Managing an organization was nothing new, as Kunzite – Habib – was the eldest and the leader of the Shi-Tennou. It was, however, quite annoying having to make public appearances. Daylight was not kind to his skin, as the toll necessitated covering up and using a lot of sunscreen. He also feared that the shades he often wore would give him away, since they were part of his 'Tuxedo Kunzite' persona. There was, after all, a price on his head.

"Remember your powers," Habib mumbled to himself as he made preparations for a guest spot on a talk-show.

Looking into the mirror, Habib noticed the freckles on his face. Those were one of the symptoms of his disease, and he wondered if Zoisite would recognise him. For that matter... would he recognise Zoisite?

* * * * * * * *

The interview went on without a hitch, due to the records someone had forged. Jadeite and Nephrite had employed similar record changes when going on their own energy-gathering missions – missions which of course mostly failed.

Habib let out a sigh of relief once the interview ended and he was finally alone again. Crowds never appealed to the silver-haired man. He wasn't meek, but Habib preferred to be alone, or with his beloved. He tended to be rather private, and rarely showed any emotion except when alone with Zoisite.

The Earth lord had received a large amount of money, most of which he used to fund his company and pay bills for rent, utilities and food. His apartment was small and cramped, and neighbours were sometimes rowdy, but the worst had to be the reporters and mindless fans.

Luckily, soon the media turned its attention to a new singing group, whose name escaped Habib. He never cared much for popular culture, though some aspects did intrigue the Earth lord. As the days went by, Habib mostly listened to the radio or read one of the novels he had collected, while trying to drown out the noise of his neighbours.

One day, while he was reading, Habib heard the voice of Queen Serenity:

"Turn on the radio."

* * * * * * * *

Adrian practiced alone in his cottage, playing another of his compositions. Quite a few had grown popular, and earned him the admiration of many teenage girls. He didn't know if it was his talent or his looks that got their attention, but either way, the Earth lord was pleased. They were not his type of course. His heart belonged to one man, and one man only. Would Kunzite hear his singing and the message it carried?

The Earth lord had a concert scheduled later that morning, so he had to make sure the song sounded just right. There were many other tasks to complete, like testing his blood sugar and taking the myriad of pills for his condition. It had become a routine these days, so he didn't think much of it.

The concert however wasn't going to be a routine venue; he was going to play the piano for a trio who called themselves the "Three Lights". From what he saw, they were all quite attractive, but not as beautiful as he was – at least what he allowed others to see. Their hair was done in a sort of mullet style – something they managed to pull off despite the tackiness inherent to the mullet – and he couldn't believe they were allowed to attend school looking like that. One of them reminded him of Kunzite, and made the Earth lord a little nervous, and all of them were quite difficult with rehearsals.

Checking himself in the mirror, Adrian combed his hair and put on some makeup to cover the scar on his face. It had faded during his stay in that cozy room, apparently. It had long since healed, but there was still a mark. Maybe that was part of his toll. Tuxedo Mask – Prince Endymion – had given it to the Earth lord just before the 'Moon Princess', Serenity, was revealed to be Sailor Moon herself.

The scar on his cheek was nothing, however, compared to the stab-wounds which permanently marred his once-flawless belly.

While he was Lord Zoisite, Adrian had foolishly tried to kill Tuxedo Mask, and paid dearly for it, but not as dearly as Jadeite. Despite his ingratiating attitude toward Beryl, Jadeite always had a dismissive attitude toward females. Adrian wondered why Beryl was so merciful to him, as she could have easily given him the curse of eternal sleep as well. He had gotten off lightly, despite being mortally wounded. It was the gentlest punishment Adrian could have imagined, letting him drift off to what he thought would be an eternal, peaceful sleep cradled in Kunzite's arms.

After leaving the dark place, Adrian would often have dreams of leaping into Kunzite's tight embrace and being drenched in his tender kisses, while laughing and crying at the same time. Would this still happen? Would Kunzite still love him despite his ugly body? Even now, he still would have that dream amidst the nightmares of his attack, and hoped the meeting would be as joyous in real life.

The honk of a limousine's horn woke Adrian from his reverie. He headed out to the car, grabbing a couple butterscotch boiled sweets on the way.

* * * * * * * *

"Zoisite..." Habib whispered, listening to the snippet of a melody on the radio.

From what he heard, a young man named Adrian Kirsch was going to play piano at a concert for the Three Lights. They sounded like the average pop-group, but Habib knew he had to go, despite his aversion to crowds and the media attention he would get.

* * * * * * * *

The man at the ticket-booth was quite surprised to see the reclusive Habib Jabir buying a ticket from his kiosk, and of course asked for an autograph.

