Fairy Tales

"The brave prince then got on his white horse and rode toward the castle to save the beautiful princess. But when he got there, a big scary monster stopped him."

"Was the prince eaten by the monster?" A young girl asked, hanging onto every word of the story.

"No, the prince took out his sword and killed the monster quickly making the monster disappear," the young girl's father narrated, sounding as if he were the prince himself and had just valiantly destroyed the monster. He gave a big smile when his daughter let out an awed expression, something to be expected from a five year old.

"So he saved the princess, right?"

"That's right. He saved the princess and they lived happily ever after," her father concluded, closing the storybook.

"Papa, will I ever meet a prince and live happily ever after?" the young girl asked innocently.

"I'm sure you will , I'm sure you will."

**********

"Where's Kentarou-kun? Practice is starting soon," A voice questioned the gathered group near the tennis courts.

"Ah -chan, he has cleaning duty today." One of the regulars, Kisarazu Ryou, answered the female.

"Really? Should have informed me sooner. All right, let's get practice started then. Stretch before doing twenty laps around the courts and then do warm up drills," ordered to the group of males before her.

, a third year at Rokkaku Junior High, was the boys' tennis team manager. Although she was just their manager, she proved to be formidable at tennis. Not as good as the boys but she could still hold her own against them when they needed another person to practice with. If she had joined the girl's team, she no doubt would have been made captain.

"-chan! I didn't miss anything, did I?"

"Hotaru-chan, what are you doing here again?" asked exasperatedly. Tatsuya Hotaru was 's best friend and sometimes a pain on her side. However, wouldn't have it any other way.

"-chan, don't be like that! I came here to cheer on the team," Hotaru replied loudly, getting the attention of anyone close by.

"If you want to cheer, go join the cheering squad. I hear they're practicing now… on the other side of the gym," responded, putting a bit of emphasis on where the squad was.

"But I want to stay here!" Hotaru whined, pouting, that quickly averted her eyes. She knew that if she looked at the dreaded pout, it would be the end of her.

"Just because your boyfriend is on the team doesn't mean you have to be here everyday. Whatever happened to your club activities, Student Council President?" reprimanded lightly to the girl. Said girl had finally gotten together with her long-time crush, Kurobane Harukaze. didn't mind that they were together; she just wished Hotaru wouldn't shake off her duties just to see Bane during practice even though they were practically glued to each other all day.

"I got Takahiro-kun to cover for me. He knows what to talk about," Hotaru defended simply with a shrug.

raised an eyebrow at the girl. It's probably more like you never gave him a chance to object when you shoved the responsibility on him. Poor guy, thought to herself. She was shaken out of her musings when a new voice called out to her from her side.

"-san, we've finished the drills."

turned toward the new voice and saw the team's vice-captain Saeki Kojirou standing next to her. "That was fast or was I just too occupied with something else to notice?" wondered, glancing toward her best friend who smiled sheepishly.

"Back again, Tatsuya-chan?" Saeki mused, greeting the girl beside the team manager.

"Of course! Got to help keep up the spirits here," Hotaru declared proudly.

shook her head, hiding her amused smile. "Start with this line up while I help the non-regulars. I trust you to watch over them and advise them, Saeki-kun," She handed over a paper with the practice match line-up.

"Got it." Saeki accepted the paper and quickly scanned it. "Will you be joining us later on?"

"If Kentarou-kun isn't here by then, we'll have a match," said, before heading onto the courts. Saeki stared at her retreating figure, his eyes with something that could be only defined as longing.

"When do you plan on telling her?"

Saeki turned and faced Hotaru. Only Bane, Ryou, and her were the only ones who knew about his crush (that was probably something more) on the manager of their tennis team. He wanted to express his feelings but just didn't have the nerve to do it. He may never tell her how he felt and that, he knew, would be his greatest regret.

"I'm just not sure how to tell her," Saeki admitted quietly. "Doing it like everyone else seems easy but it takes a lot to just outright say it."

"Plus, it's cliché. Wouldn't hurt to have it romantic and mean something special to her," Hotaru inputted with a nod of her head. Then a sudden realization came to her. Her face beamed with excitement at the idea. Saeki actually took a step back, a little scared of what she might have come up with.

