Crystal Flaws - Part 05 Crystal Ties

Late Wednesday afternoon, Castor showed up at the Palace. He found Ceres and asked her to walk in the garden with him. He was afraid she’d refuse again, but Ceres nodded yes and they walked without speaking until they came to a secluded bench.

Castor motioned for Ceres to sit on the bench and he knelt down on one knee in front of her. Because of Castor’s size, they were now eye to eye. Gently taking Ceres’ hand in his, Castor quietly said, “I’ve missed you.”

Ceres tried to explain. “I-I needed some time to think. Um, everything happened so quickly and…”

Castor brought her fingers to his lips and gently kissed them. Looking up, he said, “I need to apologize for that. I didn’t realize how much I was rushing you. I love you very much and I never wanted to make you unhappy. I’m sorry.”

Tears welled up in Ceres’ eyes as she whispered, “Thank you. I need to apologize too. I should have told you I felt rushed. I should have said I wasn’t ready.”

Castor’s eyes also filled with tears. He looked down and sadly whispered, “I guess that means you do regret what we did.”

Ceres reached out and lifted Castor’s chin to have him look at her. Her other hand moved to gently wipe the tears on his cheek. “No,” she quietly said. “I don’t regret what we did. Not anymore. Actually, I think I was just shaken by the implications. In my heart, I didn’t regret it at all.”

Castor smiled with relief and Ceres shyly smiled back.

Castor suddenly remembered what he needed to do. Clearing his throat, he said, “Ceres, I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Do you think you might be able to love me too? Would you be willing to be my wife?”

As he spoke, Castor had reached into his pocket and lifted out a small box. He opened Ceres’ hand and placed the box in her palm. With fear and hope in his heart, he looked up at her.

Tears now spilled down Ceres’ cheeks as she answered, “Castor, I love you too. Yes, I will marry you.”

Castor opened the box in Ceres’ palm and carefully lifted the delicate gold and diamond engagement ring. Hesitating a moment, Castor looked at the ring then at Ceres’ hands. Finally he admitted, “Um, I forgot which hand and finger Elios said this goes on.”

Ceres bit her lip to keep from chuckling as she thought, [So, that’s how he learned this!] Ceres lifted her left hand and pointed to her ring finger.

Quickly sliding the ring on Ceres’ finger, Castor then looked up. They both smiled joyously as Castor gathered her in his arms. They kissed then Castor sat on the bench next to Ceres with his arm around her. Both of them sighed with relief and happiness.

Ceres looked up at Castor with a mysterious and knowing smile.

Castor raised his eyebrow and Ceres continued to smile. He observed, “You’re smiling like you have a secret. Are you going to share it with me?”

Ceres’ smile got bigger and she giggled. Finally, she sat up, looked Castor in the eyes and said, “It’s a good thing you asked me to marry you. I would not have been happy raising our children without you.”

Castor’s eyes happily lit up as he sat forward and grasped Ceres’ shoulders. Because he hadn’t been near Ceres in his Pegasus form since they had flown back to the Palace from their picnic, his nose hadn’t told him. He excitedly asked, “You’re pregnant?”

Ceres, who had visited Mercury earlier that day, shyly nodded her head.

Castor quickly scooped her up in his arms. Jumping up, he spun her around. Happily, he laughed and hugged her.

Gasping with surprise, Ceres clung to Castor. His exuberance was amazing to her.

As he came to a standstill, Castor captured Ceres’ lips and kissed her deeply.

They slowly broke their kiss and Castor held Ceres close. He whispered to her, “Thank you. You’ve made this the best day of my entire life!”

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Early Thursday morning, Terrance headed for the Senshi Practice room as he usually did. As he walked past the empty practice field he glanced up then quickly looked away.

Four purple roses quickly hit their mark and four more followed right behind. For a moment, Terrance looked at the eight roses stuck in the wall. He then pulled a single rose and intently looked at it in his grip.

Terrance closed his eyes and quietly sighed as he twirled the stem of his rose between his fingers. He thought, [This is pathetic! Everywhere I look something reminds me of her. Even my roses remind me of her hair and eyes! She’s a Planet Senshi though, just like Sailor Mars and the others. I have to get over this! She was only here two weeks. How could she have become such a big part of my life in so short of a time?]

Terrance opened his eyes and looked at the rose again. Deciding he didn’t really want to know the answer to that question, he pulled his arm back and threw the rose as hard as he could.

The flower hit the center of the small spiral of roses, then a flare of purple burst from it and engulfed the other roses. The wall absorbed the power and registered a score on the display. Terrance stared at it in disbelief. The score was higher than he had ever registered before!

[What happened?] Terrance wondered. He pulled another rose and looked at it. It didn’t seem different. He threw it and it registered a normal power level.

Pulling another rose, Terrance held the stem firmly in his grip as he stared at it. [Maybe I have to concentrate on it,] he thought. He closed his eyes and gripped the rose in his fingers as he focused his mind. He tried to imagine his power flowing from his hand into the rose.

