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Serenity knew exactly how she was going to escape.
Endymion was busy working, so he was easy enough to avoid. Mercury would be with Endymion so she was in the easy category, as well. Mars would be in the temple so as long as Serenity was very quiet she could avoid Mars. Jupiter would be making her rounds around the Crystal Palace along with Uranus and Neptune so Serenity just needed to make sure she moved at the right moment. Saturn, whether she liked it or not, was in school. Pluto was on Space Door duty and wouldn’t come in for lunch for another 45 minutes.
The problem was Venus.
They were too alike. Venus knew her too well and knew when and where she was going and why. The leader of the inner Guardians still held her trauma and paranoia from the past, despite her cheery nature. Even though Serenity could protect herself in the peaceful future that she made, Venus was still very, very, very protective of her.
Old habits die hard, she supposed.
Serenity clutched her Disguise Pen in her hand as she crept around the Crystal Palace barefoot. She wouldn’t let her shoes make any noise to tip off any wandering Guardians. She even wore a light dress, not her usual elegant and sometimes heavy ruffles.
She had made it outside only to be greeted by Venus already waiting for her outside the door with a smile on her face.
“Neo Queen Serenity,” Venus said in a sickly sweet voice. “Where are you going?”
“Venus!” Serenity laughed nervously. “I'm just taking a walk!”
“With your Disguise Pen?” Venus gave her queen a flat look. Serenity looked her over, her orange and gold uniform bright and clean while her Love-Me Chain around her waist glittered in the sunlight.
“What’s wrong with that? Maybe I need to sign some paperwork.”
“Does it even write anymore?”
“It’s magic, Venus, of course it does.” She grinned at her.
Venus sighed. “You know I can’t just let you leave the Palace unguarded.”
Serenity frowned. “It’s just for a couple hours. I wanted to have lunch with Naru-chan. It’s been…too long since we’ve been able to talk together in person.”
Venus looked sympathetic. “I understand but-”
“Please, Minako-chan!” She reached over and grabbed her shoulders desperately. “I know you understand. I know you also sneak out sometimes, too. It’s okay to have fun when we’re busy making sure everything is peaceful.”
Minako blushed. “Usagi-chan,” she sighed. “You’re six months pregnant.”
“I’ll be okay! I’m just going to Fruits Parlor Crown. It won’t take long. You can time me. I won’t even play at the arcade.”
Minako sighed. “Mars will never let me hear the end of this,” she grumbled.
Usagi squealed and hugged Minako tightly. “Thank you so much, Minako-chan!”
“Not so loud!” She hissed. “You’re supposed to be quiet, remember?”
“Oh. Right. You’re right, of course, Venus.” She tried to speak maturely and calmly but had a big, happy grin on her face.
Minako held up two gloved fingers. “You have two hours. Any longer and I will come and get you.”
“Yes! Thank you!” She helped up her Disguise Pen. “Moon Power! Change me into a college student!”
Usagi grinned. Her long golden hair shortened into an auburn bob. Her gown transformed into comfortable leggings and a cozy long sweater. She was no longer barefoot, she now wore slip-on sneakers. Round glasses sat upon her nose and the crescent moon on her forehead faded away like it was never there.
Minako gave her a tired smile. “You have your phone in that purse?” Usagi nodded. “Then your two hours start now.”
Usagi rushed out of the palace before Minako could change her mind. Well, she rushed as much as she could while pregnant. Either way she quickly and safely made it to the Parlor and to the table Naru was sitting at.
“Naru-chan!” She called her while rushing over, waving her arm.
Naru looked over in Usagi’s direction and narrowed her eyes. She blinked. “Usa- Seren-” she stopped herself before looking uncomfortable. Usagi grinned and sat down in front of her. “Did you change your hair?”
“I used this.” Usagi showed her the Disguise Pen.
“That’s… from middle school…which I guess makes sense seeing that’s when Sailor Moon first appeared.”
“Shhh! Not so loud.” They both leaned in. “I’m undercover today.”
“So, can I call you Usagi?”
“Why couldn’t you? That’s my name.”
Naru blinked like she was taken aback but then smiled. “I’m glad we could have lunch like this. How long are you allowed out of your tower?”
“Two hours before Minako-chan comes to get me.”
“Then we should definitely order!”
They both giggled and dissolved into small talk, enjoying their lunch together for the first time in too long.
It was sad when they parted, Usagi already crying as she hugged Naru. Their lives were so different now. Naru took over her mother’s jewelry shop and Usagi…
Usagi was now Neo Queen Serenity.
She, of course, loved her life. She loved her King and she adored her Guardians. She loved taking care of her solar system and keeping evil out of it.
Doesn’t mean she didn’t miss when she was just normal sometimes.
She was walking into the palace when she noticed Minako, in casual clothing, staring at her phone.
“You’re late,” she said, not looking up from her phone.
“Where are you going?” Usagi asked.
“I was getting ready to come get you, looks like I didn’t have to.” Mianko smiled at Usagi. “You better get out of your disguise before anyone catches you.”
“Oh! Right!” In a wave of light and glitter, Serenity’s disguise elegantly dissolved from her casual clothing to her royal raiment. She was back in her light gown, barefoot, her crown was upon her head, and her proud crescent moon shone on her forehead.
Venus smiled. She linked her arm with Serenity’s. “Alright, I’m glad you had your fun. Now why don’t I escort you back to work? I’m sure the King and Mercury are probably wondering where you are by now.”
Serenity started to whine in protest but stopped herself. She let out a breath and stood up straight, reminding herself that she had her fun, but she has an important duty now.
“Yes. Lead the way, Venus.”
Besides, next time Naru is coming to the Palace for lunch.