"Tatsuya-chan, what are you—"

"I've got it! I've got the perfect plan to help you tell -chan how you feel. I have to go. I must talk to the rest of the council." And like that, she was gone. Saeki looked at the running Hotaru with a confused expression.

"Oi! Saeki! Are we doing anything or what?" Bane shouted from the courts where all the regulars were waiting.

"Yeah, sorry!" Saeki called back, heading to the courts. He couldn't help but be afraid of what the student council president had in store for them.

**********

"You want us to do what?" asked incredulously, wanting to know if her ears were deceiving her.

"The Student Council has assigned the boys' tennis team to put on a small play for the Autumn Festival coming up," Hotaru informed with a big grin on her face.

"Isn't that for the drama club? Why does the tennis team have to put one on?" interrogated thoroughly. If she was going to have to put up with this, she wanted a valid reason for it.

"The drama club will be helping with the production, but the tennis team will be the main actors for the play. It's for a change of pace. Of course, you'll be participating as well," Hotaru informed briefly.

"What?!"

"It's mandatory to have all members participate," Hotaru added, in an as a matter-of-fact tone.

"As long as I don't have to play a leading role," grumbled in defeat.

"That all depends on the director," Hotaru said, smiling cheekily. She knew she was pushing it but her friend deserved happiness. Being able to get on her nerves was a plus for her. "And since I'm also head of the drama club, what I say, goes."

"You exist to torture me, don't you?" said, clearly annoyed with her best friend. She let out a sigh knowing that it would be pointless to stop Hotaru once her mind was set on something. She conceded the fight knowing she would lose in the end anyway. "So? What kind of play are we putting on?"

Hotaru smiled mischievously. "It's going to be…"

**********

"A fairy tale?" the regulars repeated the last part that their manager had said.

"Seriously? The Student Council said that?" Ryou asked just to make sure wasn't pulling their leg.

"The president informed me herself. This is for real," confirmed.

"Reel in shock for real," Amane said, then laughed at his own joke.

"Shut up, Davide!" Bane shouted, smacking his doubles partner in the head.

"I don't have all the details yet. But the head of the drama club will inform me once the story and cast has been settled on," explained further to the boys.

"A fairy tale, huh? I hope I get the lead role!" Aoi Kentarou exclaimed loudly, as if saying it loud enough would land him the part.

"I wonder what kind of story line Tatsuya-chan will come up with, ne Saeki?" Ryou conspired with the silent vice-captain. He let out a small grin, having a feeling that the reason for all this was to get Saeki to confess to .

"All right, let's not waste any more time. Today, let's have the regulars help out the non-regulars. Got to prepare the team for next year since the third years are graduating," said to the group. With that, the team filed out of the locker room and onto the courts.

"So how are we going to do this -chan?" Bane asked, since the entire team was just loitering around, unsure of where to start.

"I want third years to work with first years and the others with the second years," replied, glancing around the group. The first years looked genuinely excited that they would get to start practicing rather than picking up balls and doing basic training. "Second years get on A and B courts. First years get C and D courts. Let's get started!"

"Hai!" the team chorused and got onto their assigned courts.

"-san, what will you do?" Saeki questioned the manager curiously.

"I'll be overseeing both sides and help out where I can. Maybe even look for a potential successor," responded with a thoughtful look. "Why?"

"Just curious. I thought we could have a match since Aoi showed up the other day," Saeki suggested with a shrug. Silently he was praying to whatever deity was out there that she would agree. It wasn't often that they got to play a match against each other, much less talk to each other. However, he knew that if he wanted to be able to tell her how he felt, the first step would be talking to her first.

contemplated for a second about the invite. She wondered why he was suddenly suggesting having a match with her. The others were better than her in tennis, so wouldn't it have been a wiser choice to ask one of them? Then again, Saeki could have simply wanted a match with her just for a change of pace. She didn't see the harm in that. "All right, let's have a match after practice then."

"Great! 'Til then," Saeki said and headed off toward where the others had already started helping the first years. He did his best to hide the smile that threatened to split his face but Bane and Ryou grinned when they noticed inklings of it spilling from his face. They easily figured out the reason behind the excited and anxious look and glanced at the source. It seemed like Saeki was finally taking the first step.