Terrance opened his eyes and saw the rose was slightly shimmering. He launched it. It hit the wall and power waves rippled out from the flower. The wall absorbed it all and the score was twice what the other charged rose had been.

“Wow!” Terrance whispered. He then pulled a handful of roses as he thought, [I wonder if my father can do this too? I’ve never seen him hold onto a rose. He always throws them right away.] Terrance powered up all four roses at once. The power again flared purple when the flowers hit their mark. The score registered was his highest yet.

Terrance was exhilarated by his find, but it did drain his power quickly. He realized he needed to practice. Terrance found that working to increase his power and strength helped to distract him from thinking about Hotaru. Grabbing onto this goal with a vengeance, Terrance now spent all his free time either in the Senshi Practice Room or in the gym.

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Early one morning about a week later, Sailor Venus walked into the gym and watched as Terrance practiced martial arts. No one else was in the gym.

When Terrance paused to take a drink from his water bottle, Venus walked up behind him and said, “Hi.”

Startled, Terrance quickly turned. “Hi,” he answered with surprise.

Venus stood there silently and after a few moments Terrance said, “I’m in the middle of exercising. Is there something you need, Sailor Venus?”

Looking Terrance in the eyes, Venus answered, “I challenge you to a power battle, Prince Terrance.”

Terrance’s eyes widened with shock as he stuttered, “Wh-What?”

Crossing her arms in front of her, Venus stated, “You heard me.”

Terrance nodded his head. “I did hear you, but I didn’t think I heard correctly. We both know power battles are forbidden.”

With a challenging stare, Venus ignored what Terrance had said. Quietly, she baited him. “Haven’t you ever wondered what it would be like to power battle a Planet Senshi?”

Terrance didn’t answer. He didn’t need to. His expression revealed his thoughts. Terrance *had* wondered what it would be like to be in a real power battle. He had figured if he ever had the opportunity to power battle, it would be with Sailor Jupiter. Based on the computer profiles, he didn’t think either Sailor Venus or Sailor Mercury’s powers would be a challenge to him.

Terrance knew Sailor Venus had to have a reason for her offer. Suspicion hardened his eyes. “What’s the catch, Venus? What do you want?”

Smiling, Venus bluntly answered him. “If I win, I want you to honestly answer the questions I will ask you. If I lose, I will take all blame for the fight and will publicly state in front of all the other Senshi that you beat me in a fair power battle.”

Terrance silently weighed the options. He knew this was forbidden for the obvious reasons of possible Senshi or property damage. However, he was tempted.

Quietly, Terrance answered, “I accept. Where and when?”

“Here and now,” she responded.

Terrance nodded his head and the two opponents squared off.

As they circled each other, Terrance pulled a handful of roses and powered them up as he held them. He decided his strategy then launched the roses at the floor by Venus’ feet. His plan was simple. He’d disrupt her power with the roses, then use the time she couldn’t attack him to throw a blast at her.

Just before Terrance’s roses hit the floor, Sailor Venus launched herself into the air straight at Terrance. He ducked, and as soon as he had straightened up, Venus, who now stood behind him, threw her Love Me chain. In a split second, it wrapped around Terrance’s shoulders. Two more lightning quick flicks of her wrist and the chain tightly bound his hands to his waist and then his ankles together.

Venus slowly walked around Terrance until she faced him. Looking into his shocked eyes, Venus smiled as she deftly pulled his feet out from under him.

Terrance’s butt hit the wooden floor hard and it knocked the breath out of him.

As Terrance sat and struggled to breath, Venus stepped up to him. Anchoring his feet to the floor with her chain, Venus then placed her foot against his chest and slowly pushed. Once he was lying flat on his back, Venus turned her back to him and sat her butt on his stomach over his diaphragm. What little breath Terrance had gained left his lungs with an “Ooff!”

Venus sat and waited patiently while Terrance desperately tried to gather another breath. Gasping and wheezing, Terrance glared and hissed, “Get off!”

Venus looked down at him and laughed. She advised, “Don’t waste your breath on useless words.”

After a few more minutes, and a few more hard won breaths, Terrance started to feel like he was going to live. However, Venus still sat on his stomach. Each time he took a breath, he had to tighten his abdominal muscles to support Venus and give himself enough room to inhale.

Terrance continued to glare at Venus. “What the hell are you trying to do?” As he again struggled to inhale he exclaimed, “Damn, you’re heavy!”

Venus just chuckled. “Are you ready now to answer my questions?”

For a moment Terrance looked confused then he remembered the stipulation for if he lost the battle. He tried to sigh as he nodded his head yes.

Venus looked Terrance in the eyes and asked, “Why did you let her go?”

Anger clouded Terrance’s face as he sarcastically answered, “She didn’t ask my permission!”

Venus shook her head. She chided, “You know, I worked hard to get her to stay longer for you and you wasted it.”

“You wasted your own effort!” Terrance retorted. “I didn’t ask you to do it!”

“You liked having her here though. Didn’t you?” Venus responded.

