Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Chapter One: Wrath and Patience

Endymion was resisting the urge to pace, leaning against the house of the girl he was waiting for. The flowers he held were wilting already in the heat. And he had saved up for two weeks to buy them.

“What a waste,” he murmured to himself.

He intended to present them as a gift and open conversations about marriage, but Endymion would only embarrass himself as it stood now. Boisterous laughter spilled from the corner behind him, and Endymion recognized it, standing up straight to meet the girl he’d waited over an hour for.

Beryl stepped around and into sight…with her arm looped through another’s. Although disheartened, Endymion didn’t cave into his insecurities. A beauty like Beryl would have many suitors; it didn’t mean she thought any less of him. What did have the hairs on the back of his neck rising was the man who held her arm.

His fine clothes and slicked back hair told Endymion he came from money. But it was more than that; this man was a Duke.

The pair stepped up to him bravely, the nobleman searching Endymion over with a smirk. His smirk grew to a grin when he spied Endymion’s bouquet.

“For me?” Beryl gushed, taking the unoffered blooms out of Endymion’s grip.

“Yeah, I waited here an hour to give them to you too.”

Endymion sought two goals with his admission; to make Beryl feel guilt and to show his determination. But, instead, the grin that remained on the Duke’s face told Endymion he’d only succeeded in making himself look more pathetic.

“Endymion, this is Lord Kunzite. Duke of Lazaburg.”

Beryl read out Endymion’s rival as if it were a resume. She didn’t bother to do the same for him, and Endymion knew why; he was a nobody. Poor bastard son of a seamstress, he took care of his mother and elders instead of the other way around. Something he was now late getting to but couldn’t make himself leave Berly alone with the Duke.

“I had hoped to speak with you, Beryl. Privately?”

Her attention was split between the two men and barely-there -as it were- on Endymion. His anger was rising to a peak at this point, but showing it would only make him lose faster.

Beryl giggled as though embarrassed while her face bared no signs of it, her skin still pale. “I’m afraid I have no time for you today.” Then, with a few whispered words and push in the right direction, Lord Kunzite left them alone and entered Beryl’s house. “I have promised my time to Lord Kunzite today, I’m afraid. If only you’d come to me sooner….”

“I had other obligations,” he had to work a shift at the salt mine first, so he wasn’t sacked.

“I see,” Beryl whispered, looking towards her front door, “Lord Kunzite has no obligations other than to court me.”

Finding his bravery was easier than expected, what with his rage billowing and burning any nerves Endymion had. Beryl’s head whipped back to him when Endymion took a step closer, closing the distance between in an instant. A smile grew on her ruby red lips at his boldness. “Would you prefer to be an obligation or have someone willing to move the heavens to spend time with you?”

There was no doubt; it was a struggle for Endymion to find time to spend with Beryl. And he was sure that was why she sought out other suitors. However, what looked like disinterest was the opposite; Endymion wanted to marry Beryl more than anything. He was in love with her. He had never been in love before, but he was confident; it felt like this.

Beryl looked between him and the surrounding area as if to catch those spying. “Perhaps then,” she pursed her lips together, and Endymion found himself leaning in closer as though she might let him kiss her, “you could return tonight? I will wait for you. Come to my window on the backside of the house and do not wake my family. We need privacy.”

Beryl stepped back, leaving him with the promise of seeing her again later, and disappeared inside. He tried not to dwell on how Beryl was with the Duke while he trotted home. Even helping his family and completing his chores did not help distract his mind, though. Something all took notice when his grandfather on his mother’s side whelped in pain.

“Sorry!”

Leaning over as much as the frail man could, he swatted Endymion’s shoulder, “what is yer thinking, boy? ‘Cause, you ain’t here with us!”

“I’m sorry, Papa.” Endymion relented, focusing on being gentle as he rewrapped the bandage on Papa’s ankle. He had just finished cleaning the wound his Papa received when Papa decided to try and get out of bed on his own. “I have a lot on my mind as of late.”

Endymion’s mother was still at work, finishing up some lavish dress for a wealthy family. He used to visit her at the shop but stopped when he took a look at what she was working on last time. The sleeve of the gown she sewed would feed his family for a month. It made Endymion sick, so he didn’t return.

His grandmother on his mother’s side, Grand, tugged on his sleeve; the ratty shirt and slacks replaced his nice suit from earlier. It was the only one he had, and he needed it clean for the evening. “What’s troubling you, dear?”

Casting his eyes over his family, he quickly caught on that they were all concerned for him. “It’s just that… there’s this girl….”

All of them began talking at once, this and that about marriage and commitment, when Papa held up his hands to silence them. “Who’s the girl?”

Endymion hesitated. He hadn’t told his family anything about who he wished to court, and he worried how they would take it. “Ms. Beryl Tungston.”

They were silent, looking at Endymion heavily until his grandmother on his father’s side, Gre-Gre, whispered, “isn’t she the prettiest girl in town?”

“I heard she had many fine fellows after her,” Endymion’s grandfather, Gramps, added, but it was far from news to Endymion.

Grand huffed, “yes, and Endymion is one of them!”

Gramps held up his hands in defense, reminding Endymion he needed to check his blood pressure. “I ain’t saying that he’s not! Ms. Tungston would be lucky to have a smart and clever boy like Endymion for a husband!”

“Is no one going to say it?” Papa stated, and they all grew silent. “Fine, I will then. You ain’t got the funds to marry. Not yet. And if yer did, it wouldn’t be enough for a woman the caliber of Tungston. They’re a fine family and need to keep it that way.”

“So what are you saying, Papa? I should give up?” He looked at his family with wide eyes, and they all caved quickly.

“No! No one is saying that,” they all said in one way or another.

Endymion hung his head, looking at his Gramps’ watch while he measured the beats of his pulse. Then, with his Gramps’ wrist still in his clutch, Endymion felt the reaction to his words. “I love her, so I have to try.”

No one said a word more, letting Endymion face his battle with his determination on high. He was getting ready to leave when his mother finally arrived home. Catching him in his fine suit had her attention right away. “Where are you off to at this hour?”

He had told his family about his intentions but not that he was due for a late-night rendezvous. Endymion worried about how it might look and didn’t want to dirty Beryl’s reputation.

So he lied, “I am seeing a man about a job.”

That would explain his dress but not the hour. “Now?” He shrugged and tried for nonchalance while his mother helped him into his jacket. “Thank you for working so hard for us. We all appreciate and love you dearly.”

“I know,” Endymion muttered, turning to look his mother in the eyes, “I hope to make you proud.”

She pulled him into a fierce hug, “you already do, my love! I am so proud!”

When she released him, Endymion took a few moments to spend with his mother. She fixed herself a small portion of bread and cheese with a glass of wine that was so cheap; it was grape juice. Sitting across, Endymion watched her eat and looked at the bones peeking out from under her skin. “Mother, you don’t eat enough.”

“I eat enough. I keep my strength. And that is enough. Although, I nearly fainted at the order that came in today!”

He sighed, unable to escape tales of extravagance while they nearly starved. “What was it this time? A diamond-coated muffler?”

His mother chuckled, “close. A wedding gown of pale pink chiffon and the most delicate lace I’d ever seen. I was so afraid I would rip it with my hands shaking as they do.”

Endymion’s mother should have stopped sewing three years ago when her tremors began. But they couldn’t afford it even with his position at the salt mines. They were hanging on by a thread (forgive the pun), and the last thing they could afford was his marriage. Endymion could only hope that his accolades would make up the difference soon.

He rose to make his meeting, and his mother called softly after him. “If this interview doesn’t go well, there was a memo posted in the square today. Had the whole town in a tisy.”

“Oh? What was it for?”

“Luna is hiring. Offering great pay and even benefits.”

Endymion barked out a laugh, “Luna hasn’t opened its doors to others in years. Something about thieves. Do they really expect us to walk in there with the threats they laid on us about closing up and moving away?”

“Endymion…it’s a great opportunity. It would help if you considered it. They ask for honest people, and that’s it. And you’re the most honest man I know.”

His mother had a knack for complimenting him when he least deserved it. “Alright, mother, I’ll consider it. I must be off.”

Endymion’s mother blew him a kiss, and he ran as soon as he had his front door shut, making it to Beryl’s just as the moon sat at its highest. It lit up Beryl’s yard, making it easy to find rocks to use. Endymion worried the taps (although soft as possible) would wake her house. With her light extinguished, it seemed as though Beryl forgot him too. But after a few heart-wrenching moments, her lamp turned on, and Beryl opened her window.

Out of her usual up-do, Beryl’s red hair fell in curls that framed her face. Endymion could make out the flush on her cheeks, and it made his heart pound with the emotion he called love. “Hello,” he whispered as loud as he could, and Beryl held a finger to her lips to silence anything more.

Gesturing, Beryl told him to meet her at her back door. The soft white she wore made her look like an angel in the moonlight, her dark green eyes black in the night. He took her in for a few moments of silence when she cleared her throat. “What did you wish to speak with me about?”

Endymion shook the vision that was Beryl out of his head and focused on his mouth. “I wanted to speak about our futures.” He had practiced this many times in the dull mirror outside his room, and now he would say it perfectly. “Beryl…you are exquisite. The most beautiful woman in the world, and I love you. I wish for us to be married. Will you be my wife?”

Her mouth parted in an open smile, shocked at his proposal. Endymion was sure it was the best she’d ever receive. “Oh, Endymion,” she whispered in shock, “you’re so kind. And handsome. But…I have already accepted a proposal. To Lord Kunzite.”

“What? When?!”

“This afternoon. My mother has already ordered my dress. It’s going to be a lovely pink with lace!”

Beryl was going on and on about the dress she would wear to her wedding as she married another man. Endymion was trying to breathe again. His heart had shattered and cut deep into his lungs, piercing them and making drawing breath difficult. But then there was anger, burning and cauterizing the wounds for him. “I waited, as you asked. I was patient, and this is how you reward me?”

Beryl pursed her lips in displeasure, “well, what did you expect, Endymion? I love you too, but you’re the poorest man in town! I had little choice but to accept the Duke’s offer!”

“You would choose money over love?”

“And status! And comfort! Endymion, there are many things a girl must consider when selecting a husband. Unfortunately, love isn’t one of them, so I’m sorry, but I must decline your offer.” Beryl was twisting the knife now, only to coo and come in closer to him, patting his shoulder, “if only you had a decent career? Then I could at least consider you. It’s not my fault; really, it’s your own. I’m the one broken-hearted as you do not love me enough to better yourself for me.”

She leaned up and kissed his cheek, the final nail in the coffin. But Endymion was nothing if not determined, calling out to Beryl before she disappeared back into her sleeping house. “What if I got a job? One better than the salt mines? A job with Luna?”

Beryl scoffed but then smiled brightly back at him. “IF you had a position with Luna, I would consider your offer again.”

She left it at that, and Endymion considered the challenge—and then accepted it. He would get the job at Luna and make Beryl fall at his feet.

Chapter Text

The Luna company moved into town about seven years ago. Endymion remembered; he’d been twelve at he time and thought the jobs would help them.

But then, two years after opening, Luna shut its doors to ‘outsiders’. Endymion was close to getting employment there, and it promised to change his family’s lives. The pay would have covered all their bills. His mother wouldn’t have to work anymore if Endymion had gotten the job. Would he even have to fight for Beryl’s hand now if Luna hadn’t been so selfish?

There was a theft that leaked a product out to a competitor. It wasn’t as though Luna couldn’t afford the loss. The company did very well for themselves, selling a variety of things. Endymion only paid attention to their medical merchandise. It was the only thing of interest with his ailing family. He knew there were things the Luna company made that could have at least his Gramps out of bed and back to work. And his mother’s shaking hands? A distant memory. Needless to say, there was more to this job than a decent paycheck and respect. It wasn’t lost on Endymion how much a career with Luna would change his life.

And yet, he still only considered it for Beryl.

It never sat well with him how Luna shut their doors so tightly when their community was in need. The promise of jobs, of decent pay and benefits, had been swallowed in a snap before Endymion had a chance—before anyone did really.

Endymion bristled as he stepped up to the tall gates of Luna. Still in his best suit, he ran a hand through his locks, pushing a few free strands back in place before ringing the bell. He was early, the call for interested parties, not for another twenty minutes at least. But he was never late to anything and considered it rude when anyone else was. Beryl was different, of course. It bothered him, sure, but she was a wanted woman. Her schedule wasn’t set by herself; her family set it. That’s what Endymion told himself to reassure his feelings. They had a habit of wavering when he was alone to think over them carefully. It had him pushing his attention back to the silence, the Luna company not making a sound long after he announced his presence. But who was he? A no one, the Luna company wouldn’t move heaven and earth, let alone a gate, for him.

The silence made the cry so much louder. That was what Endymion told himself, the whimper slight in reality. It sounded like a bomb to him, jumping and spinning just as the woman that made the sound hit the pavement.