Time flew by and before anyone knew it, practice was over. Soon, everyone had left except for two figures standing on the courts. was in her tennis clothes, standing one side of the net. Saeki was on the other side, preparing to spin his racket.

"Which?"

"Rough," replied as the racket spun and landed.

"Looks like it's your serve," Saeki informed, picking up his racket. "I won't go easy on you."

"I wouldn't want you to," challenged back, preparing to serve. With a toss of the ball into the air, the match began.

They exchanged the ball continuously to each other's side of the court, both not backing down. Saeki had the advantage being physically stronger plus his keen eye for seeing subtle movements. did her best to balance it out by moving faster and being unpredictable with her hits. In the end, Saeki was able to pull a win, the final score being 6-4.

"Darn! And I thought I'd finally take one from one of you," proclaimed tiredly. Now that the match was over, exhaustion was setting in.

"It was a close game. You had me on my toes to the very end," Saeki admitted, approaching the net. He held out his hand, which took with a smile. He held her hand for a second longer than necessary before letting go.

"I guess a little reward is in order for doing a good job then," declared. "Saeki-kun, want to join me for some ice cream?"

"Eh?" Saeki responded uncharacteristically, blinking his eyes. It took him a second to really comprehend what she just asked him and when he did, he had to fight down a blush. "Ice cream?"

"Yeah, it's Saturday. I usually have ice cream after practice and evaluate the team's progress," explained. "Hotaru-chan sometimes comes with me but I'm usually by myself. Some company would be nice this time around."

"Sure, that would be nice," Saeki agreed and smiled at the invite. Together they quickly cleaned up the court and left once everything was put away. "So where are we going?"

"To the ice cream shop near the beach I always go to. Since I'm a regular, I get great service," replied with a wink.

As they made their way to the shop, they went over the details of their match. Saeki pointed out the subtle movements she did while she gave him pointers on his volley shot. They were so involved with talking about the match that they were close to going past the shop. Once they arrived, gestured toward her usual table. They sat down and a waitress came to their table to take their order.

"Back again, -chan?" The waitress teased as she greeted the regular customer.

"Of course. I have yet to miss a week without this shop's ice cream," said, grin on her face.

"That's true," the waitress agreed. It was then she noticed the different company that had. She also noticed that her companion was a male. Well, well, well. She didn't want to read too deep into it before she got all the facts. "-chan, you've failed to introduce me to your companion."

"Ah, sorry! This is Saeki Kojirou. He's the vice-captain of the tennis team. Saeki-kun, this is Miyuki-san, co-owner of this shop," introduced the two.

"Nice to meet you, Miyuki-san," Saeki greeted politely.

"Likewise Saeki-kun," Miyuki returned, smiling at the handsome boy. She bent down and whispered into 's ear. "He's definitely a keeper." just swatted the co-owner away playfully while said co-owner had a large grin on her face. "So what will it be? The usual?"

nodded before glancing at Saeki who looked troubled in deciding what to get. "Miyuki-san, make that two."

"Roger that. I'll have them both served in no time," Miyuki said and walked away, directing a knowing smile at who just ignored it.

"How long have you been coming here?" Saeki asked, curiosity getting the better of him. He figured that she frequented the shop enough that they memorized her regular order and because she was comfortable talking with the co-owner in such a way.

"I've been coming here since first year," answered as if it were nothing. "My father first took me here to celebrate his promotion in the company he works for. I love ice cream so when I tasted this shop's ice cream, I became a regular customer."

"So am I right in guessing that you're probably tried everything in the shop?" Saeki teased with a boyish grin.

"More like our official taste tester. Here is your usual plus one more," Miyuki interjected before could say anything, placing a delicious looking parfait before them. She then proceeded to sit beside the tennis team's manager to catch up with the female. "So what's been happening besides the usual? How's Hotaru-chan?"

"Don't remind me about Hotaru," mumbled taking a bite of her parfait.

"Uh-oh, is Hotaru-chan planning something again?"

"When is she not? This time she has the whole Student Council backing her. Not to mention, the drama club," stated, shoving a spoonful of ice cream and fruits into her mouth.

