Crystal Flaws - Part 03 Crystal Clear

Two Shrine maidens came out of the Shrine to greet Elios and Serenity.

As they walked up the Shrine stairs, Elios asked, “Serenity, do you remember meeting my sisters in the past?”

Serenity smiled at the women and answered, “Yes I do, hello. I’m afraid I don’t remember your names though.”

Both women smiled. The Maiden on the lower step, who wore a lavender gown, said, “I’m Alcyone and this is Pleione. Welcome, Serenity, and congratulations on your engagement.”

Pleione, who Serenity noticed looked identical to her sister except she wore a pale blue gown, smiled and teasingly added, “Elios has been much easier to work with since you’ve become a part of his life.”

Elios blushed at his sister’s teasing. “Thanks, Ple!”

Alcyone laughed. “We better be going. We’ll see you again soon Serenity. Bye.”

The two women walked away and Serenity said, “They’re nice. I didn’t know they were your sisters though.”

“Yes they are, Elios said, “They used to live here at the shrine, but now they have their own homes and families.”

Elios led her into the Shrine. The walls were made of white marble that seemed to glow like moonlight. Roses in every color imaginable tumbled and trailed over everything. Gilding shimmered on edges everywhere. Elios opened a door off the main hall and they entered his apartment.

Sniffing the air, Serenity’s stomach growled in response to the tantalizing smell of warm food. She had not eaten dinner before she left that afternoon so she was very hungry.

Elios was hungry too. He went into his kitchen and noticed two covered plates of food in the oven keeping warm. He made a mental note to thank his sisters for being so thoughtful. He brought the food to the table and they ate together in comfortable silence.

When they finished eating, Serenity gathered the dishes and brought them to the kitchen. She looked around her as she washed them and put them in the drainer. The apartment was small she noticed, but she thought it was cozy. Serenity decided she could live here comfortably and happily with Elios.

He stood just outside the kitchen doorway and watched as Serenity finished washing the dishes. Elios could hardly believe she was really in his apartment. So many times he had dreamed of her being there with him. He felt like his heart would burst from happiness. He had waited a long time and now, all his dreams were finally coming true!

Serenity was startled out of her musing by two arms that slid around her waist. Elios kissed the back of her neck. He said, “I really like having you here with me.”

Smiling, Serenity said, “I like being here with you too.” She dried her hands, and then Elios led her into the living room. He had started a fire in the fireplace and soft music was playing. Elios had hung up his ceremonial priest’s robes and he now wore a loose button up white shirt and white pants.

After sitting on the couch in front of the fire, Elios pulled Serenity down onto his lap. They cuddled contentedly and she raised her hand to look at her engagement ring. The diamond sparkled in the firelight.

Hugging her, he quietly asked, “Did I pick a ring you like?”

Serenity responded, “Yes, very much so. It matches the necklace you gave me.” She reached up and held out the chain she wore around her neck to look at it and the ring together. She continued by saying, “I’ve worn this necklace everyday since you gave it to me.”

Elios smiled then softly kissed her neck where the necklace touched her skin. He could feel her shiver in his arms from the touch of his lips. He looked into her rose colored eyes and his fingers gently stroked over her cheek. His voice was choked with emotion as he whispered, “My dearest Maiden, do you know how much I love you?”

She smiled and gently rubbed noses with him. Serenity quietly answered, “If it’s even half as much as I love you then it’s quite a lot.”

He couldn’t wait a moment longer to kiss her lips so close to his. Elios felt her relax and melt warmly into his arms as their kiss deepened. He rubbed his hands over her back and ran his fingers through the silky smoothness of her hair that was pooled around them. When he broke their kiss Elios gasped with desire for Serenity then hungrily trailed kisses down her cheek and neck. He rubbed his cheek against her hair and deeply breathed. She smelled like rare, beautiful flowers and it was intoxicating to him.

