaining what happened or will happen to the other scouts/senshi, Luna, and Mamoru. It will be told in different ways and perspectives. Whether Serenity will ever find out what happens to her friends remains to be seen.

The language seen here is Italian, I hope I did that right...

""""""""""""

"Lo gradirete, la mia figlia cara."

The young woman, barely 15, continued to look outside of the carriage, watching the scenic view of the sun glinting off of the Po river. It was a beautiful day in the city of Turin, and as the carriage drew closer to their destination, she felt a heavy weight settle in the pit of her stomach. Settling for her handkerchief to settle the unease she felt, the young woman continued to fiddle with corner of its embroidery.

"Montae è un nobleman rispettato, lui vi prenderà la buona cura."

The young woman continued to feign ignorance, settling her sights now on the Alps.

"My daughter, you know what your duty entails. Please do not make this union difficult."

Sensing that she cannot ignore the older woman any longer, the young woman sighed and turned back to look at the speaker. Her dark blue eyes settled on the black haired - though speckled with gray hair - noblewoman, her formal gown snugly fit her womanly figure, and her gloved fingers tightly grasping her paper fan. Studying the older woman for a few more seconds, she allowed herself a small nod in acknowledgment to her mother's words.

"I understand, mother."

Pleased by her daughter's words, the noblewoman settled back on her seat in the carriage, procuring an embroidery kit from one of her handmaidens, and continued with her work.

The rest of the trip proved uneventful.
"""""""""""""""""
Nearing the site, the young woman allowed herself a moment of a fear and apprehension. Her feelings were not misplaced; after all, she was about to get married to a 28 year old man - he was nearly twice her age! Thoughts began to run rampant in her head, and before she knew what was happening, they had arrived.

Taking a deep breath, the young woman double-checked her appearance from a hand mirror one of her handmaidens provided her with. Her black hair was in place, the curves and curls suiting her features just fine, and her light complexion complimenting her yellow and black gown. Satisfied, she settled back into her seat, trying her best not to mar her rose-colored lips by nibbling on them.

"...it is time," her mother stated, before the door to the carriage opened, and a gloved hand came in to help her mother exit.

Following her mother's mannerisms, the young woman schooled her features to be calm and collected. It would not do to ruin the Contiello family's reputation and background just because of her fears. She was now of age, she was to marry into another family, and her father had done his best to make sure that she would be properly cared for. The Alberto family were respected, and the stories she has heard about their son, Montae, were just as good. Her fears were silly - who needed love? Love, she was sure, could be learned over time.

"May I introduce you to my daughter, Luna Contiello?"

"Good afternoon, Count Montae."

Luna looked up from her small curtsy, and really looked at the man she was to marry in a few days time. He was tall with the typical roguish good-looks that ran in the Alberto family. His dark brown hair was windswept, as if he just came from an afternoon ride - and he probably just did. Count Montae in all appearances was good-looking, but as she continued to stare at his brown eyes, she couldn't help but feel that something was off.

"She is a fine young woman - beautiful." She could faintly hear the conversation, between her mother and Count Montae's father.

"I look forward to our time together," Montae said, his voice sincere as he approached her.

"And I as well," Luna smoothly replied, not revealing her true feelings.

Throughout the pleasantries, Luna suppressed her desire to vent, scream, and run away. She assured herself, time and again, that her feelings were misplaced. Duty was more important, love was never an option - not for the nobles. It was just the way her life was meant to be.
""""""""""""""""""
For years Luna Contiello, now wife to Count Montae, assured herself that she would soon learn to love the man. His company was pleasant, his home was elegant, and his servants were dutiful. The chambers he provided her with were comfortable, and he would take time off from his duties to spend time with her. She was never found wanting.

And yet - she found herself incapable of falling in love with her husband. Even when she bore his two beautiful sons - Frederick and Amedeo - and her beautiful daughter, Diana. She had grown fond of her husband, and respected him, but love? Love was another notion altogether. It was as if, she was destined to be with someone else.

Sometimes, at night, she could almost picture the man she could have loved. He would be tall, like her husband. He would have skin as light as the moon itself, eyes a beautiful emerald green. And hair... white-gold.

She smiled at the thought - such a strange hair color, but she could not picture that hair color as anything else.

Displacing her notions aside, Luna continued with her day dream, this time thinking about his personality. He would definitely be different in personality from her husband. He would still have the same kind disposition as he, but the man would be more - outgoing. There would be no formalities between them. And when they argued, he would pressure her to express her feelings more. They would deal with their sentiments like...commoners.

Again, she smiled - her thoughts were ludicrous, but she found herself growing fond of what her mind created. Slowly, she found herself growing tired. Coming to a decision, Luna prepared for bed, her mind still lingering on the man of her dreams.

As she settled on the bed, she cast a glance at the empty bed - Montae must still be in the drawing room. A small pang of worry, yet pride swelled in her chest as she settled into bed. Her husband had been working for some time, since the war was over, and the unification of the two Kingdoms of the Two Sicilies joined together. Since then, the Kingdom of Sardinia was no more, and the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia was born. It would be the first Italian state to hold the entire Italian Peninsula.

Casting the thought of the war aside, she snuggled in the warm down blankets and went back to her other, more interesting, thoughts. Such as her white-gold, emerald green eyed man. With a more relaxed countenance, Luna went back to her musings, and wondered what his name would be. His physical attributes were light, his demeanor laid back, so what would be a fitting name for him? As she thought about it more and more, her eyes began to grow weary.

And as her eyelids slowly drew shut, she caught sight of the full moon.

For some odd reason, Luna found it suiting that the name of her dream man should be Artemis. An uncommon, feminine name, but it suited him. His physical attributes pointed out his lean figure, and long white-gold hair. Quite different from her husband's roguish good-looks.

With that, Luna finally allowed herself to succumb to sleep - dreaming of a green eyed man with the name of Artemis. In her dreams she could live a life outside of her duties as a mother and as a wife of a Count. In her dream she could love, the love that she had craved for and hoped for, since she was born. Not the love of a daughter, or a sibling - but true love. The love that people looked for, wished for - the kind that was displayed in theaters.

She knew that she could only dream that kind of life. Once morning came, reality would set in and she would continue with her duties in running the manor.

But for now, she dreamed.

"""""""""""""

I hope the translations are correct. If it is incorrect, please notify me of my error, and I will fix it.

Translation:

Lo gradirete, la mia figlia cara.

You will appreciate him, my beloved daughter.

Montae è un nobleman rispettato, lui vi prenderà la buona cura.

Montae is a respected nobleman, he will take the good care to you.