Rescue Me Chapter 11: Motherhood, a sailor moon fanfic

Rescue Me

By: ShadowQueenGalactica

Disclaimer: I do not own anything affiliated with Sailor Moon. I do not own the rights to any of the songs related/affiliated to Sailor Moon.

::::PLEASE READ::::

Author's Notes: Hello, all! Thanks so much for reading Rescue Me. This story is going to contain MATURE CONTENT, so I highly advise if the following makes you uncomfortable, please do not read Rescue Me. I have been sitting on this one for a couple of years and hesitated on writing it due to the nature of the topic. That is why I am advising readers of the Mature Content if you are uncomfortable in any way reading this, DON'T read this story.

*- Chapter 11 Note/Warnings: No content warnings, enjoy! -*

-There is going to be rape/mention of rape throughout this story (some graphic scenes, abuse, and torture) I will try to make these scenes as short and brief as possible. These topics are not suitable for younger readers. You've been warned. I will try to warn the readers ahead of time if there will be graphic scenes.

If you're alright with this, then happy reading, if not, no worries, I will see you in the next story! This chapter isn't very long, my apologies in advance.

Sorry for the delay!

This is a filler chapter, so part of the reason for the delay! I STRUGGLE with writing these for some reason, lol. I also was having some issues with FFN not wanting to connect over the weekend, I kept receiving this annoying error message. So thankfully it cooperated long enough for me to post the chapter! :)

Review Replies: THANKS AGAIN! :)

Jsanyaz: You know me so well...lol. I hope you enjoy the chapter, this one is more of a filler, the next chapter will be much better.

Astraearose-silvermoon: You'll be finding out the results in this chapter. :)

Sodasgirl1: We're going to be seeing some more of Ren's mom this chapter, that was only the tip of the iceberg.

TropicalRemix: Lol, I couldn't resist! I just had to give him some bad luck lol. xD

Oracle Sybil: We will be seeing some more of mom and lawyer this chapter. Warning, lots of Mamoru/Usagi moments ahead lol. Sorry! xDD

Ilonanoda: Oh my goodness, that's so terrible. I cannot imagine what that poor girl's family must have gone through. That's so tragic and sad! :*(

SaphireShimmer: Yes, I had varied results when I did my search. For the sake of the story, that's the reason I went with the direction I took. Next chapter, there's going to be some things that probably wouldn't((hopefully)) be very realistic, but for the sake of the story, we'll have to overlook those lol.

Guest: We will have to wait and see what happens...

Ilonanoda: Lol, no you're not a bad person for thinking that, I think most of us are thinking that! xDD

BunnyxMamoru: Thank you so much for all your reviews! We will be finding out the fate of Usagi/baby next chapter. This chapter is more of a filler chapter just some Usa/Mamo moments. Thanks again! :)

I appreciate you all so much for taking the time to leave a review! I hope you enjoy the chapter!

::Chapter 11: Motherhood::

(Two Days Later)

Groggily walking into the kitchen, Mamoru stopped in the doorway smiling with amusement as he silently leaned against the doorway watching as Usagi flitted around the kitchen holding Hiro in one arm as she opened the cabinet door lowering a plate and an empty glass as she prepared to make herself some breakfast. "Do you want me to hold him?" He chuckled, watching the blonde immediately turn and smile at him.

"I'm sorry, Mamo-chan, did I wake you?" Usagi worriedly asked, smiling as Mamoru walked into the kitchen silently stopping in front of her as he reached her. Feeling his lips gently press against hers, she blushed as their lips slowly parted.

"No." Mamoru responded with a smile. "You didn't wake me, Usako."

"Good, I was trying to be quiet." Usagi responded with a relieved sigh. "Fussy pants here, woke me up at five o'clock this morning. I've been trying to keep him in my room, so you could sleep, but I'm hungry." She pouted,

Chuckling at her comment, Mamoru motioned towards the table as he walked towards the fridge. "I'll make us some breakfast, sit down and take it easy."

"I'm not fragile, Mamo-chan." Usagi protested with an amused laugh. "I'm feeling fine, I'm just sore, that's all." She responded wanting to reassure her boyfriend she was capable of taking care of herself.

"I know you're not fragile, Usako. I'm just wanting to make my girlfriend breakfast, that's all." Mamoru said with a small smile as he opened the fridge to remove some eggs. "Is toast and scrambled eggs alright."

"Yes, sounds perfect." Usagi happily responded with a grateful smile. Watching Mamoru smile back in response, she silently watched as he prepared to make them some breakfast. "Mama and papa will be here soon for one last visit. They're returning to Tokyo after lunch, Papa has to return to work tomorrow." She stated, glancing down when she felt a gentle tug against her hair. Noticing Hiro had a tight grip on one of her pigtails, she smiled as her son looked at her hair with fascination. "Did you find mama's hair?" She cooed, watching his tiny hand release her hair and make its way towards his mouth. Gently laughing as he suckled his hand, she watched as a soft fuss escaped his lips in response to his need not being met.

"Is he hungry?" Mamoru asked, glancing back at his girlfriend when hearing the soft fuss sound from Hiro.

"I think so." Usagi responded as she stood, Hiro, carefully cradled in her arms. "I'll be back, I'm going to my bedroom to feed him." She said, watching Mamoru nod as she quietly left the kitchen.

Glancing back as she left the kitchen, Mamoru smiled at the air of maturity that surrounded the blonde as she went to tend to her child. 'She's so different now that the baby is here.' He thought, smiling at how protective and nurturing she was towards the tiny infant. 'Perhaps one day, we can give Hiro a little brother or sister.' He thought, then immediately blushed at the intimate thought quickly putting his full focus on preparing breakfast. 'I can't believe you just thought that!' His mind chastised him as he blushed more.

(Meanwhile at Tokyo Correctional Facility)

Watching his attorney walk into the empty library, Ren lowered the book he was reading and smiled as Akuma quietly sat in front of him. "Do you have the results?" He nervously asked, watching Akuma nod as he rested a file folder in front of him.

"You have a son, Kashikoi-san." Akuma calmly responded, watching tears immediately shine in Ren's eyes. "The results of the paternity test are in the file folder, I'll be taking this to your mother since you're unable to keep the documents here." He explained, watching the blonde tearfully nod his head before he spoke.

"A son." Ren softly spoke, a small smile gracing his lips as he tearfully chuckled. "What?" He asked, pausing to hide the waver in his voice. "Do you know what his name is?" He tearfully asked, watching Akuma sit across from him and open the file before removing a sheet of paper.

"Tsukino Katashi Hiro." Akuma responded, looking up from the document to the blonde's jaw tightly clenching.

"Isn't that the investigator's name?" Ren asked, angered that his son was named after the one who had arrested him.

"Yes, Keisa Hiro." Akuma responded with a chuckle, noticing his client was not pleased with the choice of name. "I brought the documentation for you to sign that will provide your name on the birth certificate." He explained while placing a document in front of Ren. Placing a pen atop of the paper, he watched Ren lift the pen and place his signature. "Have you thought about what we discussed over the phone?"

"Yes." Ren responded with a nervous sigh. "I don't know if I can do it, Akuma-san." He stated while averting his gaze. Not noticing the annoyance and anger immediately flash in his lawyer's gaze, he looked up as he began to explain his reasoning. "I don't want to-"

"Your mother is insistent that you go forwards with the arrangement." Akuma abruptly interrupted the blonde, frowning when watching Ren hesitate a moment longer. "Ren-san." He sternly stated, watching the blonde abruptly look up at him, unshed tears shining in his eyes. "This is your son, we're talking about right now. He is your flesh and blood as well, you have every right to see him and be a part of his life."