Serenity shivered from the touch of Elios’ lips. As they kissed, she lifted her hand and gently ran her fingers over the angles and smooth planes of his cheek. She heard him gasp as he broke their kiss, and her heartbeat quickened with excitement and desire for him. She slowly traced the shape of his ear with her fingertips. As he kissed her neck she ran her fingers through his hair then caressed the back of his neck lovingly. Her other hand had slid behind Elios and she grasped the back of his shirt. She clung to him as if the feelings that were coursing through her would overwhelm and sweep her away.

Elios’ fingers trembled as he once again tried to work the zipper of her dress.

Serenity noticed the trouble he was having. Sitting up, she brought his hand to her cheek and held it still. She whispered, “Are you nervous?”

Blushing, Elios buried his face in her hair then whispered, “Yes, a little bit.”

Gently turning him to look at her, Serenity asked, “Have you ever done this before?”

As he honestly shook his head no, Elios responded, “I never found anybody I wanted to do this with before.”

Serenity was a little surprised, but she also felt happy and privileged. With a reassuring smile, she said, “I haven’t either, but don’t be nervous. We love each other. I’m sure we’ll figure it out.” She then reached behind her back and dealt with the uncooperative zipper.

Taking Elios’ hands in hers, she put them on her shoulders. The straps of her dress slowly slid, with his hands down her arms. Her dress pooled around her waist.

Elios forgot how to breathe as he gazed at her.

Serenity unbuttoned his shirt and pushed it off his shoulders. She reached up with both hands, unwrapped her hair buns and let her hair down so it spilled around them in waves.

As she leaned forward, Serenity slid her hands behind Elios’ neck and wrapped her fingers in his soft curls. Gently she nibbled on his lower lip as the nipples of her full breasts lightly brushed against his chest. They both softly groaned from the incredible sensation.

Drawing her close against him, Elios deepened their kiss. Soon he relaxed enough to overcome his shyness and let instinct guide him. Elios’ hands and fingers slowly began to explore the treasures Serenity offered him and his mouth soon followed.

Purring and quietly cooing as Elios worshipped her, Serenity’s desires deepened. She ran her hands over his back and chest and enjoyed tracing his muscles with her fingertips. Soon, Serenity felt desperate for more. She knew there had to be a better place to continue this than on the small couch.

Elios was totally absorbed with what they were doing. He looked up at her dazed when she asked a question. Giggling a little at his expression, Serenity asked again. “Elios, do you have a bedroom with a bed here?” Finally he nodded his head yes. She said, “Why don’t we go there so we can stretch out and continue this more comfortably?”

He was going to say something, but it flew out of his head as Serenity stood up facing him and her breasts slightly bounced. Her dress had been draped around her hips, but it now slid to her feet.

As he sucked his breath in sharply, Elios reached out to touch the small, artfully placed, rose colored silk and lace underwear she wore. “Wow!” he breathed as his eyes and fingers delightedly perused the delicate scrap of fabric. He hoarsely whispered, “I really like them.”

Serenity looked down at herself. She let out a surprised squeak when she saw she was not wearing the underwear she had put on that afternoon. It dawned on her where her new underwear had come from and she started to laugh.

Elios looked up at Serenity questioningly. She explained, “I don’t usually wear underwear like this. I guess I will now since you seem to like them so much. I actually had plain white underwear on this afternoon.

Giving Serenity a confused look, he asked, “They changed?”

She continued to explain. “Terrance lied to me about where we were going so I was dressed in grubby clothes. When we got to the cliff he told me to use my Luna Disguise Pen to dress up like I was going on a date with you. I thought he was behaving very strangely, but he begged until I did it. I guess the Luna Pen decided sexy underwear should be a part of the outfit.”

Chuckling, Elios said, “I thought the reason your clothes made me tingle when I touched them had to do with my wanting to get them off of you. It’s really because they were made with an illusion spell! Well illusion or not, I really, really like them!”

Serenity was happy her underwear pleased Elios, but she still wanted to find that bed. She turned around and stepped away from him.

Elios quickly jumped up, grabbed her by the waist then sat back down with her on his lap.

