Storyline Name: Golden Secrets
Creator(s): Addelyn and Eternal Knight
Forum: Silver Millennium
Advanced or Relaxed Relaxed

Plot Summary: Having been attracted to one another since the beginning, Kunzite and Zoisite finally give in to their feelings, starting a relationship together. Knowing that it could be used as a weakness against them, or the Prince, they try to hide it from everyone. However, nothing seems to go as planned as both Jadeite and Nephrite eventually find out. Both Nephrite and Jadeite are sworn to secrecy about the relationship as the two lovers wrestle with the idea of informing Prince Endymion of their relationship; Zoisite for it, while Kunzite firmly opposes the idea.

Details on any necessary information:
Takes place in the Silver Millennium and follows how Kunzite and Zoisite got together and their struggles and fears with their close friends and their Prince accepting their relationship.

Both Kunzite and Zoisite are uncomfortable with the idea of keeping their relationship secret from their friends, the burden weighing heavily on their hearts; Kunzite better able to deal with this burden than Zoisite, as it begins tearing him apart. Once Jadeite and Nephrite find out, they begin talking about telling the Prince.

Restrictions: Kunzite and Zoisite are the only playable characters. Anyone else needed for plot purposes will be NPCed as required.

OOC Thread: Skype OOC

Member to Character List:
Zoisite, Jadeite, Endymion- Addelyn
Kunzite, Nephrite- Eternal Knight

Why were the books he needed always on shelves that were just out of his reach? He was beginning to wonder if the Librarian for the Prince’s personal library did this to Zoisite on purpose. I wouldn’t put past the cranky old witch, he thought sourly. He wasn’t short, the book cases were just unnecessarily tall. Sighing, he tried again, standing on the tips of his toes as he stretched his arm as far as he could.
 
He was determined to get the book himself and not have to ask for help from anyone. Really, how hard could this be. Stretching his arm a little further, he knocked some books that had been resting precariously on the shelf of the bookcase off, causing them to tumble down upon him, one giving him a good smack in the head for daring to disturb it.
 
Rubbing his head, he glared at the bookcase. Why was this so difficult, it was just a book. He tried again, this time using the bookcase to pull himself a little higher in hopes of reaching his desired item, grumbling to himself all the while.

He came to the Prince's personal library with a purpose in mind and to say he had been slightly distracted would be an understatement. He first saw strands of blond hair between the shelves, which his eyes followed until Zoisite appeared in his sight, stopping in front of a bookcase. He first thought about asking the young man what he was seeking - and per extension get the book himself came to fetch - when Zoisite tried to get one in particular that was too high for him to reach. It was enough for Kunzite's serious facade to crack, a thin smile tugging at the corner of his lips. How long until Zoisite gave up?

He cringed internally when the book fell on the man's head, but he still felt for this situation a fond amusement. There would have been easier ways to get that book and he was almost surprised the other didn't think of them. He finally pushed himself off the bookcase he ended up leaning on as Zoisite tried again. The man was determined. He should end his suffering before something else fell against that pretty face of his. He headed towards the bookcase and stopped right behind him.

"Are you trying to bring the whole bookcase down on you?"

He asked, his voice calm and low, not that he deemed necessary to announce his presence. He could have let him struggle, get his book and leave. Considering how close to him he stood, maybe he should have. And yet, he stretched his body, keeping his balance with one hand against a shelf and extending his free arm to its fullest. He closed his fingers around what seemed to be the younger's goal, pulling it out of its shelf. He lowered his arm slowly, prize in hand, his eyes falling down on Zoisite.

Of course, it would Kunzite that caught him looking like a fool. He tried to stave off the blush, but knew it was no use. With his fair skin, blushes always showed easily. Kunzite was so close to him, another inch or so and they would be pressed together.
 
“I am trying to do no such thing,” he cried, in an attempt to stave off his embarrassment, he whirled around only to find Kunzite’s eyes upon him. Finding himself trembling under such an intense gaze, he tried to distract himself. It was useless though; he was just so close, could feel the heat coming from him.
 

How many times had he dreamed of being in this exact position - well almost exact position - there was normally more him being pinned against the bookshelves, but still. There was so much he wanted to do right now, but stopped himself from reaching out, knowing that it wasn’t what the silver-haired man before him wanted. Sometimes Zoisite wondered if he was alone in his attraction and the few glimmers he saw were nothing but a figment of his imagination.

