Forever You.

Author: fire-spirit

Rated: PG13

This is yet another re-edited version of 'Forever You.' I thought I had caught all the mistakes the first two times, but I didn't. Hopefully, I got them all now. Thank goodness for Loki who was able to help catch these mistakes and help me figure out how to reword some things. And then my best friend Ducky (she won't tell me her penname, so that's what I'm calling her) was able to give me some other pointers and ideas that came in handy. Thank you both for your wonderful help in getting this story polished up. Also, a quick thanks to Galena-Steel. I really appreicate your help, as well as your offer. I will be taking you up on that.

Chapter 1

Forever You

Chapter One

Reigan, High Princess of the planet Mars, took one last look at the reflection in the mirror before signaling to the maid closest to open the door, where someone had knocked just moments before. It had been a long day, in a long week, in a very long month. She had gone home for a break from the moon when her parents had discovered that a general in the Mars Imperial Forces had been courting her, escorting her to dinner and dances. They had immediately expressed their disapproval, resulting in many rows with her parents. Then a series of earthquakes on Mars-Deimos had wreaked havoc and chaos. This had then been followed by delegates from Uranus-Juliet wanting to renegotiate trade agreements over various metals used for weapons. All-in-all what was supposed to have been a very relaxing trip home had turned into anything but.

Reigan was supposed to have been back at the Moon a week ago when the Earth delegation had first arrived, but the crisis on Deimos and the failing relations with Juliet had prevented that. The delegation from the planet Earth had come to the Moon to sign the charter granting them a place in the United Galaxy Alliance and for the Prince of Earth to meet the Moon Princess. The two betrothed since her birth, and having reached her sixteenth year, it was customary for them to meet and get acquainted before their marriage in two years time. So, today after finally getting matters situated at home, the Mars delegation, including the royal family and dozens of counselors, advisors, and other high-ranking officials--civilian and military alike--had finally managed to get underway, setting course for the Moon. That had been another adventure. It wasn't easy to get a delegation of that size packed, loaded and ready to travel at a moments notice. Then the transport had mechanical issues, forcing the entire delegation to unload and transfer to another smaller craft, to reload.

Needless to say, by the time Reigan had arrived on the Moon she was exhausted and suffering from a major headache. There hadn't been time for her to relax either, she had barely had time for a quick hello with her friends, there had been too much to see to and accomplish before the ball. Reigan still hadn't met anyone from the Earth delegation, but she supposed that would change after she arrived at the ball.

She felt she was as ready as she would ever be not looking the least tired as she felt. Reigan turned around and stepped into the hall. Her twin cousins -- Pheadon and Daison -- Waiting patiently for her, having come to the Moon, especially to escort her to the ball -- they were as brothers to her and seven years older. They had lived on Mars with the royal family until about five years ago when their father died. Reigan's father, the King, had appointed the twins to take over their father's duties, naming them Lord-Governors over Phobus and Deimos, respectively.

All her life, the twins had watched over her, the sight of them at that moment brought a smile to her face. "Pheadon, Daison. Thank you so much for coming tonight," Reigan stated as she fell in between them and made their way towards the ballroom.

"We are always at your service, kiddo," Daison replied as he gently squeezed her hand and flashed a smile to match the one his brother was also giving her.

~~*~~

"You have to admit, this is pretty impressive." Jadeite wondered out loud, half to himself, half to Zoicite.

"It is very impressive, but not as much as you."

"And what, pray tell, do you mean by that?" Jadeite asked in mock anger.

"Just simply that you haven't seemed to have found a ‘friend' for the night." was the frank reply.

Zoicite cast a side-long glance at his friend. In response, Jadeite just smiled in that self-knowing way he had a habit of before countering, "It's still early yet." turning his attention back to those milling about the room and Zoicite sighed. Jadeite was his closest friend, but his reputation with the ladies back home was no secret. Zoicite was of the opinion that while on the Moon; perhaps Jadeite should be a little less 'affectionate.'