Still on her knees, he watched as she brushed off her gloved hands futilely, the dirt staining the white instantly. Endymion found himself at her side, offering her a hand up. His breath caught when she looked up at him, the tears in her eyes making them look as if they glowed. Such a rare color, bright blue like sapphire or cerulean, no wonder Endymion was shocked. The woman carefully took his hand, “thank you”, she whispered. It had his heart in his throat, her voice so sweet. A poor, young, and innocent woman, it made Endymion feel attachment instantly.

“Are you alright?”

She nodded, but then the cool morning breeze stole her hat. It had barely hidden her hair, but Endymion saw nothing but gold without the shade on it. The light color reflected the sun even with it slightly risen. The unique and pretty rose metal curled and bounced in the breeze; it was why Endymion was touching it, brushing a long strand off her shoulder for her.

She peeked up at him through dark lace, her lashes long and perfect, while a pink tint colored her cheeks—the same color as her lips. “I’m fine. A mess, it would seem.”

The woman giggled as she spoke to brush off her embarrassment as Endymion tried to brush off his actions, continuing to brush non-existent dirt off the girl’s shoulder. He also needed a moment, his heart jumping around his upper body, like his throat and chest. “You look fine to me?”

Endymion wasn’t sure what was wrong with him, speaking to a woman he didn’t know like this? It was made worse by his intentions towards Beryl. Beryl was waiting for him to get his life together to share it with him, and here he was being forward with another woman?

Taking a step back, Endymion cleared his throat to push his heart back into its proper place. “Excuse me.”

“No, it’s my fault. This always happens. Especially when I have to rise so early in the morning.”

Anger rose in Endymion irrationally, but the woman just admitted to having men fawn over her? He could see why not only was she beautiful but naïve and trusting?

She gave up quickly on her gloves, peeling them off and shoving them into her purse. Then, brushing the dirt off her skirt, she watched Endymion through her lashes again. “Are you going to Luna?”

Good, this was something he could discuss safely. “Yes. I’m interested in the job posting.”

“Oh?!” She squeaked excitedly. “Me too!”

He struggled to see why; a girl as pretty as she should have a number of suitors to pick from.

Endymion stopped that thinking because he had him sweating with worry and jealousy. “Why are you seeking employment?’

The woman stood upright and crossed her arms over her chest. She was going for angry, but Endymion found it endearing. “Why, the same reason as you, I’m sure? A woman is just as needing and capable as a man, is she not?!”

He managed to hold in his laugh but not his smile. The woman struggle with her own, the tips of her pearly pink lips threatening to turn upward. “I assumed a woman as pretty as you would find all she needed in a husband.”

Her cheeks turned red that time and Endymion was sure his shared the color. “Thank you; you’re too kind….”

“I’m too forward. Forgive me; the early hour and nerves have me speaking brashly.” Endymion took another step back from the intoxicating woman and ran a hand through his hair again. This time, messing it up instead of fixing it. “Why are you here?”

Something inside him had to know. For if she were there for any other reason than her own, if it were a similar situation as him, then Endymion would lose all hold on rationality. If some man had pushed her into getting a job for the man’s sake, Endymion would walk her home and give the man a piece of his mind…as well as his fist.

Endymion shook all over. Turning back to the gate, he hoped to hide it from the stranger. But, if she saw it, she said nothing except to explain herself. “I wish to help my family…my mother isn’t well, you see. This could help them and..although they’re against my involvement, I insisted.”

Something was happening to Endymion’s heart the more time he spent around this woman. It had him craving her name more than anything else. He held out a hand for her, and she took it gently. “Endymion.”

The smile that spread across her cheeks had his chest on fire. “Serena. Nice to meet you.”

Serena… Endymion breathed it in and let it run through his mind. Looking at her hair, the twin buns on either side that fell in long curls, Endymion was reminded of something else and not the name Serena. “Has anyone ever told you, you remind them of a rabbit?” Serena sucked in a breath sharply, causing Endymion to hear it without struggle. The red of her cheeks didn’t match embarrassment, and he worried he’d offended her. But then she looked to the ground as if scared or shamed. It had Endymion backing up his words as quickly as humanly possible. “I meant no offense. Forgive me if I wounded your pride.”

Holding up a hand, Endymion realized how close he was as her finger grazed his arm. She held his jacket with two fingers, long and slender; Endymion couldn’t take his eyes away from her touch. “It’s fine; I’m not offended. My mother calls me her little rabbit, that’s all.”

Now, he couldn’t take his eyes off her face. She had it hidden, so his finger found her chin and tilted it up for him to see. He sucked in air when her eyes glistened and twinkled back at him once more. Then pushed it out again with his words to hide his shock. “Then it’s a compliment, as intended, isn’t it, little rabbit?”

The soft smile she wore gave him heart palpitations. His saving grace, noting how close they were to one another again. Serena was a sweet girl—modest. Endymion could tell right away, and that was why he felt this way. It was why his heart was going nuts, and his body was doing as it pleased. With Serena so beautiful and naïve, his soul called out to protect, that was all. It was the gentleman inside him that his mother raised him to be.

And it was why he offered her his arm and escorted Serena the rest of the way to the Luna gates.

oOo

Endymion wasn’t shocked by the other applicants; he’d expected many. He was surprised there were only the four of them.

Serena was still on his arm, and he meant to let go a while ago, but at the sight of the other two ‘applicants’ he felt the need to hold tighter.

Both men. They were polar opposites. One had short, light-colored hair while the other, long dark hair. The light-haired man was the same build as Endymion but dressed finer. Calling into question his need for such a job? The other was thin and tall, his physique closer to Serena’s than Endymion’s. What had him clutching Serena so tight was the way they looked at her—leering at Serena with lust in their eyes.

Just as he expected, Serena was blissfully unaware, placing a gentle hand on top of his arm. He supposed he should let her go. It would look unprofessional of him to be a woman’s escort. They might think she was with him, either as his fiance, wife, or servant. The latter seemed the most likely, even with their clothes the same in the manner of costs. Endymion was sure that the two men thought that Endymion was Serena’s servant because no way a man as poor as Endymion could win the heart of a beauty like Serena. Not when she so dearly needed to marry well.

Serena was exactly like Beryl, in need of a dependable and economically strong man to marry. It was another reason he was drawn to her, Endymion told himself. She reminded him of Beryl, the woman he loved. And just as he would her, Endymion would protect Serena from threats like the two lions after his rabbit.

The entrance to Luna was grand, the large gates brassy but the main doors carved with intricate designs. And thick, warding off anyone that would try their luck at breaking in. There was a dusty smell to the lobby they stood in, dancing on their toes after turning in their coats to the man that ushered them in. Serena released Endymion to give up her jacket as he did the same. And the two men pounced at the first opportunity, the dark-haired one getting to Serena first and leaving Endymion with the light-haired one.

He stuck out a hand, and Endymion took it while watching Serena. “Almas. Almas Demount.”

Whenever someone introduced themselves like that, giving their surname as well as their first, it was intended that one call them respectfully. And Endymion always hated when others put on airs. “Endymion.”

He heard the other man introduce himself as Silas to Serena. Dropping Almas quickly, Endymion hurried back to Serena’s side. She smiled brightly at him, making his heart pound from his worry leaving, then took up his arm again.

“Are you two a team?” Silas asked with a lopsided grin.

“Something like that, yes,” Endymion answered quickly.

Serena giggled and patted Endymion’s arm, “he saved me outside. Endymion is a concerned citizen.”

“Oh?” Asked Silas, “then perhaps you would be concerned enough to let one of us have the job instead?”

Frowning, Endymion forced it into a grin instead. “I need this job just as badly as you two.”

“Not me,” Almas began, confirming Endymion’s thoughts instantly, “I want a chance to meet Serenity and sweep her off her feet.”

“Serenity?” Serena asked, and Endymion waited curiously for the answer as well.

The two men looked at each other and then laughed at their ignorance. “Why, she’s the CEO’s daughter? The one to inherit?”

“Will she be the one to give us the job?” Serena continued, too innocent to understand what the men were inferring.

Endymion turned, placing himself between Serena and the men judging her. If she showed any more of her naivety, he worried what these men might do to take advantage. “They’re here to…get her attention. They do not desire the position offered, Serena; they want a higher one as Serenity’s husband.”

“Oh…” she said softly, sounding disappointed. It had Endymion’s heart dropping to his belly. Had Serena fallen for one of these men already? He needed to protect her even more if she had; these men were far from a good pick for her.

“What about you, Endy? Are you here to woo Serenity?”

The smile that spread on her lips as Endymion shook his head was almost as lovely as when she called him Endy, “no. I’m here for the offered job. Not one made up.”

“I’m here for the job too, you know,” Silas interrupted, “but I wouldn’t turn down a woman as lovely as Serenity is.”

“You’ve seen her?” Endymion asked, surprised anyone had caught a glimpse.

“No one has. But they say she is the most beautiful creature on Earth!”

He doubted that Endymion couldn’t imagine a woman prettier than Serena.

Or Beryl! The woman he was here for! Not the one he met on the street! As soon as he was done here, Endymion would race to Beryl and look at her lovely face. But, currently…he struggled to remember what she looked like.

His nerves had him all over the place; Endymion needed to focus. Gently, he pulled away from Serena, shooting her a smile to keep her from knowing. He would distance himself from the woman he only met this morning and focus on the one that had stolen his heart long ago. He could keep an eye on Serena and concentrate on the interview, couldn’t he?

It was hard to say since there was no indication of what the interview would be like. Already it was odd, four people seeking the job at once? They had put it up in the square; that was odd in itself. Endymion wished he’d had the forethought to seek out the flyer for himself before coming today. But he was in a rush, going straight from Beryl’s to Luna’s gates. If he had taken the time, he would have a better idea of what to expect. And he dared not ask now; it would make his resolve look weak, coming unprepared.

Endymion was thinking to himself, not realizing he was staring at Serena the entire time until his sight was blocked. Silas stood before Serena, taking her hand in his when Endymion stormed over.

“If you need assistance for anything today, please do not hesitate to….”

“She has assistance right here,” Endymion growled into Silas’ ear, standing behind him now.

Silas had turned slowly to face him, a snarl on his lips, when the tiny doors to their left popped and opened. Two women stood just on the other side; one small with odd blue hair and the other shockingly tall with honey brown hair. Their smiles were pleasant enough until they looked at the group in total.

“This is it?!” The Amazonian gawked.

“Lita!” The bluenette whispered harshly, “there will be none if you continue to be so rude!” Then, distancing herself, the brunette stepped towards them with a soft smile. “Hello. I’m Dr. Amy Mizuno. This is Lita Kino, and we’ll be conducting the first part of your interview.”

“First part?” Almas ground out of his sneer.

“You can thank the last group we allowed in here for this.” Lita smirked, “It will be a thorough investigation….”

“Interview! My colleague means interview, not investigation!” Amy tried to fix Lita’s slip, but they all heard it.

Endymion wasn’t surprised, but Serena looked nervous. “It’ll be alright, little rabbit.”

She didn’t look like she believed him. But there was nothing more he could do to reassure Serena. Save for taking her hand and squeezing it. When Serena squeezed back, Endymion felt it in his chest. He meant to let go as they followed the two women into their future, but he couldn’t find it in himself.

So Endymion held onto Serena, regardless of its appearance, as they stepped into a dark and skinny hallway. It smelled strongly of vanilla and potatoes with butter. It’d been a long time since Endymion had butter, but he still remembered. However, the two scents together we’re pungent, making his empty stomach turn.

The women leading them said nothing about it, glancing back a few times to gauge reactions until they brought the group to another set of doors. These were bright green like the inside of an aloe plant’s leaves. Endymion had one once but used it on his Gre-Gre’s skin when she burned it, making bread. Then she was fired for taking too long to heal.

Lita and Amy paused just before opening the doors, overseeing each of them. Then, Lita broke and shoved the doors wide.

Inside…was a paradise.

“Lady and gents, welcome to Luna’s garden of Eden. Your first assignment.”

Chapter Text

“Our first assignment?” Silas cried, “Are we going to be paid for this?”

Lita shook her head, her irritation on her face and obvious. “If that’s all you care about, then you should leave.”

“The Luna company is about saving lives and making them better,” Amy added.

“But,” Serena started, shocking all especially Endymion, “we’re here to improve our lives. This takes funds. If you want to improve lives, then shouldn’t you start with ones right in front of you?”

Both women wore strange looks on their faces as if they were trying to fight what they felt off their faces. Endymion was worried they would boot Serena any second now. He was no stranger to the means companies would take for free labor. Offering a job that didn’t exist only to interview people, asking them to ‘show’ what they’re capable of? Endymion no longer fell for that trick, so he waited with the others until one of the women caved. Endymion wasn’t surprised when it was the Doctor.