"I know." Ren muttered, sighing out in exasperation. Burying his face in his hands with a deep sigh, he felt torn and undecided on the choices his mother and attorney were insistently pushing on him. "It's going to be two years before I see him. Perhaps if we wait until I'm released, by then, she may be willing to allow me to see-"

"By then it could be too late." Akuma urged, irritation and anger laced in his voice. Watching Ren immediately frown at the response, he sighed out while shaking his head in his frustration before pounding his fist against the table. "We need to act now." He sternly insisted, watching Ren's jaw clench once more under the pressure he was putting on his client.

"Will she still be able to see the baby?" Ren worriedly asked, watching the attorney scoff at his innocent question.

"If that's what you want, I personally would take away all rights." Akuma guffawed, with an arrogant smirk. "That's what your mother is insisting you-"

"I know what my mother wants." Ren snapped, softly exhaling out in frustration. "I don't feel comfortable taking away her rights from the baby, this is her child as well, our child. We should both have a say on what is right for his needs." He urged, burying his hands in his face as he exhaled out in frustration. 'I don't know what to do!' He desperately thought, wishing his mother and attorney would give him more time to make a decision.

"If you don't allow me to take her rights, Ren-san. There's a chance she will take away your rights and you will never see your son. Is that what you really want?" Akuma stressed, seeing he was gradually beginning to persuade his client once again. "Do you want to be in your son's life or not?" He bluntly asked, watching the blonde abruptly look at him in surprise.

"Of course I do!" Ren angrily snapped, angrily brushing a few stray tears from his cheeks. "There just has to be another way, a middle ground, where we can both be in our son's life."

"I'm afraid with the circumstances of how your son was conceived, we have to handle this situation with force." Akuma disagreed with a firm shake of his head. "We have to give everything we have in order for you to be given the opportunity to be a father to your child and be a part of your son's life." Akuma explained, watching Ren sigh out in frustration before burying his face in his hands.

Feeling overwhelmed, torn, and conflicted by the choices he was being forced into making, Ren shakily exhaled before shaking his head with defeat. "Fine." He softly stated, after a short moment of silence. "If it's the only way I can be in my son's life." He reluctantly agreed, before sighing out in defeat.

"It is, Ren-san." Akumi responded with a chuckle, as he removed a thick packet from his briefcase. "Let's begin all the necessary paperwork." He ushered his client with a smug smile. "If everything goes according to plan, your mother will have temporary guardianship over your son until you're released from your sentence." He stated as he began to point to the different areas where his client's signatures belonged. "Once you're released, you will be given sole custody of your child." He explained, then smirked before he continued. "Tsukino-san will lose all rights of the child unless she behaves and plays nice. Then we could always consider supervised visits if you still wish to include her in your son's life."

Nodding his head, Ren felt his stomach tightly twist as he began to place his signatures on the documentation. 'I'm sorry, little rabbit.' He guiltily thought, wishing there was another way his lawyer could provide them both guardianship for their son. 'I can't let you take him from me.' He desperately thought. 'I want to be in my son's life too.'

(Later That Afternoon)

Glancing down at the soft fuss, Mamoru smiled when noticing Hiro had managed to kick his blanket off him from the small bouncer he was sitting in. "What are you doing down there, little guy?" He chuckled, sliding from the couch and lifting the blanket from the floor.

Placing the blanket back over the infant's legs, he chuckled as another fuss escaped the infants lips. "You just ate, surely you're not hungry again." He teased, kneeling in front of the small infant. Gently brushing his finger against the infant's cheek, he chuckled as the infant turned his face towards his finger in an attempt to suckle his finger. "You definitely have your mama's appetite." He muttered, then smiled as he heard Usagi abrupt scoff at his comment.

"I've been eating for two, thank you very much." Usagi quipped as she entered the room holding a tray of tea.

"Yes, but what about before the baby, odango-atama." Mamoru teased, chuckling when his girlfriend scowled at his comment before sticking her tongue out at him.

"Watch it, or I will make you sleep on the couch tonight." Usagi threatened, smiling when Mamoru blushed at her comment. Pouring them both a cup of tea, she felt her cheeks grow hot as she kept her focus on pouring the hot cups of tea as she shyly spoke. "You know you don't have to keep moving to the couch when you fall asleep in my room." She said, her cheeks turning a similar shade to Mamoru's burning cheeks.

Glancing towards him to see his reaction to her comment, she nervously chewed her bottom lip seeing he'd tensed at her comment, his gaze lowered, focusing on the baby. Growing more nervous as the silence stretched, she suddenly wondered if she had crossed a line with her comment. "I-"

"I don't want to make you uncomfortable, Usako." Mamoru gently stated, keeping his gaze on the small infant, smiling as Hiro began to kick at the blanket once more. "Are you not able to make up your mind?" He teased, lifting and folding the blanket before resting it on the armrest of the couch. Hearing the infant fuss at his question, he pressed a small button on the bouncer smiling as a soft melody began to play, the seat instantly vibrating, soothing the infant of his soft fusses. "It's not that I don't want to, I just-" He said, abruptly pausing when seeing Usagi had moved closer to him. "Usako, I-"

Pressing her lips against Mamoru's as he spoke, Usagi felt him wrap his arm around her waist drawing her closer to him. Blushing as their lips parted, she smiled as he rested his forehead against hers both looking into one another's gaze. "Mamo-chan, I-"

"What the hell are you two doing, Usagi-baka?!" Yaten abruptly snapped, watching the couple immediately rip from one another's embrace. "Are you trying to scar this poor baby?!" She chastised, smirking as the blonde grew redder from the comment. "You're lucky it was me who caught you two and not Azumi-san." She teased with a sly grin, giggling with amusement as Mamoru blushed more at the comment.

"What are you doing here, Yaten-baka? I thought you had to work today?" Usagi snapped, glaring at her overly amused friend.

"I'm hurt." Yaten immediately responded, feigning hurt as she pouted. "I came all this way to check on my friend and nephew and this is the thanks that I get?" She huffed, crossing her arms across her chest. "How incredibly rude." She huffed.

"You live literally three blocks away. It wasn't that far of a drive." Usagi deadpanned in response, watching her friend immediately smile and giggle at her comment.

"Well, it's below freezing and you know how much I hate going out in the cold." Yaten pouted in response as she removed her light blue peacoat. Hanging the coat on the coat rack near the door, she slipped her shoes off as she eagerly made her way towards the baby. "I've been wanting to hold him all day!" She happily announced. Ignoring her friend as she walked past her and happily kneeled in front of the small infant. "Was your mama trying to emotionally scar you?" She cooed, snickering when her friend immediately scoffed at the comment.

"We weren't doing anything, Yaten-baka!" Usagi immediately retorted, growing more irritated at the smirk Yaten threw at her. "Ugh! You're so unbelievable!" She huffed, crossing her arms across her chest.