"How about you, Zoicite, any ladies striking a chord with you?" Jadeite's question brought him out of his reverie and as his eyes flickered over the literally hundreds of women in the room, only one really held his eye, a cerulean-headed lady, he knew as Princess Amira of Mercury. They had several meetings together over the past week and he had found her shy and unassuming demeanor to be quite endearing. Turning back to Jadeite, however, he muttered, "Perhaps."

They turned their attention to the dance floor, but their focus was soon diverted, this time as Nephrite approached them, "No dancing for you, Jadeite?" he joyfully greeted the two men.

"No ladies will have him." Zoicite cheerfully offered.

Winning a glare in response, before the addressed man offered his own answer, "I'm merely taking stock of my options first."

"It's the same ladies that have been here all week! Surely you must already have your picks." Nephrite's incredulity coloring his voice heavily.

"Oh, I do. I am just double-checking; giving these fine ladies a chance to enhance their prospects, making sure I haven't missed anyone," he stated, nodding courteously at a flock of ladies walking past.

Suddenly the mood in the room shifted just enough to be noticeable without the reason for the change being readily apparent.

"What…" Before Nephrite could finish his thought, they were distracted again, but this time by a man in a deep crimson uniform coming to ram-rod attention, even as the majority of the room continued chatting and dancing.

"Presenting her royal highness, the High Princess Reigan of the planet Mars. His royal lordship, Lord-Governor Pheadon of Mars-Phobus. His royal lordship, Lord-Governor Daison of Mars-Diemos." The herald's voice broke over the crowd, though most ignored him as each new arrival was formally announced. The three Earth generals noticed, as with the man standing nearby, all in attendance wearing the Mars Imperial uniform stood at attention. Turning to see who commanded such loyalty -- loyalty that not even the arrival of the King and Queen of Mars could inspire -- the three men looked towards the formal entrance. Jadeite's jaw dropped.

~~*~~

Nephrite was impressed. The newly-arrived Mars Princess and her escorts knew how to make an entrance. They weren't late and they certainly wouldn't be the last to arrive at the ball, but they surely had captured the attention and mixed feelings of most of those already in attendance. The women were casting envious looks at the Princess and looks of longing at her escorts while the men seemed to be doing the exact opposite.

She was gorgeous. Dressed in a gown of blood-red silk, pulled tight against her torso by black ribbons twining around her body, beginning below her breasts and stopping at her hips. From there, the material was left free to sway around her legs, hugging those curves much more gently than did the bodice. She was thin, and while shorter than him, she wasn't too short in stature. Her eyes were an amazing shade of violet and her long black tresses, falling almost to her knees, provided a beautiful contrast to her flawless skin. All-in-all, creating the effect of pure sexual allure. The way she held herself proved she was well aware of this fact and flaunted her exotic looks. The men accompanying her possessed identically similar straight black hair pulled into neat ponytails and dark eyes. They wore their Mars imperial dress uniforms, varying only from the standard issue in that they were black with blood-red sashes across their chests, which seemed to complement her gown perfectly.

Nephrite watched as the Princess's eyes surveyed the room and then gave the slightest of nods. The Mars general who had distracted him moments before relaxed, resuming his conversation with some of the other lord sat the ball, "Who is she?"

"She's the Mars High Princess. Weren't you paying attention?" Nephrite answered as he turned to face Jadeite and almost laughed. Jadeite had a foolish look on his face, before it was quickly replaced by one of slight annoyance.

"No, I mean, why haven't we seen her before? I would have remembered her." Jadeite's eyes never left the girl in question, following her even as she was escorted to the middle of the dance floor. As he watched, the man on her left leaned in, kissed her forehead, stepped away bowing, and then left as the second man took her hand and they began to dance. "She just arrived today with the rest of the Mars Delegation." He barely heard Nephrite's reply so intent was he on watching her.

"Earth to Jadeite, are you there? Come in, Jadeite." Zoicite's flippant remark was what finally snapped Jadeite's attention back to the present.

"What?"

"See something you like?"

.Jadeite glared at his friends before answering.

"Her." His voice making it clear what exactly he meant by that. With a wolfish grin on his face, he turned to find where the other man who had escorted her had gone. But just as he spotted him, he became aware of Endymion, in his mind, calling him -- curses!