He knew of Zoisite's embarrassment way before the younger turned around, hearing the edges of his frustration in the tone of his voice. He could feel the subtle tension, the slight difference between Zoisite's usual attitude and his attitude now that they were so close. One eyebrow rose slowly at his answer, but he kept quiet, the book resting against his sides, not exactly forgotten, but completely ignored. Being so close gave him the impression that he could read every little reaction, every little shift in his eyes... If he got closer still, what would be written there for him alone to see?

His hand released the shelf it had almost been clutching and their proximity made the soft contact between his fingers and a strand from Zoisite's ponytail appear accidental. He felt drawn to him in a way that frustrated him. It was a simple book, one he had to fetch for the younger man because he hadn't thought about getting a stool.

But this wasn't what he really was annoyed about, was it?

His hand, left hovering above the other's shoulder and close to his cheek, finally fell back against his body as he winced. He blinked and his features hardened, but he didn't look away, nor did he step back.

"Be more careful next time."

He felt the brush against his hair before Kunzite's arm dropped limply to his side, but he was more captivated with the look in the older mans eyes, only to be dismayed when Kunzite closed himself off once more. 

Dammit! He had been so sure he had seen something this time and with how close the other was. Was this simply another trick of his imagination, his wishful longing? There was only one way to find out, he supposed. Moving him before this new found confidence abandoned him, he reached up, and grabbed Kunite's collar. Yanking firmly, he pulled the taller man down until their lips met, his free hand moving to gently tangle themselves in the long silky locks of hair at the nape of the mans' neck. Zoisite wanted to remember this moment forever, keep it locked away in a corner of his mind that he would revisit over and over again.

Hot-headed. Stubborn. Carefree.

Zoisite was all of this and so much more.

He should have seen it coming in the younger's eyes way before it happened. Mostly considering he was observing them attentively ever since they were frozen face to face. Green eyes that never could hide anything from him, or so he thought.

Despite his resilience and physical strength, he was surprisingly taken off guards by Zoisite's motion that forced him down. He felt fingers in his hair and lips against his, but the contact barely lasted before the other put an end to it, giving him little room to properly react, to choose whether to kiss him back or push him away. He expected Zoisite to act impulsively often, but of all the things he could have done, the most obvious never crossed Kunzite's mind.

Hesitation flashed in his eyes in the mere second it took him to react.

What was he doing? Guilt and self-doubt nagged at Zoisite the moment his lips pressed against Kunzites. This was absolutely insane, what had possessed him into thinking kissing his leader was a good idea? He rarely saw any hint of attraction, and he had been looking for it, and when he did find it, he convinced himself that it had been nothing of his imagination. 

When he felt the other tense, he knew that he had made a huge mistake and most likely ruined any camaraderie between them that was so deeply cherished by Zoisite. Pulling back, he kept his eyes downcast as he tried to swallow around the lump in his throat that had suddenly appeared. 

"I'm sorry," his voice thick with emotion, he went to side step the love of his life in order to beat a hasty retreat. 

How could you be so stupid? Why would he want a child like you when he could have someone closer to his age. 

He should have reacted, he knew it and Zoisite confirmed his thoughts when he wouldn't look at him anymore. However, reacting meant dealing with it and this was one thing he wished he wouldn't have had to deal with so soon. He didn't need to glance around to know they were still in a particularly visible part of the Prince's library, which neither gave him the intimacy nor the calm he needed to fix this. This was not a good idea. Too many consequences and none Zoisite needed in his life.

Then, he tried to run away.

The logical part of his mind wanted to let him go; it would hurt, but one day, he would forget all about the crush he had on his older leader. Only problem with this: Kunzite didn't want him to forget anything. Instead, he quickly extended his arm to block the other's way, his hand closing around his shoulder.

"Don't."

He set the book down on the first shelf he could reach and slowly but firmly pulled the blond back to him, his eyes searching for Zoisite's again, though in vain. It didn't make it easier to know anyone could enter the library at any moment. He already wasn't sure of where they were, he didn't need someone else barging in on their problems. 

"Look at me."

He ordered without the rougher edges he generally used while in command, softly lifting his chin up so he would obey.

"Look at me."


It was that tone of voice, commanding yet not quite the one he used as a general, coupled with the pressure of his fingers lifting his chin that made Zoisite look up. Desperately wanting to look away, he tried looking anywhere but in Kunzite's eyes, but he found himself drawn there, despite his best efforts. 

"This was obviously a mistake, so we should simply forget that it ever happened," he offered. Would Kunzite reprimand him? Tell him that he never wanted to see him outside of their official duties? 

He felt as if he had ruined everything.