Trying to hide his smile at how much Usagi was getting worked up trying to defend them, Mamoru smiled as he rested his hand on her shoulder. "It's alright, Usako." He gently murmured into her ear, pressing his lips against her jaw. Feeling her immediately relax and melt against the gentle touch, he noticed Yaten roll her eyes before turning her full attention towards the baby once more. "Would you like some tea, Yaten-san?" He asked, motioning to the tray he and Usagi had abandoned. "I'll grab another cup."

"Yes, tea would be fine. Thank you, Mamoru-san." Yaten responded, then smiled over at her friend who was still standing near her. "Can I hold him, Usagi-chan?" She asked, watching her friend immediately smile and nod her head.

"Of course, Yaten-chan." Usagi responded, walking forward and kneeling beside her friend.

Noticing her friend wince in pain as she kneeled on the floor, Yaten gently touched her friend's shoulder, concern shining in her eyes. "I can get him, Usagi-chan. Go sit down and take it easy, you're still healing, baka."

"I'm fine, Yaten-chan." Usagi responded, smiling at her friend's concern. "Go ahead and sit, I'll bring him to you." She instructed, watching her friend reluctantly nod before standing and walking to the couch.

"I passed Minako-chan and Seiya-san on the way in." Yaten casually stated, watching her friend gently lift the small infant from the bouncer. "They said they're coming up to see the baby during their breaks."

"You've become Mr. Popularity, haven't you?" Usagi cooed in response to her son as she lifted him into her arms. Walking to the couch, she carefully rested the small bundle into her friend's waiting arms. "Mind his head." She reminded her friend, noticing her friend immediately smirk.

"Yes, Usagi-mama." Yaten teased, giggling when her friend glared at her in response. "I've got him, don't worry." She reassured her friend while drawing the infant closer into her embrace. "I would never hurt this precious little boy." She cooed, giggling as Hiro fussed in response. "How does it feel, being a mama?" She curiously asked, watching her friend look at her with surprise.

"It feels…" Usagi stated, hesitating a moment as she chewed on her bottom lip trying to think of the right words to explain what she was feeling. "It's a wonderful, but terrifying feeling." She said with a nervous smile. "Just knowing he's depending on me for everything, is such a scary feeling." She admitted, reaching out and stroking the top of his head. "I love him with all my heart." She said, tears shining in her eyes.

"You're such a good mama, Usagi-chan." Yaten responded, smiling up at her friend. "I guess reading all those boring books wasn't a waste of time." She teased, laughing when the blonde abruptly scowled at her comment.

"Sorry for the wait, I couldn't find a cup." Mamoru apologized as he entered the room. "Did you want-"

"Usagi-chan!" Minako happily squealed as the door abruptly burst open. "I'm finally on my break, so it's my turn to spoil the baby." She excitedly announced, quickly making her way towards the couch. Happily sitting between Usagi and Yaten, she softly sighed as she swooned over the small infant for a brief moment. "It's my turn, Yaten-baka. Let me hold him." She demanded while extending her arms out.

"No, I haven't had much time with him." Yaten snapped, glaring at the blonde.

"I only have fifteen minutes, let me hold him." Minako snapped back, as the two girls glared at one another.

"You can hold him later, I was here first." Yaten quipped in return, huffing as she turned her attention towards the infant. "Yes, you're going to love your Yaten-oba more than your Minako-oba." She cooed at the infant, smirking when she noticed Minako was seething at her comment.

Watching her friends begin to bicker over who was going to be the favorite aunt to her son, Usagi glanced over at Mamoru and noticed he was trying to hide his amusement.

"WAHHHHHHH...WAHH...WAHHHHH..."

"Look what you did baka!" Yaten snapped, glaring at Minako. "You made him cry!" She angrily accused the blonde.

"I did not, you're the one holding him!" Minako immediately quipped, glaring at the silver-haired girl in response. "You're the one who-"

"Let me have him." Usagi interrupted the two, raising and walking to where her son was pitifully crying. Lifting him into her arms, she gently raised him, resting him against her chest as she patted and stroked his back in a soothing motion. Smiling as his cries began to subside, she smiled as she gently kissed the top of his head. "Looks like he wanted his mama." She teased, watching her two friends immediately pout.

(Later That Evening)

Lying on his side, Mamoru smiled as he watched from Usagi's bed as she carefully placed the swaddled bundle into his bassinet. Smiling more when she turned and quietly walked towards the bed, he chuckled when she collapsed against her bed, her tired groan muffled from where her face was buried against her pillow.

"Get some rest, Usako." Mamoru stated, kissing the top of her head as he prepared to leave the bedroom to give his girlfriend some privacy.

"Wait, Mamo-chan." Usagi abruptly stated, feeling around and tightly grabbing onto the fabric of his shirt. Turning her head, she smiled as he returned to his position, lying next to her once more. "You don't have to go, will you stay with me?" She asked, her cheeks turning a soft pink as she blushed.

"Of course." Mamoru responded with a small smile. Resting his head against his arm like he always did, he silently watched as she positioned herself against him, her back pressed against him. Wrapping his other arm around her midsection, he chuckled lightly before speaking. "I've been so used to the baby taking up all that space, it feels strange wrapping my arm around you completely."

"Yes, it's strange not feeling him kicking or moving around anymore." Usagi softly responded, resting her hand on her stomach. Smiling as Mamoru laced his fingers through hers, she blushed as he rested his chin in the crook of her neck, his breath tickling her neck.

"I'm proud of you, Usako." Mamoru murmured, nuzzling his nose against her cheek. "You've endured so much and you've remained so strong through everything. I don't know if I could ever be as strong as you." He stated, watching tears shine in her eyes as their gazes met.

"I had to be for him." Usagi softly stated, turning her gaze towards the bassinet. Feeling Mamoru brush her stray tears away with his thumb, she tearfully smiled as she turned her gaze towards his once more. "I love you, Mamo-chan."

"Not as much as I love you, Usako." Mamoru responded, smiling as her hand gently caressed his cheek.

"I'm scared." Usagi softly stated, fresh tears welling in her eyes.

"Why?" Mamoru worriedly asked, brushing the stray tears from her cheeks. "Something doesn't feel right, Mamo-chan." She responded, her voice wavering as she spoke. "Why?" She asked, her voice cracking. "Why does he care if the baby is his or not?" She asked, shaking her head as she turned her worried gaze towards her sleeping son. "I won't let him-"

"Nothing's going to happen, Usako." Mamoru urged, cupping her chin and turning her gaze towards him once more. "Look at me, my love." He ushered, watching her reluctantly tear her gaze from the bassinet. "We won't let anything happen to him, I promise."

"I couldn't even protect him from getting his blood taken." Usagi tearfully argued, shakily exhaling as tears streaked her cheeks. Turning into his embrace, she buried her face against his chest as she quietly cried. "I'm so scared, what if he wants to take the baby?" She asked, clinging to Mamoru as her small frame shook with tears.

"Usako, he's in prison." Mamoru urged, drawing her closer into his embrace. "He's not going to hurt you-"

"I don't care about me." Usagi snapped, tightening her grip on Mamoru's shirt, while tightly closing her eyes. Shaking her head to clear the horrible things she'd endured during her abduction from the two high schoolers, she shakily exhaled, trying to steady her voice as she spoke. "I just want to keep my baby safe." She desperately stated.

"We will, we'll keep him safe, I promise." Mamoru assured the blonde, gently stroking her hair as he gently kissed her forehead. "Get some sleep, my love, you're exhausted." He urged, knowing the baby would be awake and ready for his next feeding within a few short hours.