Terrance didn’t answer and Venus tried again. “You miss her, a lot. Don’t you?”

Terrance shook his head no. “She’s not anything special to me.”

Venus looked annoyed. She barked, “The agreement was you’d answer honestly!” Lifting her butt about four inches up off of Terrance’s stomach, Venus then quickly bounced back down on him.

All of Terrance’s breath again left his lungs with an audible groan. Tears filled his eyes and trickled down the sides of his face as he again gasped and struggled to breath.

A few minutes later Terrance hissed, “Damn it, Venus! That was cruel! I can’t believe you have such a sadistic mean streak!”

Venus picked up the end of her Love Me chain that was still securely wrapped around Terrance. Holding it up for him to see, she said, “Get a clue. I use a whip you know!”

“Now,” she continued. “As long as you answer honestly, we won’t have a problem. Clear?”

Terrance swallowed nervously and nodded.

Again Venus asked, “You miss her a lot. Don’t you?”

Terrance hesitated to answer then he felt Venus start to lift her weight. “Okay! Okay, Damn it!” he exclaimed. “I do miss her! *Everything* reminds me of her. Even my roses do! They’re *MY* roses, but every time I look at them I see *HER*!” He ended with a catch in his voice. “Are you happy now?!”

Nodding, Venus said, “That’s good enough.”

Terrance looked away and Venus gently continued. “Because of the way your mother was, you think any woman you really love could never love you back. You unconsciously pick women who are out of your reach because of that. Case in point is your crush on Sailor Mars.”

Terrance looked up with surprise and gulped. Blushing crimson, he quickly looked away again.

Venus continued. “Yes, I do know about that. Sailor Mars really is out of your league and she’s happily married. However, you’re wrong about Hotaru. She is very much within your reach. You just need to be willing to try.”

Venus grabbed Terrance’s chin to force him to look at her. She added, “Both of you have been hurt badly in the past. She is just as afraid as you are. However, if you two let this pass you by, both of you will miss out on one of the few opportunities given to you for real happiness.”

Terrance whispered, “But she’s the one who left. She turned me down.”

“Did you really ask her? Did she actually say to your face that she doesn’t love you? Or did you just let her avoid you and run away?”

Terrance’s eyes turned sad as he admitted to himself and Venus, “I let her avoid me and run away.”

“That’s what I thought,” Venus said. She admonished, “Go to her and ask her! If she can say she doesn’t love you to your face then at least you’ll know. I know she’s a lousy liar. She could never lie to your face.”

With a thoughtful expression, Terrance considered Venus’ words.

“One more thing, Terrance,” Venus added.

He looked up at her and she continued. “I never really try when I’m practicing in the Senshi practice room. I find it boring to work my powers out there. Also, whatever your power levels are, they will never fully make up for a lack of experience.”

“Lastly,” Venus paused. She quickly lifted her weight and again bounced back down hard on Terrance’s stomach. “This, is payback for all the face plants!”

Venus stood, gathered her Love Me chain and left the gym.

Terrance curled himself into a ball on the floor as he again struggled to breathe. When he finally did manage to catch his breath, he started to laugh. Tears rolled down his face as he held his abused and tired abdominal muscles. Once again he couldn’t breath, this time from laughing so hard.

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An hour later, Terrance went to the breakfast room. The King was just finishing his breakfast. Terrance asked his father if they could talk privately in his office.

King Endymion looked surprised. “Sure,” he answered. “I’ll need a moment to reschedule something, but then my time is yours.”

The King and Terrance entered the King’s office. Terrance, who knew the routine, started the tea while his father made a call.

Terrance was just pouring the tea when his father came over and sat down. They sipped in silence then King Endymion asked, “What’s on your mind Terrance?”

Taking a deep breath, Terrance put his cup on the table and self-consciously fiddled with the handle. “Um, I, well,” he stumbled then cleared his throat. He looked up at his father then looked back down as he quietly said, “I need to go on a trip…to Saturn.”

King Endymion was not really surprised by his son’s nervous words. Sitting back in his chair he answered, “There isn’t anything urgent right now. We will suspend your studies and royal duties until you return.” The King paused to sip his tea then added, “Can I assume this trip has to do with Hotaru?”

Terrance blushed to the roots of his hair as he nodded.

Looking up, King Endymion smiled at his son. “I think Hotaru is a very special woman. She has a kind and just heart. Someday, you will be King. This job is much easier with a loving and supportive Queen to rule with you. I think she would be a wonderful Queen.”

Terrance looked up and quietly said, “I’m not at all certain she’ll accept. However, it’s nice to know you approve of her. Thank you.”

King Endymion then asked, “When do you leave?”

Terrance answered, “My flight leaves 11:30 this morning and I still need to pack.”

The King looked at his watch. “You go pack. I need to get something then I’ll come by your room. Please don’t leave until I get there.”

Terrance looked at his father quizzically. “Sure.”

Terrance had just closed his travel bag when his father entered his room.