“Of course, we’re going to pay you for your time. That should go without saying. The point we were making was that we want someone hungry in the position. That…at Luna, it’s not all about the status quo.” Easy for them to say, they weren’t close to starving in the streets. Endymion held tight to Serena as they all entered the massive room full of lush green life. Ay continued to explain. “For example, this is our Greenroom. Here, we’re trying to create plants that are cheap to seed and grow a lot more fruit. Everything in this room is edible.”

Looking around, Endymion saw they weren’t kidding. Save for the dirt they walked on and the occasional plant prop or pot, there wasn’t a plant in the room that wasn’t safe to eat. Of course, they may not be tasty; the roses Serena was leaning towards delicious to smell but not as tasty to eat were an example. But the large rows of corn along the back wall would taste good once cooked.

“What is it you want us to do here?” Almas asked.

Lita smirked, “take a look around. Taste a few things. And see if you have any ideas for further development.”

They wanted them to give them ideas? Endymion could see it now, his grand idea causing Luna’s stock to go up exponentially while his family rotted to dust. Any thoughts he had, he would be keeping to himself until the job was his.

It was a good thing he didn’t have many with Serena on his arm, leading her around like they were courting. It was something he would have done with Beryl if he’d ever had the time. Gently walking the girl he liked through a garden on a warm and sunny day? Endymion felt like he’d been waiting his whole life for a chance to be a gentleman. And Beryl had him waiting still while Serena had no problems with him taking her around in his thin suit.

She pulled from him, spying some ruby red tomatoes the size of a grape. Serena didn’t hesitate, pulling a couple off and popping them into her mouth. She moaned, then gasped, turning to him with eyes wide and full of curiosity. It made Endymion’s heart flutter in his chest. “They’re so sweet! You must try one!”

Crouching at her side, Endymion took the offered fruit and popped it in similarly to Serena. The sweet and tangy juice flooded his mouth and teased his tongue. “Amazing.”

All the tomatoes Endymion had were overripe and lacked good flavor. Unfortunately, they were eaten for their nutrients, not their taste, and the overripe ones came at a discount. Nevertheless, it was better than lacking in vitamin C, and they were far cheaper than oranges and lemons.

Serena left him to eat a few purple grapes while he took in the general spender. If they opened this place to the public, it would solve a lot of the hunger in town. “What do you think?”

Endymion spun, finding Lita behind him and watching him and Serena. He glanced back, making sure Serena was still near and safe before giving Lita his attention again. “I think Luna is a bunch of hoarders.”

This was not what he should be saying, not at all. But the more time he spent in utopia, the more he thought about the elders he’d left at home. What would they eat today? Did they even remember what a good tomato tasted like? It only served to make his stomach twist until he was unable to eat. Something only he suffered, Almas crunching on an apple while Silas a pear. Serena was nibbling on grapes, so it was just him that had problems eating food while others starved. It was sure to ruin his chances, but Endymion found it impossible to lie. Not while angry like this.

“Care to explain?” Lita asked.

Endymion shook his head, but it did nothing to dispel the growing anger in himself. “You are all sitting on a gold mine here. When you could be feeding the masses.”

“You want them to sell the food?” Serena asked, suddenly at his side again.

Her question had him burning. “I want them to do something. I want them to help the town they sit in the middle of, doing nothing while it falls apart.”

“Is the town suffering? I hadn’t noticed,” Lita chuckled glibly.

Endymion had never wanted to strike a woman till then, so it was good Serena stepped between them. “Just because you do not see the suffering, it doesn’t make it go away.”

“I suppose you would know,” Lita said, her smile turning sad, “what with your experience outside the walls.”

Serena shook her head, “experienced or not, you have a man here telling you the truth, and you’re laughing at him?”

Lita had the decency to look ashamed. Serena had softly spoken to the woman, but Lita still acted like a fully scolded child, lifting her eyes to Endymion with an apology on her lips. But he didn’t want to hear it; he’d heard enough. He took Serena with him as they went deeper into the garden. This would be the last chance he and Serena had in paradise since they were both indeed cut from the running.

“I’m sorry, Serena.” He began, and when she questioned with her eyes, big and bright, he caved all the more to his failings. “I should have kept my mouth shut and talked honeyed words to these people. That’s what you do in a job interview, isn’t it?” He knew it was true; he’d been on plenty. And he could hear the sugary words Silas and Almas gave as their answers. Only Endymion and Serena had screwed up. “I most certainly shouldn’t have gotten you involved.”

Serena pulled him deeper, coming to an herb garden that was overwhelming with scents. She paused before they both went on to discover. “I’m not about to stand by and allow good people to fight alone. And you’re a good person, Endy. If Luna can’t see that, then…I don’t want to work for them anyway.”

“I thought you needed the job for your family?”

“I do.”

She answered simply and pulled away, bending down to touch the broad basil leaves. “Your mother is sick? She might benefit from the medicines that Luna creates….”

“Those won’t help.”

Then Endymion supposed it wasn’t so bad if they didn’t get the job? He would be where he was this morning, penniless and empty-handed. Beryl was waiting for him, and perhaps she would wait a little longer? He had to hope since Luna was never going to hire him.

It was a nice distraction, watching Serena’s golden curls bounce as she walked, bent over to touch, and giggled at the slightest of things. Even with all that pressed on her, Serena was carefree and bright…and he envied that a little bit.

The light hit the liquid metal pools of Serena’s strands just right, making them look pure, and distracted him further. So much, he found himself slapping the bud out of her hand before Serena so much as sniffed it. Her eyes watered in confusion and shock and hurt, but Endymion only had a little guilt. “Don’t touch that!”

“He’s right,” a voice came from behind, Amy now watching them, “that one isn’t for eating or smelling.”

“Why is it in this garden then?” Serena squeaked, still recovering, and Endymion gently brushed the hand he struck.

“Because, little rabbit, the Nigrum Luna has many beneficial aspects. But unless processed correctly, it is dangerous.”

“He’s right.”

With Dr. Amy backing him, Serena looked appeased, standing and stepping away from the plant. Endymion made sure to glare openly at the woman behind them. “You said everything in this garden was edible. What if I hadn’t been here….”

“I was here. The whole time. No worries, Endymion, we will weed the garden of those unworthy.”

Amy spoke as if a riddle, and he was too busy reeling over the close call and the Doctor knowing his name to figure it out. Had they listened to them in the lobby when they told their names? They had to have or listened to him and Serena as they walked around the garden. Amy did say she was watching, but Endymion was sure Serena had only called him Endy this whole time. It had to be when they were in the lobby; that was the only thing that made sense.

“Alright, everyone,” Lita called from somewhere unseen, “time’s up!”

They followed Amy back to the others. More doors, not the ones they entered through, were just behind the two women. Endymion expected them to lead back outside the building since both Lita and Amy gestured for Endymion and Serena to step closer. He didn’t hesitate to grab Serena’s hand in his. Although inappropriate, Endymion found it a great comfort. As if he could face anything with Serena by his side.

The other two men stepped up as well, all four of them heading on through the next set of doors. It would seem they all failed.

But then the doors cracked open to reveal utter darkness. Lita stayed behind while Amy led the way. Serena’s hand cinched tighter on Endymion’s as they passed the threshold into darkness. Finally, the door behind them shut, locking them into the gloom. It was why Serena screeched, the obscurity getting ripped away so fast; it was painful.

Amy was opening shutters harshly as she quickly spun around the room. It was empty but looked ready for others to work. Tables made of polished silver stretched on end while glasses of varying sizes littered them. Some held colored liquid while others were empty. It looked like they had interrupted work instead of coming in before it started.

“This is where we experiment with the herbs grown next door!” Amy breathed, out of breath from running around and excitement, “Lita and I work together to create life for plants and humans.”

“Medicine. This is where you make Luna’s medicine?” Almas asked as if bored.

Seeing as he was here to meet a person yet to show themselves, Endymion figured the man was very bored indeed. While Silas suddenly seemed very interested. Amy wore a forced smile, “yes, this is where we produce Luna’s wide variety of medicines. But it’s also where we genetically engineer our plants to produce better fruits….”

“Are the tomatoes from here?” Endymion asked.

Amy’s smile turned real, “They are. Did you like them?”

“They were the best I’ve ever had. But that’s not saying much, I’m afraid.” The Doctor’s smile fell, and her eyes danced to Serena, who still held tight to Endymion’s hand. “And you, miss? What did you think of the food you sampled?”

Serena’s smile brightened the dim room, “I liked all of it!”

It was contagious, everyone smiling now, even in the otherwise sterile room. It was a stark contrast to where they’d been, metals and tile instead of greens and dirt. Amy seemed to love both rooms along with Serena. Silas danced around the tables -without permission- and leered over tubes of colors. “What’s all this? Making anything we’ve heard of?”

Amy went rigid and stared for the doors to their left, different from the ones they entered through. “We are working on something new. This one will be a life-changer.”

The anger that swelled in Endymion was getting lesser and more manageable. He accounted it to becoming numb to the inequality around him even though he should have been used to it years ago. “Life-changing for who? Luna? Those who can afford the drug?”

Serena squeezed his hand again, and he stopped. Not that there was any point. He still wasn’t sure why he was still there, allowed to continue in the interview, but no one was stopping him. Or Serena and Endymion found he was ecstatic about that. He may not be a good fit here, but he would be dammed if he allowed Serena to suffer thanks to him.

It was similar to Lita’s earlier reaction, the blue-haired woman turning and looking back at him with a sad look on her face. But she wasn’t looking at him; she was looking at Serena. “We haven’t decided what to do with it yet.”

“You should give it out for free,” Serena suddenly added.

Endymion didn’t think the golden woman was listening, but a look at Serena’s face told him she was very passionate about the subject. Serena said nothing at Luna would save her mother, but maybe she meant nothing they currently had out? If this drug was a life-changer, perhaps it could change Serena’s and her mother’s lives?

Amy said nothing more on the subject, looking over all of them instead of just Serena. “Alright, that’s enough for today. On to the next challenge.”

Endymion didn’t understand; not only was he allowed to continue, but he had completed the challenge? When had he? Not a single idea came from his mouth, and even if he’d had one, he wasn’t going to share it. All he’d done was insult the company to those that worked there. With no one else greeting them, Endymion had to wonder who these women were exactly? They couldn’t be heads of the departments shown; they wouldn’t conduct interviews. Were they being led around by women as a waste of time?

Silas strolled by, hands in his pockets and a smirk on his face. It had Endymion wondering, but Serena tugged on him to break him out of it. Then, the doors before them opened, and Endymion expected more of the same. Something he would never do again while in the Luna company—because this door opened and revealed a tall and lean, dark-haired beauty.

“Hello everyone, I’m Raye,” she said with a smile that only grew the longer they stared at her, “welcome to hell, your next assignment.”

Chapter Text

“I’m sorry,” Almas interjected, “hell?”

Raye smiled, “Yep. That’s what we call it here in Luna. Hell.”

Serena was shaking, and Endymion wrapped a brave arm around her shoulders. “Why do you call it that?”

Raye turned her attention to Endymion’s question, her eyes dancing to Serena and back and her smile dropping. “Are you two a team or something?”

Endymion supposed it was an appropriate question to ask, what with his clear attachment to the blonde shivering in his grip. “No.”

“Endy is a good man, that’s all. A gentleman.”

“He’s not the only one here, you know?”

Silas had edged closer at some point, putting a hand on Serena’s shoulder. His eyes met Endymion’s angry ones, and he smirked, but when he turned back to the front, Silas cringed and backed up a step. Endymion turned as well, Raye seething at the man and turning it onto Endymion right after. “Good. Because there’s only one spot open here at Luna, and I’d hate to split up a couple over it.”

“We are not a couple,” Endymion spat out, removing his arm from Serena.

Regardless of his intentions, Raye’s words had Endymion feeling unfaithful. He was a good man, a nice man, and yet he felt like a greedy one, caring for two women at once. In the end, Endymion cared for Serena, and it was deep, filling his heart to the point of pain. Pain he intensely felt when she walked ahead of him without him.

She still shook a little, dancing a little from it and her search of the place behind Raye. Serena stood as firmly as she could before the dark beauty and held out her hand. “I’m Serena.”

Slowly, Raye took the blonde’s hand and held it as she turned. “Let’s continue, shall we?”

Now in Raye’s hold, Serena followed behind, as did the men. Only Raye guided Serena by the hand. Endymion was thankful; it kept the others away from Serena while keeping him free of the burden. That was what he told himself, that caring for Serena during this invaluable interview was a burden he couldn’t afford. The only people he should care about were his family, and the only woman he should concern himself with was Beryl. But, his skin itched to touch Serena again. And his heart ached to have her close. It was nothing like how he felt about Beryl, so it was friendly affection. The way he felt about Beryl was romantic love and how he felt about Serena was a friendly concern. Like a sister, Endymion compared Serena to that of a familiar feeling where Beryl was romantic. It made him feel less like an adulterer but still, for some reason, he felt avaricious with women as of late.

