Pairing: Tsukino Usagi (Sailor Moon) x Seiya Kou (Sailor Star Fighter)

Fandom: Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon

Theme: #25. fence

Rating: G

Disclaimer: Tsukino Usagi, Seiya Kou, and any of the other characters that are alluded to in this drabble do not belong to me, but to the stupendous Naoko Takeuchi. Heck, I'm not even allowed to have a car yet. (sob)

Escaping Crystal Palaces and Picket Fences

Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed of being a princess.

That dream was fulfilled when I was 14 years old. Needless to say, it was more than any other little girl - or even a full-grown woman - could ever hope for. I found out that I was destined to protect this world and fulfill a legendary romance that spanned time and space. I gained more than I could ever want (expect possibly a giant sundae) - I had four best friends, four protective guardians, and to top it all off, the ideal Prince Charming, who was handsome, kind and strong.

Ever since then, my dreams changed. No longer did I wish to be a princess, for I knew I was destined to become the Queen of the new Silver Millennium someday. To be truthful, it was probably quite selfish of me to wish for more. But on days where the knowledge of the impending future became too much to bear, I dreamed of being a normal woman. An average housewife, dutifully loving her husband, raising the 2.5 children, and contentedly living in the stereotypical two-storey house with a white picket fence.

Sometime after we thought everything had calmed down, my beloved Prince Charming left for another country to pursue his studies. I was saddened, of course, but I couldn't be selfish. It was for his future - our future, after all. So everyday I put on a brave face for my friends and family, because heavens know they worry too much about me already.

Then ... He came along.

Like a whirlwind, he blew into my life, throwing my daily routine into chaos and generally turning my life upside down. He teased me, made fun of my hair, took me out on dates, insisted on following me around everywhere, stole a couple of kisses here and there, and had the gall to assume that I secretly liked him. The nerve of that boy.

I never did admit it to anyone, but a part of me fell for that arrogant jerk with the cocky smile. Perhaps he reminded me of my intended when we first met. Perhaps it was another feeling entirely. Either way, I did secretly like him, but I would never tell anyone, least of all him, for fear that his already large ego would swell to impossible proportions.

Of course it was never meant to be. I've already explained the destiny part. But the conceited one taught me a lot of things in the little time he spent with me. He opened my eyes to a different perspective, and gave me a taste of a life free from the burden of fate. He taught me to be free, to make my own decisions for once instead of relying on my friends all the time.

He was one of the best things that ever happened to me, and I will always be grateful for that.

So now, I live in my crystal palace with a husband that loves me, a daughter that adores me, friends that care deeply for and protect me and subjects who are contented under our rule. But on days where the burden of being Neo-Queen Serenity becomes too much to bear, I dream of being a normal woman. An average young woman, free to make her own choices and go on her own adventures, like he taught me to do.

In this dream, there is no stereotypical two-storey house. There are no little children. The white picket fence has been rammed down, and the gate is flung wide open. I walk down the rugged path, my hand firmly clasping his own as we journey off into the unknown, unafraid of the future and what it has to bring.

Review Replies:

Marisa Makou - I'm glad you enjoy them. The rabid little things attack at the most unexpected moments, but I'm not complaining. :P Thanks a bunch!