~~*~~

As one song ended and another began, Reigan took her leave of Pheadon, allowing him to seek out prospective dates. She made her way towards the dais. Though the twins were willing to escort her to balls and such -- even though they weren't duty bound to do so -- Reigan knew they were also here to enjoy themselves too. She would always try to make sure she didn't dance too often with them and take too many opportunities away from them to dance with other women. "So, what do you think of the Earth delegation?" Reigan looked up to find the Moon Princess, Serenity standing in front of her. Serenity looked resplendent. Her gown was a simple one made of material that clung just barely to her curves. The bottom layer was snowy white draping all the way to the floor, over which was a thin, translucent, silver colored material floating down to end just above her ankles. Her long, silky gold hair was pulled up in its customary style with the two ponytails sweeping all the way to the ground.

"I haven't met any of them, yet, actually." She replied frankly.

"That's some of them over there, including the Prince," Serenity pointed to a group of unfamiliar men close to the dais. Three of them dressed in matching uniforms, one wearing a more stylized uniform. She let her eyes roam over the physique of this man, taking in his medium stature -- his jet-black hair and bright-blue eyes.

"Litia likes the brown haired man and even Amira admitted taking a fancy to the one with the long, blond hair as quite cute," Serenity supplied helpfully.

Reigan looked at the men in question. The one with the long, wavy, brown hair only a little taller compared to the Prince, with a slightly larger build. When he turned to look out across the dance floor, she caught a glimpse of dark-blue eyes. The other man Serenity pointed out was almost as tall with his long, blonde hair tied back. But unlike the others, his eyes were a smoky-green and slighter of build and quite lean. The third man of equal height, but of a more muscular build. His hair cropped short, wavy and a little unruly as though he had run his hands through it repeatedly throughout the evening. He also had green eyes, but they were a lighter tone and brighter. Of the four, she personally thought this last man the most attractive of his companions, but by the way he carried himself, the way one lock of hair dropped into his eyes, she got the feeling that he was used to women fawning all over him. Reigan scowled her displeasure; she hated men like that.

~~*~~

"Just go ask her." Nephrite's exasperation was clear and Jadeite couldn't blame him. Nephrite, Zoicite and he had been trying to convince Endymion for a while now to ask the Moon Princess for a dance. Nephrite sighed before turning to look out at the dancers, turning back, "Endymion, you either go ask her or I will!"

"You most certainly will not!" The Prince shot back more than a little defensively.

Suddenly, Jadeite felt the hairs on the back of his neck standing up as the sensation of being watched washed over him. He looked up and was delighted to lock eyes with the Mars Princess. Seeing the scowl on her face, he was a little shocked and more than curious as to its cause. Even more curious as to what her reaction would be, he signaled for her to come over. As her eyes flashed and her glare deepened, he smiled as she firmly turned her back to him.

Zoicite catching the entire exchange laughed. "It seems she doesn't find you charming."

Jadeite merely raised one hand, before gesturing that Zoicite should look back over at her.

It seemed a lord belonging to one planet or another had approached the raven princess asking for the favor of a dance. He gently cupped her elbow, and the lady yanked her arm free, glowering at him, making the poor man look like he wanted to do nothing more than drop through a crack in the floor, "Ooh, she has spirit," Nephrite crowed gleefully.

"This is going to be so much fun." Zoicite added as each offered Jadeite a cheeky grin.

"I'm going to ask her." Endymion broke his silence, interrupting the exchange between the three men.

"Who?" Nephrite asked in confusion, having forgotten all about the Prince's dilemma.

"Princess Serenity."

"Well it's about time, too, so if you'll excuse me..." Zoicite threw his two cents in before brushing past them, heading in the opposite direction.

"Are you two going to abandon me as well?" he asked in desperation.

"Nah, we'll come with you." Nephrite answered for the both of them.

As they began making their way towards the two princesses, Jadeite watched as Serenity noticed them and whispered so to her companion. The Mars Princess's head snapped around. She saw them, and her head immediately snapped back. Suddenly, out of seemingly nowhere, one of her escorts appeared by her side, offering his hand for a dance. By this time, Jadeite was close enough to hear her reply. "Thank you, Daison." Unable to do anything about it, he watched the two figures slip away onto the dance floor.