Intense heat hit Endymion’s face and broke him out of his thoughts. In his distraction, he’d missed the introduction of the place. But it was hard to miss what this place manufactured.

“This is our war room. We make weapons here.”

Up on a catwalk, they all looked down over the rail to work transpiring below. Men and women moved back and forth, putting the puzzles together. Endymion couldn’t figure out what they were making past deadly. None of it looked familiar, but Endymion had no experience with weapons. Not even fencing—which was why he was sweating (and not from the heat the smelting pot below created) as Raye led them towards a wall of swords and a platform.

“Let us test your resolve? And our latest style of sword. Its design is light and perfectly balanced. So anyone with any experience will be able to go pro easily with our sword.”

“Why would any of us want to go pro?” Almas asked, disgust in his tone.

They all got it; Almas was above all of this. And above them, but if he wanted to meet Serenity, he needed to shape up. Endymion didn’t know if or when Serenity would show up for this interview, but it was likely at the end if she did. As the CEO’s daughter and next in line to running the place, it would behoove Serenity to watch them. That thought had Endymion looking around. They had known their names without asking. It was proof that they were being spied on but from where?

Raye was still talking while Endymion searched the walls for some kind of tell. He didn’t think it would be as apparent as holes in the walls, but there was nothing: no framed pictures or thin tapestries. The walls were empty and flat. If they were being watched, it wasn’t through the walls.

Looking around, it was clear why they called this place hell. Forget the weapons being made; the only light in the massive dome-shaped room came from the Kelm off to the side. A fire popped brilliance beneath it, but the boiling metal shadowed that inside the Kelm. A few dim lamps sat on desks of the workers while some kept in nearly complete darkness. Their shadows stretched upward to a windowless roof. The smoke from the Kelm was funneled out through a chimney above it, so windows and vents were unnecessary. These men and women moved like demons, the weapons their pitchforks.  

He missed a lot while searching because when he turned back to the interview, Serena and Raye stood on the raised platform with swords in their hands. “How does it feel, Serena?”

The golden blonde stared at the blade in the grip as if scared. “It feels…wrong.”

“Then maybe you shouldn’t be here?”

Endymion watched Serena closely, looking for any change in her resolve. But there was none as she straightened up and faced Raye. He didn’t have any experience fighting, not with weapons, and so his opinion was biased. But he thought that Serena had unusual methods. Raye came at her fast, and Serena blocked…barely. Every time Raye attacked, Serena held her own. The fight would never end this way; it would be endless, but no one said a word about that as the two women continued. The three men watched on in awe with no means to stop it.

Only Serena could stop it, the skirt of her dress flying around her as she spun hard. It didn't seem like play anymore as Serena stopped blocking and began attacking. She went from lucky fumbles to tactful movements. It was beautiful and over too soon.

Serena knocked the sword out of Raye’s hand and held her in place with the sharp tip at her throat. Endymion was busy watching Serena, her face twisted as if in pain. He was glad the fight was over; he couldn’t watch anymore of it. Serena was right; it felt wrong.

“Good job,” Raye stated, looking glum, “next pair.”

Endymion was lost, watching Serena’s face as it slowly turned to him. Sweat brimmed on her brow and glistened, but it didn't take away from her glow. The frown she wore did, all eyes on him as they waited.

“You’re up!” Raye called.

Silas was already on the platform with a sword. Almas smirked at his side. Serena, though, looked terrified for him. It was a little insulting, but she was right. Endymion had no business being in a sword fight. “I don’t know how.”

Silas snickered, and Almas laughed outright. Endymion burned with embarrassment. Even if he wanted to fight, he was a poor boy that never had the time or money to learn. That was for those of privilege, and Endymion was far from that.

“And you call yourself a gentleman?” Almas roared through his chuckling.

Endymion started at the ground and begged to be swallowed by it. Instead, he was consumed by bright blues. “I think a true gentleman would never be so violent.”

Serena was calm and sincere but Almas only laughed all the more. “He needs a woman to defend him with a sword and her tongue!”

Endymion gently pushed Serena out of harm’s way, grabbed Almas’ shoulder, spun him towards him, gave Almas a moment to understand and fight back, then slugged him in the jaw.

“Ah!!!” Almas cried through his hand and swollen tongue, “you bruth…”

“I can defend myself and others just fine. Without a sword.”

Endymion shook the pain out of his hand, and Serena refused to look at him. She could be angry; that was fine. For the best, maybe. But he would be damned if he allowed her to fight all his battles. Endymion would never be that spineless or selfish to put it all on another.

“You yield then?” Silas asked, bored.

“Yes.”

Raye’s eyes flicked to Endymion, then Serena. “Odd. You’ll refuse a duel you know you'll lose but rush into one that’s obviously in your favor?”

Crossing his arms over his chest, Endymion hoped to hide his shaking as he did it from frustrated impotence. “There's a difference in knowing when you’re beaten and being a coward. I'd rather not waste anyone’s time either. I’m poor, untrained, and here for employment. Not a show and not to embarrass myself.”

“To be clear,” Raye asked, “if you had any skills, you would participate?”

Endymion didn’t flinch, “no, that’s not what I’m saying either. I’m saying if the fight is of a worthy cause like defending the honor of a friend, then I’ll take up the cause. But I won’t fight for mindless reasons even with the skills required.”

For some reason, Endymion’s speech had a smile on Serena’s face again. She still kept her distance, but he was a little relieved at the sight. Serena was much prettier when she smiled; it fit her better.

“I…respect that,” Raye mumbled, and Endymion missed it. Silas pointed at Almas, challenging him instead. The two dueled, and although impressive, it wasn't as pretty as when Serena was on the stage.

She still stood a reasonable distance from Endymion and he could stand it no longer. Carefully winding his way to her, Endymion made no excuses for himself; he wanted to hear Serena’s voice. “You fight well,” he whispered, her eyes on the fight. “Who taught you?”

Serena fidgeted, as though uncomfortable but still answered him. “My father.”

“Oh,” he responded, surprised, “the way you spoke before, I assumed you didn’t have a father. Why isn’t he here seeking employment for your…”

“I am young and able. Why can’t I be the one to support my family?!”

He’d offended her. Endymion bowed his head deeply, not caring who was watching. “Forgive me, I meat no offense.”

Serena playfully talked his head and pushed on his shoulders. “That is too much, Endy. You need not bow to me!”

Keeping his head down, Endymion played back. “And why not? You could best me at swordplay without struggle. We’re currently surrounded by them; I need to watch my tongue!”

Now she was pushing on his forehead, hoping to get him up by force. “Is this revenge for embarrassing you? Now you seek to humiliate me?”

Endymion popped his head up just enough to give Serena his eyes. “No. Even if you were the one to embarrass me, I’d never seek revenge upon you, Serena.”

“You wouldn’t?”

Endymion shrugged, loving how her eyes glowed when he looked into them with his. “I'm struggling to imagine you doing anything that would give me cause to be upset.”

“Not even…dueling in your place?”

It didn’t sound as if that was what she intended to say, but Endymion didn’t press. “Only if you desire the fight as well. I won’t force you or have expectations that require you to go against what brings you comfort.”

She blushed heavily at that, and Endymion thought over his words. Then his position still bowed towards Serena. Every bit of him was comprising; if Beryl were here to see him acting this way, it would break her heart.

Endymion was finding it harder and harder to keep Beryl in his thoughts, what with Serena smiling as she did. Flush cheeks and pink lips, her eyes only brightened with her dark face and surroundings. Something inside him had changed, but Endymion was unsure what it was.

Almas fell to his knees in a huff before Silas. Endymion felt satisfaction in the victor, if only slight. Silas was the lesser of two evils, but as he strolled off the platform, Silas shot Serena a wink. She was already flushed from their conversation, and Silas misunderstood. It had nothing to do with his duel; Serena hadn't watched a moment of it!

Endymion didn’t know why he was rationalizing all this. It wasn’t his concern, only that Serena not be taken advantage of. Neither of these men had her best interests at heart.

Not like he did.

Almas whined about unfair advantages. Something about the blade being defective. Endymion was too busy searching his feelings as the more time he spent with Serena, the more confused he became. Until time was up; Raye stood before the four of them to tell who would continue on.

Endymion hadn’t participated; surely he would be asked to leave? “Thank you all for your help.”

It was all she said, and looking around, no one else understood either. Had they been dismissed? Was the interview over? Was Lina yanking them around?! All seemed viable, given the day they’d had. And with Luna’s track record, Endymion wouldn’t put it past them to turn them all away and lock the doors again.

Raye stepped down and passed by them, only looking back when none of them moved. “This way, please. Your next task for the interview will be completed by the CEO’s daughter!”

There was a hint of sarcasm to Raye’s voice that Endymion didn’t understand. No one else seemed to notice or bother. Even Almas snapped ahead of them and followed closely behind their leader.

Serena grabbed Endymion’s arm again, this time tighter than any time before. “What's wrong?”

She glanced up as if afraid to take her eyes off the next set of doors for too long. “We’re about to meet the most powerful woman in this building. Aren’t you nervous?”

“No more than I have been all day long.”

This time, Serena looked at him for far longer than a heartbeat. It made his own heart flutter. “You have to be the bravest man I’ve ever met, Endy.”

“While you’re the bravest woman…second of my mother, of course.”

Serena’s sparkling white teeth shined against her pink lips and Endymion felt sweat form on the back of his neck. “Of course,” she whispered with a giggle.”

Almas pushed Silas back so Endymion and Serena kept their distance. The energy in the room had Endymion’s pulse up; everyone was dancing in a nervous tisy. Except Raye, who paused for dramatic effect before swinging the doors open…to nothing.

Endymion stiffed a laugh; no one stood on the other side of the door. After a minute, Raye groaned and shifted to stand with a hip popped out. “She always does this. So unladylike!”

A woman appeared at the end of the hall before them. She raced closer, falling with her hands on her knees once at the threshold. Panting, see finally introduced herself. “Forgive me; I lost track of time,” standing, her flushed face was framed by gold, “I’m the one you’ve all been waiting to meet. And the one to decide your fate in our company.”

Here she was, the CEO’s daughter, Serenity, and she was far from what Endymion expected.

Chapter Text

Almas swept into a bow, grabbing Serenity’s hand in his a kissing it. “It is an honor to meet you. So much prettier than they say, you are stunning.”

“Thank you,” the beauty boasted.

Raye tapped a foot in irritation right next to the couple. Endymion had to hold in his snicker along with Serena. “If you two are done congratulating one another for your looks, I’ll be leaving this lot with you.”

Endymion didn’t see where Raye disappeared; he was too focused on the giggling blonde at his side. Serena had curled into him deeply to hide her face. When she pulled back, a little more settled, the pink hue of her face was hard to ignore. Neither was the twinkle in her eyes. Her lips parted in a small and adorable gap, showing a small slip of teeth and tongue. Endymion didn’t understand; the two men with them were fawning all over Serenity while Serena was a far more incredible beauty. Her sweetness outweighed any other deficits, but Endymion couldn’t think of a single one that Serena possessed.

Serena was perfect.

Why did he think coming here was a good idea? It was his mother that suggested it, and Beryl that desired it. But in the end, Endymion had no pull to the Luna company. And yet, he would forever be thankful he came because he met Serena.

This was the last task, and their fates would soon be decided. Of course, Endymion would do his best, so he could stay by Serena’s side to the end. But he had made his decision, and he hoped Serena would agree to continue to be his friend in the future.

Serenity stepped aside, and Almas followed like a puppy. He was tethered to Serenity’s hand as his leash, the five of them stepping into the final room. There was no guessing what this area made; glittering fabrics and dainty lace passed as they went deeper. The last test was within the section Endymion detested the most about the Luna company, their clothing.

It was all rich and refined, which meant Endymion only saw it in passing. Beryl spoke in length about it and how she wished to wear nothing else even while his mother made beautiful clothing as well. Beryl had no interest in wearing what his mother made. And he knew for a fact that her family had never been a patron to his family. He supposed that would make it awkward if they had as there would be expectations on both sides as far as money.

More than clothes, a table of small bottles and jars sat to the side opposite the racks. Endymion could smell it before he could see it and knew what it was; he’d smelled it on Beryl a few times. Luna also made powders and perfumes, and it looked as though their entire line was on the table beside them.

“For your final task….”

“Will you be modeling for us? I feel that would be a disadvantage given your form would make anything look fine.”

Almas was laying it on thick, causing Serena to burst into another fit of giggles. When Almas glared back at her, Endymion grimaced darkly, causing the coward to turn around quickly. Silas wasn’t much better, running his hands over the fabrics of more than one dress with deep admiration on his face. “Did you design these yourself?”

