Late Goodbye | Room 74,240 | Aphro as Needed

[healsforjustice]

As the full moon shone through the clouds above, the entire kingdom of Seyruun seemed to glow under the sliver rays, only further illuminating the stunning white architecture of the city. It was a place of white magic, of goodness and truth, where all were equal and life was happy and prosperous. However, to the usually happy princess of the land,

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[mizunosenshi]

Those from the moon had to remain hidden, to allow the Earth to evolve and grow, but with the occasional bit of benevolent guidance. Mercury's presence there was out of line, she knew it and yet it hadn't stopped her. The 'everyone else is doing it' defense had been the first that came to her, but she'd stand up and defend her actions with her own words if it came to that.

For now all she could think about was the young woman sharing the room with her, looking so miserable and unhappy. Mercury could feel her heart sinking, not only from Amelia's words, but the feelings she knew the princess must be feeling. "Amelia... I understand why you're doing this, but... I couldn't live with myself if I didn't at least see you once more," she admitted, lowering her head to gaze at the floor. "I know how you feel about those who sneak around, but it was the only way I could come here."

Mercury couldn't be cold and flat, not with Amelia. Her heart and mind were at odds but they both agreed that saying goodbye through a latter was completely unacceptable. "It doesn't have to end this way Amelia. We still have this evening."

[healsforjustice]

Truthfully, the other girl's presense wasn't entirely unwelcome. It hurt, yes, very much. But surely this was better than the numbness that would become her life after tomorrow. The pain told her she was still alive, her heart beating for Mercury. Once the pain faded, she would be empty and lifeless, living as an shell of her former self.

"I'm not critizing you." she responded, sighing and smiling bitterly. "That would make me a hypocrite. I'm the one who didn't tell Daddy right away what we were doing. I was being just as underhanded. And now...it's too late."

Placing a hand on her face, as if trying to will anymore tears not to come out, Amelia let out a shaky breath. She was right, sneaking around was bad, and because she had done it, she was being punished for it. If she had only just said something to her father earlier, he would never have asked this of her. There was of course no point in weeping over what could have been now though. Instead, she should focus on the last moments she would have with the other princess, however bittersweet.

"And...what do you suggest?"

[mizunosenshi]

Mercury was already thinking up possibilities, ranging from stealing Amelia away for herself to never seeing her again. No option was being overlooked, but of course some were far less likely than others. She would not harm the stability of the kingdom for her own purposes. To think only of herself, her wish to be with Amelia, no she couldn't risk starting a war to satiate her lonely heart. But there had to be a way, there was always a way.

"It's never too late," she whispered, though whether she meant for Amelia to tell her father, or something else, she wasn't even sure herself. How would she explain where she was from, why she was gallivanting around with Seyruun's princess while posing as a scholar from a far off land. That part was true at least, but the point remained.

Taking a step closer, Mercury reached out her hand and brushed her fingertips along Amelia's cheek, to wipe away the tears. She shouldn't have done that, because now she knew she couldn't let go. Lifting her gaze she leveled her eyes on Amelia's face, inching closer still. "We could walk together... or, we could... stay here, in your room," she said, her voice almost a whisper. The princess bit her lip, cheeks flushing. "Is there anything you've ever wanted to do together? We seem to have the evening all to ourselves."

[healsforjustice]

Logic and reason had never been Amelia's strong points, she had often listened to her heart over her head, which tended to cause a lot of problems. Normally she wouldn't deny who she was, confident that her way of doing things was the best. True Justice came from morality and compassion, so trying to force a restrictive formula on it was pointless. For her kingdom though, for all those people who depended on her, she would forsake it for their safety, no matter how wrong it felt. Her happiness in comparison to so many lives was not important.

That was what she told herself, over and over. And yet now, with Mercury near her, it didn't make any sense anymore. With that touch, hearing that voice, she could feel any will power she had been building up to push away dissaparate, her heart melting under that warm and loving gaze. Feeling her own face heat up, she swallowed the lump in her throat. If this was the end, should be a parting they would not forget.

"I just...want to be with you. Whatever you decide will make me happy." she whispered back, eyes glassy with tears, but this time looking much more hopeful, head tilting into her hand.

[mizunosenshi]

Words like duty and honor were hanging heavy on Mercury's mind. She couldn't stay on the Earth, she knew that, and yet she'd allowed her feelings to grow for the Earth princess in spite of knowing she shouldn't. Was this how Serenity felt, any time she was caught visiting Endymion? She never thought she'd understand how the moon princess felt until that very moment. Sometimes it was okay to bend the rules, right?