"Using her authority as president and head of the drama club, huh? Must be something big," Miyuki mused with a grin.

"She assigned the boys' tennis team to put on a play for the Autumn Festival," Saeki informed, seeing as didn't want to.

"What's so bad about that?"

"I have to be in it which I don't mind but knowing her, she'll put me in embarrassing situations just to for spite," pouted.

"Wouldn't want to miss that. I hope I get front row seats," Miyuki teased, knowing it would get even more annoyed. She openly smiled when stood up with a huff and muttered something about going to the restroom before leaving the table. Silence settled between the remaining occupants before Miyuki broke it. "You must be pretty special."

"What do you mean?" Saeki inquired, a questioning look on his face.

"She ordered her special for you. She came up with this parfait herself. You're the first ones besides her who has eaten it," Miyuki explained with a soft smile. Saeki widened his eyes at this little tidbit. Before he could ask the older female anything, returned and they carried on as if nothing happened.

Once they left the ice cream shop, Saeki hesitated in asking her something that was clearly eating him. Gathering his resolve, he decided to ask her what was on his mind. "Anou, -san, were you really angry earlier before?"

"Not really. Miyuki-san and I are always like that. It may look like I was mad at her but I wasn't," replied with a nonchalant shrug. "Say Saeki-kun, how do you feel about doing this play?"

"I was surprised by it at first. I thought they would let us take the yakisoba stand again this year since we did well last year. But I guess I wouldn't mind trying something else for our last year here," Saeki said honestly. "And you?"

"Well, when I was first told about it, I was a bit annoyed. I knew Hotaru-chan was up to something but then again when is she isn't," started, letting out an amused smile. Saeki joined her and let out a small chuckle of his own. "But she has good intentions in what she does. I may not know what they are but eventually I do because it usually involves me."

"This time I know it definitely involves me somehow because of the theme," finished.

"The theme?" Saeki repeated, a questioning look on his face.

"Fairy tales. When I was a child, I loved fairy tales and it may seem childish, but I still do," confessed, not at all embarrassed about the admission. "Call me a dreamer if you want but I have yet to experience romance in reality so I continue to live in a dream."

"It's not childish at all. It may be a dream but it's a dream that's untainted by the truths of reality. I got to admit that's something to admire especially since you're surrounded in reality," Saeki said to her, sincerity in his voice.

What he received in return was something he would cherish for the rest of his life. Ever since he had known , he thought of her as someone who was impenetrable and tough, not showing a softer side and unlike the girls at their school. However, at that moment he saw a side that hardly anyone could claim that they had seen before. She was looking at his with the softest expression on her face, a genuine smile that made her look almost ethereal. The image before him was one that he would keep in a special place within in mind and heart.

**********

"Regulars gather around!" called out from across the courts. All said regulars stopped what they were doing and made their way toward their manager. glanced around and saw that everyone was present. "Hotaru is assigning our roles in the play today and giving out the scripts. She should be here in a second."

"-chan!"

The group turned toward Hotaru who was quickly making her way to them carrying a stack of papers. She shoved the papers into 's arms before launching herself into her boyfriend's arms. sent an irritated glare at her best friend and then looked down at the papers in her arms, noticing that they were copies of the play.

"Hotaru-chan, aren't you going to tell us our parts in the play?" asked, the tone of her voice stated that she was a bit annoyed.

"Hai, hai," Hotaru said making her way back to and took the load off her hands. "All right, as you guys know, the Student Council has selected the boys' tennis team to perform the play this year with the drama club helping out. As director, I have assigned the cast members for the play I wrote."

"First off, here are copies of the play script," Hotaru began, handing a copy to each of the members.

"Moon and Star," Saeki said, reading the title of the play.

"Now for the cast," Hotaru started, pausing for dramatic effect. "Nobleman Yoshiro will be played by Aoi-kun."

"Hotaru-senpai, is that the lead role?" Aoi asked anxiously, hoping that it was.

"Sorry Aoi-kun, not this time but it is an important part. You'll see when you read the play. Next, Itsuki-kun will be playing Nobleman Hiroki. Amane-kun will have the part of being Ryuhei, the Knight's friend and Ryou-kun will be Shuya, the Princess's cousin and close confidante."