“Hey,” Serenity weakly protested. Elios’ hands had become much bolder and were quickly driving her to distraction.

He kissed the back of Serenity’s neck as he caressed her breasts and gently teased her nipples with his fingers. Elios quietly growled in her ear, “I don’t want to let go of you for even a second!”

She shivered from his touches and the thick passion in his voice. Swallowing, Serenity finally managed to speak breathlessly, but also persistently. “Okay, but I want to move to your bed. I don’t want to stay on the couch!”

Brushing his lips against her ear Elios whispered, “As you wish.” He put his arm under her knees then stood up with her in his arms.

Serenity gasped, then giggled at his solution to their “problem”.

Elios carried her down a short hallway to a door at the end and pushed it open. The bedroom was large and definitely masculine. Serenity was also glad to see he had a large bed. Elios gently placed her in the middle of the bed and started to climb in too.

Stopping him, she teasingly said, “This bed now has a new rule. Each person can only wear one or fewer pieces of clothing to be allowed on the bed. Sir, you are decidedly overdressed!”

Mesmerized, Elios watched as Serenity saucily bounced to the edge of the bed. She reached out and unbuckled his belt then opened his pants. Leaning forward, she pushed his pants down and teasingly kissed his chest.

Serenity started to reach for his underwear too but hesitated. She looked up at Elios and asked, “Would you like me to help you out of these too?”

Elios tried not to gulp as he nodded his head yes.

She again reached out and this time pushed his underwear off. Serenity had never actually seen a man naked before, only statues. She decided Elios could have been one of those statues cut from alabaster or marble. She was surprised at how beautiful he was and she wanted him more than ever. Tentatively Serenity trailed her fingers along his length and circled the base of the tip once.

Elios drew his breath in sharply and quietly groaned as he quivered from her touch. He reached for Serenity and pulled her into his embrace. They kissed passionately and she felt his need for her pressed against her belly. Serenity was overwhelmed with desire for the man of her dreams.

Releasing their kiss, Elios gently placed Serenity down as he crawled onto the bed with her. His hands molded themselves to her curves and he listened to her coo and sigh for more. He caressed the front of her silky underwear then lightly ran his fingers down between her legs but still over her underwear.

Breathlessly, Serenity whispered for him to do that again.

As much as he liked her underwear, Elios decided they were definitely in the way. He hooked his fingers in the sides and slowly pulled them down to her ankles then off.

Elios brushed his fingers over her triangle of soft pink hair. He then gently slid them between her warm soft folds.

Serenity gasped as he touched her intimately.

He continued to caress her, then slowly pressed two fingers inside of her a little bit and drew them out again.

She lifted her hips to ask him for more.

Leaning over, Elios enveloped Serenity’s erect and sensitive pale pink nipple with his mouth. He lovingly suckled her as he moved his fingers out and back into her again and again.

Serenity gasped and whispered her approval of what Elios was doing.

As he continued, Elios noticed her response was becoming almost frantic.

Serenity felt her desire spiral higher and tighter until it suddenly seemed to explode. She cried out loud as the feeling overwhelmed her. After a moment she slowly relaxed and tried to breathe again. She couldn’t even think. Serenity sighed and shakily whispered, “Wow!”

Elios almost lost it as he watched and felt her climax. He hadn’t known it could be that strong for a woman. He kissed Serenity’s cheek. Reaching up, he gently brushed her bangs from her sweat-dampened brow. Quietly he asked, “Did you like that?”

Her eyes were wide and Serenity still trembled in his arms. She whispered, “I really, really liked that!” Elios was happy he had made her feel good.

When she felt like she could move again, Serenity turned toward Elios and they kissed passionately. Instinctively she wrapped her leg around him to draw him closer.

Before either of them really realized it, he was lying on top of her. Serenity could feel Elios’ shaft throbbing and pressing against her moistened folds. She shifted her hips and his shaft easily slid as it separated and opened her to him.

Elios quietly groaned as he pushed forward and deeply imbedded himself in her warm, tight body.