Serenity smiled, full of gloating. “I did. You like them?”

“I do,” Silas answered huskily, but it was oddly placed towards the items and not the woman.

“Good. Then perhaps you will find my new line just as pleasant.” Serenity gestured, and they all turned, finding suits and fine casual wear for men.

Endymion groaned internally, and some slipped out, catching Serena’s attention. She patted his arm gently and offered him a comforting smile. But that smile was quickly shrinking as Serenity took Serena away. “The ladies’ dressing area is this way. Take your time, gentlemen!”

Left with Silas and Almas, Endymion slowly followed them as they strode over to the offered clothing. Almas stripped off his coat while Silas his slacks. The two already had on clothing that was on the same level as the ones before them. Endymion was the only one dressed shabbily in comparison. He looked over the clothing, debating how much he truly wanted to change himself when Silas appeared in his sights.

“You going to wear anything?”

Endymion still wasn’t sure, fingering a coat that he could never hope to afford.

“You should change out of everything. Even your shirt,” Almas laughed behind Endymion.

Silas shrugged, “He’s not wrong. If they want us to look the part….”

 “The only reason I’m here is for employment. I don’t need to look like them.”

“You mean rich?” Almas jeered. It gave Endymion no satisfaction that Almas was right, and the man continued, knowing he was. “If you want to get Serenity’s eye….”

“I don’t,” Endymion answered easily.

“Oh, I see,” Almas started in, pulling his selected jacket on tight, “you have another lady in mind already? Perhaps the poor Serena? I’ll admit, she’s a beauty. But Serenity is far better.”

“I disagree,” Endymion growled without thought because he wasn’t here for Serena; he was here for Beryl…wasn’t he?

“Next in line to the throne? Even I have to side with Almas on this one,” Silas added.

Endymion stepped away from the pair and grabbed a random suit off the rack, “Tis a good thing no one asked for your thoughts.”

“There’s no need to be so salty; it’s a good thing. After all, you want the job, not the girl?” Silas asked.

Endymion had his slacks switched and was working on buttoning up his new shirt. “That’s what I want. The job, because I had a girl already. She’s waiting for me to get this job, and then we can get married.”

“I had no idea you were that poor, Endymion,” Almas said as if shocked, “you can’t even afford marriage?”

Growling, Endymion ignored the rest and got dressed. It wasn’t that he was too poor to marry; he was too poor to marry Beryl. She wasn’t used to the life Endymion would offer her. Unless something changed, his wife would have to work for them to survive. So it was understandable that Beryl wanted him to seek better employment.

Dressed, Endymion strolled the racks, looking at the fine clothing for women. It was what Beryl dreamed about, walking around in nothing but Luna clothing. But, even with the job here, Endymion was sure he could never afford it; he had his family to care for too. Beryl would understand, wouldn’t she? She would be happy in clothing made by his mother instead of Luna’s faceless seamstress. Wouldn’t she?

“See anything you like?”

Serenity was back, watching him as Endymion turned through the clothes. “It’s all beautiful.”

“But not for you?” There was a lift to Serenity’s question that told him she didn’t mean it as a joke.

“It…it would be nice, but no. My mother…she’s a seamstress.”

“I know.”

Endymion looked up at the woman, a firm and friendly smile on her face that he didn’t understand.

“I love it all!” Almas shouted as he walked over to them. He had changed all he had on before to wear a white suit with a lavender lining. He looked ridiculous. “You have an eye for style, Serenity.”

He bowed again while Serenity outright laughed at him. “Thank you. But I’m not….”

“What is the cost of the men’s clothing like? I want a few pieces myself?” Silas was laying it on now but still only changed his slacks. They didn’t go well with his coat at all. He had picked out a pair based on the cost instead of whether it went with his clothes.

Serenity looked the two men up and down as they circled. “The two of you,” Endymion waited for Serenity to gloat and speak of how handsome they looked in her clothing, “are awfully gluttonous, aren’t you?”

Endymion was the only one to laugh with the company princess. But he only choked on it when he looked up, Serena standing on a dais at the end of the room. No one else had caught her yet, two other women pushing her up to stand before the small circle of mirrors and look at herself. Of all the dresses in the room, the one Serena wore was the prettiest. But that had more to do with the woman wearing it, her rose gold curls falling down her bare back. Moreover, the gown was a dewy pink that made her pale skin stand out painfully. The lace along the edges added to the delicacy of the dress, and Serena moved as if she feared ripping it.

They hadn’t changed anything about her, save for her dress. So although different, Endymion found her just as stunning as before. Something about her being gone, even though short, Endymion felt the absence of her now that she had returned.

His only friend in this journey, Endymion had missed his companion. It was why he found himself standing at her side, looking up as she carefully spun, without remembering leaving the others. “What do you think?”

There was sadness on her face that he didn’t understand. He tried to smile back at her to remove it, but with Serena not smiling, he struggled too. “You look…”

Endymion stopped, the words refusing to leave his mouth. Serena looked gorgeous, but she had since he first met her. Telling her now in a borrowed gown would cheapen it. There was no explaining it; the last thing Endymion wanted to do was make Serena feel anything other than exceptional, just the way she was. Because she was, and anything else was a lie.

However, his hesitation had hurt Serena more, a tear slipping down her cheek at his callousness. He jumped up on the platform next to her and brushed it away. It was so fast it would be hard to say the tear existed. Now, Serena looked up at him as he towered over; her mouth opened a small amount. It was enough to feel the soft, hot breaths that passed hurriedly on Endymion’s lips. The few times he had been close to Beryl, it hadn’t felt like this. His palms were sweating, and his chest was shaking. He felt electrified. This was…

Guilt. He was being unfaithful to Beryl, acting this way. His body was reacting to his misbehavior, so he took a step back, off the dais, and back to Serena’s side below her. “You look beautiful, Serena.”

“She sure does!” Serenity had found him again, stepping up on the dais as he had earlier and grabbing Serena’s shoulders. “A beautiful bride.”

“Is that a wedding dress?” Silas asked, joining.

As much as Endymion despised it, he had no reason or means to stop the others from looking upon Serena now. Almas took a moment, looking Serena over that had Endymion imagining plucking Almas’ eyes out. “Forgive me, but, as pretty as it is, it doesn’t quite..fit.”

“You mean I don’t fit a bride?” Serena asked.

Almas shook his head, “no, dear, I mean the dress doesn’t fit Luna. Who made this? Not someone from here?”

Serenity played with Serena’s curls as she spoke, “you have a keen eye, Almas. It’s not by Luna. It’s by a woman in town.”

Endymion’s breath caught in his throat, looking closer at the pink fabric and thin lace. Years visiting his mother at work, he knew the more delicate materials, and he knew that what Serena wore now were pink chiffon and expensive lace.

Almas huffed, “leave it to a commoner to pick a lesser gown.”

Endymion boiled under the surface while Serena ran her hands down the silk, a small smile on her face. “It’s beautiful, no matter who made it. I think it’s the nicest dress here,” She quickly turned back to Serenity, “no offense.”

“None taken.”

Almas turned to him suddenly, a look on his face that was far from friendly. “And you here, Endymion, you managed to pick a suit that fits you well. The working man. It’s as if the two of you are the perfect pair—both practicing abstinence from money.”

“You take enough for all of us,” Endymion replied, feeling nothing towards the man.

“Gentlemen!” Serenity cried, breaking up the already dead fight, “focus on your task, please. You’re to test out the clothing for me and tell me what you think?” Almas and Silas gave glowing standards, but Serenity was focused on Endymion, who was silent. “Endymion?”

All eyes were on him, and he took a deep breath, “It’s all…very nice.”

“That’s it?” Serenity cried, sounding close to tears.

Almas comforted her quickly, “He’s a commoner who has no class.”

“It’s all lovely, but who can afford it?” Serena added, gaining Serenity’s attention. “the little girls of this town all dream of wearing your beautiful gowns, wishing they could afford to look like a princess of Luna. But their family’s can barely afford the bread on their tables, let alone a dress for a function they’ll never attend.”

“You want them to lose profit?” Silas moaned.

Serena just smiled in return, “you can’t lose the profit you never had.”

Endymion didn’t like this. He didn’t like the words coming out of Serena’s mouth because they mirrored his thoughts. He didn’t like how she shined in his mother’s dress. And most of all, he didn’t like how his heart pounded in his chest even harder when she looked his way. So when Serena’s smile dropped, his heart fell with it. What had he done to upset her?

“I thank you for your time, gentlemen. You have been a great help today.”

Serenity was wrapping things up, and time had come to find out their futures. “The position then? Which of us will you employ?”

She was frowning, looking over the three men on the floor while keeping close to Serena. Serenity glanced at the blonde beside her once to confirm her decision, then swept back to the men. “None of you.”

Chapter Text

Serenity’s words settled over them. Endymion found he wasn’t surprised; he was sure he failed after the first assignment. But he didn’t see what Serena or even Silas had done wrong. Almas was never there for the job in the first place, but he complained the loudest.

“This is outrageous. Did you ever intend to employ anyone? Or was this all some sick rouse?”

Endymion had wondered the same thing many times over. But when Almas asked, it upset him. And he felt defensive. “Luna wouldn’t be so calloused. I’m sure there’s good cause for why we are being refused. Isn’t there?” Serenity was silent, looking over the three men with Serena unmoving behind her. Serena’s eyes were locked on Endymion, and as a tear fell down her cheek, Endymion found himself defensive of her more than anything else. “Or is Almas right, and this was all a sick joke? I struggle to find a cause as to why Serena isn’t being considered!”

“She should never have been here in the first place,” Serenity said coldly.

“Excuse me? She has every right to support herself and her family!!!”

Serenity held up her hands defensively, “I’m not saying that. I’m saying she doesn’t qualify for the position. And she knew this; she was never here for a job either.”

“You never said what the position was, to begin with. How could any of us know?!” Silas yelled, anger now swelling from him as well.

The next in line shook her head, “if we told you, then we’d have more like him,” Serenity pointed to Almas, “power-hungry fools looking to take over instead of genuinely interested in what Luna has to offer.”

Endymion stepped closer, his confusion overthrowing his anger for the moment. “I never cared what the position was, so I didn’t ask. But now that it is closed, you should feel free to tell us, what exactly were you searching for?!”

“A husband,” Serenity said with a soft smile.

Endymion’s eyes danced to Serena, who shivered under his stare. No part of him regretted the missed opportunity, and little of that had to do with Beryl. “You should have mentioned that from the start.”

“Forgive me. If you knew that the offer was to marry into the Luna family, we feared the worst. I think you can understand our secrecy.”

“How can you expect to find a husband this way?” Silas asked.

Serenity smirked, “isn’t getting married just like an interview? You get to know one another, size up your holdings, and then agree to a contract between one another in which you work together until the end of time. Like a job.”

“It’s not that simple, and you know it,” Serena whispered harshly behind the princess.

Serenity looked like she would address the matter, but Almas stopped being quiet. And Endymion was enjoying it so much. “If you’re looking for a husband, then look no further! I will be the most devoted man you’ve ever met, Serenity!”

Serenity laughed bitterly, throwing her head back, and Serena grabbed the woman’s arm in a strange display of affection. “You’re nothing but a liar! How can you promise devotion when you can’t devote yourself to my words!”

“What are you talking about? I would devote my soul to you if you asked!”

“You would devote yourself? Your soul? To who?”

Almas dropped to his knees, and it was just sad. “To you! Serenity, tell me what you want, and I’ll give it to you!”

Serenity slowly shook her head, and Almas still didn’t rise from the floor. “I never said my name was Serenity.” Endymion was confused, more than from the woman’s words but at how Serena was pulling on the influential woman like she had a say. “And it’s not me that is seeking a husband. That’s my sister. The woman you are really looking for is standing right behind me.”

Endymion’s heart stopped, and Serena dropped her hold on the woman. Almas remained on the floor, but now it was out of shock. Silas was at Endymion’s side now, both of them staring in wonder at the woman on the dais. She said nothing, and it was hard to know what was true anymore.

“My name is Mina.”

“The younger sister?!” Almas spat.

Mina nodded, happy with the reveal, while Endymion felt punched in the stomach by it. None of it made sense; he’d seen Serena outside…outside of Luna. She said she was late, but she was on time along with him. The hat and gloves she’d lost…there hadn’t been a moment of hesitation or upset about them. If it were someone as poor as Serena claimed to be, then she would have raced after the hat. But someone of her stature didn’t fret over things like hats or gloves.