"Since you guys only have one female on the team, Queen Tsubame will played by yours truly while Haru-kun will be King Keisuke," Hotaru stated with a grin.

"So does that mean…?" Saeki trailed off, knowing that what he was thinking was going to be confirmed by the now smirking director.

"Saeki-kun is the leading male, the Knight Sumaru and -chan is the leading female, Princess Tsukino," Hotaru concluded.

"Well congratulations on getting the lead roles you two," Bane praised, a slight teasing tone in his voice. He knew very well why his girlfriend gave those two the leads. It'd give Saeki a chance to tell how he felt in a "non-cliché" way as she put it.

"All right! Rehearsals start tomorrow so make sure you go over the play tonight," Hotaru announced cheekily. This announcement earned her a round of groans at the sudden addition to their schedule.

**********

Days turned into weeks and soon the Autumn Festival was upon them. Students were setting up booths that their class was assigned to while others were helping in preparing for the main event: the play being performed by the boys' tennis team.

"Make sure everything is in the right place. If it's not then put it there," Hotaru commanded as students left and right scuttled around, setting everything up in the proper place. Hotaru herself needed to get ready for the play but before she started on herself, she went off to help the others. She made her way towards the room where the boys were using as their dressing room.

Knocking before sticking her head in when given the okay from the boys, she asked, "How are things in here?" Stepping into the room fully, she noticed that everyone was in costume already, putting on last minute touches. She nodded in approval, a smile of appreciation on her face. "All of the costumes fit you guys perfectly. The designers did an excellent job."

"Shouldn't you be getting ready too, Hotaru-chan?" Bane asked his girlfriend as he helped Saeki tie his cloak on.

"Just wanted to make sure you guys were ready," Hotaru replied checking over each one of them before nodding in approval. "All right, I'll go help -chan and get ready myself. See you later." With that she left the room and headed off to the room she and were occupying. When she entered, was already in her initial costume of the night, sitting in front of the dressing table that was set for them to use.

"How are the boys?" asked once she noticed Hotaru entering the room.

"Fine. I think they're a bit nervous but that's normal. What about you?" Hotaru asked, doing some touch-ups with 's hair.

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous," admitted with a small smile. She stared at her reflection in the mirror and hadn't really grasped the fact that that was her staring back and not some illusion. She was really dressed as a princess and although it was for a play it was still something that was actually happening. "I'm living my dream," she whispered, as if saying it any louder would shatter the fragile dream she kept close to her.

"I know. Make the best of it and give it your all," Hotaru encouraged, hugging her best friend from behind.

"Hotaru-senpai! It's time!" A student called out from beyond the door.

Hotaru straightened up, allowing to stand from her seat. "Let's go." nodded and both headed off to their positions.

**********

The audience anxiously awaited the start of the play. It was the perfect night. The stage was open-air, letting the quarter moon and stars shine over the grounds of the festival and stage. Although it was a bit cold, with everyone crowding around finding seats and bundling up in jackets and blankets, they were able to keep warm. Silence settled over the audience when they heard a loud cackle of what seemed to be laughter coming from the speakers scattered around.

"Hehehe! Mukashi-mukashi…" The voice cackled out.

"Hey, hey! You're not a part of this story!" A male dressed like a medieval storyteller shouted out, coming onto the stage.

"Nani?!" the voice screeched, making people cringe at the shrillness of it.

"You heard me! This story is different," the storyteller said with a huff toward the voice. He then turned toward the audience and his demeanor turned to one of seriousness with underlining sorrow. "This story tells of a love in its purest form, nearly tainted by the greens of jealousy and hate, but lasting through the ages. Our tale begins in the forgotten Kingdom of Sol where the royal family and their loyal subjects reside…"

With that, the curtains were drawn, revealing the setting to be inside of a castle. Spotlights were then focused on two figures entering the stage from the left. They were both dressed like knights in light armor.

"It feels good to be back, doesn't it Ryuhei?" Saeki said to Amane on stage.