Serenity had gasped as he entered her and she hadn’t expected it to hurt. A sob caught in her throat. She hissed, “Stop! You hurt me!”

Immediately, Elios froze where he was. He saw her tears then remembered he had heard it could hurt the first time for a woman.

She looked at him with confusion and asked, “Why did it hurt? I didn’t think it would hurt me!”

Now with tears on his own cheeks, Elios said, “I’m sorry, my Maiden. I forgot. I had heard it could hurt the first time for a woman, but I had forgotten.” He gently wiped her tears with his fingers as he tried to offer her comfort. He whispered, “I love you and I never wanted to hurt you.”

Taking a deep, shaky breath, Serenity hugged Elios desperately then said, “I know you love me. I love you too. Maybe it will get better. It doesn’t seem to hurt so bad now.”

As he nodded his head yes, Elios whispered, “I heard it will get better after the first time and not hurt again.”

Serenity sighed as the pain began to fade. She shifted her hips around a bit and found she liked the feel of having him inside of her.

Elios buried his face in her hair and gasped as he felt her move. The feeling of being buried deep inside her body was incredible to him. He whispered, “Oh, God!”

Seeing and feeling Elios’ reaction, Serenity decided she liked affecting him like that. She tried moving again and felt him slightly slide out then back in again.

Elios gripped the bedspread in his hands and gasped again. He didn’t want to hurt her more, but [Oh God] he thought, [I want to move!]

Realizing he was holding himself back, Serenity whispered, “Elios, I’m okay now. Please finish making love to me.”

Sighing with relief, Elios drew himself out then pushed back into her again. He repeated the movements and the feeling of her soft warm body engulfing him quickly overwhelmed him.

As Elios began to move more desperately, Serenity realized he was feeling like she had felt before. Suddenly, he groaned and pushed himself deep inside of her. Serenity felt Elios pulse his release and she felt her own insides respond. Every time he shifted her response was stronger and she knew she liked this too. After a few moments Serenity felt Elios relax against her and she kissed his cheek.

Elios looked at Serenity with love and happiness reflected in his eyes. He kissed her and said, “Thank you, my Maiden, for loving me and making me the happiest man alive. I love you!”

Serenity felt contented, satisfied and very thoroughly loved. She smiled and whispered, “I love you, my Dreamer. You make me very, very happy too. Thank you.”

Elios moved off of Serenity. He pulled the covers over them warmly then snuggled her safely and securely in his arms before they fell fast asleep. They both had very beautiful dreams.

~~~~~~~~

The morning sunlight found the lovers relaxed and playful. They made love again as they started to learn what they each liked to do. By the time they had fit in eating, showering and getting dressed it was already after noon.

Serenity looked at the clock. “It’s almost 1pm already? My parents are going to shoot us for coming back so late!”

Elios smiled, as he teased her. “I’ll just tell them we’re late because you refused to get out of our bed this morning.”

Serenity teased him back. “I can do better than that. I’ll just tell my parents that you lured me here by promising me candy then tied me to the bed and wouldn’t let me go!”

Elios choked and cracked up laughing. “Yes, that would go over well! I could just see Terrance and your father leading the firing squad! However, the idea of tying you up and not letting you go could have possibilities. I’ll have to remember that for future use.”

Serenity glared and growled, “Don’t you dare ever!”

Elios laughed and said with a wink, “Don’t worry dear Maiden. I’m teasing. I only do hero stuff like rescuing a Maiden from her over protective brother. I personally prefer a Maiden’s gratitude. It’s much more rewarding.”

Serenity had changed her clothes back to jeans and T-shirt so it would be easier to ride. Before they left Elios’ apartment he pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply. He sadly said, “I wish you didn’t have to go back.”

Serenity wiped a tear from his cheek and she had tears in her eyes too. She answered, “Keep remembering that soon we will be married and we won’t have to be separated.”

Elios hugged her close and whispered into her hair, “I can’t wait for that to be true!”