Unable to rid her mind of all her worries and the frantic thoughts that raced in her mind, Usagi shakily exhaled as she closed her eyes trying to silence the terrifying thoughts that had been plaguing her the moment the pompous lawyer had left her hospital room. 'Mamo-chan is right.' She stubbornly chastised her mind. 'He's in prison, there's no way he can take Hiro from me.' She thought as she felt her body begin to ease as she soon gave in to her exhaustion.

Noticing Usagi's tension gradually ease, Mamoru smiled in relief when hearing the blonde's soft snores muffled against his chest. Gently chuckling, he pressed his lips atop of her head, before settling closer to her. "Goodnight, my love." He tiredly murmured, soon drifting into a peaceful slumber.

(Four Days Later)

"Mamo-chan, you stay here, I'll go get them." Usagi stubbornly argued, pouting as she watched her boyfriend slip his jacket on.

"You and the baby are not going outside, Usako, it's too cold." Mamoru stubbornly responded. "There's a supermarket, just a couple blocks away." He said chuckling at how cute she looked at that moment trying to give him a stern, stubborn look.

Resting Hiro into his bouncer, Usagi walked to where Mamoru was standing at the door. "Don't go anywhere." She sternly stated, raising her brow at him before turning and hurrying the direction of the kitchen. Hearing his chuckle as she exited the room, she smiled as she quickly walked to the counter where her purse was still resting. Opening her purse, she rummaged around before removing her wallet and slipping her debit card from the wallet.

Tossing the wallet onto the counter, she turned and quickly walked to where her boyfriend was standing, patiently awaiting her return. "Here's my card, Mamo-chan. Will you get Hiro a package of diapers and some wipes please." She requested, standing on her tiptoes planting a kiss against his cheek. "Thank you."

"Anything for you, Usako." Mamoru responded, turning his head and stealing a kiss from her lips. "I'll be back soon, do you need anything else?"

"No, and thank you again, Mamo-chan." Usagi answered, smiling as his hand gently caressed her cheek. Watching him place a scarf she bought him around his neck, she quietly watched as he slipped her card into his jacket pocket before removing leather gloves.

"I'm going to miss you when you go home." Usagi pouted, smiling as he cupped her chin tilting her gaze up towards his.

"I have another week off, Usako. Do you want to stay in Tokyo next week?" Mamoru asked while slipping his gloves on his hands. "We can spend time together and I'm sure Motoki-chan would love to see you and meet the baby." Mamoru suggested, watching her smile falter at the question.

"I don't think the baby is ready for that long of a trip." Usagi responded, watching Mamoru smile with understanding.

"I can stay here another week if it's alright with Azumi-san." Mamoru offered, chuckling when she brightened at the offer, squealing in excitement as she happily embraced him. Chuckling at her reaction, he leaned in pressing his lips gently against hers once more. "I'll stay then." He murmured as their lips parted. "I'll need to pick up a few things while I'm out though."

"Thank you, Mamo-chan." Usagi happily stated, excitedly wrapping her arms around him once more.

"Usako, I-" Mamoru stated before he was abruptly interrupted by Hiro's cries.

"I'll see you when you get back, love you, Mamo-chan." Usagi responded as she quickly gave Mamoru a peck against the lips before turning and hurrying towards her son.

Softly exhaling in frustration from the interruption as he exited the apartment, Mamoru frowned as he thought of all the interruptions he and Usagi were constantly dealing with since the birth of the baby. 'It's either Hiro needing attention or one of the girls coming up here during their breaks.' He thought with irritation, wondering if this was the way it would always be. 'I understand Hiro is going to need constant attention, he's a baby for crying out loud!' His mind chastised as he trudged down the stairwell door. 'The girls though, do they not understand how difficult this long-distance relationship is for Usako and I? We need this time together, we need-'

"Hi, Mamoru-san." Makoto happily greeted as she opened the stairwell door holding a plate. "Is Usagi-chan awake? I made her-"

"She's awake." Mamoru muttered, not noticing the surprised look from Makoto as he passed her entering the kitchen and walking towards the door the staff used.

"Alright, thanks Mamoru-san." Makoto stated, worriedly glancing back at the older teen with concern wondering what could be the cause of his distant behavior. 'I've never seen him like this.' She worriedly thought, then gasped. 'I wonder if they had an argument?' She worriedly thought, suddenly worried as she turned her head and spoke. "Taiki-chan, I'll be right back." She called over her shoulder, quickly making her way up the stairs.

Releasing a tired huff, Minako softly exhaled with a pout noticing Seiya was busy waiting tables along with the other two servers who were too busy at the moment to chat. 'I wish Usagi-chan was back from maternity leave already.' She thought with a sulk, missing their idle conversations between escorting customers to their tables.

Straightening the menus that rested on the counter, she glanced around and smiled noticing Nao and Tomio flirting with two elderly ladies seated near them. Giggling as she watched one of the ladies blush at something Nao said, she shook her head with amusement not wanting to know what the two mischievous men were up to. 'I wonder what they were like when they were younger?' She curiously thought with a smile. 'Are their grandson's just as bold and mischievous as them?' She wondered with a sly smile.

Snapped from her thoughts as someone passed the counter, Minako turned her head and smiled when noticing Mamoru walk past her unnoticed. "Where are you heading off too, Mamoru-san?" She curiously asked, watching Mamoru glance back at her before stopping.

"I don't have time to talk, Minako-san." Mamoru politely responded. "I need to pick up some things for the baby."

"Will you be gone long?" Minako asked, tilting her head with a smile. "I can go up and keep Usagi-chan and the baby comp-"

"They're fine, Minako-chan." Mamoru abruptly interrupted the blonde, running his hand through his hair in frustration. "Have any of you thought for a moment, or put into consideration that Usako might need a break from the constant visits?" He snapped, not allowing the blonde to respond as he continued to speak. "Instead, you're all constantly up there fussing and arguing over the baby. I've lost count of the number of times Hiro's been woken from a nap because none of you can show any courtesy and allow that poor baby or Usagi to get some rest. She's exhausted, Minako-san. She gets two or three hours of sleep before the baby wakes her for his feeding during the night."

Taken aback by the sudden and unexpected scolding she was receiving, Minako stood in stunned silence allowing Mamoru to get everything off his chest before she attempted to speak. "I- I knew she was tired, Mamoru-san." She guiltily stated, lowering her gaze for a moment before looking up and speaking once more. "I didn't realize how little sleep she was actually getting, Mamoru-san, I'm sorry."

"I don't have much time left to spend with them." Mamoru responded instead, sighing out in frustration. "I'm trying to step in and help Usako as much as I can while I can be here for her and the baby." He said, hesitating for a moment. "It's just the constant interruptions, I-"

"I'll talk to the others and we'll start limiting our visits during our breaks." Minako abruptly interrupted, softly sighing in dismay. "I'm sorry, Mamoru-san. We didn't mean to be a bother-"

"You're not a bother, Minako-san. Just give Usako a few days to catch up on her rest then you all can start visiting as much as you want again." He insisted, watching the blonde nod in silent agreement. "Thank you." He graciously stated, silently turning and walking towards the door once more.

Noticing a petite woman with long blonde hair, wearing a black double-breasted pea coat approaching the door at the same time as him, Mamoru politely smiled as he opened the door. Raising his brow in surprise as the woman gave him a cold glare as she entered the cafe, he was unnerved by the cold look in her gaze as she passed him without a second glance back or give him any acknowledgment for holding the door open.