"Ah, it does. How long has it been since we've last seen the castle grounds, Sumaru?" Amane questioned, perfectly in character. He refrained from making any puns for fear of Hotaru's wrath. They continued on, observing the area.

"Too long," Saeki muttered loud enough for it to carry. He glanced around and pointed off to the side. "Looks like they've added onto the stables and the gardens are as beautiful as I remember."

"Sumaru, we should go talk to His Majesty and tell him we've returned," Amane suggested to his friend.

"Of course," Saeki replied off-handedly. They made way to look like they were walking a great distance into the castle itself, pausing in what could be assumed as the grand entrance hall. Saeki glanced around as if waiting for something.

"My lords Sumaru and Ryuhei, you've returned."

Right on cue, the princess appeared on the stage. This time however, the sight of her took Saeki's breath away. During rehearsals, he had been forbidden to see in her costume, Hotaru claiming that the effect would be better if he would see her for the first time on stage. He had to admit it was working. She truly looked like a princess from a fairytale or maybe like a goddess from the heavens. Snapping back to the present, Saeki focused on his part.

"Princess Tsukino, it is an honor to be greeted by my lady," Saeki said, giving an appropriate bow followed by Amane.

"Please, we've known each other since we were children. No need to be so formal," insisted to the two.

"My lady, apologies for having to be reminded of such privileges," Saeki amended, standing straight once more, as did Amane.

"Sumaru, I shall wait in the audience chamber for the meeting with His Majesty," Amane informed to his friend. "My lady, if you would please excuse me," He pardoned himself from her with another bow before exiting the stage. Bane and Aoi gave him the thumbs up in doing an awesome job as he approached them.

Saeki turned his attention back to the princess and began to fidget slightly in nervousness that earned him a smile not only from but from the audience as well. "My lady, how have you been since last we spoke to each other?"

"I have been well. Mother has been training me to prepare to ascend to the throne in due time," responded with a smile. Then her face became one of uncertainty as she said her next part. "However, recently, Mother has decided it is time that I look for a suitable husband."

"A husband?" Saeki repeated, surprise expressed clearly on his face.

nodded in confirmation. "The ball that is to be held will be tomorrow night. The invitation is for everyone but for those who wish to have my hand must where a mask."

"A masquerade?" Saeki inquired with a raised eyebrow, amusement fighting its way to show on his face.

"My mother's idea. She says that it would give the candidates an air of mystery to them even if I know who they are," confessed with a sheepish smile.

"That sounds like something Her Majesty would do," Saeki mused but became worried once he saw the solemn expression on the princess's face. "Something wrong?"

"Well I have to admit that choosing a husband this way is not something I really want to do. I had hoped to marry for love rather than for political gains," said putting on a disheartened look. However, she quickly shook it off, putting up a smile. "Maybe it will happen. Hopefully everything would work out in the end."

"Princess," Saeki muttered, sadness edged in his voice. Before he could say anything, a girl dressed as 's attendant came up behind her.

"My lady, your cousin Lord Shuya has arrived at the castle gates," the attendant informed with a bow.

"Cousin Shuya is already here?" exclaimed, surprise evident by her reaction.

"I should take my leave then. After all, I am to meet with His Majesty upon my return," Saeki declared.

"A shame that our time is cut short. Still, we must get together at a later time so that you could tell me of all your adventures that happened on your journey," insisted, anxiety showing that she could not wait for that time.

"My lady, I look forward to that time. Please excuse me," Saeki responded, giving her a respectful bow before exiting to the left. Bane gave him a pat on the back for a job well done. Hotaru on the other hand, poked him in the chest, silently reprimanding him to put more of his personal feelings in it. Saeki nodded to appease the fuming female.

The play went on with a scene with the princess speaking with her cousin and following that, a short scene showing the two knights speaking to the king. After that, the curtains closed and the storyteller came onto the stage once more. He seemed more excited this time around.

"The time for the masquerade has come. Suitors from all over the kingdom have come to the castle in their best clothes masked while others dressed finely as well mingled about. Everyone waited in anticipation for the appearance of Princess Tsukino," the storyteller narrated and stepped back stage again.

The curtains withdrew to reveal a rather elaborate and elegant setting. There were a few couples dancing to the music playing in the background while there were a few males in masks standing around. Some talked with each other while the rest just stood about – one in particular was off to the side by himself.