There were some emotions in those eyes he never wished to be the cause of, but Zoisite wasn't wrong. It was a mistake in many regards. He observed the younger's features, his index finger still under his chin. It wasn't pushing anymore, but instead was simply resting against his skin, steady. If he wanted to do as if nothing had happened or if he wanted for this to be avoided, he should have stepped out of this dance long ago. In a way, he was probably responsible for this.

There was nothing to say. He couldn't agree nor disagree with Zoisite's statement, thus leading to his next decision. He leaned down towards the younger man, taking in his lips in a short but more pressing kiss than what had been offered by Zoisite before.

His hand left the other's neck for his sides, pulling his body closer. He hadn't planned this and for someone as strict with himself than he was with others, he was making brash decisions he wouldn't be able to take back afterward. But he wanted this. He wanted Zoisite to know that his hesitation was never because of him. He didn't have doubts for what he felt towards the younger man, he actually understood all too well the effect the other general had on him, no, his doubts were more professional and a bitter reminder of what their reality was.

Their lips parted when Kunzite decided so, and yet he didn't fully retreat. His other hand moved from Zoisite's shoulder to his neck as he absently rolled one strand of hair around his finger.

"You can wish for me to forget this still..."

He teased, gently mocking through his facade, wondering now if Zoisite would be the one to back down from this. The thought sent an uncomfortable icy feeling to his stomach while he kept his features from giving out anything.

Out of all the possible reactions that had run through Zoisite's mind, Kunzite kissing him hadn't even been an option. He felt himself melt into the all too brief kiss , memorizing the way the older man held him, how he felt against him; wanting to take what he could, knowing that this was likely the only time this would happen. 

They were soldiers, duty bound to protect the Prince. What place did love have in their lives? 

"You can wish for me to forget this still..."

He nearly spluttered in outrage. Kunzite held him like that and he was still offering to forget any of this happened? Scowling, he grabbed the other mans hand and all but dragged him further into the library, away from where they could easily be spotted - the last thing they needed were rumours - and into a little alcove he would frequently retreat to in order to read undisturbed. 

Pushing Kunzite against a large bookshelf that took up the entire back wall of the library, he growled, "For once in your life, do something for yourself. Either we do this or we do not, because I for one cannot the mixed messages you give me for a moment longer." He stood there expectantly. 

He knew he was foolish for pushing Kunzite like this, but he was at his wits end. What was the issue? Was it that Zoisite was too young? Not smart enough? Not a good enough fighter? He had spent countless hours trying to figure out the others mind, only to come up empty handed. 

Maybe one night was all he needed to get him out of his system. Somehow, I doubt it would be that easy...

It was probably cruel of him to be amused at the emotional reaction that followed his provoking statement - Zoisite's scowl, so often exasperating, was now endearing. Letting himself be dragged across the library, a practical voice in his head agreeing with the intimacy of the small alcove, he said nothing when pushed against the bookcase. Maybe should he have frowned at such behavior, but he had not bothered resisting against Zoisite's grip. There were a lot of small details in Zoisite's personality he couldn't help but appreciate. As much as a leader than a normal man.

He listened to him, giving him a chance to speak before pulling him back against his body. He didn't need to be told this and he didn't want to hear it. His fingers slowly found their way to the back of Zoisite's head, brushing through strands of hair in order to rest his hand against the other's scalp as he pressed a longer kiss to his lips. Embracing him closely wasn't something Kunzite thought would happen, not so quickly anyway and in the Prince's library no less.

"I have no intention to go back on my decision." He assured him more seriously than he was minutes before. 

He kissed him again, less compromise in his gesture this time and more emotions. He was barely feeling the book pressing between his shoulder blades but was all too aware of the body in his arms. His lips were leaving Zoisite's own for his jaw and down when he was startled by a rather loud noise of something falling on the ground outside the library.

He closed his eyes slowly, his lips hovering near the other's ear. How would he even explain it if they had been caught here? Though his shoulders tensed, he didn't pull back from Zoisite, his hand still resting on the younger. He let out a bittersweet hum of disbelief, straightening enough so he could look down at him, holding back a sigh. Funny how his resolve was crumbling fast when it came to him.

"We really need to address this properly."

He breathed out with the hint of a chuckle in his tone. This was the most ridiculous situation he had found himself in since he left his parents for the Prince. And he had jumped in with both feet. This was not the leader he once swore to be...

Zoisite felt himself nearing purring as Kunzite’s fingers brushed through his hair. He was barely able to keep himself from pushing his head into the others hand, seeking more contact. Smiling into the kiss, he finally allowed himself to believe that things may just work out in his favour for once when a loud noise nearly had him jumping out of his skin.
 