Shaking his head in annoyance and frustration, Mamoru softly exhaled as he released his hold on the door as he stepped out into cold, frigid air. Pulling his jacket closer against him to shield him from a harsh gust of wind, he glanced up at the gray sky wondering if it would snow. 'I should apologize to Makoto-san, I shouldn't have snapped at her like that.' He guiltily thought, hoping the short trip to the supermarket would help clear his mind.

Turning at the sound of the door opening, Usagi briefly smiled at Makoto as she continued to gently rock Hiro who was unhappily wailing. "Shh...shh...baby, it's alright." She gently cooed, rubbing his back as he continued to pitifully cry.

"Is he alright?" Makoto worriedly asked, setting the plate onto the coffee table as she walked towards her friend.

"I think it's gas, he hasn't burped yet." Usagi responded with a frown as she gently continued her pats trying to relieve her son of his discomfort.

"Poor guy." Makoto responded, gently stroking the back of his head. "I brought you some breakfast." She said with a wink. "I remember you saying how much you liked the french toast I made last time."

"You're the best, Mako-chan." Usagi happily stated, smiling up at her tall friend. "Thank you so much, I'll eat as soon as I can get him calmed down."

"Do you want me to try?" Makoto offered, watching her friend politely smile before shaking her head.

"No, I can't keep you from the kitchen. I'm sure you three are busy down there." Usagi responded watching her friend smile.

"We have been pretty busy all morning." Makoto said with a gentle laugh. "Alright, well if you need anything else, let me know, Usagi-chan."

"I will, thank you." Usagi responded, then sighed in relief as Hiro released a small burp. "There it is, thank goodness!" She sighed in relief, gently kissing his forehead. "Do you feel better now?" She cooed, then groaned as he spit-up on her shoulder. "Ugh, Hiro!" She whined, dropping her head down in dismay. "Come on, mama needs to change again." She muttered, then stopped when Makoto addressed her.

"Usagi-chan." Makoto nervously asked, watching her friend abruptly turn and look at her.

"Yes, Mako-chan?" Usagi happily asked.

"Is everything alright with you and Mamoru-san?" Makoto worriedly asked, noticing her friend tilt her head and look at her in confusion.

"Yes...why?" Usagi trailed, perplexed by the sudden question.

"It's just, well he seemed stressed about something when I passed him in the stairway." Makoto explained with a nervous laugh.

"Did he?" Usagi worriedly asked with a frown. "I'll ask him when he gets back. He may just be tired, Hiro woke us both up this morning around three." She explained with a frown.

"That could explain things." Makoto responded with an understanding smile. "Alright, I just wanted to make sure you two were alright."

"We're fine." Usagi responded with a smile. "Thanks again for the breakfast." She called out as her friend exited the apartment.

"Your welcome, later Usagi-chan." Makoto called over her shoulder before quietly pulling the door shut.

Watching a well-dressed woman enter the cafe, Minako was surprised at the cold look she gave Mamoru when he opened the door. Giving Mamoru a sympathetic look as he glanced at her with disbelief, she smiled as the woman approached her. "Good morning, would you like a table or-"

"I need to speak with the manager." The woman abruptly interrupted turning her cold brown eyes towards the teen. "Now." She snapped, watching the blonde abruptly turn and walk towards a woman with lavender hair pulled back in a low ponytail.

Watching the two exchange words, the woman removed her fine leather gloves placing them in her pocket revealing her well manicured hands. Clearing her throat when the two walked forwards, she curtly smiled as the lavender-haired woman approached.

"I'm Azumi, manager, and owner, can I help you?" She asked, wondering what could have happened to cause the woman to approach Minako so harshly. Noticing the woman's lips curve more at the question, she suddenly felt uneasy as the woman gently chuckled before speaking.

"Yes, you can tell me how I can contact my grandson's mother." The woman curtly responded, watching the teen and woman both look at her in shock.

"Excuse me?" Azumi responded, angering when the woman scoffed at her question.

"You heard me, I need to speak to the girl." The woman snapped, glaring at the lavender-haired woman. "My name is Kashikoi Akui, my son may not be able to see his own child, but I will not be kept from seeing my grandchild. That child is just as much my flesh and blood as he is yours. I want to see my grandson, now." She demanded with a hiss.

"Leave." Azumi sternly stated, watching the woman look at her with disbelief.

"Excuse me?" Akui incredulously demanded. "I think you misunderstood me, I'm not leaving until I speak with-"

"I heard you, and you're not speaking with my niece." Azumi sternly responded. "Nor, am I allowing you to go near my great-nephew." She calmly explained. "I suggest you leave, I don't want to see you in or near my cafe again."

"You're going to regret this." Akui sneered, clenching her hands into a fist at her side. "I don't think you understand who you're speaking with." She scoffed. "I personally know Kou Kengen, he's on the Kyoto City Council." She sneered. "All I have to do is make a call to Kengen-san and this cafe will be shut down, just like that." She said with a snap of her fingers.

"How dare you come in here and threaten my establishment." Azumi angrily responded, shocked the blonde had the nerve to walk into her business and threaten her and her family. "I don't care who you are, or what power you think you hold over me." She quipped. "I also know Kou-san, his daughter works here." She retorted with a smirk. "How do you think he would feel if I should call him and tell him that his daughter's best friend is being threatened by her rapist's mother?"

Narrowing her eyes in anger, Akui took an abrupt step forward, seething in anger as she spoke in a hushed tone. "That little whore is the cause for all this." She sneered. "If she had not been at that party she never would have bewitched my son or his dear sweet friend into doing what they did."

"Leave." Azumi angrily seethed, her fists shaking at her sides in her anger. "Don't you dare come back, or I will call the police for harassment." She warned, watching the woman's eyes grow dark, her lips forming into a tight line.

"Fine." Akui sweetly responded, removing her gloves from her pocket and placing them on her well-manicured hands once more with a smug smirk. "My lawyer will be in touch, I believe you've already met Zurui Akuma?" She asked, lifting her brow with amusement. "Akuma-san is the best attorney Tokyo has to offer." She jeered. "Let's see what that little bitch can afford if she's even working." She said with a malicious laugh before abruptly turning and walking towards the door.

Standing in stunned silence over what had been exchanged between the two women, Minako could feel tears shine in her eyes seeing how shaken Azumi looked as the blonde-haired woman casually left the cafe. "Azumi-san is- is everything going to be-" She worriedly asked, before she was abruptly interrupted.

"Don't breathe a word of this to anyone, especially to Usagi." Azumi pleaded, tears shining in her eyes as she turned her gaze towards the blonde. "She doesn't need this stress right now, I'll deal with this." She assured the worried teen. "It's going to be alright, Minako-san." She gently soothed, pulling Minako into her embrace. "They're both going to be alright." She softly stated, her stomach nervously twisting wondering if she had made the right choice sending the blonde-haired woman away.

"I- I need to call my sister if you'll excuse me." Azumi softly stated, brushing a few stray tears from her cheeks as she watched Minako smile and nod with understanding. "I'll be upstairs in my bedroom, I'll be back down as soon as I make the call."