"Could you make a donation to my Xeroderma Pigmentosum Research Center?" Habib asked him, managing to hide his annoyance.

"Of course," the young man replied, hurriedly digging into his pocket and scrawling out a cheque.

After he paid for the ticket and was handed the cheque, Habib looked at it in amazement.

"This..." he began.

"I know it's not much," the man replied, "My cousin has Xeroderma Pigmentosum, and it really means a lot to me that someone is trying to find a cure."

Cracking a soft smile, Habib handed the cheque back to the man.

"You probably need that money more."

"No no," the man laughed, "You keep it. I'm not that hard off. Been watchin' the news an' all, ya know?"

Habib nodded, remembering all the rescues he had pulled off.

"Thank you," he said, "I think you will have some good luck soon."

Turning away, the Earth lord made a covert sweeping gesture. He had started the research center mainly to serve as a front for returning to Japan, but a donation this large from someone who was obviously surviving on microwave noodles in order to make ends meet moved him. Habib still didn't know why he was doing things like this. Was it from the time he spent in the spirit world? Did Serenity heal his broken, dead heart?

Maybe this was part of his mission – bringing light to the world after bringing so much darkness.

Holding the cheque carefully, Habib made his way to the auditorium. His seat was near the left, away from the celebrities and the front row, as the Earth lord didn't want to draw so much attention to himself. Any hope of enjoying some peace was shattered, however, by a couple little kids who kept on asking their father why that man was wearing those dark clothes and sunglasses. True, he only needed them outside, but the idea of taking them off around so many people made Habib extremely uncomfortable.

The vamp music was intolerable as well. Habib sighed in relief after it stopped and three people who looked like teenage boys or girls stepped onto the stage. Another figure walked slowly and gracefully over to a large, elaborate piano and sat down. The big screen behind the stage focused on his delicate fingers, which caressed the keys, playing a beautiful melody. Then the boys... or girls... began to sing.

Despite his aversion to popular music, the Earth lord couldn't deny that this was the most beautiful music he had ever heard. Closing his eyes, Habib saw a shower of cherry blossom petals, and heard a familiar voice speak.

"Kunzite... Master Kunzite..."

"Zoisite," the silver-haired man whispered, hypnotised by the piano and electric guitar.

* * * * * * * *

Adrian felt slightly weaker than usual, putting so much energy into his music. Did Kunzite hear it? He knew they would have to meet soon, but the sandy-blond Earth lord was beginning to have some doubts. His fingers were also tingling a little, which alarmed him. Adrian was certain that he had checked his blood sugar before the concert, but he would probably have to double-check.

A gentle warmth filled his heart, and the young man could feel someone's hands brushing lightly against his own. Adrian could see in his mind a silhouette of a man, one who wore a top-hat and a cape. His hair, long and straight, blew in the wind, and the hat flew off.

As they played the final song, it was Adrian's turn for a short solo, something he had asked to do. The Three Lights did object, but were duly impressed with his voice – not to mention his unbelievable talent and beauty. Taking a quick breath, Adrian bore his soul, hoping to reach out, hoping that the search for his love would be over soon.

* * * * * * * *

Habib nearly cried out for joy as he heard the soft, breathy voice of the pianist.

"Zoisite... is it you?" he gasped, tears rolling down his cheeks.

When the set was over, the silver-haired Earth lord just sat there for a few moments, pondering what he should do. He disliked the idea of using his status to get backstage, but with the security in place, it would likely be his only option.

"Look," the security guard said, "I can make an appointment for you if you wish, but right now Adrian is not feeling well."

"I need to speak with him," Habib pleaded, "Please, it is very important!"

"Adrian needs his rest for tonight's encore performance," another guard explained, "He has a severe medical condition."

Sighing, Habib walked away. Using force would be no good – he would have to wait for another concert. Then he heard Serenity's voice again:

"Go to the cherry tree across the street."

* * * * * * * *

Adrian had heard some commotion outside his trailer. One of the voices sounded quite familiar, and it piqued his interest. However, the guards were not about to let him mill about with the others and potentially ruin his health. Arguing was useless, but he did have another idea.

Opening the door, he strutted down the steps.

"Adrian," one of the guards said, "You mustn't exert yourself – wait for the rehearsal tonight!"

"I feel just fine!" Adrian snapped, hoping they would swallow his lie, "However, I would feel quite a bit better outside, away from that smell! Did the cleanup crew even touch my trailer? I am quite surprised it hasn't aggravated my asthma. Do I have to cancel the next concert for health reasons, or will you get someone to take care of this, and promptly?"

The sandy-blond Earth lord felt a little weak from his outburst, and there was a slight pain in his chest. Giving the rather overprotective guards an irritated look, he reached inside his pocket for one of the meds and popped a couple pills in his mouth.

