AN: thank you all sooooo much for your reviews! They're really sweet. I'm blushing, seriously. Sorry for the delay on updates. I do all the things during the day and then think, "When did I last update?" Reviews that remind me to update help!! And if you don't want to wait for the whole story, the complete story is up elsewhere. I'll post the link on Tumblr for those interested!

A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.

—Lao Tzu

The rain started as soon as Serenity laid her head down, but it continued long after she woke the next day. Earth was strange indeed, long unplanned rains?

They would be leaving tomorrow morning, and while the others insisted she packed (staying away from any other Earthians), Serenity wanted to know what the rain felt like.

And she was in desperate need of escape; from the suffocating palace and trembles, her heart made at the mention of Endymion's name.

Slipping past the adjoined rooms, Serenity snuck away from maids, guards, and responsibilities, searching out an uncovered stretch of Earth. Unfortunately, the gardens were a bad choice; too many palace guards to tattle on her. No, she would have to stick to a lesser cared for area.

Following the smells, Serenity found the kitchen. All stopped and gaped as she carefully passed through and out the door at the back. Like her home, the kitchen had its own entrance for the cook staff and supplies to be delivered.

"Pardon my intrusion," she whispered with a bow and a smile, hoping to dispel any fear. As well as expecting the Earth's palace kitchen staff wasn't as gossipy as the moon's.

Standing at the final barrier, a doorway, Serenity stuck her hand out into the rain. It pounded gently on her skin, cool in comparison to the hot, moist air. Serenity took a full step into the spray, and a few staff members called out to her. But it was too late; her light pink gown turned dark as it soaked through.

Her last act was to pull off her shoes, running at full speed before anyone could catch her. She didn't know if anyone was chasing, but if her guard caught sight of Serenity now, she'd never hear the end of it.

Nearly slipping in some mud, Serenity climbed the stairs of a weathered, stone gazebo. A tomb was in the middle, and she slowly made her way around to the other side, smelling the strong scent of roses again. But then she stopped her every molecule halting.

Endymion was there, kneeling before the tomb.

He noticed her instantly, and there was no place to hide even if he hadn't. His fingers left the bundle of roses on the stone floor as he rose, his eyes glued to hers. Serenity was still gasping for breath, but this time it wasn't from her jaunt.

"What are you doing here?!" She whispered, unable to think of anything more to say.

Endymion pointed at the marker before him. "This is my mother's grave."

"Oh," she whimpered, "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to intrude…."

"I know you didn't." Silence fell, and the sound of the rain became deafening, as did the dripping of Serenity's clothes and hair, Endymion dripping with her. "One day," he said, his eyes going out of focus, "mother went for a ride and lost control of her horse. I was eight."

Carefully, Serenity approached her attention on the headstone. "My father died when I was six. But I have no idea what happened to him. He just…stopped coming to my room to wake me up."

"Not knowing," Endymion whispered, her movements putting him an inch away, "is worse. I'm sorry." She nodded, looking to her fingers twisting her wet gown instead. "What are you doing here?"

In a snap, her face locked with his as Serenity pulled it up. "I wanted to feel the Earth's rain."

It was slow, but a grin pulled at one corner of Endymion's mouth. "Of course, you did. And the wet grass in your toes too? Or was that for the mud?"

Serenity looked down at her mud-caked feet and hem, realizing just how much a sight she was. "I'll take my leave…."

"Why?"

"I am not fit to be seen…."

"Neither am I, and I could care less." There was that word again, care. Endymion seemed to notice it too, ducking his head down, so he wasn't looking at her. "I haven't cared for a soul since my mother."

He grew silent, so Serenity added, "you loved her. And she loved you. She would have wanted you to be happy. And to love again."

"Do you mean…?"

Endymion cut himself off, but she answered him anyway. "Jadeite and Nephrite and Kunzite. Your guard cares for you greatly," Endymion nodded, but she could tell he wasn't satisfied, "and Lady Beryl. She cares for you as well."

Serenity hoped her crushed heart wasn't too noticeable. Endymion refused to show her his face, "is that who you…see me with?" No, it wasn't because Serenity refused to see Endymion with anyone. "I..do not care for Lady Beryl. The only person I feel anything for…is you."

"But," thoughts were a struggle, confused and refusing to hope, "you said we couldn't be friends?"