The King had a small box in his hand that he held it out to Terrance. “Soon after I became King, Elios had told me about a hidden royal treasury in Elysion. This is a ring that was stored there. I remember seeing my mother wear it. Usagi already had an engagement ring so I put this away. If you think Hotaru will like it, you may give it to her.”

Terrance lifted the box from his father’s hand and slowly opened it. Inside glowed a beautiful ring. It was a thin band of white gold with a sparkling center diamond. The diamond was flanked on each side by a brilliant blue sapphire.

Terrance smiled and looked up at his father. “Thank you.”

Mamoru put his arm around Terrance’s shoulders and gave his son a quick hug. Looking at his watch he said, “You’d better hurry.”

Terrance saw the time and agreed. He put the tiny box in his pocket and grabbed his bag.

King Endymion walked with Terrance to the palace transport and saw him off. As Mamoru watched the transport drive through the palace gate he sighed. [I guess Usako was right after all. I just hope Hotaru has the same feelings for him. I’d hate to see his heart broken.]

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The next morning, Terrance watched from a window as the Interplanetary Transport sat in orbit over the planet Saturn and waited to intercept Saturn’s Titan moon. The planet was stunningly beautiful with its multihued glowing rings and bands. Saturn itself was too inhospitable to settle but several of its moons had successful colonies. Titan had Saturn’s only major city.

The transport landed and Terrance discovered that Hotaru’s castle wasn’t anywhere near the city. He also realized it wasn’t going to be easy to get there. Once he finally convinced the ticket coordinator that he wasn’t a poorly informed tourist requesting a transport to the planet Saturn and that he actually wanted to visit Saturn’s royal palace, Terrance was ushered to a waiting room.

The transport employee spoke to a receptionist who in turn asked Terrance to take a seat. She then asked for Terrance’s name and looked up at him with surprise when he answered her. Quickly remembering her job, the receptionist looked down and typed a message on her computer that announced Terrance’s presence to her boss.

A door at the far end of the waiting room quickly opened and a jovial looking, somewhat overweight man came hurrying out. He took one look at Terrance and his face lit up with a hearty grin of recognition. Terrance stood and the ambassador advanced to shake his hand.

“Your Highness,” the ambassador greeted him. “It is an honor to have you visit our moon. Please come in.” Terrance politely thanked the ambassador as they went into the office.

Once they were comfortably settled and the ambassador had offered Terrance a drink, he asked, “Well, how can I be of service to the Crown Prince of Earth?”

Smiling, Terrance once more stated his desire for transport to Saturn’s royal palace.

The ambassador proved he knew how to do his job well as he tactfully answered, “Normally a private transport is sent from the palace for visitors.”

Terrance explained, “This isn’t a normal visit. I wish to surprise the Princess.”

Looking suspiciously like a protective father, the ambassador asked, “Is there a special occasion that requires this to be a surprise visit?”

Terrance could see that, Crown Prince of Earth or not, he wasn’t going to get past the ambassador without a full and satisfactory explanation. Terrance sighed and tried, but couldn’t stop his cheeks from blushing as he quietly confided, “I wish to ask the Princess to marry me and I, um…don’t want her to run away before I can ask her.”

The ambassador sat up straight in his chair with surprise then burst out laughing. He answered Terrance’s perplexed expression when he finally caught his breath. “I love our Princess dearly but I have to admit that you are correct. She would run for the hills if she knew you were coming to ask her that!” Still chuckling he continued. “Okay, I will send you to the palace in my personal transport but I wish you a lot of luck. You’re going to need it!”

“Thank you,” Terrance answered then added, “Please keep this between us. I’m not certain of her answer. If she says no it would be embarrassing for her to be asked questions about it later.”

“Of course, of course,” the ambassador assured as he stood and walked out from behind his desk. He continued with a smile, “Now, let’s get you on the road, shall we?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As the road continued interminably through the harsh, bleak, frigid land with its rust-colored sands, Terrance thought he’d never get there. Finally he saw some very large ice-capped mountains rise up from the horizon.

The transport drove up into the mountain range and Titan Castle came into view. It was nestled in the valley and encircled by mountains. A permeable biosphere surrounded the castle and protected the immediate area from the harsh climate. The city had had a similar but bigger biosphere. As the transport got closer Terrance could see the details of the small castle and its surrounding grounds. He noted that just like Hotaru herself, the castle and grounds had classic lines and beauty but weren’t ostentatious or flashy.

Terrance got out of the transport and walked up to the castle doors. He was surprised they were unguarded. He thought, [I guess Hotaru figures this is so remote that if any one managed to approach her castle they would have to be someone she invited.]

Terrance cautiously entered the castle and walked down a long corridor. He came to a large open area with four staircases. Two went to the second floor and two went down to a floor below.

Terrance debated which way to go. Finally he decided to go down. He thought, [If I know Hotaru, she is working out now. The gym is probably this way.] He followed a hall at the bottom of the stairs and came to a door. It was open and Terrance saw that Saturn was there working out her powers.

He watched her a minute as he gathered his courage. Terrance then reached down and pulled a handful of roses. He continued watching Saturn and concentrated on powering up the roses.