"If anything is going to make me ill," he continued, "It is the incompetence of the management at this venue. Now if you do not mind, I will be taking my leave."

With that, he walked away from the exasperated security guards, with a touch of spring in his step. Usually he liked getting attention, but this time, Adrian just wanted a break from all the coddling and the exasperatingly difficult idol singers. The concert had gone on well enough – the crowd was cheering of course, but the lead singer just seemed to be rather distant. Practice had taken much longer than it should have, and he felt that the only reason things didn't degenerate into an all-out shouting match was that everyone present pitied him.

If a genius needed pity, it was for the headaches he endured from idiots.

* * * * * * * *

Adrian pushed his way through the crowd, trying to disappear. There was a blossoming cherry tree across the street, and a tall, familiar-looking man in sunglasses stood under it, looking very lost. His skin was tan, but his hair was uncharacteristically light. Was he a reporter or one of those photographers who were always trying to catch celebrities in a scandal?

Walking up to the man, Adrian cocked his head and raised an eyebrow.

"So," he began, "Come to take my picture? Then bring out that camera, and make sure you capture my best side."

The stranger gave a chuckle.

"I know your best side."

"Wait," Adrian gasped, "Your voice... it sounds familiar... but... but you couldn't be him."

"Why?"

"Because my Master Kunzite would not look so utterly ridiculous!" Adrian snorted, "And what happened to your face?"

"It is from my toll," the man replied, taking a step toward him.

"Your toll is freckles?" Adrian laughed, "A likely story."

"Zoisite, do you remember all those times I held you when you cried for your mother? Remember when Queen Beryl cursed Jadeite to an eternal restless sleep, or when we plotted against Nephrite?"

"Zoisite..." Adrian gasped, "It has been so long since I had gone by that name. Was it you? Were you the one standing behind me while I played?"

"What?"

"I could feel you placing your hands on mine!" Adrian explained, "It gave me the strength to play my song. But Master Kunzite... could you show me your eyes, please?"

Nodding, the man took off his sunglasses and pocketed them, showing the cold, yet gentle, eyes of Kunzite.

"It is you!" Adrian shouted, unable to contain his joy.

He practically leaped into the tight embrace of his beloved, who showered him with petal-soft kisses.

"Oh Kunzite," the slight, sandy-blond Earth lord whispered, tears rolling down his cheeks, "I love you. I love you so much, dear, dear Kunzite."

Habib felt so giddy that he swept the young man off his feet, swinging him around and peppering his lovely face with kiss after kiss. All the waiting and hardships were worth this moment.

"I wish this could last forever, my love," he said as his lips drew closer to Adrian's.

The younger man parted his lips and they shared a long, tender kiss. His body began to tremble, and he didn't know if it was from the sheer joy of the moment, or from his condition, though the frail Earth lord didn't care at this point.

"Oh Master Kunzite," he whispered, "Please kiss me again."

Habib was glad to oblige, and kissed the young man deeply, caressing his soft lips and tongue. He noticed that Zoisite's entire body was trembling, so the older Earth lord broke the kiss abruptly.

"Please forgive me, Zoisite," he said, deep concern in his voice, "But you are trembling... are you alright?"

Breathing shallowly, Adrian reached in his pocket and took out a device, which he held to his finger. Wincing, the younger Earth lord pulled it away and then dispensed a small strip of paper from the end of the thing he was holding, and held it to his bleeding finger. Then, he placed the blood-stained paper into the strange device. Nodding, Adrian again reached for something in his other pocket, and took out a butterscotch, which he unwrapped and popped into his mouth.

"Insulin reaction," Adrian replied, sucking and biting the sweet,"It's probably from the performance... and from us prancing around like fools. Nothing to worry about."

"Y-your toll?" Kunzite asked, looking worried and sad.

"Yeah," Zoisite grumbled dismissively, "Bad heart too. And of course some other problems. Doctors say I could die any time, or some shit like that. Well, I've survived this long, and we need to find Nephrite. I wonder what Serenity has to say about that."

The slight, young man let out a surprisingly loud yawn, then plopped down under the tree. Kunzite sat down next to him, placing a protective arm around his beloved comrade. Zoisite, once blushing with health and vigor, was now extremely thin and sickly, his skin pale and deathly white. He had changed somewhat, becoming a little more patient and far less cruel, but the old Zoisite still showed through as the younger Earth lord melted into Kunzite's lap.

"Pff... this toll is a pain in the ass," Zoisite sighed, "Could be worse though. I wonder... am I still prettier than those damn pop-singers?"

"Of course you are," Kunzite chuckled, "You know that no flower could ever compare to your beauty."

