It was the final class of the day; Mamoru was just getting into his class when the first thing he noticed was that Usagi wasn't in her seat.
Unlike most teachers who did rollcall, Mamoru only had to look out in a sea of students to know who was or wasn't there. He remembered faces—and the names that went along with the faces.
"I see that Naru, and Gurio are still out sick. And—I'm guessing Kota is skipping again. Has anyone seen Usagi Tsukino today?" Mamoru asked, looking at his class—more specifically at Minako and Makoto.
Mamoru knew Usagi's schedule like the back of his hand. He also knew which classes she had with Makoto, Minako, Shiki's girlfriend, Ami, and Naru.
Breakfast: 7:00-7:30 AM: Usagi always ate with Makoto, Minako, Ami, and Naru.
First Period: 7:40-8:25 AM: Mythology with Mrs. Stein. Makoto and Minako were in that class.
Second Period: 8:30-9:10 AM: American Lit. with Mrs. Cooler. Minako, Makoto, and Ami were in that class.
Third Period: 9:15-10:00 AM: English Lit. with Mrs. Cooler. Ami and Naru were in that class.
Fourth Period: 10:05-10:50 AM: 3D art with Ms. Hale. Minako and Naru were in that class.
A Lunch 10:55-11:45 AM: Usagi always ate with Makoto, Minako, Ami, and Naru.
Fifth Period: 11:55-12:35 PM: Physical Education with Mr. Watters. Minako, Makoto, Ami, and Naru were in that class.
After class, students then had five minutes to change out of their Phys. Ed. uniform and into their regular uniform by 12:40 PM.
Sixth Period: 12:45-1:30 PM: Creative Writing with Mr. Connor. Makoto was Usagi's only friend in that class.
Seventh Period: 1:35-2:20 PM: History with Mr. Phoenix. Usagi was on her own in this class.
Eighth Period: 2:25-3:10 PM: Math with Ms. Fowel. Ami was Usagi's only friend in that class.
Ninth Period: 3:15-4:00 PM: Science with Mr. Chiba. Makoto, Minako, and Naru were in that class.
"She hasn't been in school all day today." Minako mumbled.
"We haven't heard from her either." Makoto added.
"I bet she's out with some guy turning tricks and doing favors." A female student muttered.
"Not Usagi; she's too plain—and such a prude. I asked her out several months ago, and she flat out turned me down. Me! She even freaked out when I grabbed her ass. NO girl has ever done that before." A male student muttered.
"Come on, guys; Usagi's a pretty and kind girl; she's just shy." Another girl argued.
"Ms. Hawk and Mr. Akira; that's enough. And if I'm correct: this is the third time this week you've talked crap about another student. It is also the fifth time that you'd disrupted this class. That's afterschool detention for three days with Mr. Crocker." Mamoru scolded as calmly as he could.
"Bu-but…" The two students started.
"No buts. If you want to go there; you can have three Saturday detentions in a row with Mr. and Mrs. Crocker. Do I make myself clear?" Mamoru warned the two.
"Yes Mr. Chiba…" The two mumbled.
"And Mrs. Raina… As much as your words were admirable, you too, talked out of line. However, I see that you're normally a model student; that's your first strike." Mamoru calmly yet seriously told Raina.
"Yes, of course; I understand." Raina calmly responded.
"Teacher's pet." Hawk and Akira complained, muttering under their breaths.
"I heard that! That's another day of detention. Keep it up; I dare you. Go see the principal—now. I'll page him to let him know you two are on your way." Mamoru angrily ordered, excusing the two.
The entire way out of the classroom, Hawk and Akira grumbled and complained; they could even be heard down the hall.
"Ok—let's get started." Mamoru exhaled, turning to his bored, and started writing down some things.
Three Days Later:
It had been four days since Mamoru last saw Usagi—and now, he was starting to worry about her. No one was calling her out of school, so the police have been called. The school couldn't get a hold of her parents—and Mamoru didn't know how to get a hold of Usagi—seeing as she didn't have a cell phone.
"Still no Usagi Tsukino?" Mamoru asked, looking at his class.
"Umm…" Makoto nervously started, raising her hand.
"Yes, Ms. Kino?" Mamoru asked, calling on Makoto.
"Usagi's in the hospital." Makoto answered.
"What? Do you know what happened?" Mamoru asked as calmly as he could; he couldn't let anybody know he was in love with her.
"She was beaten. By who, we don't know; she's barely ever conscious. And when she is; she won't say. Though, I can probably guess who it was." Minako answered, pissed off.
"Excuse me." Minako stood up and started walking to the door.
"Where are you going?" Mamoru questioned.
"I would like to use the bathroom." Minako answered, handing him her passbook; she rarely ever used it.
"Don't be gone long. Come back within ten minutes, or I'll send someone to get you." Mamoru sternly told Minako.
