Thorny Roses

Chapter 10

Usagi's eyes fluttered open, feeling something warm beneath her. She looked down at Mamoru's sleeping face. She grinned when she realized what they had done last night, but that grin quickly faded when she realized that she wasn't taking any birth pills.

She quickly looked down at Mamoru's member, seeing that he had slipped on a condom. She smiled in confusion, trying to remember when he had put it on. Usagi turned her stare onto Mamoru's face, examining his beautiful features. His thick eyebrows and sharp jaw line made her stomach quiver. His straight nose led to his full lips, slightly parted. Usagi couldn't stop herself from kissing him gently on the lips. He moaned against her lips.

"Come on, sleepy head," she murmured, smiling as he wrapped his arms around her. "Wake up…"

Mamoru only hummed in response. Usagi huffed, pouting. Suddenly, an idea came to her mind. She let one of her hands slide down his chest, all the way to his member. She slipped off the condom, throwing it out of the bed and onto the floor. Her hand went back to his member and began to stroke its length. She wrapped her hand around it and slowly squeezed.

Mamoru's eyes flew open in surprise. He looked into Usagi's eyes with lust. She giggled as she squeezed again. He closed his eyes, wincing as a moan escaped his mouth. She kept squeezing and rubbing until his juices had emptied. He fell back on the pillows from his half-sitting position, his body covered in a layer of sweat. Usagi kissed him, smiling against his mouth.

She pulled off the blanket, moving to get out of the bed. However, Mamoru grabbed her wrist to keep her from moving away.

"Where are you going?" He asked.

"I don't know about you," Usagi smirked. "But I could use another shower."

Mamoru grimaced. He could use a shower too, but the selfish and childish part of him wanted Usagi to stay in bed with him. That way, he could remind himself that last night hadn't been a dream.

Usagi laughed. "Then why don't you just join me?" Mamoru's eyebrows shot up in surprise before he jumped out of the bed, picking her up bridal style. He carried her to the shower, ignoring her squeals of protest.

They spent a good hour in the shower, exploring each other and growing more intimate. They both felt that they had become one. Usagi was also sure that, if it weren't Mamoru, she would never have sex before she was married. But something in her heart told her that her life wouldn't be complete unless it was Mamoru waiting for her at the end of the aisle.

When they got out of the shower, Mamoru put on what he had worn the night before while Usagi put on fresh clothes. She leaned on him as he led her to the breakfast table. To her dismay, she still felt a little weak from her injuries and having sex wasn't the best way to let her heal.

"I'm cooking breakfast," Mamoru smiled. She grinned back, happy that she wouldn't have to move around too much.

"Hmm…what's on the menu?" Usagi giggled.

"Whatever you want, Princess," Mamoru answered.

"Ha, princess…princess…AH!" She shouted in surprise. "What happened to Chibiusa?"

"Don't worry, Kunzite and Minako dropped her off at home," Mamoru replied as he dug through her refrigerator.

"Oh, that's a relief," Usagi sighed, slumping against the kotatsu table. In the end, Mamoru prepared a large tendon donburi, a bowl of steamed rice topped with tempura shrimp and vegetables. Mamoru had also drizzled sweet chili dipping sauce over the dish. He handed her a pair of chopsticks and they both began eating from the large bowl, occasionally feeding each other.

When the bowl was licked clean, they sat on the balcony, watching the sunrise over Tokyo Bay. After the sun had completely risen, they both knew that it was time for Mamoru to leave. Neither wanted to leave the others presence, but it was necessary.

"I'll come back later," Mamoru whispered, his forehead against Usagi's as he held her in a tight embrace.

"You better," Usagi muttered against his lips. After a final kiss, Mamoru left. Usagi felt a part of heart go with him.

"Well! I better get to work!" Usagi sighed. She set off towards the bedroom, making her way carefully as to not overexert herself. She ripped off the sheets from the bed, carrying them to the washing machine in the kitchen utility closet. After that, she replaced the sheets on the bed and lit a candle in the room.

Usagi decided to clean the bathroom and kitchen, as well as the dining room. When she finally finished, she collapsed on the couch, hoping for a little break.

Ding dong!

Usagi groaned in frustration, wondering who could be at the door.

She opened the door, revealing the Senshi and Chibiusa, along with LunaP floating above their heads. They stood at the door, agape at Usagi's completely healed form.