"It seems we have plenty candidates," Bane commented, coming onto the stage along with Hotaru. They were both dressed in the most elegant clothes as they represented the king and queen of the kingdom.

"Yes, many promising ones. I wonder who our daughter will choose," Hotaru pondered, glancing at the males.

"Speaking of our daughter, where is Tsukino? Shouldn't she be here talking to her suitors?" Bane inquired, a little bit of amusement playing on his face.

"She is about ready," Hotaru replied. Glancing around, she gave him a question of her own. "Keisuke, do you think this is the right way to go about this? It feels rather unfair that she does not have the chance to marry for love like we did."

"I'm not so sure about that," Bane countered. "I believe there is someone here who she'll love wholeheartedly. She just needs to accept it with open arms."

"I suppose you're right," Hotaru resigned with a small sigh. Mutterings began to spread throughout the couples as they turned their attention toward who was coming on stage opposite to the side of the king and queen. She was dressed in something different than before but just as beautiful and elegant, perhaps even better. She approached her parents and gave a curtsey in greeting.

"Father, Mother, my sincerest apologies in arriving late," said to them.

"It's all right dear. The night has just begun," Hotaru dismissed the apology. "You should begin speaking to your suitors to find one most suitable."

"Yes mother," responded obediently. They seemed to freeze in place as the spotlight on the trio shifted over to the lone person standing off to the side. It was rather obvious that it was Saeki because of his silver-white hair showing. He was looking over where the princess was standing with her parents. Since the audience couldn't really see his expression, the feeling they got from him was one of longing.

"She's beautiful, isn't she?"

Saeki snapped out of it and turned toward the voice. Coming out of the shadows was Ryou, playing as the princess's cousin. He was one of the only two males that had no mask. The other was Amane who was appearing to be talking with the other males.

Ryou saw Saeki hesitate in answering him. "It's all right to tell me the truth, Sumaru."

"You knew it was me?" Saeki asked, gestures showing he was shocked.

"It's rather obvious with you staring at her rather intently," Ryou mused with a twinkle in his eyes. "Plus you are isolating yourself from others, making you stand out more. Not to mention I've known you since we were children."

"You know me a little too well Shuya," Saeki said, scratching the back of his head in embarrassment.

"Yes. Well how about a bit of advice from an old friend and someone who's known Tsukino the longest: don't wait too long. Someone may just sweep her off her feet," Ryou advised, patting his shoulder before leaving. The spotlight shifted again back to the royal family.

"What do you think of Lord Kazuma?" Hotaru asked her daughter.

"I must say he is quite the charmer. However, he is rather narcissistic as well," admitted to her mother without restraint. Hotaru made a show of holding back her laughter.

"Seems those traits run in that family," Hotaru said an amused smile on her face. Before anymore could be said, two males approached at the same time.

"Oh, fair Princess! I am Yoshiro, please allow me the honor of having a dance with you," Aoi recited rather suavely. Hotaru did much to mellow him out from his loud self.

"Princess, it would be the greatest honor for me, Hiroki, if you would dance with me," Itsuki requested right after, stepping in front of Aoi, putting himself into 's line of sight.

Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the two, took a small step back. She was saved however by someone speaking up behind the two males. "Apologies, gentlemen but Princess Tsukino has promised this dance with me." The newcomer, who was Saeki, wedged in between the two males holding out his hand for to take. As if in a trance, placed her hand within his and he whisked her off toward center stage as everyone else moved aside. A small spotlight stayed on Aoi for a few seconds longer, showing his outraged face as he stormed off stage.

Meanwhile, Saeki was leading in a dance they practiced long hours for. Although they danced with each other numerous times, this time was different for the both of them. Instead of being Saeki and , they became Sumaru and Tsukino fully. Eyes locked on each other, they danced, not noticing anything around them. stared deeply into Saeki's eyes and discovered a few emotions that she had not seen before. Her own eyes widened a bit, as she was able to identify them: longing, hope, and most of all love.

seemed to have sent him a silent message, asking if he truly did care for her that way. He did something that was not a part of the play. He stopped mid-dance and cupped her face with his right hand. Without hesitation, he swooped down, gently placing his lips upon hers. Gasps were heard throughout the audience and even the cast members on stage.