"I changed my mind." Endymion still wouldn't look at her, but his tone didn't sound like a happy one. "I want…to keep seeing you. I want to see you, Serenity."

Dragging in a deep breath slowly, Serenity did her best to calm her heart. "My…birthday is next week. Will you come to the ball in my honor?"

Endymion wrapped his arms over his chest and pouted at the ground. His wet locks stuck to his forehead, and he never looked more handsome to her. "I detest balls."

"Please?"

"I don't know if…if you think this ball was bad? I'm not sure I can make it work."

Endymion seemed to be having some kind of internal battle. It pained her, but Serenity would release him from the obligation. "I understand. Another time then…."

"What kind of ball is it? Another masque?"

"That's all we have…."

He nodded, eyes still to the ground in thought, "that might be better. Then, if I can make it, I won't have to worry about being seen."

"You are considering it?!" Serenity was never good at hiding her feelings, so she didn't bother trying now.

Endymion's face tilted towards her and he finally smiled. "I'll do all I can to come. But don't get your hopes…."

She cut him off, jumping up and wrapping her arms around his neck. "Thank you, Endymion!"

His hands slid to her hips, but he didn't push her away. "Why? Why do you…care so much?"

When she tried to pull away, he held her still, keeping her close. "I…I just do…."

"No. No one cares this much. Not for someone like me."

"Is it not allowed?" She asked with a giggle.

"It is a first," he admitted.

She squeezed him, feeling as though he needed the comfort more than anyone she'd ever met. "If you let people get close, allow them to care, then you would find others feel the same. I'm not the only one who cares deeply about you, Endymion."

"I have…teased you, pushed you away. Why are you still so kind to me?"

"It's not in my nature to be cruel," she responded a half-truth. Serenity was as kind-hearted as they come, but she couldn't stop the pull she felt towards Endymion. "Why did you tease me? When we first met?"

"Did it bother you?"

"No, it only confused me. It made me think you felt…differently about me."

"And how did I feel?"

She wondered if Endymion intentionally held her close. They couldn't look at one another, making it easier to be honest. For Serenity, at least. "It seemed like you liked me. But other times…you confuse me so much, Endymion and I don't know how to feel!"

One of his hands slipped from her hip and grabbed up one of her soaked tails instead. "I was under the impression…you didn't let what others felt or thought shape your own?"

That was true…until she met Endymion.

As slowly as her aching and terrified heart would let her, Serenity pulled away to look at him, and Endymion finally allowed it. His cheeks were flushed, and his breath was rushed. That, along with his continued silence, and Serenity's mind gummed up completely.

"I should return you to your guards." She shook her head but remained befuddled. "They have a terrible habit of assuming that I am fouling up your virtue."

He was already walking her away from the tomb, the rain lightening up from before. "Is that so far-fetched?" Endymion glanced down at her but refused to look at Serenity for long suddenly. "You are a man and I a woman…."

"If your guard knew me at all, they would never think I was capable."

So that was it; Endymion didn't find her attractive at all. It was all on Serenity.

oOo

Serenity thought, knowing how Endymion truly felt about her would make things easier….better. And it did, in a sense. Because now there was no worry of upsetting their people. Serenity had deep, overwhelming feelings for Endymion that could be best explained as need. There was no explanation past that; Serenity felt as though she needed Endymion. It sat at the base of her belly, waiting but always felt there as it rested. Then, the slightest mention of Earth, Endymion, or of any Prince had it stirring up. It fluttered upward in her stomach and made it impossible to eat.

"Serenity, are you ill?"

A rare moment, her mother sat across from her at the breakfast table. Since the conversation was Earth relations (as it usually was of late with her mother), Serenity's belly was in a tizzy, making eating impossible. "I'm fine, mother."

The Queen's eyes danced from Serenity's face to her plate and back, noticing how full the plate remained. "The kitchen staff say you send back full plates for almost every meal and your guards have been struggling to maintain your attention as of late."

"They told you all that?" Serenity fanned her heated face, embarrassed to have been so obvious, "they shouldn't have caused you such worry. I am fine."

"I know what this is about," her mother suddenly stood, but Serenity realized the Queen had finished her meal already.

"You…you do?" Serenity's stomach was in knots now.

"My little moon rabbit…" her mother rounded the table to come to her side, looking down at Serenity with a soft smile, "you are a beautiful girl. You have a perfect figure. Do not let those inconsiderate Earthians bother you. They know not what they say."