"Usagi? How did you heal yourself?" Rei gasped.

"Is it another one of your powers?" Ami wondered.

"No, last night, Mamoru was able to access his Endymion powers and he healed me," Usagi smiled, proud of Mamoru.

"Wow," Minako breathed.

"That's amazing," Makoto commented. "I had no idea Chiba was so powerful."

"Oh! By the way," Ami said, blushing lightly. "We brought you a gift."

"A 'welcome home' gift," Makoto smiled.

Rei reached out from behind her, handing a medium-sized, rectangular, wrapped box. It had a giant white bow on it with a little tag that said, 'Welcome Home, Usagi'. Usagi felt tears come to her eyes.

"Open it!" Minako squealed, excited to see Usagi's reaction.

Usagi carefully ripped open the wrapping, revealing a scrapbook. Usagi made eye contact with each of the girls before opening the book.

(A/N: The pictures are on my profile! Check them out!)

The first page had three large pictures of the Senshi with Usagi. One was taken of them at the beach making funny faces. Another had them in kimonos for a holiday festival and the third picture was of them in their school outfits.

Usagi flipped to the next page.

It was mainly pictures of her and Chibiusa. The first picture was of Usagi with her arm around Chibiusa's neck while they are both laughing. The second pictures shows Usagi carrying Chibiusa but the picture was taken from behind Usagi, showing Chibiusa's laughing face. The next picture was of them two in kimonos while the fourth picture was Chibiusa by herself while she was carrying Luna P and holding white roses. The last picture warmed Usagi's heart the most: it was of all the Senshi, Usagi, and Chibiusa. Usagi laughed, a tear escaping from her eye. She flipped to the next page.

Usagi felt her heart stop. The first picture was of her and Mamoru, looking into each other's eyes as he held her. In the next picture, Usagi was leaning over and kissing Mamoru on the head while he tried to read a book. She laughed at his flustered expression. The third picture was during a Christmas party. Usagi remembered how angry Mamoru had been at Minako when she had eavesdropped on their personal moment and taken a picture. The fourth picture was also a kiss in front of a sunset, while they were at the park. The next picture was of Mamoru, Usagi, and Chibiusa while they were in Mamoru's red car. In the next picture, Mamoru and Usagi were swinging Chibiusa between them while she was laughing with a wide grin on her face. The last picture was of the Senshi, Chibiusa and Mamoru at a festival, dressed in festival clothing.

Usagi eagerly flipped the page, hoping to see more pictures. However, she was disappointed to see that the next few pages were blank.

"So you can put more pictures in," Ami informed.

"Thanks, you guys," Usagi smiled. "This means a lot."

"We're reminding you of all the good times we've had so you'll never leave again," Chibiusa smiled.

Usagi let the Senshi in and picked up Chibiusa, strangely glad to have her in her arms. "I will never leave again, okay?" Usagi asked, smiling. "Now, were you a good girl for Kunzite and Minako-chan, Chibiusa?"

Chibiusa nodded seriously while LunaP bounced along with her. "Yes, I have. I went straight home after you collapsed and Mamo-chan took you home. Then, when I was eating dinner, I ate all of my vegetables," she proudly informed.

"Wow, Chibiusa! I am so proud of you," Usagi laughed, hugging the girl closer. "So proud that I've prepared a little gift for you!"

"Yay! Really? Can I have it now?" Chibiusa bounced up and down in excitement. Usagi laughed, reaching into her back pocket and pulling out two tickets. "They're tickets to the new amusement park that just opened. I thought that we could go together and check out all the new rides," Usagi smiled.

"Oh my gosh! This is so cool!" She wrapped her arms around Usagi's neck, hugging her tightly. "Thank you, Usagi! This is the best thing ever!"

Usagi laughed again, putting Chibiusa gently on the ground. Usagi joined the girls in the living room while Chibiusa wandered around the apartment, exploring with LunaP.

"And then," Minako continued the story. "He had the nerve to ask me out on a date right after I said he was a pig for cheating on his girlfriend. Sweet Venus, you should have seen the look on his face when his girlfriend caught him with another girl."

Makoto laughed. "Serves him right. I hate guys who cheat."

"I've never really seen the point of cheating," Ami commented.

"That's just it," Rei interjected. "There isn't."

"Yes, there is, it's just selfish," Usagi said. "People cheat when they want two people at once but can't bear to let one of them go. They kind of want—"

"The best of both worlds," Ami finished.