~~~~~~~~

The ride back to the Crystal Palace was a lot shorter without the fairies. Serenity was amazed how fast a Pegasus could fly. Neither of them spoke of it, but they both were a little anxious.

Serenity wondered how her parents would react to her spending the night with Elios. They never actually came out and said they would disapprove of her doing something like that. However, they had always made sure she didn’t have an opportunity to try.

Elios wondered if King Endymion was going to kill him. He sighed as he realized the King wouldn’t do that for the good of the Earth. However, his next thought wasn’t a comfort. He realized there were many ways the King could torture him without actually killing him.

Too soon the ride was over and they landed in the Palace garden. Serenity gulped and gave Elios a nervous smile. “Well, here we go,” she said.

Elios took her hand in his and they left the Pegasus in the garden. The couple walked inside and down the hall to the library. The King and Queen were not there so they went to the offices. They decided to look in the Queen’s office first.

Neo-Queen Serenity was there and commanded, “Enter,” in response to their knock.

Lady Serenity slowly opened the door.

Her mother looked up and sat silently looking at her nervous daughter and future Son-in-law for a moment before she said, “I guess three p.m. is still part of tomorrow, but I expected you to show up a little earlier.”

Serenity’s mother stepped out from behind her desk and walked up to the couple. Finally she smiled and said, “I heard the two of you got engaged last night. Congratulations. Elios you have always been our good friend, and now I officially welcome you to our family.” The couple was stunned and grateful as the Queen hugged each of them.

Lady Serenity smiled shyly and said, “Thank you, Mother,” and Elios echoed her thank you.

The Queen turned them around with a little push and said, “Let’s go find your father.”

They knocked on the King’s office door and his wife opened it before he answered. The King looked up surprised and happy as always, to see his wife. The Queen smiled and said, “A young couple is here to see you.”

Her husband smiled in understanding then stood by his wife as he said, “Come in. I won’t bite!” He then whispered to his wife, “Hard!” with a teasing grin.

“Be good! They’re nervous.” She quietly whispered back.

Lady Serenity and Elios walked in the office holding hands and looked uncertainly at her father.

Mamoru had always wondered how he would react when this time came. He had dreaded it ever since he had learned he would have a daughter. Now, here it was already. Standing right in front of him.

A large part of him wanted to grab his Small Lady, lock her in a glass cage and tell Elios, “Sure, love her and admire her. Stare at her and tell everyone how beautiful she is. I’ll stand next to you and agree with all the wonderful things you say, but *DON’T GET TOO CLOSE TO HER!*” Mamoru didn’t want her to be hurt, but he knew by experience that love and heartache often walked hand in hand. It was extremely difficult for him to accept that he could not protect her from that. Now, here it was already. Standing right in front of him.

Mamoru then noticed the fear in their eyes. His heart constricted painfully as he realized, Serenity stood a little behind Elios as if she expected *him* to protect her. “To protect her from… *ME*!” Mamoru thought as he sighed internally. Finally, he admitted to himself what he had to do. It was the right thing to do. If he didn’t do it, he would cause her the very pain he wanted to shield her from.

Pasting a smile on his face, King Endymion held out his hand to Elios as he said, “I heard you two got engaged last night. Congratulations.”

Elios shook his future father-in-law’s hand and quietly said, “Yes, thank you.”

The King turned to Lady Serenity. His smile started to slip and he cleared his throat as he struggled to force himself to continue. Looking into her hopeful, happy eyes, he wistfully said, “My Baby Girl is going to get married!”

Lady Serenity threw herself in her father’s arms and he hugged her tightly. She whispered, “Yes, Poppa, but you’ll always be my number one guy!”

The four of them talked a few moments then the Queen said, “Serenity let’s leave these two to talk and we’ll go back to my office.” Serenity’s mother put her arm around Serenity’s shoulders and headed for the door.