Endymion was replaying scenes and words between them from the day. It made his heart race and his body tremble. A strange feeling, but the one he recognized the most was betrayal. “Forgive me for leading you to think otherwise….” Endymion’s thoughts screeched to a halt as Serena…Serenity began to speak. “I wanted a say in who I married. My mother put this on against my wishes. I pretended to be here for the job to meet all of you. And I met….” Her eyes landed on Endymion for a moment, and a flush spread on her cheeks. But her smile quickly fell, and another tear fell. “I met disappointment.” Lifting a hand, Serenity went around the room of men. “This one,” she said, pointing at Almas on the floor, “is only here for the Luna name. He cares nothing about what we hope to accomplish….”

“I want the same as you! I want to increase Luna’s fortune; I won't stand in the way!!”

Mina silenced Almas with a look, “my sister wants to improve the town’s fortune! She’s not selfish, and she doesn’t yearn for what others have!”

Serenity looked at Endymion again, but it was too fast for him to notice. So she continued, going to Silas next. “This one is a thief and should be well searched before he leaves.”

Silas huffed, offended, but still backed up from the accusation. “That’s ridiculous!”

Endymion looked back and saw the women from the day surrounded them, Lita and Raye grabbing Silas and holding him captive. Amy reached into his pockets and pulled out a small metal box. “How much did Sapphire offer you to get this for them?”

He was confused again; what did a stone have to do with this? Almas knew everything, which was why he was the most agitated, it would seem. “Sapphire? You would sell out to those crooks?”

“Who’s Sapphire?” Endymion asked, tired of the dark.

Raye was kind enough to answer him. “Luna’s only competitor. Gail Laxia runs it and has been envious of Luna and Serenity for years now.”

Things had settled, so Endymion turned back to Serenity to hear his damning qualities. But she was whispering to her sister, strongly discussing something. Whatever it was, Mina relented by holding up her hands and nodding to her sister’s demands. But then, Serenity left. Turning on her heel, she disappeared in his mother’s dress.

“Endymion…you cannot be considered for my sister since you’re already engaged. However, we would like to offer you a job here. A real one. Serenity is sure you will make a great addition, and the rest of us agree.”

He turned to look back, the other women nodding gently. And here he thought that he failed? Endymion supposed it was foolish to look a gift horse in the mouth, and yet, he couldn’t stop his need to know. “Why? Why give me a job here? There isn’t an opening, not one that was offered? Why would you want me?”

“You want to feed others and not just yourself,” Amy answered from behind him.

Lita agreed with Amy with a nod, and Raye waited until he was looking at her to speak. “You have courage, but don’t gloat. You chose your battles wisely.”

“And Serenity cares about you,” Mina added, turning Endymion back around, “a job here would help you with your family and marriage. Won’t it?”

Endymion glanced around Mina to spy Serenity, but she was long gone and never coming back. “Yes, my…my family and the woman I want to marry are depending on this job. I need it to get married.”

“You said you didn’t need a job to afford marriage,” Silas stated, trying to catch Endymion in a lie.

“I don’t, but…the woman I want to marry will only consider me if I have this job.”

There was silence, but Endymion could hear himself. And he didn’t like what he heard. Mina grabbed his shoulders. “If you love her, then there’s nothing stopping you now.” There was more, and she held back. So Endymion waited, watching her face change with her decision of whether to speak or not. “But…that doesn’t sound like happiness to me.”

Stepping away from her touch, Endymion shook his head at Mina. “Regardless, the job will benefit my family. My mother can stop working, and I can adequately care for my elders.” He paused and looked once more around for Serenity, “And I would get to see….”

“No, you won’t. Serenity will be away, searching for a husband. Since this failed.” The others took the two men away. Endymion wanted to offer his assistance, but they had it very much covered. Mina remained before him, smiling. “Why don’t you go home, keep the suit, and tell your loved ones the good news?”

“But…”

“She’s not going to come back. So her task for the day is done. And I think she deserves some peace to…recover.”

That was it. Endymion had done it. He still felt like a failure, though, his stomach in knots while his heart sat on top of it. He wanted to speak to Serenity at least one more time. To hear her side again and to tell her his. He hadn’t done anything wrong, there were no promises, but he still felt guilt.

She had been nothing but kind to him: Endymion, the boy from nothing and the heiress, friends to the end. Yet, they hardly felt like friends by the time the curtain was drawn. He felt something different than friendship, and it seemed as though so much more was revealed to him that day. Endymion should be happy, but he knew he wouldn’t feel anything but wrong until he saw Beryl.

Yes, Beryl would be his first stop. And then, he would feel much better.

Chapter Text

The house before him was the same: same white shutters on all two floors of windows and same dark red door blocking him from entering. Nothing had changed, and yet, everything had as Endymion gingerly walked up and knocked on Beryl’s door. The Tungston household was just like the family, pretty for what it was but not the richest. It showed its age in places, a crack in the brick here and a foggy window there. The inside was immaculate from what Endymion could tell, but he had yet to be invited inside. If the family had the funds, they could afford to have the outside as clean as the inside. As it were, the mother and daughters of the house took care of the interior, and that alone was why it was so clean.

He knew they had a cook; Endymion had overheard Beryl complaining about a dish their cook made one evening. The cook had added walnuts to Beryl’s disdain while Endymion struggled to remember the last time he’d had a peanut, let alone a walnut.

Endymion had been shaking since Serena revealed herself. Since he’d gotten the job and she disappeared. But as he lifted his hand to knock, his shaking had disappeared. It proved that this -precisely- was where he needed to be.

His knock was answered soon enough, an older version of Beryl coming to answer. There was only one person this could be, and Endymion bowed his head. “Good afternoon, Mrs. Tungston. My name is Endymion Bulwark, and I was hoping to speak with you and your husband about your daughter, Ms. Beryl.”

Finished, he lifted his head and found Mrs. Tungston eyeing his suit closely even as she stepped aside to allow him entrance. “Please, come in.”

oOo

Endymion’s smile wouldn’t fade, not as he went to the grocer on his way home from work. Every day now, he was able to buy tomatoes, meat, and oranges, all fresh. Since Luna paid all their employees at the end of the day, Endymion was flush with cash daily since he started. And although he had a rough start, it turned out that going to Luna had been the best decision of his life.

His mother met him at the door, taking the food from him and kissing his cheek. No longer bedridden, the rest of his family sat leisurely at the small table in the middle of the house, a one-room shack that Endymion was planning to leave behind as soon as he saved a little more money.

“Endymion!” “Come here, good man, and sit with us!” His grandparents called to him, holding out hands for him to kiss or shake. He sat and grinned broadly; Endymion’s new favorite pastime was sitting with his elders and chatting.

“Grand, show him!”

Endymion looked, watching as his Grand pulled her sleeve back. The sore that had developed a month ago was gone. Like it never happened. “The ointment you gave me worked like magic!”

He chuckled, “well, it’s not magic; it's medicine—the good stuff from Luna.”

Papa huffed, “if it works so well, they should give it out for free!”

Endymion smirked at his grandfather, “they do, now.”

“What?!” The four of them said at once.

Endymion just smiled, removing his nice jacket from work and pushing out his chair to head to the kitchen, “yes, they now offer all their medicine to those in need for free. They make more than enough on their other endeavors to afford it.” Endymion left them to discuss; even if they did whisper, he would hear them as he stepped to his mother’s side. “May I help?”

He watched the gentle shake of his mother’s hands while holding a knife and took it from her. She rubbed hard from her wrist to her palm, trying to stop her tremors. “You are such a kind man, Endymion. How did I get so lucky?”

“It’s not luck; it’s hard work. So you deserve to rest.”

She shook her head but said nothing more. Endymion wanted her to quit and stay home, but his mother had only cut her hours back. His mother had insisted that two paychecks were better than one, no matter the size. Endymion was sure his mother knew she would miss it. Not the money but the sewing. It was her passion, in the end, making delicate dresses for others. It had bothered Endymion for the longest time, watching others dance around in the intricate works his mother made while she wore next to rags. But the way his mother’s face lit up? It had him wishing she’d seen Serenity in her dress.

He shook his head of these thoughts and chopped the onion before him.

oOo

He dug his fingers into the soft soil, switching from the trawl to his hands as Endymion transplanted the strange and beautiful Jewelweed. It fit in nicely with the Fushia and Yarrow he planted last week.

Sweat beaded on his brow but not from the work, from the hot temp of the greenhouse. If he stepped outside, he would catch a cold, covered in a sweat fitting of summer and his jacket back at his desk. His sleeves rolled up to his elbows; Endymion used the back of his hand to clear his sweat before it reached his eyes and continued. A few others crotched near him, working in the soil with him, but they were supposed to be here. It was why he wasn’t surprised when a shadow fell over him.

“Aren’t you supposed to be in the science division, Endymion?”

He glanced up, smiling back at Lita as she tried to be irritable with him. “Yes, but what better way to understand my supplies than to grow them myself?”

Lita rolled her eyes and gave him a hand to get to his feet. He took it but only because he didn’t want to offend and start another argument about equality. Endymion could stand on his own, but Lita didn’t see it that way. Instead, she saw it as a slight, that he was calling her weak.

He let his eyes wander over the crow; it was doing well. “The new irrigation system is working well, I see?”

Lita smirked, “Yes. Thank you for helping with the design.”

“Any time.”

With that, Lita pushed him away from the greenhouse, and Endymion was forced to settle back at his desk. It wasn’t that he disliked his position, quite the opposite. But he was yet to formulate a cure for his mother’s shaking, and he had hoped to get inspiration in the green room.

Amy swung by his desk, looking him over and smiling softly. “Planting again? You have a green thumb, Endymion. I wonder what other talents you possess?”

He sighed at the compliment. “Not one in medicinal formulations, I’m afraid.”

“Still no cure?” He shook his head, “you’ll get there. Your determination will be rewarded, I’m sure.” Amy got a look on her face and stepped away. Endymion knew that look, and he waited as patiently as possible for her return. A few moments later, Amy placed a small stone before him. “Try this.”

“What is it?”

“We call it the imperial crystal. We make it here in the factory, a manufactured stone. So it has little value as jewelry. But it has properties within it that will help your mom, I believe. If she were to wear it.”

Endymion trusted Amy; he did. But this seemed a bit… “How can wearing a stone benefit?”

“Have a little faith, Endymion,” Amy smirked. It was a strange thing to ask, a scientist like Amy didn’t rely on faith, nor did Endymion. But, so he supposed, if it was Amy telling him to trust the stone, he should take it at face value. “When you have a moment, take it to Raye so she can fashion you something to wear it in.”

Endymion didn’t need a moment; he only had to wait for lunch. So he focused on his work, putting his mother’s medicine to the side. Aside from ending tremors, Endymion had created ointments for many aliments his family suffered from. They were what the company now gave out for free and why Endymion enjoyed his work all the more.

He took his small sack of food back to the green room, sitting in the small grassy field most congregated to for lunch. It wasn’t long before Raye fell next to him in an unladylike manner. Her overalls were coated with streaks of something dark as usual, and she smelled of wood. He waited for her to remove her gloves before passing a thick piece of white bread with cheese slices in the middle.

“Thanks,” she said seconds before shoving it into her mouth.

“I have this for you as well,” he held the stone out to Raye between his pointer and thumb, the light twinkling on it. It was pretty, like a diamond. Endymion would never be able to tell the difference himself.

Raye snatched it, and Endymion held his breath from her reaction. “Where did you get this?!”

“Amy. She told me you could fashion it into something wearable?”

Now Raye held it up in the light; the jewel made rainbows of color on the woman’s face. “Amy gave you this? Do you know how much a piece this small costs?”

Endymion shrugged, “I was assured it would help my cause, and that’s the only fortune I need.”

Eyeing him strangely, Raye lowered the shimmering crystal a little. “And how should I fashion it? As a bracelet, necklace…ring?”

Given the way his mother’s hands shook, he shuddered at the thought of her trying to put on a ring. With the way her fingers swelled at night, she would have to remove it daily too. “I think a necklace would suit. I don’t know the right ring size to tell you.”

Raye frowned but quickly pocketed the imperial crystal as if it were stolen. “I’ll have it for you by the end of business today.”

“Have what ready?” Lita was already sitting with her giant box of food—this was what the two of them waited for every day, Lita’s cooking.

Endymion and Raye ignored the question, too excited for whatever Lita had prepared for the day. “A work thing,” they both answered flippantly, and Lita lost interest. They were deep in a sea of cucumber sandwiches, freshly baked scones, savory meat pies, and even some rose-scented tea when Endymion took notice of their small group.

“Where’s Mina?”

He’d become accustomed to the woman’s endless prattling of news and gossip. At first, he found it incessant, but now Endymion was addicted, so he quickly noticed the missing member. He would never admit it, but he longed to hear the goings-on of the town as he had never known it before.

The two women looked at one another, then back at Endymion with frowns on their faces. “She’s too busy.”

“Busy with what? The new line?”

Endymion knew there was a new line of men's clothing. He had tried it on, and Mina was constantly bringing him more to ‘model’ and leaving it with him when he was done. He knew what she was up to, not so secretly dressing him how she pleased. But Mina had hardly seemed busy with her work. She always had time to devote to their lunches.