"Princess Serenity, I was wondering if I might have the honor of this dance."

Endymion could be charming when he wanted, and having known the Prince for as long as he had, Jadeite could see that the he was pulling out all of the stops for the Moon Princess. Well, that would certainly make the betrothal and future wedding flow better.

Blushing slightly, Serenity curtsied before placing her hand in the Earth Prince's hand and smiling answered, "The honor is all mine, milord."

As the two swept off, following the path the Mars Princess and her escort, Jadeite turned to Nephrite, "Well, now that that is taken care of, excuse me, but I have some work to do."

"Trying to find a way to the Princess' heart?"

"Nah, just her bed." Jadeite grinned as he strode off.

Finally, he found the man he was looking for, one of the two who had escorted the Mars Princess, on the other side of the room. Pausing for a minute to read this man's expression gave him an idea as to how to approach the subject of the Princess, "Excuse me, but I don't believe we've had the chance to meet. I'm General Jadeite of the Terran Military." Jadeite introduced himself, holding out his hand to shake the other man's hand.

In response, he looked at Jadeite for a moment before clasping his arm below the elbow, "Lord-Governor Pheadon of Mars-Phobus."

"My knowledge of Mars is somewhat lacking, and I find myself with many questions. I was wondering if perhaps you might enlighten me about a few things." Jadeite hoped that he had read the man correctly, when he sensed a kindred spirit.

"I would be glad to try." He was right; that would make things so much easier.

Half-hour later, Jadeite found himself armed with much more information about the Mars Princess. He now knew her name was Reigan, she commanded the loyalty of the Mars Imperial Forces because of her Sailor identity. Pheadon and Daison were her cousins and she usually held residence within the Moon Kingdom due to her responsibility to the Moon princess. He also had seemed to make a friend of sorts with Pheadon, something sure to come in handy later, "I have one last question. Would you mind introducing me to the Lady Reigan?"

Pheadon looked closely at the man in front of him, weighing him up. During their conversation, he found that he rather liked this Earthman. But as for introducing him to his cousin, he could tell that Jadeite was a ladies man to put it delicately, and wasn't sure he wanted someone like that anywhere near Reigan. While still making his decision, he sensed Daison going to her rescue. Apparently, whomever she was dancing with was attempting to maul her feet. As Daison got closer to the Princess, Pheadon could sense -- through Daison -- her tolerance of the man quickly expire.

Suddenly, Pheadon decided not only could Reigan take care of herself with this man, but also it might be entertaining to watch. Besides, Reigan needed someone to stir up every once in a while, "Yes, she's dancing with my brother, Daison right now; I can introduce you now, if you would like." He gave answer, aware of the Earth man's confusion at the fact that he knew exactly where Reigan was without looking and smirked to himself, "Come."

Without waiting, he turned and plunged into the throng of dancers, heading unerringly for where he knew Daison and Reigan were located, "Excuse me, may I interrupt." He tapped his brother on the shoulder, as the two turned to face him. He was amused to see Reigan's smile slip, as her eyes flickered towards Jadeite, and replaced by a mask of calm indifference -- her default expression for when she was displeased, but too well trained to show her feelings. Only a few people could see past it though, "Reigan, may I introduce you to Lord-General Jadeite of the Terran Military. Jadeite this is the High Princess Reigan of Mars."

Reigan extended her hand to allow the man to kiss it, she was supposed to curtsey and say something kind, but Pheadon knew it was a lost cause. Jadeite, however, was the epitome of charm, bowing gracefully. But before his lips touched her skin, he twisted her hand around and kissed her palm in the manner of lovers, "It is a pleasure to meet you," When Reigan would have snatched her hand away, he tightened his hold, "Would you honor me with this dance?" Knowing he should leave with all possible haste, Pheadon signaled to Daison, and the two of them slipped away.