Groaning softly, he pressed his forehead against Kunzite’s chest, reluctant to break the embrace as he silently cursed all of the staff members in the palace and their horrid timing.  
 
“We’ll talk later then.” Grinning, he pulled the other down for a quick kiss before pulling back. Straightening his clothes, he smiled one last time before hastily making his way out of the library, remembering to grab the book he had original come for on the way out.
 
If only he known later would never happen, their duties keeping them from being able to properly sort things out for over a week, he would have insisted they take this back to his room to work it out. Running a hand through his hair, he read over the report in front of him once more, snorting at the utter incompetence of the Captain of the Guard.  They should all be hung as far as he was concerned, useless the lot of them.
 

Rolling his shoulders, he attempted to shake off the deep ache that came from reading reports all day. All he wanted was to face plant on his bed and sleep, perhaps after a nice hot bath. He couldn’t help but blush as the image of he and Kunzite relaxing in the tub the blonde had in his room.

Seeing him straightening his clothes made the older man smile, even if it was subtle and only when the other turned his back to him. His eyes followed Zoisite until they couldn't see him anymore and said smile finally faltered then faded.

He made sure his own clothing was properly straightened before leaving the alcove, looking around the shelves for the books he was actually seeking for when he first entered the Prince's Library. He had positively no idea what he was going to say to Endymion about his lateness, but he would find something. Anyway, he knew the Prince wouldn't mind a small break. Being a Prince was not all the glamorous dream town folks thought it to be.

He told himself he would discuss this situation with Zoisite as quickly as possible, but duties called. Chores, meetings, paperwork... Kunzite had them all. He couldn't find one free hour to give Zoisite, or to even seek for the man. It allowed him to push back thinking about it, which he was grateful for. Even if it was probable that both of them had felt something for a while now, the kiss - and what could probably have happened weren't it from the spark reminder they were in the Prince's library - had happened too quickly and none of it had been discussed.

Staring at the papers in front of him, the conclusion was obvious. It had been days and right now he was too distracted for a single sheet with unreadable handwriting all over. With a sigh, he pushed himself from his desk and made his way out of his office. It was not a very commendable move, to stop his work for personal matters, but at this point...

It wasn't as hard as he thought to find the other Shitennou, but it wasn't hard either to see Zoisite was agitated, whether it was as much as him or more wasn't easy to tell. He walked as if it was simply another day of normal business, but his hands fell on the younger's shoulders, an inaudible sigh passing his lips. The physical contact wasn't necessary, but it helped to keep him grounded.

"We need to talk."

It was clear. And didn't appeal for protests. His grip on Zoisite softened to something non-threatening.

Sometimes Zoisite cursed their duties. It had been days since the incident in the library with Kunzite, as he had taken to calling it, and they hadn’t had a chance to talk yet. He was becoming more easily distracted, his thoughts constantly drifting to the older man.
 
They really needed to talk before one of them exploded from all of this tension.
 

When he felt Kunzite’s hand on his shoulder, he nearly sagged with relief. “Yes sir,” he said smartly, a smile tugged on his lips. He turned, facing the other man. As much as he desperately wanted to be closer to him, they were in public and it wasn’t the time. Barely holding himself in check, he decided to use his voice to tease instead. “Should we go to your office for a bit more…privacy?” His voice dipped lower, watching for the desired effect.

Young and fiery. Those were traits that clashed easily with himself, he knew, but Zoisite was smart, determined, creative. He was a general, the same as all of them, but harder for him to understand. Nephrite and Jadeite, though strong from their own merits, were easier for him to read. Where they would react how he expected them to, Zoisite sometimes would do the exact opposite. It brought to the oldest both trepidation and annoyance.

But this was definitely a reaction he knew would come this time. It stretched his lips subtly.

"Perhaps would it be best, yes."

He admitted with a low hum. His hand gently pushed the younger up, the contact lingering against his back longer than needed before he stepped aside, knowing he would be followed. Despite encouraging the other's teasing instead of scolding it, he did hope he would be able to push some seriousness in the conversation to come. They needed to know where they were going and how to live with it.

In the sight of it, he wasn't sure Zoisite was aware of what kind of problems could arise from both their feelings, as ridiculous as it might sound. Or maybe, for once, could they just send everything to hell.

He opened the door for Zoisite to go first, offering the other a small curve of his lips, both amused and interested.

Zoisite barely suppressed the shudder at feeling Kunzite's hands linger on his back. As he followed the elder down the hall to his office, the blonde's mind was whirling with thoughts. He knew that the discussion they were about to have would be serious. He wasn't as dumb or naive as many people liked to believe he was, he knew that their relationship would have consequences if the wrong people found out. There were risks, but anything in life that was worth something had risks. 