Elios looked at Lady Serenity questioningly and the Queen reassured him with a smile as she said, “We’ll be back soon.”

~~~~~~~~

The King got some tea for Elios and himself. They sat and drank it together silently.

After a moment Elios cautiously asked, “Are you angry?”

King Endymion knew exactly what Elios was referring to. He sighed and said, “At first I was, but Venus reminded me that we are all human, and for good or bad, we each make our own choices. I can’t expect the two of you to hold to a standard that I didn’t hold myself to.”

Elios looked up with a puzzled look on his face.

The King bluntly spelled it out for him. “The existence of Terrance is proof of the choices I made.”

Elios had forgotten that Terrance was King Endymion’s illegitimate child. He relaxed as he realized the King really did understand.

Elios then noticed a niggling thought that seemed to be dancing outside the edges of his conscious mind. He felt it might be something important he had forgotten, but whatever it was wouldn’t reveal itself. Elios mentally shook himself and concentrated on the discussion with his future father-in-law.

They changed to a more mundane subject, and while they were talking Elios’ subconscious mind continued to work on that niggling thought. Suddenly Elios’ mind pulled it all together and put what it found at the front and center of his thoughts. [Understands, Not married, A child, The same thing, A Child… *OH MY GOD!*]

Elios suddenly blanched and put his teacup down with shaky hands. He now realized what he had forgotten. With dismay and belated regret he thought, [Serenity could be pregnant!]

The King looked at Elios who had been staring at his tea silently the last few moments then suddenly put it down on the table. Elios looked pale and he seemed very distracted. The King put his hand on Elios’ shoulder to get his attention and Elios startled. He asked Elios, “Are you okay?”

Elios struggled to regain some composure. He shook his head and said, “I’m fine. I’m just a little tired.”

Fortunately the King didn’t ask further, and somehow Elios managed to survive until his fiancée and the Queen came back.

~~~~~~~~

Lady Serenity had allowed her mother to steer her back to her mother’s office where they comfortably settled themselves on the couch with cups of tea. Her mother looked at her expectantly and said, “Well?”

Lady Serenity hesitated. She could think of at least four different answers to that loaded question and at least two of them she had no intention of discussing with her mother. She blushed and cautiously said, “Well, what?”

Her mother looked annoyed and said, “Well, let me see your ring!”

Serenity tried not to breathe an audible sigh of relief as she held up her hand.

Her mother took her hand and examined the ring. She smiled and asked, “Did Elios pick this out by himself? It’s very pretty!”

Serenity smiled shyly and said, “Yes, he did.”

Her mother let go of her hand and said, “Elios seems to have a very romantic heart. The display last night was breathtaking.

Lady Serenity blushed more and quietly said, “Yes, Elios is very romantic. That’s one of the things I love about him. He is very open with his feelings.”

Serenity’s mother took a sip of her tea and nodded her head yes. She then took a deep breath and said, “I don’t wish to intrude about last night, but I want you to know I’m available to talk if you want to. Also, I do have to ask one question. Did you take precautions to not become pregnant before you’re married?”

Lady Serenity’s face showed her thoughts as her emotions changed from embarrassment to surprise to dismay in quick succession. She looked down at her hands holding her teacup and didn’t answer.

Her mother was most concerned about her look of dismay. “Didn’t either of you think about consequences?” she asked incredulously.

Lady Serenity shook her head no as she lamely tried to explain. “It was the first time for both of us and neither of us considered that possibility.”

Serenity’s mother took another sip of her tea as she thought, [I wish Elios had told us he was going to propose so soon. Had I known I would have spoke to Serenity about getting a shot!]

The Queen sighed and said to her daughter, “Well, let’s not worry until we know for sure.” She pulled out her communicator and pushed the button for Sailor Mercury. The Queen first asked Mercury if she was alone then explained the situation.

Mercury calmly said, “I could scan her now, but we won’t be able to tell for sure until after seven days. May I speak to Lady Serenity?”

The Queen handed her communicator to her daughter. Sailor Mercury continued, “How about I make an appointment for you a week from Wednesday. Would nine a.m. be okay?

