I watch him sleep. My last night on earth and there is no one I would rather spend it with. Gently, I brush back a strand of golden hair from his sleeping face, wishing I could lie beside him forever.
From the first moment I saw him, I was mesmerized. Endymion had called the five Earthly Princes together to discuss the growing unrest in the outer regions of the solar system. I knew Endymion and Jadeite well and had even spoken to Nephrite on a few occasions, but I had never met Zoisite. He was, and still is, the most beautiful creature I have ever laid eyes upon. I had almost scoffed when he introduced himself, how could such a beautiful creature ever lead one of the largest armies on the planet? The idea that he was the fifth guardian of this planet was ridiculous. He looked as if he could hardly lift a sword let alone wield one! At least I held my tongue and did not say as much.
I found myself watching him throughout that first meeting. I discovered that no matter his appearance, he was as brutal in battle as the rest of us. Unlike Nephrite, he showed considerable skill as a tactician and some of his ideas were daring, even by my standards. He had impressed me and he must have realized as much. When he passed me as he left the conference room, he whispered not to underestimate him.
That was the moment I decided to court him. The others informed me that, like me, he had been invited to stay for as long as he wished. I also found that no others already held claims over his affections. For the next two months I spent my time with him, insuring that each time I met him it seemed purely coincidental. I am many things, and I have a reputation as something of a Casanova, but I am not indiscreet. It would have done neither of us any credit if my designs had been discovered. Beside that, I have no wish to make my private life public.
Despite all my efforts, nothing changed between us. Every time I tried to become closer to him or suggested doing anything together, he politely and gracefully evaded my comments. He never encouraged me but one look into those green eyes always inspired me to more. In the end, I simply asked him straight out if he felt anything for me. That was the first time I ever saw him angry.
"Kunzite I do not care for these taunts and I would prefer you to cease this behavior! I do not care if the other three do not see what you are doing. I do and I had not thought that you of all people could be so relentlessly cruel! If you cannot be civil, if you cannot cease attempting to deceive me, I do not wish to anywhere near you. Do you understand me?"
I was shocked by his accusations. I had never attempted to deceive him and I told his as much.
"No? Pray tell me, what is swearing upon something that you do not mean, if it is not deceiving another? It is just as despicable to lie by deed and impression and that is what you have done. You have approached me time and again attempting to convince me that you are attracted to me and care for me. I have tried to be civil and I have tried to ignore your advances but I cannot continue! I have had enough of this behavior and have grown weary of it!"
"I did not mislead you. I do care for you and it is obvious that I find myself attracted to you. How can you call me a deceiver when I have spoken only from the heart?"
"From the heart of a serpent!" Then he changed tactics, he calmed himself and spoke in less insulting terms. "I am well aware of where these advances lead to Kunzite. I have looked like this my entire life. I am accustomed to taunts and I know when I react seriously, it only results in another joke to amuse the others." I nodded. I too had noticed the way the other princes tease Zoisite about his looks, the same way they teased Nephrite about his lack of respect for manners and Jadeite for his reclusive nature. They seemed to find my unusual height and reputation as a lover most amusing. I said nothing and let Zoisite continue.
"If, as you say, your sentiments are true, I am not interested. I have had many offers and you would be surprised by how many men are curious about me. I have no desire to be someone's lover simply because they are curious about an experience, or they do not believe my true gender. Let me assure you, I am male. I am not a princess in disguise. Kunzite I am used to these encounters. I am used to men who are curious, experimental or simply lonely. I have no wish to be a substitute for some lady nor do I wish a temporary lover who will leave when his curiosity is sated. And I would thank you to leave me be!"
With that, he spun on his heel and left the room without another word. I was stunned by his speech and enchanted by his appearance. I loved the way the flame of fury had lit those emerald eyes and the way those verdant depths had silently pleaded with me to understand. It was several moments before I gathered my wits and sped after him.
"Zoisite, wait!" I caught up to him, grabbing his arm to prevent his escape. "Please, hear me out. My sentiments are honest and trustworthy. I am not wooing you because you are merely a pretty face or because I am curious."
"Why should I believe you?" He obviously did not.
"If I were only curious, do you not believe my experiences would have already satisfied me? I am sure even you are aware of my reputation." He let out a small gasp and coloured deeply. I had not meant to embarrass him. He was so sweet and so innocent - and he would be mine. "I have courted you because you enthrall me. You are intelligent, graceful and beautiful. I love that fact that no matter how gentle and serene you appear you are filled with passions. You have caught my heart and I am not captured easily. I am determined to have you Zoisite. If I have to wait to prove my sincerity, I will. Set me any task to prove my integrity and I shall perform it. I love you Zoisite and I am already yours." I leant down and kissed him. "If there is anything you desire, you have but to ask and I will grant it."
He stood before me looking slightly outraged with his hand covering his lips. "If you mean what you say, do not do that again."
"Do not kiss you?"
He nodded.
"I cannot promise to never kiss you again."
"I thought as much." His expression seemed to say this was exactly what he had expected. I did not wish to disappoint him but I will not betray him with false words. I searched for some way to show him I was serious without swearing an impossible oath.
"I swear I will not kiss you until you request me to do so."
"You will be waiting a long time for an invitation." Zoisite said as he turned.
"You are worth the wait." I replied as he walked away from me.
I turn as he murmurs my name in his sleep. I kiss his cheek, whispering that I would always love him. He relaxed, returning to his dreams with a small smile playing upon his lips.