Usagi nodded. "Exactly. Like I said, it's really selfish."

"Usagi?" Chibiusa called from the bedroom.

"Yes, sweet pea?" Usagi called back.

"What's that?"

"What's what?"

"That!"

Usagi sighed, standing up. "I'll be right back." She walked towards the bedroom, seeing Chibiusa pointing at something on the ground.

Usagi felt the blood train from her when she saw what Chibiusa was pointing at: a used condom.

In her head, Usagi was cursing herself for missing it when she was cleaning. On the outside however, she had put on a fake smile. LunaP was also frozen, as though it knew exactly what was on the ground.

"Well…you see…that is—" Usagi tried to explain.

"What's wrong?" Makoto said from behind her. Makoto's gaze followed Chibiusa's point to the condom, her jaw dropping to the ground.

"Is that what I think it is?" She yelled.

"What? What? What is it?" Chibiusa cried out in frustration.

"I-I can explain—" Usagi began.

"Hey, why are you guys screaming?" Minako said, followed by Ami and Rei. Usagi watched as all three of their gazes fell on the condom.

"Oh my god!" Minako gasped.

"USAGI! I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS!" Rei screamed.

Ami could only cover her mouth, her entire face turning a dark red color.

Usagi could only groan, covering her eyes as her own face began heating up.

"I don't understand! What is that thing?" Chibiusa yelled.

"Um, well, you see, Chibiusa," Minako began. "When a man and a woman love each other—"

Usagi's hand clamped down on Minako's mouth.

"We are not telling her that," Rei growled.

"It's just a…toy," Ami said. "A toy for adults."

The Senshi looked at her in shock before bursting into laughter and falling to the ground. Even Usagi had to laugh as Ami registered what she had said.

"Oh," Chibiusa said. "You guys are weird." She ran off into the living room, LunaP following after.

"Oh my god," Makoto laughed, clutching her stomach. "I can't believe you said that, Ami."

"Well, we had to say something," Ami blushed.

"But that was absolutely hilarious," Rei shook her head, laughing.

Usagi became serious. "But seriously: we will never speak of this EVER. That is an order." Usagi stared pointedly at each of them before picking herself up off the ground, grabbing the condom, and walking out of the room.

Each of the Senshi stared after their leader, amazed.

"She really changed, huh," Makoto said.

"I still can't believe she and Mamoru did it," Rei huffed, crossing her arms.

"Hey, at least they used a condom," Minako smirked. Rei rolled her eyes.

In the kitchen, Usagi threw out the condom, a blush on her face. "It's just my luck," she muttered.

A few hours later, the Senshi decided to leave while Usagi planned on taking Chibiusa to the amusement park. Usagi changed into a mint green babydoll blouse and a pair of white Capris. She paired the outfit with a light pink bolero jacket and pink and green Toms shoes.

Usagi and Chibiusa walked to the bus station and waited for the bus that would take them to Super Land. When they arrived at the gate to the amusement park, Chibiusa was grinning in awe.

Usagi and Chibiusa spent a good four hours riding the roller coasters and the different rides. Chibiusa especially enjoyed the flying chair ride and the carousel. They rode the carousel three times in a row, Usagi on a giant rabbit and Chibiusa on a Pegasus. Usagi and Chibiusa made sure to indulge on all of their favorite sweets, including cotton candy and caramelized popcorn.

The entire time, Usagi felt as though this was natural—it felt so right. It felt natural when she was holding Chibiusa's hand, when she was petting her hair, laughing with her, or wiping food from her face.

Usagi couldn't explain this feeling, but she most certainly liked it.

…

Rubeus found Koan sitting in the Ayakashi Sisters' room, crying alone. Her sisters had berated her and mocked her for failing the last mission. He sighed. It broke his heart to see her like this. Nonetheless, he hardened himself, sitting down beside her on the bench.

She looked at him but quickly looked away.

"I failed. I'm useless and I can't do anything right. I'm a failure," she cried. I don't even deserve to look him in the eye.

"True," Rubeus said. Koan felt her heart break even further.

"But you're my failure," Rubeus murmured against her hair. Koan looked up at him in surprise before hugging him and crying against his shirt. Rubeus smiled, wrapping his arms around her. As her superior, he should have berated her, as well. However, he just couldn't bring himself to do so.