Lady Serenity nodded her head yes and Mercury continued. “Please discuss this with Elios and he is welcome to come to the appointment if you would like him to. If you’re not pregnant, I can give you a shot that will protect you from pregnancy for a year. Please also discuss this with Elios. Lastly, unless you want to be pregnant, do not have unprotected sex between now and your appointment. Any questions?”

Lady Serenity shook her head no then choked out a thank you before they hung up. She shakily handed back her mother’s communicator. Serenity was stunned as she thought about possibly being pregnant. She wondered how Elios would react and felt a little nervous about having to tell him.

Neo-Queen Serenity felt sympathy for her daughter. She thought, [Sometimes life can even hit a Princess right between the eyes!] She reached out and gave her daughter a hug. After a moment she said, “We should probably get going. Someone is going to be missing you soon.”

Lady Serenity looked up and blinked back sudden tears. She said, “Thank you, Momma.” They hugged again then headed out the door.

~~~~~~~~

The women returned to the King’s office and right away Serenity could tell that Elios was upset about something. She hoped her father had been as understanding as her mother had. Dinner would be in about half an hour so the two couples agreed to meet then.

Elios asked Serenity to walk with him in the garden. As they walked Serenity’s imagination was working overtime. “What if my father convinced him to break the engagement? What if Elios has changed his mind?” She couldn’t stand not knowing for one more second. She blurted out, “Elios what’s wrong? Did my father say something that upset you?”

Elios saw a bench and he pulled her down on it and into his arms. He was worried Serenity would be angry with him for forgetting. Maybe she’d even break up with him. He knew he had to say something though. He sighed and hugged her closer as he whispered, “I’m sorry.”

Now Serenity was very worried. “About what?” she asked.

He continued, “I forgot to think about something important that I should have done last night. I’m afraid you’ll be angry with me for it.”

Serenity suddenly giggled with relief as she thought, [He figured it out too! That is what’s bothering him.]

Elios looked at her questioningly when she giggled.

Serenity reached up and held his face in her hand as she said, “Elios, I know what we forgot about and I’m not angry. We just didn’t think. We’ll have to be more careful from now on.”

Elios looked at her with surprise and said, “But you could be pregnant.”

Serenity sighed. “Yes I realize that. It might not be the best timing, but I would still be happy if I’m pregnant with our child.”

Elios’ heart melted with love for this woman who was again willing to forgive his foolishness. He hugged her closely and whispered, “Thank you.”

Serenity smiled shyly and said, “I have an appointment with Sailor Mercury a week from Wednesday at nine a.m.. She said she will be able to tell if I am pregnant or not by then. Would you want to come to the appointment with me?”

Elios said, “I would like to go.”

She continued, “There are a few other things Mercury said I needed to talk with you about before the appointment.” They decided that if she was not pregnant already then she would get the shot so they’d have time to marry first. When Serenity said they couldn’t have unprotected sex again before the appointment, Elios realized how very long ten days were. Actually, just the hours since that morning seemed to have been forever to him!

Serenity giggled at his expression and said, “There are other things we can use if we get the opportunity. You just have to find them and get some. You can probably find them in Crystal Tokyo.”

Elios nodded. He thought that sounded like a much more reasonable plan.

Serenity and Elios heard someone walking down the path and soon Terrance strode around the bend. He was coming back from fighting practice for dinner.

Terrance stopped when he saw the couple sitting on the bench.

Serenity and Elios looked at Terrance a little apprehensively.

Suddenly Terrance laughed and said, “You two look like you think I’m going to drag you apart and lock you in separate buildings! Don’t worry. Father said I should leave you alone and not worry about you anymore.”

Serenity and Elios both sighed with relief then laughed too. Terrance passed them and continued walking down the path. He called back, “You are going to be late for dinner though if you don’t hurry!”

Serenity looked at her watch and said, “He’s right. We better get moving.”

They stood and Elios drew her into his arms. He smiled as he said, “You know, the meeting with your parents went better than I expected. I thought they would be much angrier than they were.”

Nodding, Serenity agreed. “Yes, I’m glad. I guess they understand more than I thought they would.”

At that moment, Serenity’s stomach growled loudly and Elios laughed. “Okay, we’ll go!” They hurried down the path, relieved that the worst was over.