For so long she'd let order and logic rule her life, never thinking she could ever fall under love's spell. Perhaps it had been arrogance, or the only way she could cope with not having that in her life. But now it was there, standing right in front of her, and she knew she couldn't keep it. Mercury lifted her free hand up, resting it softly upon Amelia's shoulder.

"I want to be with you, too," she replied, thumb brushing the soft skin of Amelia's cheek. "But, should we... that is..." Logic had failed her, and now simple vocabulary was giving her trouble. Mercury leaned close, their noses practically touching. "I've never thought these kind of thoughts before, or felt these kind of feelings. Amelia... I..." Words were failing her again, and her frustration may have showed. Their lips were so close, she could practically feel her lover's breath upon her own. Sometimes, there were no words. Wisdom she had only learned just then. Throwing caution to the wind, Mercury closed her eyes, and with the gentlest of touches, brought her lips to kiss Amelia's own.

[healsforjustice]

Amelia had her own responsibilities, and only of late had they all begun to weigh down on her. Soon she would be giving up her freedom to roam with friends, have adventures and bring Justice to the land. She would be confined to a castle, learning how to be a proper wife. 'Real' Queens had dignity, and didn't off gallavanting through the country. As if this wasn't bad enough, she'd be leaving her home, the place were she grew up, and the place that had brought her together with Mercury. Fate was truly trying to sever all ties they shared.

Watching the other with a sad expression, wondering what she was trying to say. There were things hoped to hear, yes. More so, there were things she just wanted to do. It seemed they shared that thought, as she soon felt the soft touch of lips on hers. Her own eyes soon fell shut, the remains of her tears flickering off her eyelashes as they fluttered, brushing again the other princess' skin.

It was barely there, but it meant so much. She only drew back a moment before gathering Mercury into a tight embrace. When the sun came up, that would be the end. But it wasn't up yet. "Then tonight, we can just feel, okay?" she whispered.

[mizunosenshi]

It didn't matter to Mercury that Amelia would be located in another place. One thing about the moon was it shone everywhere, which made anywhere easily accessible to her with a little work. Would it be right to sneak around once she was married though? It was a tough question, one that she didn't have an answer for and one she'd need time to ponder. It didn't matter now, because the night belonged to them. Tomorrow would be difficult, but they'd always have their fond memories.

Mercury was normally good with words, making speeches and writing papers, but she couldn't seem to put together a simple sentence as she gazed upon Amelia's face. "Yes... feel," she agreed, her voice nearly a whisper. "To admit... how we feel." Mercury looked into Amelia's eyes, arm going tight around her in response to the embrace.

"Amelia...," she murmured, fingers sliding slowly into Amelia's hair. Her voice trailed off, bringing their lips once again together. This time wasn't a soft, curious gesture, but a true, blossoming kiss. Mercury's eyes fell closed, her heart threatening to leap from her chest. She felt sad, yes, but also very happy to be in Amelia's arms.

[healsforjustice]

For the time they had, however brief, Amelia almost felt like the world could stop turning, the sun wouldn't rise, and they could enjoy this for eternity. Even then, it would all pass too quickly, but at least they wouldn't be wasting away the moments feeling sorry for themselves.

The white magic user allowed herself to melt into the hold, responding to the tenderness with her own as their mouths met again. She could feel sparks in her chest at every soft bit of friction between them, making her sigh. One hand roamed the others back, carressing in a soothing fashion as doubts slipped away until they were gone. Nothing else mattered that what she wanted right then and there, and the girl knew exactly what she was so desperate for.

"I'd like to show you, if you'd let me." she whispered back, going back to kissing the other princess. However, she didn't stay still, soon moving her lips across Mercury's cheek, briefly pausing to nibble at her ear, before sliding down her neck and throat, leaving a trail of nips and licks along the way.

[mizunosenshi]

Mercury didn't want to feel sorry for herself or for Amelia. There were too many pleasant memories there in her heart to ignore in favor of the unhappier ones. There would be time later, time to think and to plot even, but Amelia was right, all they needed to do tonight was feel. And she wanted to feel happy.

There was nothing in her years of study that could have prepared her for the intensity of the feelings that surged as their lips began to move, friction growing from the subtle movements of their bodies. Mercury found herself humming softly as she tilted her head. Amelia had always been the more adventurous one, more likely to take the lead as Mercury provided support.