Rubeus stiffened when he felt her press her small lips to his neck.

"Thank you," she whispered. She stood up, determined. "I won't let you down this time."

Rubeus grabbed her wrist. "Berthier is going to take this one."

Koan's face fell. Rubeus pulled her into his embrace, lifting her chin. "Don't be upset. It gives us more time to do this."

To her surprise, Rubeus lifted Koan up, causing her to wrap her legs around his waist. He kissed her, feeling her smile against his lips as he teleported them to his bedroom.

In another part of the dark crystal ship, Diamond lounged in his throne, for once, not drinking. He gripped the armrests in anger, his knuckles white. He had watched the battle with the last Yuma against the Senshi and Shitennou. He had been incredibly furious as he watched the mere mortal boys attack his Queen but nothing compared to his anger when he watched Endymion take her home. His blood had literally boiled and he had crushed his wine glass in his fist. He had continued watching them, only stopping right after Serenity had pulled Endymion onto the bed. The jealousy he felt caused him to see a darker red than his wine.

Diamond felt a hand trail along his arm. He looked up at Emerald's face, a blank expression on his own.

"Diamond, my King," she purred, lust in her eyes. "What could have possibly made you this angry?"

Diamond's eyes narrowed. Emerald knew the reason he was upset, but what made matters worse was that he knew that she knew. Emerald ignored Diamond's signs of irritation and bent down to nibble on his ear. Diamond felt his body stiffening with arousal.

Diamond, without guilt, had used Emerald for his needs before. Though he knew Sapphire was disgusted by his shamelessness, he couldn't stop. No one else would throw herself at him so willingly. Besides, all he had to was imagine it was Serenity in his bed beside him.

Emerald knew he was using her, as well. However, she couldn't keep herself from going back to him over and over again. She kept hoping that one day, Diamond would wake up and realize that they were meant for each other. But time after time, after every harsh, brutal session, he would walk away as if it meant nothing. She smiled as Diamond pulled her onto his lap, attacking her neck. Her hand landed on his groin, squeezing a groan out of him.

"See?" She whispered. "I can do things to you that that idiotic Neo-Queen bitch can't."

Emerald knew she said the wrong thing when Diamond suddenly froze. He slowly removed himself from her neck. In a swift move, he pushed her off of him, watching her fall to the ground and roll down the steps leading to the throne. She sat up, clutching her shoulder. He stalked towards her, bending down to her level.

"Don't," Diamond threatened. "Don't you dare speak of the Queen in that manner." He pulled back his hand and backhanded Emerald, causing her to fall to the ground with a shriek. He walked out of the throne room, leaving Emerald crying silently.

…

Usagi and Chibiusa, unaware of the dark events going on in the Black Moon Clan, sat in the Ferris wheel, staring out the windows at the scenery. The sun was setting and the amusement park lights began turning on. Usagi watched as Chibiusa gasped in amazement at the view, both hands on the glass window.

Usagi smiled softly at the large grin on Chibiusa's face. Nothing is better than this, Usagi thought. But then, flashbacks of last night came to the front of her mind. Usagi's face heated up. Well, some things come close.

Suddenly, the Ferris wheel froze, with Chibiusa and Usagi at the top. The lights flickered off.

"What's going on?" Chibiusa said, scared. She scrambled into Usagi's arms.

A voice on the loudspeaker came on: "It appears we are having…um…technical difficulties. Please wait—"

The voice was cut off by a scream in the background. "YUMA! RUN!" An inhuman roar resounded all over the park. Chibiusa cowered in fear.

Usagi stood up, determined. "Chibiusa, stay here no matter what!" Chibiusa nodded. Usagi kicked the window of the Ferris wheel booth, breaking the glass. Chibiusa gulped as she watched the glass shards fall hundreds of feet to the ground.

Usagi, however, reached through the window and opened the door of the booth, fear vacant from her expression. The metal door swung open, the wind slightly blowing against it. Usagi took a deep breath. She turned around, smiling at Chibiusa.

"Everything is going to be okay," Usagi smiled. She turned back around and jumped out of the booth.

Usagi allowed herself to fall for a few more feet as the ground rushed up to meet her. As the wind rushed past her, she yelled:

"MOON LIGHT POWER, MAKE UP!"

Sorry it took so long but I promise I'll get this to you faster!

Love,

Pegasus'Horn