Her back was to the door and Terrance saw his opportunity. Saturn had pointed her glaive at the power wall and said, “Silent Glaive Surprise!”

As power waves rippled from the blade of her weapon toward the wall, Terrance launched his roses. They flew past Saturn’s shoulder and hit the target just after her attack. The power meter spiked high then dropped to zero when Terrance’s roses flared purple.

Saturn gasped out loud. “Who…,” the question died on her lips as she turned around and saw Terrance standing in the doorway.

Terrance smiled and said, “Hello.”

Saturn gulped and choked out, “Wh-What are you doing here?”

Terrance stepped into the room closer to Saturn. “I came here to ask you a question,” he quietly said.

Saturn’s eyes widened as she took a step backwards. She stuttered, “O-oh. Y-you could have written instead of c-coming all this way.”

Shaking his head, Terrance again stepped closer. “This isn’t a question that can be asked in a letter.”

Saturn tried to step back again and realized the wall was there. Now trapped, she looked up at Terrance again. “O-okay,” she whispered, “Wh-what is it?”

Terrance gulped and opened his mouth, but the words didn’t come. Looking down, he cleared his throat and tried again. With a quiet voice he said the hardest words he had ever said in his life. “Hotaru, I love you.” He then looked up uncertainly and whispered, “D-do you love me?”

Saturn gasped and de-transformed. She covered her face with her hands and burst into tears.

Terrance’s heart fell when he saw she wouldn’t answer. Harshly, he stated, “Fine. Just look at me and tell me you don’t love me. I can take it. I promise I will then leave and never bother you again.”

Hotaru sobbed into her hands as she mumbled something unintelligible.

Just about at the end of his rope, Terrance reached out and pulled Hotaru’s hands away from her face. “Just *look* at me and say it already!”

Tears coursed down Hotaru’s cheeks. She tried to turn away from him, but he held her hands tightly. “Please,” she quietly implored. “Please, I-I can’t do it!”

Sighing sadly, he said, “Just get it over with. Say you don’t love me and I will leave.”

“I c-can’t,” Hotaru whispered.

Terrance’s expression changed to puzzlement. “What?”

She swallowed a sob then resignedly repeated, “I can’t.”

“Why can’t you?” he asked with confusion.

Hotaru sighed. She looked up into Terrance’s eyes and whispered, “Because…I’m a lousy liar.”

Terrance still held Hotaru’s hands as he tried to understand what she had said.

Desperately, Hotaru looked around. She wanted to run away to anywhere but there.

Finally, Terrance’s rattled brain comprehended the meaning of her words. With hurt heavy in his voice, he quietly asked, “Why don’t you want to love me?”

She heard the sad confusion in his voice and it tore at her heart. With a sob, Hotaru finally admitted defeat. She swayed on her feet as the despair and fear she had been running from overtook her.

Alarmed by her suddenly white pallor and unsteadiness, Terrance drew Hotaru into his arms and held her close. He implored, “Please. Please talk to me!”

From the depths of his embrace a small sad voice said, “I would be a terrible wife for you! I don’t fit in on Earth. You need someone who is going to a good Queen. I could never be that!”

Hotaru cried brokenheartedly as she clung to Terrance. She finally admitted to herself that she desperately wished she *was* the kind of woman Terrance needed.

As he stroked her hair to soothe her, Terrance realized Hotaru didn’t think she was good enough for *him*! He turned her face to look up. Gently, he caressed her cheek and wiped her tears.

Terrance said, “I know *you* are just what I need. Neither of us is perfect. However, together we are both better. Even my father said I need you. He said you have a kind and just heart and would make a wonderful Queen.”

Terrance took a deep breath as he reached into his pocket. Anxiously he gripped the small box in his hand. “Please, Hotaru. Take a chance with me and be my wife.”

Hotaru looked up into Terrance’s deep blue eyes so full of fear and hope. She knew she couldn’t run away again. She loved him too much. “Yes.”

“Yes?” Terrance questioned with shock.

Hotaru nodded and smiled. “Yes,” she repeated.

Terrance’s sudden smile lit up his eyes and face. With joy he repeated, “Yes!” then crushed Hotaru in his arms and kissed her.

Quickly breaking the kiss, Hotaru squirmed and exclaimed, “Ow! What’s that poking my back!”

Blushing, Terrance grinned apologetically as he brought his hand forward with the box in it. “Sorry. I forgot I had this in my hand. It’s for you. I don’t know if it will fit. If it doesn’t, I’ll get it sized.”

Hotaru opened the box and gasped. Her eyes again filled with tears as she whispered, “It’s beautiful!”

Lifting the ring, Terrance carefully tried it on Hotaru’s left ring finger. Amazingly, it was a perfect fit.

Hotaru looked at the ring a moment then threw her arms around Terrance’s neck and kissed him.

Happily, Terrance returned her kiss with interest.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Later, Hotaru and Terrance walked hand in hand as she took him on a tour of her castle. She had an extensive and incredible antique weapons collection displayed on the walls. Many of the pieces were from past times and distant planets. Some were even from other dimensions.