The Queen thought Serenity was suffering from vanity. She wasn't too far off. After all, Serenity had been cursing her looks since Endymion dismissed her as a lover. And her figure was nothing compared to Lady Beryl's.

These were nasty thoughts that Serenity had already shaken from her mind. It was for the best that Endymion didn't love her. It would only complicate matters. What plagued Serenity now was lovesickness. To which there was no cure she could Serenity could manage. As one was requited love and the other was to love another. Neither were possible, so she had to wait it out and pray it passed before she wasted away to nothing.

"I know, mother. They were nice enough. It is not their fault. I have many things on my mind as late; it is a struggle to focus on one thing at a time."

"What troubles you? I am sure another can handle it?"

Serenity loved her mother; the Queen always did what she thought was best. But the result was never letting Serenity handle things on her own. Instead, the Queen sheltered Serenity extensively, and now, she was suffering from it. If she had been allowed to face adversity more, then perhaps she wouldn't be so easily wrapped around the Prince of Earth's finger?

But she was, and now, it would be her issue to solve. "No, mother, this is my task and mine alone."

Her mother's lips thinned in a frown, but the Queen let it go. "Your birthday party is tonight. Try to relax and enjoy the celebration. It won't do to have the guest of honor looking so frayed."

Her mother was right, but Serenity didn't mind looking out of sorts for her people. It was one person in particular that she cared about. Too bad her mother's mention sent her into another spiral. Worry, fear, anticipation, and -mostly- love erupted and made Serenity close to fainting. It was why she remained seated while the Queen left to start her day.

At least Serenity had the comfort of knowing that her birthday was a day of rest for all.

It was why her maids were nowhere in sight. Serenity's dress hung to the side of her window, but it might as well have not been there at all. For Serenity's attention was entirely on the blue marbled Earth that hung outside her window instead. It was why she stood on her small balcony, leaning on the railing and gazing up, lost in thoughts.

"Do you miss Earth?" Serenity jumped, Ami, standing to her side looking as well. "the atmosphere was so different there, wasn't it?"

She remained silent, waiting to understand the whole meaning of Ami's question. Her guard was already dressed for the ball, making Serenity wonder the time instantly. The glittering of Ami's dress (although slight) reminded Serenity of Earth's waters. The lake near the palace had been lovely in the full sun, shimmering similarly to Ami's gown. "I miss the water."

"Me too," Ami answered quickly and honestly.

The water of Earth caused Serenity to think of dark blue eyes instead of whatever it made Ami think of. The soft smile on her guard's face differed from the deep flush and seeded feelings Serenity had. "I should get dressed…."

Ami followed her back inside, grabbing her gown down for her while Serenity began to strip. "It would be difficult, you know," Ami continued as if they were still discussing something. Serenity paused and found Ami in the reflection of her large glass, "to love the waters of Earth? Difficult but…not impossible."

Her eyes lifted to Serenity's, catching her stare in the mirror. Serenity quickly shifted her eyes to the floor and pulled up her slip. "Impossible if the waters of Earth didn't love you in return."

That ended the conversation, neither mentioning it again even as the others filtered into Serenity's room, dressed to go. She wondered if the others had caught on as Ami had? But then, when they lined up to leave, Ami grabbed her hand without a word, holding it, so her shaking didn't show.

Haruka waited for Serenity, as usual, and the dancers and conversations stopped for her entrance. Applause filled the ballroom, and she soon found herself surrounded by masked faces. Each time a man came close and asked for a chance to dance, Serenity's heart leapt into her throat. Only to drop to her toes each time it clearly wasn't Endymion. It was far from the first time Serenity was thankful to be spared the many dances she would have to have with strange men if not for Haruka. But that ended when Michiru arrived, leaving hours before the end of the ball.

She escaped to the long balcony of the ballroom, her guards keeping the entrance behind her as Serenity took deep breaths of the warm night air. A glance behind and she drifted closer to the edge of the raised floor. Then, she removed her heels and carefully perched herself on the edge of the stairs. The distance wasn't great, so no railing enclosed the space. There was nothing between Serenity and the moon palace's endless gardens. But Serenity didn't so much as gaze at the single petal. Instead, she stared at the Earth.