Slender fingers worked their way deeper into Amelia's hair until finding their way to her neck. There Mercury rubbed her thumb softly over the warm skin, arms draped loosely about Amelia's shoulders. Every move she left her with a shiver, a tingling that spread out from her chest and worked its way down to the tips of her toes and fingers. A soft sigh escaped her lips as Amelia kissed first her cheek, then her ear. Mercury tilted her head even more, whispering Amelia's name as her hands slowly moved down her sides to her hips and held her close. "Anything for you, Amelia."

[healsforjustice]

The healer sighed against Mercury's neck, her breath tickling the skin as she continued to explore. Up until tonight things had been rather chaste between them. Yes there had been touches and kisses, but both felt it wouldn't be terribly proper, particularly in case they were spotted. They didn't need the gossip spreading before Amelia got the chance to tell her father the entire story. That hesitance was gone now, as it seemed neither of them wanted to part with regrets.

Ever impulsive, the princess softly bit down on the pale flesh, just between the neck and shoulder, quickly kissing the mark to sooth any nipping pain. Lingering a moment longer, she eventually pulled back to look at Mercury. Her face was no longer bitter or hurt. She was smiling, hopeful, face flushed and rosy. Hopefully now she reminded the other princess more of the girl she had met in the library all those months ago.

"Come with me then." she asked softly, taking the other girl's hands and leading her towards the bed, never breaking eye contact. The moon shone through the open doors, leaving a puddle of light to flicker over them, any contact it made making things glow with a soft silver light.

[mizunosenshi]

Those brief moments before where they'd thrown caution to the wind had at first left Mercury feeling awkward and embarrassed. She knew that Amelia would always be recognized in Seyruun because of who she was, but to make matters worse she'd caught Venus and Jupiter both sneaking around to see what she was up to. That was one reason she had opted so often to meet Amelia in the library, knowing the other two girls would become easily lost inside. The other reason was she felt the most comfortable there. A touch to the cheek and a tender kiss on the lips, it had seemed so much before.

Mercury's breath hitched as Amelia's impulsiveness sent little sparks along the skin of her neck. The princess rolled her head with a low hum, and continued to move until she was again looking upon Amelia's lovely face. That was the look of the cheerful princess she'd met so many moons ago, upbeat and happy especially when sharing each others company. It brought a smile to her face, one that she hoped conveyed just how wonderful Amelia made her feel.

"As you wish," she whispered in return, the hint of laughter just beneath her words. Mercury followed along with slow, steady steps, also refusing to look away. With the moon light at Amelia's back, for a moment the glow surrounded the Seyruun princess, as if she were an angel reaching out to her. That was how she felt at that moment. As they neared the bed Mercury reached out to push a few strands of glowing hair from Amelia's face, an used the moment to close the distance between them once again. "You look like an angel."

[healsforjustice]

Naturally Seyruun was an important kingdom, so having their princess in a relationship was a big deal. It might have been self centered in the understanding of her position, but Amelia didn't want her romantic life to be the latest polictical topic of the land. Hence why she had decided to wait to tell her father about it. It worked for both of them, as even though she never questioned Mercury's own situation, not wanting to pry, she knew the other girl was rather skittish for some reason, as if she was worried she too was being watched. Still, the healer couldn't complain; all the stolen bits of affection were well worth it.

Despite the sadness of the situation ebbing in the back of her mind, Amelia couldn't help but revel in a pleasant euphoria as she continued touching and kissing the other princess. Glancing at her face, the young priestess felt enchanted by the expression she saw. She had never imagined there would be someone to look at her that way. She always thought her hyperactive ways would deter suitors, not finding them dignified for someone of royal blood. It just went to show how lucky she was, and she would not waste the chance to show her lover her gratitude.

There was silence as they stopped near the edge of the bed, still bathed in the moonlight. The girl blinked at the touch to her face and hair, so caught up in the happy feelings that she hadn't realized the space between them was gone again. Her cheeks flushed at the words, but she still smiled nonetheless.

"That means a lot coming from you." she replied, again giving in to impulse as her arms suddenly coiled around Mercury, holding her tight and pulling her down onto the bed, letting the other girl's body sprawl on top of her. Her hands soon began wandering over her back, lips meeting again, this time with added passion in the kiss.

[mizunosenshi]

So many times Mercury overheard people commenting about Amelia, stating how wonderful it would be to be the princess. She knew it wasn't always the glamorous parties and dinners the public often saw. There were affairs of state, royal duties and a distinct lack of privacy. Others spoke of how unprincess-like Amelia was, which always brought a smile to Mercury's lips. How often she'd heard the same said of a few of her friends. What mattered to her was Amelia's willingness to help others, to defend what she believed was right, even if she did go overboard sometimes.