While they ate dinner together, Hotaru was quiet. Terrance could tell something was on her mind. He asked, “Is something wrong? You seem preoccupied.”

Sighing, Hotaru said, “There’s something we need to talk about but I don’t know how to start.”

Terrance pushed away a little twinge of apprehension as he reached across the table to hold her hand. “It’s better to just say it than to keep it to yourself and worry.”

Nodding her head, Hotaru said, “Yes. You’re right. It’s just a hard subject.”

He tried to help her by prompting, “What’s the subject?”

Hotaru looked down. “My ultimate attack.”

Continuing, Terrance asked, “What about it?”

She sighed again then looked up. “Are you aware that it is a one time attack?”

Perplexed, Terrance repeated, “One time attack? What do you mean?”

Hotaru’s explanation tumbled from her mouth in a rush. “It’s a suicide attack. I can only do it once in a lifetime.”

Shocked, Terrance responded, “That’s not right! None of the other Senshi have attacks that kill them!”

Sadly, Hotaru nodded. She added, “None of the other Senshi have the ability to destroy a planet. My attack would only be used if there were no other options left. I need you to know that even if we were married and had children, if I was called upon I would do my duty. I would be sad because of the pain I’d cause you, but I would not be able to deny my Senshi spirit. You need to know this.”

Hotaru then looked down as she whispered, “If you don’t want to marry me because of this fact, I’d understand. I need you to say so now, though.”

Terrance gently rubbed her small hand in his. Tears filled his eyes as he realized what a horrible burden the woman he loved carried. He then swallowed the tears and assured her, “Now that I know you love me too, you’re not going to be able to get rid of me that easily. Hopefully, we won’t ever have to deal with that. If the time does come, I would not stand in your way. I was a soldier too. I would understand about your Senshi spirit.”

Sighing with relief, Hotaru looked up at Terrance and smiled gratefully.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After dinner, Hotaru took Terrance to her game room. She had games from many different times and places to play. The pool table caught Terrance’s attention first and he asked how to play. An hour later, he was able to shoot a pretty good game. He couldn’t beat Hotaru though.

Next, Terrance challenged Hotaru to a game of darts. He had never actually played the game before, but naturally he won every game. Hotaru laughed and said he had an unfair advantage.

Just for fun, Terrance threw one of his roses at the dartboard. It easily hit the bull’s eye and securely stuck there. Turning to Hotaru, Terrance then offered her one of his roses.

She smiled as she held it to her nose and deeply inhaled its heady perfume. With a mischievous grin she also threw the rose at the dartboard.

To their surprise, the rose hit the target then fell to the floor. Hotaru picked it up and tried again with the same results.

Terrance then picked the rose up and tossed it at the board. The rose penetrated and stuck there firmly.

Hotaru shrugged. “I guess they really are only your roses. Your power must be what makes them stick.”

When they tired of the game room, they went to the library and cuddled together with books and a very good bottle of wine. As the wine bottle slowly emptied, they paid less attention to the books and more attention to each other.

Hotaru giggled as she felt Terrance teasingly nibble on her ear.

Terrance started to laugh. “I’ve never heard you giggle before.”

Blushing, Hotaru admitted, “I only do it when I’ve had a few drinks.”

She was sitting on Terrance’s lap and leaned up to kiss him. After they broke the kiss, Hotaru started to plant playful little kisses along his jaw then down his neck.

When she reached the base of his throat, Terrance reached up and slid his hands through Hotaru’s hair and cradled her head in them. He tilted her head up and passionately kissed her.

As they kissed, Hotaru slowly ran her hands up over Terrance’s chest then wrapped her arms around his neck.

They broke their kiss and Terrance quietly groaned as he buried his face in Hotaru’s hair. He then tilted her head to have access to her slender neck. Terrance’s kisses were now more insistent and passionate. Each kiss lingered as he slowly worked his way back up her neck.

Hotaru gasped as each of his kisses created a flash of desire in her. She ran her fingers through his thick hair and enjoyed its sensual softness.

Finally, Terrance returned to Hotaru’s lips. He crushed her to him in his arms as he kissed her deeply. The wine on her lips made them taste even sweeter to him. He never wanted to stop tasting her.

Terrance’s thoughts began to turn to more than just kissing, but he decided that probably wasn’t a good idea. What he hadn’t counted on was Hotaru having the same thoughts.

Slowly, they broke their kiss and Hotaru looked into Terrance’s eyes. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes sparkled with love and desire for him. She smiled shyly then quietly suggested, “We could continue this upstairs if you’d like.”

Terrance’s body reminded him how very much he really *would* like to do exactly what Hotaru had suggested. A more clear thinking and logical part of his brain smacked him upside the head and reminded him of a very important fact.

With a sigh, Terrance hugged Hotaru. “I would love to do that, but I’m not prepared for it.”