"Take your time, Azumi-san. We'll be fine down here, we can handle the floor." Minako assured the woman she considered a second mother. Watching Azumi smile her thanks, she nervously exhaled as she watched Azumi quietly turn and walk towards the kitchen. 'Usagi-chan.' She worriedly thought before forcing a smile when hearing the door open as some customers entered the cafe.

(Meanwhile in Tokyo)

Looking down at his newspaper, Akuma glanced down as his phone began to ring. Lifting the phone he raised his brow wondering why his client was calling so early. "This is Zurui-san, how can I help you?"

"I just spoke with that little whore's Aunt!" Akui hissed, tightening her hold on her phone as she cut her cold gaze towards the cafe.

Exhaling out in frustration, Akuma pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to suppress his sudden urge to strangle the woman through the phone. "Kashikoi-san." He calmly stated, trying to hide the irritation in his voice. "I advised you not to go near the girl or her-"

"I don't give a damn!" Akui angrily interrupted, as she seethed at the thought of her attorney trying to lecture her. "That is my grandson, I have every right to see him!" She shouted, then huffed as she drew in a deep breath trying to gain her composure. "When will I have custody?" She calmly asked.

"This process is going to take some time, Kashikoi-san." Akuma explained, hearing the sharp intake of breath over the phone. 'The sooner, the better.' He miserably thought, looking forward to finally ending ties with the Kashikoi family.

"There's 'nothing' you can do to persuade the system to move along faster?" Akui urged, tightening her grip on the phone more. "I can afford to speed these things along, you know that I can." She prompted, smiling when the lawyer chuckled. "Perhaps your friend could help us again?"

"I can call the judge and see if he's available to meet." Akuma calmly stated, lifting a pen from the table and making a short note next to the crossword puzzle he'd been working on in the newspaper. "If you want this done, it will need to be double. I'm risking a lot speeding this process along." He cautioned his client.

"Just tell me how much." Akui responded, then grimaced at the amount the attorney was requesting. "I'll get the money, I don't want to wait much longer." She warned him. "You know I don't like waiting, Zurui-san."

"You won't, I assure you, Kashikoi-san. This process would normally take six months to a year to complete." Akuma explained, then chuckled with amusement at her exasperated sigh. "If everything goes in our favor, she should get this done within a few short months."

"Thank you, Akuma-san." Akui stated, with a sigh of relief. "I will begin preparing the baby's room."

"Have you spoken with your husband in regards to the custody of your grandson?" Akuma curiously asked, knowing the woman had taken over most of the responsibility of her son's case.

"No, he's against all this, he's soft like Ren." Akui snapped, then softly exhaled. "I'm going to need you after I have been awarded custody. I'm getting a divorce, I no longer want to deal with that man's insistent meddling in my affairs."

"Alright, I would be happy to assist you." Akuma responded with a smile. "I will ensure you're awarded half of everything and spousal support."

"Thank you, Akuma-san." Akui happily responded. "I feel like I'm getting a second chance, I'm not going to mess up raising my grandson. He will not be weak like his father, he's going to grow up to be strong."

"Will that be all for now, Kashikoi-san?" Akuma asked, lifting his coffee and taking a sip.

"Yes, thank you. You have a wonderful day." Akui responded, before abruptly ending the call.

Sighing out in frustration, Akuma rested his phone onto the table once more before looking back down at his crossword puzzle to ease his mind as he read the clue.

Clue: Victory

Smiling as he looked at the number of boxes, he chuckled as he filled in the blank boxes with the response.

T-R-I-U-M-P-H

(Meanwhile in Kyoto)

Turning at the sound of the door opening, Usagi smiled as she watched her Aunt enter the apartment. "Is everything alright, Azumi-oba?" She worriedly asked, noticing her aunt tearfully shake her head before she spoke.

"It's nothing dear, I just had to deal with an unpleasant customer." Azumi responded, her stomach nervously twisting at the sight of her niece holding the baby in her arms. "I'm going to be in my room dear, I need to make a quick phone call."

"Alright, if you need to talk about it, let me know." Usagi offered, watching her aunt smile in response to her offer.

"Thank you, sweetie." Azumi responded, walking to her niece and planting a kiss on her forehead. "It's probably nothing, just an idle threat."

"Threat?" Usagi worriedly asked. "What kind of threat?"

"Just the same one, I've heard from time to time." Azumi answered with a wave of her hand while forcing a smile. "Just another disgruntled customer threatening my business, saying they will have me shut down."

"Oh, that kind of customer." Usagi said with an amused giggle. "Yes, Minako-chan and I have dealt with those a few times."

"Yes, so it's nothing to worry about." Azumi reassured her niece, as she gave her niece's shoulder a gentle squeeze. "I won't be up here very long, do you need anything?"

"No, we're doing fine." Usagi responded with a smile. "Mamo-chan is getting some more diapers and wipes for the baby, he should be back soon."

"Is he still going home tomorrow?" Azumi curiously asked, then smiled as her niece blushed. "Does he want to stay another week?"

"Yes, if that's alright?" Usagi responded, easing when her aunt smiled more.

"Of course it's alright." Azumi said with a gentle laugh. "It's nice having him here, giving you some company while you're cooped up here by yourself recovering."

"Thank you, Azumi-oba." Usagi happily stated, smiling as she watched her aunt gently caress Hiro's head and plant a soft kiss atop of his head.

"I'll come back up to check on you both during my lunch break later this afternoon." Azumi stated, smiling as she quietly turned and walked in the direction of her bedroom.

(Meanwhile in Tokyo)

Flipping the page to his newspaper, Kenji smiled as he watched his son enter the kitchen with a tired yawn. "Morning son, did you sleep well?"

"Morning papa, yes, thank you." Shingo responded sitting across from his father. Smiling as his mother placed a plate with pancakes, scrambled eggs, and bacon in front of him, he drew in a deep breath smiling at the delicious aroma. "Thank you, mama."

"You're welcome, sweetie." Ikuko responded while placing her own plate onto the table before sitting next to her husband. Glancing over as the phone began to ring, she watched her husband immediately stand.

"It's probably for me." Kenji stated, standing and going to the phone. "I'm supposed to be receiving a call from the office."

Smiling as her husband quickly hurried to the phone, Ikuko glanced at the empty seat next to her son, her smile slightly faltering as she thought of her daughter and grandson they had left behind in Kyoto. 'I hope she's successful in her drivers ed course, I'm looking forward to her visits.' She thought with a smile, before abruptly snapping from her thoughts as she heard her husband address her sister.

"Azumi-san, I need you to calm down." Kenji urged, trying to make out what Azumi was saying through her tears. "Alright, I'll let you talk to her, hold on." He stated, turning his worried gaze towards his wife. "Ikuko, she needs to speak with you, she says it's important."

"What is it?" Ikuko worriedly asked as she abruptly stood, walking towards the phone with worry. "Did something happen?"

"I'm not sure." Kenji calmly responded, worry shining in his eyes as he silently watched his wife take the phone.

"Azumi-onee?" Ikuko worriedly asked as she took the phone from her husband. "What happened? Is-"

"Kuko-onee." Azumi tearfully stated, releasing a deep shaky breath. "I- I didn't know what to do, I- I think I just did something terrible."

"Zumi-onee, I- I don't understand." Ikuko immediately responded with confusion. "Just take a deep breath and tell me what you're talking about." She desperately urged, tightening her grip on the phone trying to stay patient as her sister gathered her composure. 'What's happened?' She desperately thought, then snapped from her thought as her sister finally broke the silence.