Zoisite yawned again, then closed his eyes and sighed as Kunzite stroked his hand. A few cherry blossom petals fluttered down onto his face, tickling his nose and making him smile at the memory of Kunzite's last gift to him.

Kunzite watched as his lover slept, patting and stroking the frail man's hand whenever he stirred and whimpered in his sleep.

"Shh...shh... it's alright, dear one," the silver-haired Earth lord whispered, "I'm here. Nothing will harm you."

Zoisite stirred again, then jerked awake with an expression of horror on his face.

"Zoisite, what happened?" an alarmed Kunzite asked.

"It was... a nightmare," the young Earth lord replied, panting from the scare, "Nothing too horrible."

Kunzite wrapped his arms around his young lover and drew him into another tight hug. Zoisite rested his head against the older Earth lord's chest, trembling a little but calming down after a couple minutes. It was all Kunzite could do to not cry. He kissed Zoisite on the forehead and rocked him gently, trying to lull his beloved back to sleep. Zoisite reached up and kissed Kunzite on the jaw, and sighed contentedly as the strong man responded by squeezing him lovingly.

Zoisite closed his eyes again, whispering, "Thank you," before falling asleep again to the sound of Kunzite's heartbeat.

As the young man fell asleep, a tear rolled down his cheek. Kunzite kissed it away and shed one of his own.

For the next couple of hours, Zoisite slept a little more peacefully, while Kunzite occasionally sang a soft, off-key nursery rhyme, half of which he had forgotten. He was never great at singing, but from the way his lover responded, it didn't matter.

* * * * * * * *

"Hey Adrian! We were looking for you!"

The teenager's voice startled Kunzite and woke Zoisite from his nap.

"Wh-what is it?" a very annoyed Zoisite yawned, rubbing his eyes.

Kunzite looked up to see the performers he recognised as the "Three Lights" standing over them.

"Well," the one in red replied, "There was something we wanted to discuss, but you weren't in your trailer, and the security guards said you just took off, complaining about a bad smell or something."

"Hmm," a disinterested Zoisite grunted, stretching a little and turning to look at the singers, "So, what was so important?"

"They loved the performance!" the boy in red explained, "I wanted to thank you – the changes you proposed were just what this concert needed."

"Well," Zoisite laughed, "You woke me from a sound sleep to tell me something I already know?"

"Not much for modesty, is he?" the tall, brown-haired singer mumbled to the shorter, silver-haired one, who shook his head in agreement.

"So we hope to do another set with you soon," the lead-singer continued, "I think with what you taught us, our message will definitely be heard."

* * * * * * * *

Later that night, after the encore performance, Zoisite took Kunzite to his place, a cottage on the outskirts of town. Several hydrangea plants in bloom framed the front of the house, which looked rather fancy with its white stucco, and elegant doors and windows.

"It suits you," Kunzite noted.

The inside was quite luxurious, decorated with paintings and sculptures. The kitchen had a table with six exquisitely-made chairs, while the parlour was furnished with a decadently-soft off-white sofa and a green livingchair in front of a fireplace, and of course, a piano next to a bookshelf filled with novels and sheet music.

"I have some more instruments in my study," Zoisite explained, "Though first, I think we should get some sleep."

Kunzite was glad to be able to take off his protective clothing and glasses. He waited while Zoisite changed and took a quick shower, then came in wearing nightclothes made of soft, dark green silk which made his stark white skin look even whiter. This, and the many bottles of medications which littered the room, were reminders of Zoisite's toll.

The sandy-blond Earth-lord joined Kunzite, who was sitting on the luxuriously soft double bed, and leaned against him. The dark pyjamas hung against his body like a sack, making him look incredibly fragile. Kunzite, however, knew that Zoisite was not made of glass even if his body seemed to be.

The older Earth lord reached for one of the black buttons on Zoisite's nightshirt and began to slowly unbutton it. Zoisite gently nudged his hand away.

"S-sorry... I..." he began.

"No," Kunzite whispered, taking Zoisite's hand in his, "You did nothing wrong."

Smiling wistfully, Zoisite snuggled into Kunzite's arms and drifted off to sleep, feeling happier than he had felt in a long time despite the bittersweet reunion.

* * * * * * * *

Later, as they both lay under the soft white covers, the silver-haired Earth lord watched as his lover slept and listened to his breathing. Sometimes Zoisite would let out a soft cry, and Kunzite patted and stroked his head, trying to comfort the young man and help him chase away whatever monsters were disturbing his sleep.

At one point, he could hear Zoisite mumble, "Ugly... I'm... ugly..."

"No," Kunzite whispered, "You are beautiful."

He gave the young man a tender kiss on the forehead, before succumbing to sleep as well.