With a suggestive smile, Hotaru shifted around a bit to lean more firmly against Terrance and against the very evident proof of his desire for her. “It seems to me like you’re plenty prepared,” she whispered.

Groaning, Terrance hugged her fiercely. His honorable intentions were quickly beginning to fray. He chuckled, “Okay, I guess I didn’t word that well. I meant I didn’t come here prepared to avoid the consequences.”

Hotaru sat up as she finally realized what he really meant. Tilting her head quizzically, she looked at him. “You came here with a question and a ring, but you didn’t consider this possibility?”

Nodding, Terrance tried to explain. “I expected you to tell me to take a hike, and then I would turn around and go home.”

She thought about his answer a moment then questioned, “If you thought that, then why did you even bother to bring a ring?”

Terrance blushed. “Actually, that wasn’t my idea. When I told my father where I was going, he pretty much guessed the reason for the trip. He got the ring from the Golden Kingdom’s treasury and gave it to me just before I left. He said it was his mother’s and that I could give it to you.”

When Hotaru heard this, she lifted up her hand and stared at the ring. Tears welled up in her eyes.

Noticing her tears, Terrance quickly said, “If you’d prefer to have a different ring, that would be okay.”

Vehemently shaking her head, Hotaru choked out, “No. It’s beautiful. Knowing that King Endymion’s mother wore it makes it even more special to me.”

Hotaru was silent a moment then she asked, “We’re not going to have a super long engagement, are we?”

Smiling, Terrance responded, “I certainly hope not. I’d marry you tomorrow, but my parents would probably have a fit if we did that.”

Hotaru smiled and hugged Terrance. She said, “Well, it doesn’t need to be tomorrow. We can take enough time to have a wedding on Earth. However, since we’re going to be married soon anyway, it would be okay with me to take a chance now.

Terrance gently sat Hotaru up and looked her in the eyes. He was very surprised by what she had just said. “Hotaru, are you drunk?”

Now it was Hotaru’s turn to be surprised. She answered, “No. I’m a little relaxed, but I’m far from drunk. Why?”

Relieved, Terrance said, “I wanted to be sure you didn’t say that because you were drunk.”

“Oh,” she responded. After a moment of thinking, she laughingly added, “Also, if we’re going to catch up to Serenity and Elios, we have to hurry. They’re already ahead of us by two.”

Terrance’s eyes widened and he cracked up laughing at her statement. “When did this become a contest?!”

With a saucy smile Hotaru reminded him, “You know I’m competitive.”

Continuing to chuckle, Terrance agreed. “Yes, you are.”

Finally catching his breath Terrance looked at Hotaru. He reached up to softly stroke her cheek with his fingers. Seriously, he admitted, “The idea is *very* appealing to me. However, I wouldn’t want to do something you would later regret. Are you sure this is what you want to do?”

Hotaru nodded her head then kissed Terrance deeply. She slowly broke their kiss and whispered against his lips, “I’ve waited long enough.”

With a sigh, Terrance let the last of his reservations fall away. He pulled Hotaru to him and kissed her passionately. As he broke their kiss, Terrance stood up with Hotaru in his arms.

Resting her head against his chest, Hotaru listened to his heartbeat as she quietly told him which stairway to take and which way to turn.

Terrance pushed open the door to her room. He stood Hotaru up and she reached out to dimly light the room with a small candle lamp.

Turning back to Terrance, Hotaru reached up to thread her fingers in his hair and pulled him to her. They kissed, and Terrance’s fingers slowly lowered the zipper of Hotaru’s dress. When the zipper reached the small of her back, Terrance gently caressed her bare skin there. He pulled her up tight against him and hugged her close. Hotaru shivered as his caressing fingers sent tingles of desire coursing through her.

Reaching up, Terrance gently unwound her arms from his neck. He then stepped back and slowly slid the shoulders of her dress down until it fell and pooled on the floor at her feet.

Hotaru now stood there wearing only a small pair of black silk underwear and a pair of sheer, thigh-high, black stockings.

Terrance’s breath caught in his throat as he gazed at Hotaru. He reached out to gently run his fingertips around the curve of her full, rounded breasts. She blushed as he murmured, “You’re so beautiful!”

Hotaru reached up and began to unbutton his shirt. Terrance pulled the shirt out of his waistband, and Hotaru finished unbuttoning it. As she leaned forward to push his shirt off, Hotaru’s breasts lightly brushed against Terrance sending shocks of pleasure through both of them.

Dropping his shirt to the floor, Terrance slid his arms around Hotaru and again pulled her close. He softly groaned as he felt her smooth skin pressed against him and under his fingertips. He kissed her lips then trailed kisses over her cheek. Quietly, he whispered in her ear, “I love you!”

Hotaru clung to Terrance as waves of desire flowed over and through her. His kisses and words filled her with joy. She quietly responded, “I love you, too!”

Terrance again stood Hotaru back on her feet. Kneeling in front of her, he caressed her legs as he slowly rolled each of her stockings down, first one leg, then the other.

Hotaru reached out to grip Terrance’s shoulders for support as his sensual touches weakened her knees.