“No, not with work. She’s…” Raye stopped and looked at Lita.

The bold woman looked straight at Endymion, “she’s getting a party together. An engagement party.”

It was as if he’d been punched in the lungs again. The last time had been when Serenity revealed herself, and this was far worse. His chest ached with his lungs as both struggled to do their jobs. “Oh, I see.” He barely got out.

“You should expect an invitation,” Raye added, wiping some cream onto her scone with her finger, “and as an employee here, you must attend.”

That didn’t sound right, turning to glare at the woman, “since when is formal gatherings a work requirement?”

“Serenity demanded it,” Lita said rushed, “since you’re new here and have done so much in such a small amount of time. Think of it as….”

“A reward,” Raye finished for her.

“Yes! A reward! And you can bring someone with you? A family member, perhaps?”

  Endymion kept his sights dancing between the two women, who were acting stranger than usual. “A family member?”

“Ah, yes, Serenity wants to meet your family. And the Tungstons have already been invited as well.”

Lita wasn’t looking at him, and Raye babbled. Something was up, but he had nothing to go on other than the oddness of it all. “I see.”

Although he didn’t. Since he couldn’t imagine a reason why the Tungston’s were invited. In the end, it would be an opportunity to show some elegance to those he desired the most finally. However, there was one problem, “I don’t own anything fine enough for such an event. Nor does anyone I would bring….”

“Mina will handle that, so don’t fret,” Raye answered smoothly.

Lita waved a hand at him, “she loves dressing you; you know this already.”

Yes, he did. So now, he would need to see Mina at the end of the day to discuss the required party and what he would wear.

oOo

Mina held up a white mask to him, “it’s a Masquerade!”

Taking the small thing that would only cover his eyes, he flipped back and forth before settling it on his face. “A masquerade?”

“Yes! Everyone will hide their identity until the end of the evening! Isn’t that fun?!”

Endymion chuckled as Mina giggled. The woman was in fine form today, glowing with her happiness. “I suppose. You must be so proud; this engagement was all you ever wanted from the start, wasn’t it?”

He tried to keep the coolness out of his tone, and Mina was too jazzed to notice if he failed. “Oh, it’s what I’ve dreamed of for years! Ever since my mother told me of her plans to marry off Serenity! The eldest sibling should marry first, you know. Before the younger sister.”

Endymion had no siblings or fortune, so he supposed that was something families like Mina’s worried over. “Yes, they should.”

“I didn’t expect it to happen this way. This wasn’t how any of us expected it to go. But who could refuse such an offer? He’s such a fine man.”

“Who?” Endymion asked, not sure he would like the answer. But he had to know who had captured Serenity’s hand.

Mina smiled brightly as if clueless to Endymion’s feelings, “the Duke of Lazaburg, Lord Kunzite.”

Endymion’s heart cracked in his chest and came out in a shattered huff. That man was always around to make him struggle. It was as if Kunzite was born to be Endymion’s adversary. But Endymion didn’t have a dog in this fight, Kunzite had won, and Endymion had no reason to push it. There was no comparison, just as the last time Endymion came up against the Duke. He had no choice but to fold when he had no intention of fighting, to begin with. It still made his heartbeat slower as if it was planning to stop soon.

“Do you need something else?” Mina asked sweetly, missing his heart breaking, but that was fine.

“Yes,” he muttered, clearing his throat from the lump that blocked it, “I need something for my mother? I plan to bring her with me.”

“Oh? I thought you would bring Ms. Beryl?”

Endymion slowly shook his head at the thought. “Why would I? She has her own invitation, doesn’t she? And my mother would greatly enjoy the evening.”

“Ms. Beryl would as well, I suppose?”

“Then it is a good thing she has her own means.”

Chapter Text

The dress from Mina was a dark green, the color of the leaves midsummer just after a rain. It fit his mother in more than one way. “You look beautiful, mom.”

The rest of the family applauded the pair, his mother blushing while Endymion wrapped his mother in a cloak of a thick flannel and a silk lining. The winter wind would not be kind to his mother in her fine gown. He had his cover on already as well as his mask. Placing the top hat and glove Mina insisted on, Endymion held out his arm for his mother to take.

His mother gasped softly at the coach that waited for them just outside, helping her in. Endymion had never had such an opportunity to spoil his mother like this, and he might have been taking it too far, but not an ounce of him cared.

Her hand rested in his arm as the carriage lurched forward. The continued lack of tremors she’d experienced was due to the pendant she wore around her neck always. Since Endymion had given it to her, his mother’s hands never shook. They still ached when she spent too long working on her needlepoint, but Endymion ascertained that the gem couldn’t fix a condition of age. He did wonder if a ring would have been more helpful, being closer to the afflicted area. Endymion had imposed enough on the Luna company’s kindness, the clothing he and his mother wore from them as well as the carriage.

When they came to a stop, his mother gasped again. Endymion shared the sentiment, the grand hall before them quite a sight. Glittering gold statues and bright white candles met them as handsomely dressed men escorted them to the door. Endymion had his mother in his grip as soon as they left the comfort of the carriage behind. The affair already had Endymion’s nerves in a bundle, and now he felt all the more out of place amongst it.

His mother clutched him tightly with her nerves, but his mother never suffered from a lack of manners as he did. She greeted many that passed in silver and blues, the women in gowns of silk and chiffon. The men were all in a similar dress to Endymion, which calmed him as he felt like an overdressed peacock. He knew to keep his gloves on by example, but he was allowed to remove his hat. The tails of his tux flapped and reminded him of their presence as he moved about, so he did his best to focus on his surroundings instead.

Somewhere in the room was a great feast as chocolate and cooked meat scented the air. It mingled with a strong floral scent that was all the flowers placed about. Add in the flames that lit the room, and it was a pungent smell that threatened to knock Endymion back. But he had smelled worse when he worked the salt mines; he could bear this for a few hours—especially with his mother enjoying herself so thoroughly.

He followed her lead, letting his mother take them around the ballroom. A few were already dancing; they were late in large part to the clothing they were not used to putting on. The ball had only just begun, though, so they were hardly out of sorts.

“I believe I see the Tungstons. We should say hello.” His mother looked up to him for an answer, but he had none, “then our hosts' firsts?”

“Whatever makes you happy, mother.”

She offered him a small, comforting smile and turned to the front of the room. He didn’t dare tell her he dreaded greeting the host more than anyone else. The soft amber color of Mina’s gown stood out in the hall of greys and blues and blacks. The woman she stood beside had long white hair, reminding Endymion of Serenity. The light lavender gown she wore was closer to white, and the pair stood alone, greeting those who neared. Endymion found his heart bounced in his chest that Serenity wasn’t in sight.

Mina leapt at the sight of him, “Endymion!” She reached out, and he took her hand with his free one. “Mother, this is Endymion. Endymion, this is my mother, Selene.”

“Ah, the famous Endymion. The man that my eldest was so impressed with she made a position for?”

He was getting examined, and Endymion wondered just how much Selene knew of him. “Yes, I’m afraid that’s correct.”

She smiled, “do not be so shy. I’ve heard good things from all about you and your work.”

He bowed his head, “thank you. Selene, Mina, this is my mother, Rhea.”

The ladies all bowed in acknowledgment, and once righted, Mina took his mother from his grasp. “What a lovely pendant. It’s from Endymion?”

Rhea nodded and smiled sweetly. “Yes. It is a wonder, from your company? It helps with my hands. They used to tremble terribly.”

“Oh my, how awful. That would conflict greatly with your work!”

“You’re familiar with my designs?” Rhea asked, confused.

“Oh yes!” Mina squealed. “I’m a designer myself. I love your gowns!”

“Yes,” Selene added, “we’re all familiar. My daughter is quite the fan.”

Rhea blushed, “Oh my, what an honor. To be liked by such fine people. And one of my own profession?!”

“You should consider coming to Luna. I would love to have you! And you could join our daily lunches with your son!” Mina cooed.

His mother looked at him with wry fascination. “Is that so? Endymion has never been very social.”

“He is with us!”

A hand gently pressed to his shoulder, Lita greeting them. Raye and Amy were with her the terrible foursome altogether before Endymion and his mother. As he expected, they were kind and gentle with his mother. With them preoccupied, Endymion began to search, looking for hair the color of gold. A difficult feat with all the golden dressing.

“She’s not here.” Amy spoke, breaking his search, “Serenity is outside on the balcony, getting some air. Perhaps you can persuade her to join us?”

“Yes, please talk some sense into that girl?” Selene spoke harshly, “she has been out of sorts lately; I scarcely know what to do with her!”

“I would love to meet this woman?” His mother added as if he needed more encouragement.

“I shall…do my best.” He offered with a weak smile.

Finding his way through the crowd, Endymion soon faced the dark windows of the balcony. He could make out Serenity’s figure, glowing in the night. She leaned against the railing, looking up at the full moon. He somehow found himself beside her, his throat constricting at the sight of her. It had been three weeks since he’d last viewed the woman, and the time apart had only made her more…beautiful. Deep in his mind, he knew it was the fancy occasion, a vast difference from the last time he’d been in Serenity’s presence. And yet, it was more than this.

Serenity was wearing another one of his mother’s gowns.

Did she know? Had she discovered the connection and worn it on purpose? Or was it another happy coincidence put together by fate? Endymion didn’t believe in destiny, but he felt this meeting, this moment was somehow designed by the stars. He blamed it on missing Serenity greatly without so much as knowing her real name for most of their time together and the sudden freeze of leaving the hot party.

Her eyes finally left the moon above and fell to him. He watched as her bright blue eyes went wide, recognizing him even with the mask in place. He expected as much, not seeing the appeal of the masque in the first place. He would know her eyes anywhere. And her smile, but she had yet to show it to him.

“Endymion? What are you doing here?”

He tried not to feel offended, “I was sent to collect you.”

“I meant, what are you doing at this party?”

Endymion was feeling very confused. Wasn’t Serenity the one that insisted he come? “I was invited.”

The smile she wore was forced, “I see. And you brought Ms. Beryl as your guest?”

He shook his head, and the fake smile dropped. “No. I brought my mother. Who would like to meet you, if that is alright?”

“I…I would be honored.”

He offered his arm, and Serenity hesitated to take it. Her hand in his, bare against his gloved one, he cursed the white cloth that kept him from feeling her soft skin. Endymion also felt something hard on her finger and took a glance once it was settled on his arm. It was a ring…on her ring finger. He had to take deep breaths while Serenity said nothing, letting him guide her around like a woman unattached when she clearly was.

As they entered the ballroom, many eyes flashed their way. What with Serenity engaged, he hoped they didn’t create a scandal. But as many smiled, Endymion ascertained they didn’t recognize him or Serenity and thought them a happy pair.

His mother brightened at the sight of Endymion’s partner. Serenity might not have wanted him to be there, but she was very polite to his mother. “I’m so pleased to meet you!”

Rhea was beaming, “Oh my, you are stunning!” His mother’s eyes flashed to Endymion and made him regret telling her all that happened during his ‘interview’. “Much prettier than the other women you’ve brought my way?”

“Mother!”

Serenity flushed and forced herself not to look away. “I’m sure Endymion brings home a lot of lovely women.”

“No, my dear,” Rhea explained, “he never brings anyone to my attention. Not like this.” Endymion was ready to take his mother home early when he saw her eyes gloss over. “Is this…my dress?”

Serenity’s hands flew to the silk, running her hands and eyes over it ideally. “Is it? I was never told who made it…” that answered Endymion’s early question, “You do amazing work, I love it. I also bought the wedding dress you made….” Endymion’s heart stopped, and Rhea’s eyes slowly went to him. He hadn’t told his mother what this party was for, but he was sure she now knew, “it’s so lovely, Mina ios going to have you make hers as well.”

Now Endymion was confused, looking to Mina for the answer, but the woman was too busy beaming. “Mina, are you planning ahead?”

The woman cast Endymion a nasty look befitting a scorned woman. “No! If anything, I’m behind!!”

“Is that an imperial crystal?” Serenity asked, gently touching Rhea’s gifted necklace.

“Oh yes, you know of it?” Serenity nodded, not taking her eyes off the stone, “My son gave it to me. For my tremors.”

“And how has it been working?” Amy asked, being a scientist in the middle of a party.

The smile his mother wore warmed his heart, making it easier to ignore the sting that remained in it. “Like magic.”

Serenity held his mother’s hands in her; neither wore gloves, skin on skin, and Serenity had no struggle touching a woman far below her class. “They look as if they still hurt?”

She was speaking about the puffy and red look to Rhea’s fingers and palm. Without another word, Serenity began removing the ring she wore on her finger, the one Endymion had thought was her engagement ring. He couldn’t tell the difference, not between a crystal and a diamond, but the finely made silver that held the stone made Endymion believe it was a real diamond and an actual engagement ring.