Swirls of white blocked greens and blue—never had the planet looked more beautiful than it did tonight, and it only made her heart ache more. She struggled to breathe, trying to keep her tears at bay as Serenity accepted the terrible truth—Endymion hadn't come.

He said he would try and she was sure he did. Perhaps not as hard as she might have tried, but he was kind enough to give an effort. Endymion claimed not to be caring, but she was sure that wasn't the whole truth. He used his mother as an excuse when Serenity never used her father. Endymion only needed some guidance and Serenity hoped to provide it with their friendship.

However, that was made difficult without being allowed to see one another.

Her body curled in on itself, her knees drawing in on her chest and her arms wrapping around them. It softened her sob, holding her chest as still as possible while she shook.

Keeping her eyes on the Earth, she watched it spin so slow; it almost seemed to be her imagination, while her tears flowed gently down her cheeks. "Is this what Lunars do on their birthday?"

Serenity jumped, losing her grip on her legs as she looked down. A short distance from her stood a masked man, watching her. The pace of her heart spiked as the dim lights from behind hid him from her. But his voice was so familiar; she had heard it in her dreams every night. "Endymion?"

She was trying not to get her hopes up, but as the man drifted closer, dodging the occasional branch as he did, her breath became ragged. It wasn't until she could see the black locks of his hair that she was sure, his eyes breaking through the dark distance to enrapture her sights otherwise.

When he stood before her, he released a soft sigh, "I told you I would try to come, and so I have succeeded. Although it is a bit late, you look as if the party is over?"

Serenity had her neck craned to look up at him, unable to break away from the sight of Endymion. She sniffled and felt the last of her sad tears creep down her face. "You came?"

Swiftly, Endymion crouched before her, a frown on his face that bled to his eyes. "You invited me. Was that disingenuous? Do you have any clue what I had to go through to get here tonight…"

It was her heart that made her move, jumping up and wrapping her arms around him just as she had the last time they saw one another. "Thank you." Serenity breathed out, feeling as if she could breathe for the first time in a week.

Endymion's hands slowly brushed along the back of her ribs until he had her wrapped up in his hold. And he held her tighter than she did him. "What are…friends for."

The giggle Serenity released was tight and full of the remaining tension from her fear. "I didn't think you would. I worried over you so much; I haven't eaten!"

His hands pressed to her sides but didn't push her back. Instead, Endymion felt around, his fingers on her back and his thumbs on her belly. "I noticed. I dare say you lost weight. Same as me."

At that, Serenity released him and searched his appearance as well. "Oh no! Is something stressing you? Are there issues at home?!"

Her eyes wandered over him, getting caught up in all that was Endymion instead of looking for the lost weight. His slacks pressed tightly to his thighs in his position, and his coat swung open, revealing his white shirt as it pushed against his chest. With his black strands caressing the white mask on his face, Endymion was as beautiful as ever.

The slight smirk he wore took her eyes from his body and back to his face. "If I were to lose weight, matters of my kingdom should be the reason. But this is not the case, I'm afraid."

Serenity's head tilted in utter confusion. Endymion brushed her cheek with his fingers, playing with a curl near her ear, then cleared his throat softly. "Happy birthday."

Her face was indeed as bright as the sun, shining in the night. "Thank you."

Endymion stood and held out a hand to her. She took it greedily, letting him pull her up and deeper into the garden. They were alone again, but this time, Serenity was Endymion's guide. "Is the Prince familiar with Lunar plants?"

His face was hidden in the dark from Serenity, so she wondered if the smile she heard on his lips was her imagination. "I know a few." She was ready to show him the ones she liked the most when he took her hand and pulled her another way. "What's this over here?"

Serenity didn't hesitate in being led, even though it was away from the flowering bush she wanted to see. Her voice caught in her throat at the sight before her as Endymion pulled Serenity around before him to see.

A small stake sat ablaze beside a freshly dug and filled hole. Serenity slowly crept closer to it in a trance. "On Earth…we have a tradition of gifts on one's birthday," Endymion rambled, sounding nervous, "I…I struggled. All week, trying to figure out…what to give you. It's nothing…."

"I love it…." Serenity whispered, gently touching the soft and fragrant petals, "how did you…."

"As I said, I went through a lot to get here."

Serenity was crying again, holding her breath in vain to keep her sobs in. The week that she'd been fretting away, unable to eat or sleep, all because of the man before her. She had missed him dearly, lost weight, and was exhausted, and although he had fretted similarly, it was all due to him figuring out how to get here with her gift. The perfect gift, one she couldn't and never would complain about.