Still, in order to protect what they had, he felt as if there should be some people that knew about them, Nephrite and Jadeite for one, as they worked closely with Zoisite and Kunzite, and it would be hard to hide it from them, as well as telling the Prince. Zoisite couldn't honestly think about trying to keep something as important and monumental as this from the man he had pledged his life to protect, that he had been raised with in order to protect him. He was his Prince, his master, his liege but he was also Zoisite's friend. 

Returning Kunzite's smile as he opened the door to his office indicating that the younger should go first, he slipped in, taking a seat at one of the two chairs infront of Kunzite's desk. He turned it slightly towards the chair beside it, silently indicating to Kunzite that he wanted this discussing to be between equals, that Kunzite should sit on the same side of the desk as him and not in his usual chair on the other side.

As soon as Zoisite was inside, he closed the door and walked to the chair beside the younger's own. He hadn't needed the gesture, but he understood the need to make it. There were situations where the desk between them was necessary as they were leader and soldier, but they were also brothers-in-arms and now... whatever this was. He wouldn't put official business between them when feelings were thrown in the mix.

"This is not a light decision, I know you are aware of that." Zoisite wasn't part of this group because of his pretty looks. He was a smart man, Kunzite had been able to see that many times already. "But I have no intention of rejecting you or denying what I want if it is something you wish as well."

There was almost no doubt already, but he still had to give Zoisite a way out.

He pulled his seat closer to the other.

"Relationships in our particular situation are a weakness but also a liability. You cannot treat me differently, I cannot treat you above the others. If found, this connection could be used both against us or against the Prince himself. We do not need a political scandal."

They were already a walking political scandal, but he didn't care.

"It will not be quite a fairy tale, I am afraid. But if secrecy is right by you, then I am willing to try."

He waited for the complaints he was rather certain would come. But he wouldn't argue on this. He wasn't closed off at the idea of sharing with the prince after a while, but right at this moment, the idea made him uncomfortable.

Zoisite didn't contain the snort at Kunzite's noble gesture. Of course the other man would try to give him a way out, but that wasn't what the blonde wanted. He didn't want a way out, he wanted a way in. He'd wanted Kunzite for as long as he would remember, but never thought that the older man wanted him in return. 

To have his feelings returned....

He wasn't going to give that up. 

While he understood the necessity of keeping their relationship under wraps, and he honestly believed he would have no difficulty in doing so, he disagreed that it should be completely secret. 

"We should inform his Highness and Nephrite and Jadeite," he knew that their Prince would celebrate their union and that having Jadeite and Nephrite in on their secret would help them in the long run, their two brothers in arms would cover for them when necessary.

He almost cringed, but controlled himself before it became visible. At least he knew for sure Zoisite wanted this and wasn't simply following some young man's illusionary fantasies. Maybe that worry wouldn't quite leave him yet, but he would take it.

"Endymion has other concerns over which to worry, let us not add more to that."

He countered, easily finding reasons to calm his own wariness about revealing the truth to their friends yet. He could probably convince Zoisite, but he knew this would be a topic that would be brought again later. For now, as long as they kept it a secret from everyone, he would be at peace. The future was something future-them could think about when the time came.

Even though he knew Endymion would probably understand first what was going on. They were close and if Kunzite was naturally reserved, his prince could read in him with more ease than everyone else.

"Nephrite and Jadeite are not quite reliable when it comes to secrets, not of this kind." He tilted his head. "This is too new." And way too fragile.

An intimacy to be shared by only the both of them. No need to have it tainted or complicated by outer forces. He trusted his men with his life, but he wasn't sure yet he'd trust them with his heart.

Zoisite frowned, but accepted what Kunzite said. For now, he wouldn't push the argument, but it wasn't something he was going to accept willingly. They would talk about it again, just not now. For now though, he had other things on this mind. 

"I agree to your terms," he said coyly, gracefully standing up from the comfortable chair, "but you need to buy my silence." It didn't take long to cross the short distance between them, Zoisite making sure that he was in Kunzite's space. Placing his hands on the arms of the chair he leaned down to whisper into the older mans ear, pausing for just a moment to build suspense. 

"Take me on a date, just you and me." He made sure to keep his voice breathless and soft, knowing that it would entice the other man. Unable to stop himself, he impishly nipped the top of Kunzite's ear before straightening himself. Let's see what the other man did with this. 

"I should get going before I'm missed, I look forward to your reply." He cast one last sultry look at Kunzite before heading out of the office door, forcing himself not to look back. The older man was just too fun to tease.