There was something empowering about being completely alone with the Seyruun princess. Not only alone, but alone in her bedroom, the sun long since set, with nothing but the pure moonlight above looking down on them. The scene was perfect, more than anything Mercury would have dreamed herself. Her smile was so often practiced, displayed even when she was feeling down, to keep others from worrying. But in that moment, holding Amelia and thinking of all the good times they shared, her smile was completely honest.

Mercury glanced to the side for a second, taking note of the bed and all the implications that went with standing beside it. She didn't care, whatever happened she wanted it to happen. She might be embarrassed later, but she won't regret it. Before she could speak a reply, she let out a surprised gasp and fell onto the bed over Amelia's slender form. The water princess laughed under her breath as their lips again met, cupping Amelia's cheek affectionately as she gently pressed her body in close. Her other hand settled upon Amelia's shoulder, thumb timidly stroking over the fabric that rested there.

[healsforjustice]

Admittedly, she had problems with her position at times. And yet Amelia respected her duties and followed through on them regardless. She knew she had responsibilities to uphold, and fully intended to do so. Surely though it wasn't such a terrible thing to want a little happiness herself? She was all too happy to make sacrifices for others, and rarely asked for anything for herself. Just once, could she be allowed to be like a normal girl in love? She truly with for that, both for Mercury and herself.

Amelia beamed at the sight before her, drinking it in. From as far back as she could recall, the other princess often carried a certain formality and dignity to her, always prepared and organised. Some of those first smiles were simply politeness, nothing more. The healer had made it her mission to get a real smile out of the girl, and of course, as she had dug deeper to bring it out, the more she became dazzled by the person she got to know through her exploration. Needless to say, finally seeing a genuine smile on Mercury's features is what had prompted Amelia to give away her first kiss. It was therefore only right she repeat the action, now that the beautiful expression had returned to her lovers face.

While the implications were there, the priestess had no real plan of seduction in mind. If things happened, they would, as they were meant to. She would do what felt right. Exactly why she was kissing her lover so deeply, humming at the sensation of the hand on her shoulder. Her own palms traced over the other's back, moving to her waist to tug the girl closer, despite the heavy fabric in the way.

[mizunosenshi]

Mercury had been the opposite, always the regal and respectable princess who tended to her studies and never offended or upset anyone. Her rebellious nature was subtle, presenting as simple curiosity at first that blossomed into something more after her first few meetings with the Seyruun princess. it had started off as a friendly chat, two people interested in the same topic but going about things in entirely different manners. From there she never looked back, allowing herself to grow close to the girl, finding they balanced one another strangely well.

To think back then she'd be in that princess' bed, looking down at her in the pale moonlight, it would have been inconceivable. There was no lost dignity in what they were doing, no reason to feel shame or doubt. Rules were being broken but what no one knew wouldn't hurt them too much. Mercury's smile met Amelia's lips with a pleased hum of approval, and without hesitation her lips parted to deepen the gesture.

She'd come to the castle not knowing what to expect, but this.. this was perfect, no matter how far they went. She wasn't afraid, anxiety was absent from her mind. Mercury's finger timidly slipped beneath the fabric at Amelia's shoulder, pushing it aside slowly while quite intentionally touching the warm skin as it was exposed to the soft moonlight. Mercury shifted her head slowly, breaking the kiss so her lips graced Amelia's cheek with soft, feathery kisses. Slowly those kisses were left along Amelia's jaw, down her neck where the water princess gently nuzzled the warm skin.

[healsforjustice]

Yes, there were different, almost polar opposites in the way they approached their duties. And yet under it all, they both shared the same feelings in regards to what was right for them to do. Getting to know Mercury's alternative perspective was insight to Amelia, and she felt she learned a few things from listening to the other girl, and of course grew to respect how she handled certain tasks.

Of course, Amelia had her own code. Justice didn't always fall into the rules people set out, they could even get in the way of doing the right thing. This was right, so she had no problem succumbing to her desires, holding the other princess close as they kissed.

A whimper escaped her lips as the other girl explored, her breath shaky as her body shivered at the affectionate contact. The warmth radiating between their skin and the gentle tickling sensation of the nuzzling made the girl almost purr. One hand moved to brush along Mercury's neck, fingers weaving into her hair as her body squirmed at the touches. She was anxious to feel more, and show her partner affection too, so much so she began to toy with the fastenings on the back of the others dress.

"Do you...want this?" she asked breathlessly, not wanting to feel like she was pressuring Mercury. It was better to ask before she took things a step further.