For the sweet red rose Endymion had brought from Earth and planted in her garden would forever remind her of the man she loved more than any man before. And any man after, she was sure.

Endymion looked shell-shocked, fear clear on his face behind his mask as she began to sob uncontrollably. First, they were rude to each other, Endymion seeing a side of her no one had. Then, she had the misfortune of him seeing her drenched from the rain and covered in mud. And now, Serenity was a sobbing mess with Endymion, her sole audience. If there was ever a chance Endymion would think of her as attractive, it was long gone.

All too late, Serenity spun from Endymion and gave him her back, "I'm sorry, I'm a fright. Thank you so much. For all the trouble you faced, getting the rose and yourself here...I know it was no easy task. You are a kind man, Endymion."

Her sobs covered his approach, Endymion right behind her as he ran his hands down her bare arms. "I told you, I'm not kind."

She forced a chuckle out of herself, hoping to lighten the mood. "All evidence to the contrary…."

"I also told you that you were the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. But, unfortunately, it seems you listen poorly to others, Serenity," she was trying to listen now, but his hands were tracing up and down her skin while his breath heated her neck and ear, "It is your only fault. That I can find, that is." His hands stopped, his fingers wrapping around her arms with ease, "that, and starving yourself. You have lost significantly since the last time I saw you!"

Serenity pulled from Endymion's grasp and slowly forced herself to face him. "I will…do what I can to rectify these vices, my lord. Especially if it vexes you so."

His stare was haunting, so she dropped her face to hide it. However, Endymion refused to let her escape, grabbing her chin and pulling it up. "Then start now and never hide from me again."

Serenity lifted her hands to cover her face, but Endymion caught her wrists. Her eyes felt as if they might pop out while Endymion grimaced down at her. "A gentleman would allow a lady a reprieve."

"I'm not a gentleman, and you've had a week away from me. That is reprieve enough."

She blinked, and to her horror, another tear fell. "Endymion…"

He didn't release her. Instead, he wrenched her closer, letting go of one wrist only to brush the liquid away. The tear long gone, Endymion continued to cup her face. "Serenity, I…" she wasn't breathing, but neither was Endymion, "I…can't. I can't be friends with you. I thought could…."

Another sob ripped from her throat, cutting him off. "Why not? I know it is taxing, that all the struggles are not worth it, but if we do not try, nothing will change!"

"Our friendship would change nothing. The people of Earth will believe it is forced or fake. Therefore, your plan is pointless." Endymion spat venomously. "As it stands, it is both already."

Endymion's frown was to the ground beneath them, but Serenity refused to look away from him now. "I didn't mean to cause you so much strife. I only wished to see you again, but that was selfish of me. I'm sorry, Prince Endymion." She felt like she would vomit out her heart any moment now, so she pulled away from Endymion's burning touch and hoped to make it back to the darkness. "I won't bother you with childish ideas again. Goodbye and…thank you again for my gifts."

"Gifts?!" Endymion huffed, still refusing to look at her.

Just as he had done to her, Serenity forced Endymion's chin up, so he was no longer hiding. Another sob caught in her throat at the glitter in Endymion's eyes. It was as if he was about to cry as well. "The first gift was your arrival. And it was all I wanted in the first place. The best gift I've yet to receive was getting to see you one last time."

Her hand refused to release him, sliding along the stubble of his chin as she pushed her feet to move. At his side, passing him by, Serenity was caught. First by the wrist near Endymion's face and then by her waist. Her mind struggled to keep up, Endymion pulling her back and twisting her at the same time until they stood before each other. He kept her hand on his face with his grip on her wrist. But then, he held her face still with his fingers, tilting her head back swiftly. He did it all so fast as if to catch her off-guard.

And he had—Endymion's lips were on hers while she was numb with confusion. However, Serenity would never pull away even if aware. So she didn't, wrapping and coiling deeper into him until she was bent back by his mouth and body.

Endymion had released her wrist, wrapping his arm around her waist to help bend her back. She kept her hand on his face, sliding it back to dig into the black silk of his hair. Her other hand soon joined as she wore no gloves for the first time, grabbing hard to Endymion's locks. In part to feel more on her fingers but also to hold Endymion tighter to her lips.