"A woman claiming to be Hiro's grandmother came to the cafe this morning." Azumi finally spoke, swallowing the lump in her throat when hearing her sister's sharp gasp. "She demanded to speak with Usagi and to see the baby."

"What did you say?" Ikuko demanded, her grip tightening on the phone as she paled.

"I told her to leave and not to come back." Azumi responded, then burst out into fresh tears. "She threatened me, then she threatened Usagi." She stated, pausing as she drew in a shaky breath. "She said that her- her lawyer would be in touch." She tearfully explained, pausing as her voice wavered. "Oh, Ikuko-onee!" She cried out. "What are we going to do? Should I find an attorney, I- I don't know what to do. You didn't see the cold look in her eyes, or hear the malicious things she said about Usagi." She desperately stated.

"Does Usagi know about this?" Ikuko worriedly asked, sighing in relief as her sister spoke.

"No, I told Minako-san not to say anything to her or the others." Azumi explained, hearing her sister's soft sigh of relief.

"For now, let's keep this between us." Ikuko calmly explained. "Usagi doesn't need this stress and worry, she needs to focus on caring for Hiro."

"What if-" Azumi urged, then grew silent as her sister interrupted her.

"She's probably feeling scorned." Ikuko calmly interrupted. "She's probably going to say anything right now to try to scare you into letting her see the baby."

"I'm not going to let her, Kuko-onee, I promise." Azumi stubbornly stated. "She is not going anywhere near that baby or Usagi." She promised.

"I know, I trust you will keep your promise." Ikuko responded, wiping a few stray tears from her cheeks. "Please call me if you need me, or if she comes back. I will call Investigator Keisa if I must, I know he will help us."

"Thank you, Kuko-onee." Azumi responded with a soft exhale. "I'm so worried now."

"Don't be, it's probably nothing. They're going to be alright, try not to worry too much." Ikuko reassured her sister, tearfully looking up at her worried husband. "Alright, Zumi-onee. I love you too, bye."

"What is it?" Kenji worriedly asked, watching his wife tearfully exhale as she hung up the phone.

"Is your friend, Shojikina-san still taking clients?" Ikuko calmly asked, as she wiped a few stray tears from her cheeks.

"Bengoshi-chan, um, I'm not sure, I can call him and see." Kenji responded, confused to why his wife was bringing up his friend from college. "What is this about?" He worriedly asked.

"Usagi's rapist's mother is demanding to see the baby. The results must have been a match." Ikuko grimly stated.

"No." Kenji softly stated, gripping the counter as tears stung his eyes. "Does Usagi-"

"No, Usagi doesn't know about the incident, his mother approached Azumi at the cafe." Ikuko calmly explained. "She was threatening Azumi with her lawyer, I just want to have someone we trust if the need should arise for a lawyer."

"I'll call him this afternoon." Kenji responded, watching Ikuko silently nod. "It's going to be alright, we're going to get through this." He reassured his wife, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her into his embrace. Gently kissing her forehead, he softly exhaled wondering what other misfortune could possibly befall on his daughter. 'Please, let this be nothing, Usagi deserves to get past this nightmare and move on with her life.' He desperately thought.

(Later in Kyoto)

Watching Mamoru set the bag of diapers and wipes onto the bed, Usagi smiled as she raised onto her knees to plant a soft kiss against his cheek. "Thank you again, Mamo-chan."

"You're welcome, Usako." Mamoru responded with a chuckle, reaching into his pocket and removing her debit card and a receipt. "I'm sorry for taking so long, it was busy there for some reason."

"Last minute shopping for the holidays, I suppose." Usagi responded, sitting onto the bed once more.

"Did he get you again, Usako?" Mamoru teased motioning towards the new shirt she was wearing.

"Yes." Usagi pouted, glancing towards the bassinet where her son was peacefully sleeping. "This is the fourth shirt already, this morning."

"You should be resting." Mamoru urged, noticing the dark circles under her eyes. "Aren't you exhausted?" He worriedly asked.

"I've honestly gotten used to not sleeping." Usagi wryly responded, then giggled. "Mako-chan thought we had a fight."

"Oh." Mamoru responded sitting on the bed. Smiling as Usagi moved closer against him, he smiled as she rested her head against his shoulder.

"Mmm...hmm…" Usagi responded with an amused smile. "I wanted to tell Mako-chan that was your usual personality." She teased, smiling when Mamoru abruptly looked at her. "But that would be a lie, I haven't seen grouchy, Mamoru-baka in a long time."

"Well, he's found someone who makes him happy." Mamoru responded, smiling more when watching Usagi blush at his comment. Gently caressing her cheek, he leaned down gently pressing his lips against hers. "I love you, Usako." He murmured as their lips parted. "You and Hiro are the only thing that makes my life worthwhile, I don't know what I would do without you."

"Mamo-chan." Usagi softly stated, tears welling in her eyes. I feel the same way about you." She said wrapping her arms around him as she rested her head against his chest. Feeling tears well in her eyes, she tightly closed her eyes as a stray tear slipped down her cheek unnoticed. "I didn't know if I could ever feel safe around anyone ever again, but I feel so safe when I'm with you."

Drawing her closer into his embrace, Mamoru could feel tears shine in his eyes as he gently kissed the top of her head. "I'll always be here for you, Usako. I won't let anyone else hurt you, I promise." He swore as they held one another, each seeking comfort from one another.

(Later That Evening)

Tiredly sighing as she opened the door to her apartment, Azumi smiled when noticing Mamoru was sitting on the couch reading a textbook, Usagi sound asleep snuggled next to him. "Finally done for the day." She greeted with a tired sigh, watching Mamoru lower his book as he greeted her.

"How was your day, Azumi-san?" Mamoru politely asked, watching Usagi's aunt smile as she walked towards the couch carefully sitting down, being mindful to not disturb Usagi from her slumber.

"Long day." Azumi responded with a slight frown.

"Would you care to talk about it, I'm a good listener." Mamoru offered, watching Azumi smile more at his words before politely shaking her head before she spoke.

"I appreciate the offer, Mamoru-san, but it's something I would rather keep to myself for now." Azumi explained, watching Mamoru nod with understanding. "How was your day? Did the baby keep you two on your toes?" She asked with an amused smile.

"Yes, Usako had to change about four times today." Mamoru responded with an amused chuckle.

"That girl, I've told her to put a burp cloth on her shoulder when burping the baby." Azumi responded with an amused chuckle.

"He did get me once today." Mamoru responded with an amused chuckle. "It wasn't pleasant being on the receiving end." He muttered, smiling at the thought of how much Usagi had relished in the moment of his misfortune.

"Mamoru-san, have you considered transferring to Kyoto?" Azumi curiously asked, smiling at the surprised look from the older teen. Noticing him blush at the question, she patiently awaited his answer noticing he'd seemed thrown off by the question. "I was only curious, you seem to spend most of your time here, I only assumed you would want to be closer." She prompted, then smiled more as Mamoru spoke.

"I want to, Azumi-san, I really do." Mamoru finally admitted, then softly sighed. "I can't though, I have my studies, my job, my apartment, everything is in Tokyo right now. Everything except for them." He said, turning his gaze towards the blonde nestled against him resting. "I wish she would come home, I miss seeing her."