At first was surprised as well, but gave into the kiss, holding onto Saeki so as to not fall from her knees becoming like jelly. It lasted for a few seconds longer before they parted slowly, eyes locking once more. Backstage, the remaining members were giving each other high fives at Saeki's boldness. Remembering that they had a play to finish, Aoi prepared himself.

"As our names indicate, you are the moon that shines upon the land while I am the star that stands by your side for all eternity. If you wish it, I will stay with you for as long as you desire," Saeki revised, speaking from his heart.

, picking up on what he was doing, continued on. "Yes. My heart is telling me to accept you as my guardian star and I do not wish to deny what my heart desires."

Everyone was startled when Aoi came back on stage with a loud shout. "Absurd! The one who deserves Princess Tsukino is I!" With that he brandished a prop sword and charged toward the two. At the last moment, Saeki drew his own sword and placed himself in front of , parrying the attack. Ryou came from the side and pulled to safety as Saeki and Aoi dueled.

They exchanged blows and with Saeki being a knight, it was assumed to be an easy victory for him. However, Aoi 's blow to Saeki's arm appeared to be fatal and the knight fell to the ground. Everyone gasped at the suddenness of the fall and with bated breaths, watched as the knight struggled to get up and failed.

"This is the final blow! It's over!" Aoi declared raising his sword. However, instead of striking Saeki, threw herself onto him, taking the death blow.

"Tsukino!" Ryou yelled loudly, rushing to her side.

"My lady! Sumaru!" Amane exclaimed, kneeling down on the other side of the fallen.

"Guards, seize that man at once!" Bane commanded, pointing toward Aoi, who was in a state of shock. Two guards came and took him away as everyone gathered around the two.

"Tsukino, wake up!" Ryou shouted, shaking the girl in his arms.

"Looks like poison," Amane informed gravely, looking at Saeki. "His blade was probably coated with deadly poison that even the smallest cut would be fatal."

"Shuya," Saeki rasped out. "Please… let me… hold her." Ryou nodded and gently placed the limp body of the princess into his arms. "I will stay by your side always," he whispered before breathing one last time. Cries of sorrow were heard from those on stage as the curtains closed. Once more, the storyteller came on stage.

"Although the Princess and her Knight met fate's cruel hand, they are forever watching over the lands together as the Moon and Star," the storyteller finished, gesturing reverently towards the sky.

**********

After receiving a standing ovation at the curtain call, things simmered down a bit as most of the audience continued on with the festival while others retired for the night. One thing was common among the crowds, the talk of the amazing performance by the boys' tennis team. Said team had the rest of the night off to enjoy the festival. There was a fireworks display happening later that they wanted to take full advantage of.

strayed away from the team and decided to find the ideal spot to see the fireworks. Once she did, she settled down to enjoy the peacefulness the area gave. After everything that happened, especially the play, she needed the time to sort through everything.

She knew that over the course of practicing for the play, she had developed some feelings for the vice-captain. But she had no idea they were so deep. At least not until that gentle kiss they shared after the dance, which was not even part of the original play. She had to admit that after that, she realized she had fallen hard.

"-san?" Speaking of the devil.

"Saeki-kun," answered back, looking over her shoulder. "Come join me."

He did as requested and sat down beside her. Unsure of what to say, he remained silent and turned his gaze to the quarter moon and stars that seemed to shine even brighter than before. He couldn't help but remember what had happened during the play, making him glance at the female beside him

"It's true, you know," said, breaking the silence first. At his questioning glance, she continued. "What I said during the play. My heart was telling me the truth and I wouldn't deny it even if I could."

"Really?" Saeki managed to get out in his surprise.

smiled at him and that was enough confirmation. "I'll gladly accept you as my guardian star if you want me as the moon to stand by you for all eternity."

"I would like nothing more," Saeki accepted with a smile. As they leaned in once more, fireworks set off, further enhancing the sky that was already illuminated by the moon and stars.

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October 16, 2006
Written by: Kurohane
Edited by: linchpin (Loved it)