Serenity slipped onto his mother’s finger while Rhea protested loudly. “I can’t!”

“I don’t need it; it’s just decoration.”

“With its healing properties, perhaps we should include it in the medical supplies?” Amy asked.

Serenity nodded, then watched Rhea’s hands heal before their eyes. “That’s one hell of a stone,” Endymion mumbled.

Rhea reprimanded with her eyes, but no one disagreed. Then, Lita gave him a gentle shove. “Endymion, why not thank Serenity’s kindness with a dance?”

His heart was in his throat. He wanted that more than anything, to have Serenity close to him. But she was engaged; he couldn’t do that, could he? “It’s alright, no need to thank me….”

Serenity tried, but Rhea was already pushing them together. “Yes, maybe you can teach my son how to lead?”

Maybe it was the loss of her ring? Or how Serenity continued to make his heart react in every way possible. It wasn’t all good, but it was more than any woman had ever affected him. It was why he grabbed her hand through her protesting and pulled them to the dancefloor. It was thick with people now, couples spinning in rhythm with the music played loudly by the nearby band.

He swung her around and then pulled her in close, forcing her to be close to him. The hand that was supposed to be on his shoulder was on his chest, keeping a small distance between them. The music was a slow tempo, one that Endymion could handle. Serenity kept her eyes to the floor, other couples, anywhere but at him, yet he could still see the shimmering in them as if Serenity was about to cry.

“It’s only a dance, Serenity. And it’ll make my mother happy, so please, don’t cry.” She slowly raised her head with that, and Endymion fought off the urge to kiss her. And it was a strong urge, one like ’e'd never experienced before in his life. He needed to remind himself of the reality. “I’ll return you safely to your fiance soon.”

Her breath caught in her throat softly, but he still heard it. It forced him to spin her, needing some distance. It didn’t last long; Endymion couldn’t bear it. Now that he had her in his arms, he would struggle to let her go. Serenity wore a frown when she returned to his arms, tears still waiting to be shed.

“Is that why you came? You came tonight to see me with someone else?”

“Why would I want to see that?” He growled.

His anger was sudden and barely contained. It had Serenity’s eyes popping to his. Yet, the clear blue gems had him calming instantly, even as a crystal tea fell down her cheek. “To make you feel better? To ease your mind from any slights I might have against you?”

Endymion found himself cursing his gloves again; the backless dress Serenity wore would have felt even better in his hold if he didn’t have them. He still didn’t stop trying, running his hand up and down slowly, hoping she wouldn’t notice. “Why would you have slights against me? You were the one that lied.”

“I did that with good reason, and you know this. You, however, only had selfish reasons to hide your engagement.”

He leaned in, struggling again with his urges, and pushed towards anger. Mad that he had to fight his desires so damn hard with the woman in his arms. “I didn’t hide it; I wasn’t engaged.”

“But you wanted to be. You had a woman picked out already. Where is Beryl tonight? She’s here, isn’t she?”

Endymion didn’t want to talk about Beryl. He only wanted to talk about Serenity. “I didn’t know that the position offered was to be your husband. Things would have been very different if I’d known.”

“You mean you would have admitted your reasons at the start?”

Scoffing, Endymion turned his head away, “and if I had, we never would have known one another as we do now.”

Serenity pulled at his hold, but the dance wasn’t over. Not yet. “I cannot decide whether I’m happy or not to know you. The ache in my heart tells me it would better never to know you. But when I look into your eyes….” Serenity trailed off and flushed, pointing her face to the floor, “you should be with Beryl now, not me. And I should be with my family.”

“Don’t you mean your fiance?” Endymion said through gritted teeth, Serenity trying to push him away again.

She laughed, short and darkly, unfitting of her. Then looked Endymion in his eyes with another forced smile on her lips. “I’m not engaged. This party was never for me; it’s for Mina. She’s marrying the love of her life, and I am off the hook…for now.”

The song ended, and Serenity pulled away. Endymion was in a shocked state, his chest ready to explode. But, there was never any doubt; he would never feel like he did for Serenity towards anyone else.

It was why, with her admission, he grabbed her hand and forced her along. He didn’t stop, not with her squirming and pulling, not until they were back out on the deserted balcony, too cold for anyone, including Serenity. He didn’t let her go back inside. Instead, he wrapped his jacket around her, using it as an excuse to pull her in close.

Serenity was still struggling against him, and if he were any kind of gentlemen, he would let her go. But he wasn’t, not the type Serenity was used to. So, she did what any woman would do; she tried using her words instead. “Endymion, this is wrong! Let me go! I refuse to be lead on by you any longer! What will Beryl think?!”

“She will think I’ve finally got the woman I want. Serenity, I’m not engaged to Beryl.”

Her breath hitched, and this time, Endymion heard it loud and clear while Serenity did nothing to hide her face. Tears fell slowly, gushing out as she blinked at him. He let her have her moment, drawing in a slight breath.

“What?” She whispered.

“I am not, nor will I ever be, engaged to Beryl.”

Serenity’s eyes rolled around in confusion. Looking at his face, eyes, mouth, and also glancing to those still inside. “But I thought…with Lord Kunzite with Mina now….”

“You doubt your future brother-in-law?”

Serenity smiled softly and shook her head, “No, he loves her. And she loves him. It seemed too easy, that’s all.”

Now that she was no longer fighting him, Endymion pulled Serenity against his chest. It helped keep her warm and close, and she melted into him as much as her damaged heart would allow. “Permit me…to tell you a story?”

Three weeks ago…

“Please, come in,” Mrs. Tungston stepped to the side, and Endymion carefully passed the threshold.

He was left alone in the formal living room, which was good because he needed to straighten his thoughts. The day’s events were still spinning—Serenity’s face at the forefront. When Beryl appeared, Endymion still had her fashing (tears down her cheeks mixing with her beautiful smile). She looked fresh and was a bit out of breath.

“My dear Endymion. How good of you to visit me.” She gestured for him to sit, but Endymion refused. It threw Beryl a bit, but she continued. “I take it by the fine suit that you got the job at Luna?”

He had forgotten what he was wearing. It was much nicer than his best suit. A suit he’d left at Luna, so this was all he had to wear to work tomorrow as well as to this meeting. “Yes…they gifted it to me.”

“A starting bonus? They must have been impressed! I know I am.”

Beryl stepped up to Endymion and began petting his arm. He couldn’t help but feel as though she was stroking the suit and not him. It was when Beryl looked up at him, staring at him with dull eyes, that he found himself feeling sick. “Beryl…do you love me?”

She looked aghast as if he had offended her. “What kind of question is that? I know you’re poor, but even you should know that is a personal question.”

“It’s a simple question. One I thought I knew the answer to but now….”

“Listen, Endymion,” Beryl fell to the couch across from the one she offered to him, her head in her clutch, “love doesn’t matter. People like us can’t afford the luxury. It’s why I even entertained the Duke’s advances.” Endymion understood that, but he thought it meant Beryl loved him. That she only questioned his ability to care for her. Not that she felt no love towards him or the Duke. Beryl leapt up and stood before him with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “None of that matters now. Did you discuss starting salary with Luna?”

He took a step back, suddenly feeling far too close to the woman. “No. We didn’t have the chance. But it’ll be better than what I made before. It will help my family, so thank you for pushing me into it, Beryl.”

“It will help us too!” Endymion’s stomach turned, far more than when he did anything questionable towards Serenity earlier that day. “Do you think they’ll give you any other clothing? Like, say, for your fiance?”

He shook his head in an answer but also to distract from the knawing in his belly that this was wrong. “Doubtful. I’m sure my pay won’t allow it either. They’re extravagant, and other things matter more. Like food and a house.”

“They are not extravagant! And we will need things like clothing as well!”

“My mother can make anything you desire….”

“Your mother?!!”

There was so much disgust in Beryl’s tone. He didn’t need clarification on the matter. Endymion had left behind a woman that proudly wore his mother’s clothing, and the one before him now only lusted for more. He would never be enough for her. And he didn’t want to be.

“Oh…”

It struck him hard, the feeling in his head, heart, and belly. And once he understood, they all came together. He felt…calm, pushing Beryl away and moving towards the door.

“Where are you going? It would be best if you met my parents and gave me my ring.”

He froze and turned back on his heel. Beryl looked sincere and desperate. Endymion felt guilt, he truly did, but he was never what Beryl wanted, and he’d been wrong to think Beryl was what he needed. The truth was, he was never in love with Beryl. This wasn’t love.

“Beryl…forgive me, but I cannot honor our agreement.”

“What agreement? You haven’t asked me to marry you yet!”

Beryl had a point, but Endymion still felt the need to explain. “I’m a poor boy, Beryl. And I always will be. But that has afforded me the luxury of choosing my mate. I’m sorry you cannot select yours the same. I wish for you to be happy as I will never be able to. Perhaps the Duke will? But not me. Goodbye.”

He felt lite as if he could walk on air. It was probably why he nearly ran headfirst into another in his path. “Excuse me.”

“Endymion, was it?”

It was the Duke, Kunzite. Now free and thoughtless towards Beryl, Endymion only found joy towards the man before him. “Yes, Lord Kunzite, you have an excellent memory.”

Kunzite chuckled softly, “you seem in good sorts. Did you confess to Beryl and receive her love in return?”

There wasn’t a jealous bone in the man’s body. Endymion envied that but not the man himself. “Something close to that. I wish you the best, Lord Kunzite. Please make Beryl happy.”

Endymion tried to leave it at that, but Kunzite shook his head as Endymion stepped to go around, “no, it’s not up to me. I thought…Beryl would be a good companion at best. And that I wouldn’t find another but…I have. Today I met my match.”

Putting out his hand to the man, Kunzite slowly took Endymion’s in return. “I know the feeling. Good luck to you.”

Kunzite shook Endymion’s hand, acting like a changed man. But love had that effect. “You‘re a good man, Endymion. Good luck to you as well.”

Serenity blinked up at him for a few moments after his story ended. The puckered look to her lips had his heart fluttering. She was beautiful and breathlessly adorable all at once. “I had regretted those words of encouragement until tonight. For a week, I had it pressing on me, how I waited too late.”

“Why did you wait? If not engaged to another…I thought you were engaged for three weeks while you only a week?!”

Serenity was angry, but the flushed cheeks, wide eyes, and trembling lips only endeared her to Endymion more. “I couldn’t exactly walk up to your house and knock, now could I?” Serenity huffed, and another tear fell free. This time, Endymion brushed it away, allowing his hand to linger on her cheek. “Every day, I hoped to catch a glimpse of you at Luna….”

“I stayed away on purpose. I couldn’t…face you.” Serenity suddenly perked up, “why did you think I was engaged? Did no one tell you what this party was?”

“I think…I got bam-boozel-led. Clever wording from your employees.”

“Then why did you come?”

He laughed, barking it out and making Serenity jump as she now rested on him. “I was informed it was mandatory. Required attendance.”

Serenity tried to fight off a smile, but it didn’t work. “Mina would have been disappointed if you didn’t come….”

“I’m glad I did. Tonight has given me more clarity.”

“More clarity?”

Endymion gently pushed Serenity away. She looked sad until he stopped to drop to a knee. “Serenity…I have nothing to offer you. I live paycheck to paycheck and have an entire family with needs. But I love you. I love you, Serena, and I love you, Serenity. It took me less than a day to fall for you but, forgive me, as it took a little longer to realize it.”

“And even longer to come clean about it,” Serenity added with a smile, brushing her fingers along his jaw.

It emboldened him, turning to catch her palm with his lips. She softly giggled, and the words flew out of his mouth so fast, Serenity’s hand caught it. “Marry me?”

The silence clicked by slowly, so much Endymion was sure his heart had relocated to his knees. But then, Serenity carefully got to her knees before him and took his hands in hers. “Yes.”

Threading his fingers through hers, Endymion dared fate and kissed her. When she didn’t pull away, he pressed deeper against her soft lips. Then he pressed harder, pulling her to him with his hands pressing into the small of her back. He let go of her hands then, letting her push or pull him away. Serenity wrapped her arms around Endymion’s neck and sucked on his lower lip. There was nothing to deter him otherwise from thinking; this was heaven.

When they split, the small pop of their mouths made Serenity giggle again, and Endymion stole another short kiss. Serenity was running her fingers through his hair in a manner so loving; it made his arms shake. Then, she placed a single, sweet kiss on the tip of his nose. “I love you too, Endymion. And never want to be parted from you again.”

The long, curling strands of her hair were brushing the backs of his hands. So much that Endymion ripped off his gloves and tossed them into the dark, returning to wrap Serenity’s silk around his fingers. “Then…let us never part from this moment on?”

Serenity smiled so brightly that it lit up her tear-filled eyes, making them glitter. “Yes, please.”