The hand Endymion once had on her face had left a trail of tingling heat. From along her jaw, the back of her neck, and to the middle of her back. It rested between her shoulder blades now, pressing her against his chest. It all had Serenity realizing that Endymion also felt the need she felt.

Endymion pulled his mouth from hers, getting a short distance to speak against her lips. "See? I cannot be your friend, Serenity."

She opened her eyes, a smile slowly growing on her face as well as on Endymion's. It didn't last, though, as Endymion sucked her lower lip back into his mouth. Not once had Serenity allowed herself to believe they would end up like this. She wasn't too confident this wasn't a dream. That she hadn't drunk too much wine on her empty stomach and was currently in her bed, it wouldn't be the first time she'd dreamt of Endymion but the first of them embracing like this.

This time, they pulled apart to breathe, catching their breath by breathing in each others. They both released giddy laughs that did far from confirm the reality. Endymion hadn't relaxed his grip on her and Serenity still clung tightly to Endymion's hair. She found it impossible to let go, and she wondered if Endymion felt the same. But then, he smiled and brushed it against her top lip. Her eyes closed on instinct, lifting her head back to encourage the affection. It was why Endymion did it again…and again….and again.

Serenity was dizzy when he finally slowed, but when it was clear he was stopping, she sucked in his lower lip and tried to keep him. It caused Endymion to chuckle into her mouth. She swallowed the sound, tasting his happiness and feeling like it was a drug. He got his mouth free, pressing his chin to her lips to hold her back. "We cannot stay here."

"Why not?" She mumbled against his skin.

Another chuckle rumbled in his chest, pressing his mouth to her forehead to talk again. "Because…this time…your chastity is at risk."

Serenity kept her eyes closed and her lips on his chin, even with the scratching his stubble did. "It wasn't before? You assured me you would not threaten my virtue."

"That was before…I knew our feelings were mutual. I would not take what was not freely given to me."

Still bowed as Endymion held her, Serenity's head flopped back as she looked up at him in a haze. "But you would take what was offered even if you did not want it?"

His brow pinched in confusion, and then he growled in frustration. "I take what I want and nothing more. Hence why you are in my arms right now. I want you, Serenity, and all evidence points to you feeling the same. So I say again, we cannot stay here, or I will be likely to lose control more than I already have."

Her face on fire, she nodded silently and allowed herself to be set aright. Serenity reached over with a giggle, fixing Endymion's wild hair. He grabbed her hand when she pulled away, kissing her wrist and palm before dropping their hands down and threading his fingers with hers. She made sure to memorize the location of her gift, hidden deep in the palace's garden and the manner in which Endymion walked before her. She had watched him before her a few times now, but this was the first time she found him without tension.

It renewed when he came to a halt, pulling her around him and back to the stairs of the palace terrace. He kept to the dark, pushing her towards the light of the ballroom. "I must go." She didn't fight him, looking at his feet to hide her growing apprehension. Nodding was the best she could give him, and he soon tipped her head back by her chin. "It is the last thing I want…to be parted from you. But…I'm far from welcomed here…."

"I invited you! You are welcomed!"

"Be that as it may, my father and my guards no not where I am this evening. If they were to discover I was missing…and that I was here…they could declare war before I have the time to calm them."

It was then that Serenity understood the precariousness of their relationship. "They hate the moon that much?" Endymion's hand moved from her chin to her cheek, brushing his thumb along her bone. "Then…we should tell no one that you were here tonight. Or that we are…."

She stopped, unsure what they were as it was one kiss. One long and enchanting kiss, but no claims were made nor understandings made.

Endymion's lips twerked upward to one side, "Friends?"

As weak as it made her, Serenity would take whatever Endymion gave her, giving him a slight nod. He pulled her to him with the hand on her cheek, gently caressing her lips once more. His other hand joined, turning the lite touch into a deep one as she searched his mouth with her tongue. She wished she could find his feelings, laving her tongue across his as if it would get him to tell her what she needed to hear.

For Serenity required him to say he loved her as she loved him.

But he didn't say that; he said they were friends, and it would have to do, releasing him when he pulled away entirely. Serenity considered it a great accomplishment since Endymion had said so many times that they could not be friends. And the smile he gave her before completely disappearing from her sight made her weak in the knees.

Serenity would do anything for Endymion, even lie to herself that she was satisfied.

AN: Tangent, thy name is Shnuggletea.