Jadeite noticed the Mars lords leaving and was most pleased, "Let me go," Reigan hissed. Looking at the wrist, he still held in his hand, his eyes gazed up at her face, his breath catching in his throat. Her violet eyes were dancing with anger, "I would like to dance with you." He reiterated, and before she could make any further protest, he grabbed her right hand, releasing the other and seized her by the waist and pulled her closer. Her face now inches from his; he could see the individual flecks of color in her eyes flickering with fury, "You don't want to make a scene." he warned her.

She glared at him before turning her head to look at anything but him, which only heightened his amusement, "You might enjoy yourself if you'd relax." He quipped in her ear as he felt the tension in her body increase. She merely snorted.

Jadeite raised an eyebrow in surprise, ladies do not snort, and this princess was turning out to be more interesting than just having a beautiful body. Curious as to what would happen; Jadeite slipped his arm further around her waist and pulled her closer to his body. He felt the tension in her increase twofold, but that was the only reaction. Their bodies almost touching, the top of her head below his chin, but he refrained from resting his head atop hers. Instead, contenting himself by looking about the room and then at the top of her head as she still stubbornly refused to look at him.

When the number ended a few minutes later, he released her and stepped back to bow. However, when he straightened to thank her, she was gone. Over the heads of the other dancers, he could see her heading for the garden exit.

Jadeite grinned and decided to follow.

~~*~~

Reigan was furious.

She had waited until that man had begun to bow before she made her escape, not giving him the chance to force her into another dance. She was also going to kill her cousins; how dare they do that to her! She could not believe the gall of that man, either. Who did he think he was to kiss her hand like a lover, forcing her to dance, and pulling her against him during that dance, as though he had the right?

As she stepped outside onto the porch leading into the gardens, the cool night air hit her skin causing her to pause for a moment. After the press of bodies inside, it was very chilly outside, especially having come back from the hotter Mars climate that same day. Reigan thought about going back inside, but the thought of running into that man again was enough to make her decide that it wasn't all that cold after all.

Stepping further out, she noticed that she appeared to be the only one outside. Good, she thought with relief.

By the time, he reached the garden doors, Jadeite had lost sight of his goal, but as soon as he stepped out he spotted her standing out of sight of the windows against the balustrade, her back to him, gazing up at the sky. Walking up quietly behind her, she wasn't even aware of him, "Thank you."

She now was aware of him, as she spun around, eyes flashing dangerously, "You!"

"Yes." He watched as she tried to take a step back from him, but he hadn't left any room for her to slip away. She tripped over the low balustrade, and as she stumbled, Jadeite reached out to grab her, catching her about the waist and pulled her away from the balustrade. However, once she was steady on her feet, he continued holding her, enjoying the sensation of his large hands upon her tight torso. She threw him a severe glare and snapped, "Release me at once."

Gods, she was breath taking. Without warning, only half-aware of what he was doing, Jadeite crushed her body to his as he kissed her. He felt her stiffen in shock. Protesting vigorously, she was trying to shove him off with her hands, and kicking him in the ankles. Jadeite held the kiss a few seconds longer before releasing her altogether. Then she slapped him, hard, the sound echoing throughout the grounds. Okay, that wasn't unexpected, but it was still painful, he thought inwardly. She had caught him with a good, solid contact slap. She spun out of his reach and stormed back inside. He felt his mouth. She had managed to split his lower lip.

Chuckling to himself as he wiped the blood away, he turned to follow the spirited Princess inside. He watched her for the rest of the night, but she stuck close to the dais or near the various Mars generals. Every time he attempted to come anywhere near her, she immediately swept the closest man into a dance. Towards the end of the evening, she slipped out when he wasn't looking. Once Jadeite realized she was gone, he decided that the ball no longer held any interest for him and retired to the quarters he had been assigned to share with Zoicite.

I do not own Sailor Moon. Someone else claims that right. This story, however, is of my own creation and I would apprieciate it if no one copied it. If you have any other questions please feel free to ask me.

Again, thanks to Loki, Ducky, and Galena-Steel. Questions, comments, or did you find a mistake that somehow still made it into the story? Please review and let me know.

Chapter two is well underway and I hope to have it finished and posted in a week to two weeks. Stay tuned, it is coming!