"She's happy here, Mamoru-san. She doesn't have the daily reminders of what she went through here." Azumi gently stated, watching Mamoru silently nod as he lowered his head. "Have you spoken with her about this?"

"I can't, I don't want to be selfish." Mamoru softly stated, looking up at Azumi. "I will do what's best for her, if she's happy here, I will continue to travel."

Smiling more at his dedication, Azumi glanced over when hearing Hiro begin to fuss as he kicked at the blanket draped across from him. "What's the matter, sweetheart?" She cooed sliding off the couch and kneeling in front of the small bouncer. Unbuckling the small straps, she smiled as she gently lifted her great-nephew into her arms. Watching him look up at her with his innocent blue eyes, she felt fresh tears fill her eyes thinking of the woman's harsh words earlier that morning.

(Flashback)

"I don't care who you are, or what power you think you hold over me." Azumi quipped. "I also know Kou-san, his daughter works here." She retorted with a smirk. "How do you think he would feel if I should call him and tell him that his daughter's best friend is being threatened by her rapist's mother?"

"Fine." Akui sweetly responded, removing her gloves from her pocket and placing them on once more with a smug smirk. "My lawyer will be in touch, I believe you've already met Zurui Akuma?" She asked, lifting her brow with amusement. "Akuma-san is the best attorney Tokyo has to offer." She jeered. "Let's see what that little bitch can afford if she's even working." She said with a malicious laugh before abruptly turning and walking towards the door.

(End of Flashback)

'I won't let that vile woman near you.' Azumi thought, tears shining in her eyes as she cradled the infant into her arms. "Mamoru-san, I need to speak with you in private." She requested, turning her gaze towards him. "Not now, but it will need to be before you return to Tokyo."

"Of course, Azumi-san." Mamoru responded with a nod of his head. Watching Azumi walk towards the kitchen, he worriedly frowned, noticing tears shining in her eyes. 'Something's wrong.' He worriedly thought, then glanced down as Usagi began to groggily stir against him.

"Hiro?" Usagi groggily asked as she stirred from her slumber.

"Azumi-san has him." Mamoru responded, smiling as Usagi stretched her arms, a yawn escaping her lips.

"Sorry I fell asleep, Mamo-chan." Usagi apologized, snuggling against him once more, a smile spreading across her lips.

"Don't apologize, my love. You're exhausted, you need to rest when you can." Mamoru responded with a chuckle.

"I'm glad you're going to spend another week here with us." Usagi stated, smiling as she looked up into his eyes.

"I wouldn't want to spend my time anywhere else." Mamoru responded, smiling when she blushed at his words. "I've told you, you're my family now, Usako. I will always be here for you and Hiro." Gently brushing a stray tear from her cheek, he leaned down pressing his lips against hers.

Feeling herself melt as their lips met, Usagi relished in the warmth and pleasure his kisses caused. 'I love him so much.' She happily thought, looking forward to what the future would bring to their relationship. 'As long as I have him, I know I endure anything.' Opening her eyes as their lips parted, she smiled as he gently caressed her cheek. "I love you, Mamo-chan."

"I love you, Usako." Mamoru responded, brushing his thumb against her cheek. "Come with me, I want to give you something." He ushered, offering his hand as he stood from the couch. Smiling as she slipped her hand into his, he led her in the direction of her bedroom where he had been sleeping most nights since her release from the hospital.

Following Mamoru into her bedroom, Usagi quietly sat on her bed as she watched Mamoru walk to his bag and kneel. Watching with curiosity, she felt her eyes widen with surprises when seeing Mamoru lift a velvet box from his bag. "What is that, Mamo-chan?" She gasped, watching him smile as he stood and walked towards the bed.

"If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise Usako." Mamoru teased, watching his girlfriend scowl at him.

"It's not Christmas yet, Mamo-chan. Let's put it under the-" Usagi argued before she was hushed by Mamoru's lips gently pressing against hers.

"I wanted to give this to you before Hiro was born." Mamoru stated as soon as their lips parted. "But it seemed that he had different plans for us all." He teased, watching Usagi tearfully smile at his words. "I was walking home from the arcade and when I saw this in the window of O.S.A.P Jewelry, I knew I had to get it for you." He explained holding out the small velvet box.

"Mamo-chan, you shouldn't have-" Usagi protested, growing silent as Mamoru pressed his finger against her lips with a chuckle.

"Just open it, Usako." Mamoru responded with an amused chuckle, nervously anticipating her reaction to the gift. 'I hope she likes it.' He worriedly thought, lowering his hand and motioning towards the small box once more. Watching her lift the lid to the box, he watched her abruptly cover her mouth a soft gasp escaping her lips.

"Mamo-chan." Usagi gasped, tears welling in her eyes as she looked at the small silver necklace. "It's beautiful." She said, looking down at two silver conjoined hearts, a small blue stone set in the center of one heart. Behind the necklace where the necklace lay, she tearfully read the small message on the backer card.

To My Mama,

I may not be in your arms yet, but know that I love you with every kick. Keep this close to your heart so you will be reminded how much I love you until we can finally meet.

With Love,

Your Baby

Feeling a sob escape her lips, Usagi abruptly launched herself into Mamoru's embrace as she quietly cried against his chest. "Thank you, Mamo-chan." She tearfully stated, her voice muffled against his chest. "Thank you so much, it's so beautiful."

Tearfully smiling up with gratitude, she gently rested her hand against his cheek as she looked up into his deep blue. "Thank you, Mamo-chan." Usagi stated before gently pressing her lips against his. "You didn't have to-"

"I did." Mamoru interrupted with a warm smile. "I'm sorry it's late, I wasn't expecting him to be here for another week." He apologized with a soft chuckle. "I'm glad you-" He stated, then grew silent, glancing up when the door opened. Smiling when watching Azumi quietly enter the room, he smiled more when noticing Hiro who was sleeping in her arms.

"Let me get him." Usagi stated, lowering the velvet box onto the bed as she walked to where her aunt was standing in the doorway.

"Am I interrupting something?" Azumi teased, watching her niece immediately blush before shaking her head.

"No." Usagi murmured, blushing as she carefully lifted her son into her arms. Cradling him against her, she gently kissed his forehead before gently resting him into his bassinet. Caressing his tiny cheek as she lowered him into the bassinet, she smiled at her son before turning and walking towards the bed. "Look what Mamo-chan gave me." She excitedly stated in a hushed voice, motioning her aunt to follow her.

"Oh, Usagi." Azumi gasped when seeing the small silver necklace inside the small velvet box. Gently taking the velvet box, she looked down at the small message and felt tears fill her eyes. "This was so thoughtful, Mamoru-san." She said watching Mamoru blush slightly at her comment. "Let me help you put it on." She said watching her niece smile her thanks as she turned to allow her to assist with putting the necklace on.

"I love it so much, Mamo-chan, I'll always cherish this gift." Usagi stated as the necklace was placed around her neck. Brushing her fingers against the cool metal of the hearts, she looked over at Mamoru noticing him smiling in response to her comment.

To Be Continued…

That's it for Chapter 11, I hope you guys enjoyed it. I'm sorry about the delay, FFN was giving me some issues with logging in. I kept getting this error and it would not connect! Super frustrating!

This was more of a filler chapter, just getting a glimpse into Usagi's new routines as a new mom. Chapter 12 will have a bit of a time jump. Be prepared, next chapter is going to be a rough one!

-ShadowQueenGalactica