After Terrance had helped Hotaru step out of both stocking, he reached up to slide his hands around her hips. He hugged her to him then gently kissed and rubbed his cheek against her smooth, soft belly. Releasing her, his fingers caught the sides of her underwear and slowly slid them down her legs too.

Hotaru unsteadily stood there naked and she was trembling from the strong feelings his touch generated in her.

Terrance stood up and realized Hotaru could barely stand. Gently he lifted her and placed her on the bed.

With languid anticipation, Hotaru watched Terrance remove the rest of his clothes and stretch out next to her. She had never seen a man completely naked before and was amazed at how incredibly gorgeous he was and at how much she wanted him.

Terrance gathered Hotaru into his arms and they kissed. It started out gentle, soft and slow, but soon their strong desire for each other demanded more.

Terrance broke their kiss with a gasp. He kissed down Hotaru’s neck then continued down over the swell of her breast. Softly, he kissed around her dusky-rose nipple then eagerly took it full in his mouth to taste. His hand slid up her side and he gently caressed the fullness of her other breast.

Hotaru had gasped when Terrance’s lips enveloped her sensitive nipple. She cooed and sighed as he lovingly feasted on her. Eventually, Terrance kissed his way to her other breast. To Hotaru’s delight, he thoroughly cherished that nipple too.

Hotaru ran her fingers through Terrance’s soft silky hair as tendrils of pleasure traveled from her breasts and settled in the center of her. Her hands lovingly caressed his neck and she traced the contours of his strong back and shoulders with her fingertips.

Terrance started to run his hand slowly up and down over Hotaru’s smooth back and hips. His hand followed her curves and he gently squeezed her bottom. With a quiet groan, Terrance pulled Hotaru close up against him.

Hotaru felt his length insistently pressed against her. With desperate desire driving her, Hotaru reached her leg around Terrance to pull him into her.

Terrance gasped when he felt their intimate contact. It took every ounce of self-control he had to not immediately push forward and bury himself deep inside her soft willing body. In spite of her actions, he knew she wasn’t really ready yet and he loved her too much to rush this for his own personal gratification.

Chuckling quietly, Terrance reached down to unwrap Hotaru’s leg from his hip. “Patience my sweet Hotaru,” he whispered. “We *will* get to that, but first I want to enjoy you some more.”

Hotaru’s quiet whimper turned into a gasp as Terrance’s hand slid down her leg and he lightly ran his fingers over her. He gently rubbed over her purple-black soft curls then slid his cool, questing fingers between her warm, moist folds. Lovingly, he caressed Hotaru then slowly pressed two fingers inside of her.

Hotaru breathlessly whispered her approval of what he was doing to her. She felt her need quickly grow more desperate as Terrance moved his fingers in and out of her. He continued the pleasing movements of his hand as he reveled in the silky softness of her body.

Hotaru clung to Terrance as her entire mind and body focused on what he was doing to her. Just when she thought she couldn’t take one second more, the tension inside her suddenly escalated and shattered. Implosive tremors shook her as she threw her head back and pushed against Terrance’s hand. Hotaru gasped repeatedly and convulsively gripped his side, as she was lost in her climax.

Terrance continued to caress Hotaru and she sighed as she began to relax. He leaned over to gently kiss her then tautly whispered, “Now, it’s time.”

As Hotaru continued to recover, Terrance slid himself over her and positioned himself between her legs. Slowly but steadily he pushed forward, burying himself deep inside of her.

Hotaru had gasped as she felt him enter her and pain now mixed with the residual pleasure she still felt.

Terrance held Hotaru close as he kissed her and soothingly whispered, “The worst is over now. Relax and let me show you the rest of the pleasure.”

Taking a deep, shaky breath, Hotaru swallowed and nodded.

Slowly, Terrance moved out then pushed himself deep inside her again. He gasped as he felt her warm soft body engulf him.

Hotaru felt Terrance’s length fill her again and her body began to respond. Every time he moved, Hotaru felt the tension inside her build again. Lifting her hips, Hotaru pushed back as Terrance again buried himself deep inside of her. She was rewarded with another breathless gasp from him. They continued to move together and gradually increased their pace to keep time with their increasing need. Soon, they pushed each other beyond the edge of reasoning.

Terrance groaned as he began to pulse and completely release his seed deep inside Hotaru. Hotaru felt Terrance’s every move and her body repeatedly gripped him tightly in response. After an eternity, they both relaxed and tried to catch their breath.

Terrance held Hotaru close as he rested and gently stroked her hair. He then looked in her eyes and whispered, “I love you!” Hotaru joyously whispered back, “I love you, too!” Sweetly, they kissed then he slowly pulled out of her.

Reaching down to pull the covers up, Terrance snuggled Hotaru in his embrace. Hotaru sighed contentedly and rested her head on the crook of his shoulder. They both quickly fell asleep, relaxed and happily entwined in each other’s arms.


One more chapter left. ^_^

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 .

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 epic 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 . ^_^