~~~~~~~~

That evening, Elios and Serenity stood together in the garden. Elios sighed and said, “I have to go back, but I would rather stay here with you.”

Serenity reminded him, “You haven’t had the chance to go to Crystal Tokyo yet. It would probably be a bad idea to stay.”

Elios couldn’t refute her logic. He said, “Yes, you’re right. I need to get back to work anyway. I haven’t been there much the last few weeks. Things will start to fall apart if I’m not careful.”

Serenity looked concerned. “You’ve neglected your duties to see me?” Elios blushed and nodded. Serenity looked into Elios’ eyes and softly stroked his cheek with her fingers. She gently chided him. “My father and others will notice and then they’ll be upset with us. Please don’t let that happen. Your duty is very important to the earth and everyone on it.”

Elios looked down and said, “Okay. I promise I’ll get my act together, but it will take a few days. I won’t be able to see you again until Friday.” He looked back up at Serenity and shyly suggested, “I could then stay for the weekend if you want me to.”

Serenity smiled and hugged Elios as she said, “I’ll wait patiently for the weekend then. We can both work hard this week, and before we know it, we’ll be together again.”

They kissed one more time then Elios mounted the Pegasus and flew away.

~~~~~~~~

Later that night, Neo-Queen Serenity and King Endymion were talking about the day’s events before going to sleep.

Mamoru mentioned to Usagi that Elios had seemed upset when they were talking together. “I can’t figure out why,” he mused.. “I tried to be open minded and non-judgmental.”

Usagi asked, “What were you talking about before Elios got upset?”

Mamoru told her what he said regarding choices and Terrance’s existence.

Usagi started to chuckle as she explained. “What you said probably made Elios realize he had forgotten something important.”

Mamoru looked at her quizzically. “What did he forget?”

Usagi quietly answered, “A week from Wednesday, we will know if their wedding needs to be sooner rather than later.”

Mamoru’s eyes widened with understanding and dismay as he asked, “You’re telling me they forgot *that*?”

Usagi sighed and nodded her head yes. She said, “I asked Serenity and she admitted the thought had not occurred to either of them.”

Mamoru sat up. He ran his fingers through his hair and his eyes flashed angrily. He turned to his wife and said, “Damn it, Usako! Serenity is too young! How could Elios have been so stupid?”

Usagi had expected this reaction from her husband. She spoke soothingly. “Mamo-chan, Elios has lived a very sheltered life at the Shrine. He didn’t forget on purpose. He was just as inexperienced as Serenity was. Anyway, what’s done is done. What they need from us now is support.”

Mamoru sighed then resignedly gave a last protest. “But I’m not ready to be a Grandfather. I’m not old enough!”

Usagi laughed. “Do you remember how old you really are, Mamo-chan? How much older do you need to be to be ready?”

Mamoru made a face at her as he said, “Don’t remind me!”

Continued...

This story was edited and enhanced by the great mind and imagination of Sophia Prester. Her help and ideas have been of great value to me! Thank you Sophia! ^_^

Sophia Prester is also the author or a *wonderful* continuing Sailor Moon fanfic called \"Empire of the Sun\". Her story is very intricate and absorbing and I highly recommend reading it! The most up to date version is on Fanfiction.net . ^_^

Thank you for reading my story. I hope you enjoyed it. If you did like my story, or if you have any (kind and gently worded) suggestions/comments about my story, please let me know. I truly appreciate feedback. You can email me at ndeblock@att.net .

Bye, Luna Hope ^_^

Disclaimer - Sailor Moon and all her friends (except for Prince Terrance Donovan and the Pegasus, Castor - They\'re mine! ^_^ ) don\'t belong to me. They belong to Naoko Takeuchi. I just borrowed them for a little bit of fun.