Part VII

Diana climbs back through her window after passing the test and finds Jae waiting for her in her room.

She smiles beautifically, practically melting his heart.

He grins as she turns on the radio and hugs him, pressing her slender  form to his.

"You passed?"

Her eyes sparkle, "I passed."

Jae grins, taking the band out of her hair and letting the silky tresses flow down around her shoulders.

"I'm so glad for y..." Jae starts before finding himself being kissed fiercely. What suprises him more is how passionately he returns it.

She pulls back, face bright red with embarrassment.

"Jae...I'm sorry! I didn't mean," she trails off when he puts a finger to her lips.

"It's all right," he says softly before leaning in and giving her a tender kiss.

Nothing has ever felt as right in either of their entire lives as that kiss.

Kunzite is waiting for him when Jadeite reappears in the Dark Kingdom.

"Kunzite! Is there something you need?" Jae asks in surprise upon seeing the tall platinum blonde.

"We need to talk."

"Huh? What about?"

"Diana."

Jae blinks. "She's just another human..."

"Do you not find her attractive?"

"Hai, of course I do. She's pretty, funny, smart, a million other things, and on top of all that, she's got one hell of a body," Jae grins to himself.

Kunz frowns. "If I didn't know any better, I'd think you have feelings for this human girl."

Jae just stares at him.

"Don't be ridiculous! She's just as pitiful as the rest of her race! Just a lot more hot..."

"So I'm safe in assuming the two of you had sex," Kunz comments.

"What?!" Jae's voice squeaks. "No! We haven't! And anyway, what business is it of yours? I don't ask about you and Zoisite, do I?"

Kunz narrows his icy eyes.

"Just remember, Jadeite, you must not fall in love with her."

Jae clenches his jaw and glares at Kunzite.

"Yes, sir," he says coldly before disappearing.

Beryl looks into the crystal ball at the end of her staff, contacting one of Queen Mettalia's cousins.

"Queen Beryl. It has been quite some time since last we spoke," the shadow-like monster greets Beryl.

"Yes, that it has, Dark Master. How are you?" Beryl asks.

"I am well, searching still for that girl."

"Ah, I see. Tell me. Would our dark crystals react to her?"

"I believe so, why? Do you think you found her?!"

"One of my warriors might have stumbled across her on his search for the Silver Imperium Crystal. However, I am having him make sure."

The Dark Master nods.

"If you determine she is not the carrier, let me know and I will send one of my warriors to get her."

Beryl smiles and nods.

The Dark Master arches a brow. "What is the smile for, Queen Beryl?"

"Simply that this warrior appears to be developing feelings for this human, and this might be the perfect punishment."

The Dark Master grins.

"Well, enchanting one, I am afraid I must take my leave of you. There are a few matters that need my attention."

Queen Beryl smiles sweetly, for her.

"Ah, understood. Should I tell Queen Metallia that we spoke?"

"Yes, tell her I said 'Hello'."

"I will do that."

She watches the image of the Dark Master fade away.

Jae stands over Diana's bed, watching her sleep.

The night is dark and the storm raging outside is fierce.

A flash of lighting illuminates the room and the crash of thunder that follows almost immediately after awakens Diana with a jolt.

She sees the outline of Jae's figure and slowly sits up.

"Jae?" she asks, sliding the strap of the tank top she's wearing back onto her shoulder. "Is that you?"

"Yes, Diana," he says sitting by her.

There's another flash of lightning followed by a crash of thunder.

Diana glances out the window at the trees being whipped around by the wind and the rain needling down.

"That's some storm," she observes softly, sliding out of the tangled and too hot sheets and blankets. She moves silently to the window and opens the
curtains more to get a better view.  She's wearing only a very small tank top and a pair of panties. Her hair tumbles over her shoulders and midway down her back.

Jae swallows slightly at the sight of her, feeling a need starting to grow within him.

He comes up behind her and slides his arms around her waist, hugging her close.

Diana leans into his embrace and looks up into his eyes.

"We should really be in the basement, this storm looks like it might get ugly," she says softly.

"Your family is already down there, and anyway, they locked you in here," he gently strokes her belly with a thumb, sending shivers up and down her spine. "The storm won't get any worse," he tells her soothingly.

"How do you know?" she asks softly.

"I just...know. I can sense it," he answers, brows furrowed slightly.

"Ah," is all she says as she turns in his arms to face him.

He leans down to kiss her, sliding his hands up the back of her top timidly.

She kisses back, pressing her body to his.

"If you're not ready to make love," Jae whispers softly into one of her ears, "just let me know and I will respect your wishes."

Diana smiles gently at him, answering in a softy, shy voice, "I don't think I'm ready yet for...it...but other things..."

Jae smiles gently, "Will you let me touch and kiss you in places not usually touched?"

"So long as you don't hurt me..."

"I would never do that...on purpose anyway..."

Diana smiles, "Then go right ahead."

Part VI
Part VIII
Beginnings and Endings Index