"Yeah, yeah… Ok." Minako replied before heading out.
Half an Hour Later:
"I think that's it for today. You can use this time to get a jump on your homework, or work on other homework from other classes. Either way: keep busy. Makoto and Minako; I would like to see you after class." Mamoru firmly told his class before turning his attention towards Makoto and Minako.
"Yes. Mr. Chiba." Minako mumbled while Makoto replied.
Fifteen Minutes Later:
The school's final announcements came on before the final bell rang for dismissal.
"Have a good night. Be safe and get your work done. Girls." Mamoru told his class before noticing Makoto and Minako standing in front of his desk.
"Ok…" Mamoru started but was interrupted.
"Let us start. We just found out late last night. The last night we were supposed to meet at the bus station, Usagi never showed up. After waiting for fifteen minutes or so, we went looking; we found her bag, but that was it. We went to her house to see how she was doing; her mother told us she was away at her grandparents. After a few days of not hearing from her, we decided to find out about her grandparents… As it turns out, they're all dead—on both sides. We went to the police; that's when we found out she was in the hospital." Minako explained, watching Mamoru; he turned pale.
"We also know that you and Usagi love each other." Makoto spoke up, shocking Mamoru.
"Wh-what?" Mamoru asked, stuttering a little.
"Don't act all shocked or anything. She's our best friend; we know how to read her. And you… It's obvious with how you stare at her from time to time when not in class. No, she hasn't told us. And no; we haven't told anyone." Minako firmly told Mamoru.
"Neither of you have to worry; we won't tell anyone. She's at the new memorial hospital." Makoto told and promised Mamoru with a smile.
"Thanks. You two can go now." Mamoru calmly told the girls, leaning back in his chair.
"Ok. See you tomorrow." The girls replied, heading out.
Mamoru had some paperwork to do, but then he would go see Usagi.
An Hour & A Half Later:
It was late in the evening when Mamoru finally made it to the hospital.
"May I help you?" A receptionist politely asked when she saw Mamoru.
"I hope so. I'm looking for Usagi Tsukino; I was told she was here." Mamoru answered, watching the nurse.
"Oh, yes. She's actually right here on the first floor—in room: C42. C42 is on the on the right side in the east wing." The receptionist kindly informed Mamoru, typing and looking at her computer for a direct location.
"Thank you." Mamoru politely replied before heading off.
When Mamoru found and entered Usagi's room, she was resting. He wasn't sure she was awake until she turned her head to see who was in the room.
"Mr. Chiba? Wh-what are you doing here? Ho-how did you know I was here?" Usagi asked, shocked, leaning up on her elbows.
"I came to see you—to check up on you. Minako and Makoto filled me in—after you didn't show up to class for four days. May I sit down?" Mamoru answered before asking, standing by her bed, next to a chair.
"I'm sorry. Yes, you can sit." Usagi softly apologized and allowed Mamoru to sit, watching him.
"I'm sure it's not your fault. Which leads me to my next question: what happened? Minako and Makoto told me you never made it to the bus." Mamoru replied, watching Usagi.
Usagi knew she would never convince him it was all an accident; he knew her too well—knew when she was lying.
"Did I ever tell you about Diamond Tomo?" Usagi asked.
"No, I've never heard that name come up. Who's Diamond Tomo?" Mamoru asked, watching.
"He's this guy I used to go to school with before I started going to school with Minako and Makoto. His parents are friends with my mom, so we've known each other since we were little. But he's never been nice to—not until a few years ago when I turned thirteen or so; he started being too nice. Mom said I was being over dramatic or something. He was held back a few times, so he's older than me. And he said that because he was older, he was in charge, and I had to do what he told me to do. When I was fourteen, he started touching me…" Usagi started explaining, becoming upset.
"Usagi…" Mamoru started.
"I didn't like it. I tried telling Mom; she only told me to suck it up and take it. He's actually one of the reasons I left home and that school. Recently, he found out which little motel I was staying at; he threatened to hurt my cats…" Usagi cried as she continued explaining.
"Usagi…
Wait. You've been living in a motel? What about your mom; don't you think she's worried about you?" Mamoru asked, worried, confused, hurt, annoyed, and frustrated.
"Yes; I've been living there since mom kicked me out. So, no; she's not worried about me. She hates me. She's always hated me. She blames me for Dad's death. She really hates me now that I told her I didn't want to be with Diamond—and after I call the cops on him a few times. I just got a restraining order against him last week; he didn't take it very well. He was very mad at me, and that's why I'm here." Usagi admitted, upset—and slightly embarrassed.
"How are you paying for a motel? What the hell did he do to you?!" Mamoru asked before demanding, becoming pissed off.
How dare someone hurt his Usagi? The one person he loved more than just about anyone.
"Grandpa… Umm… Dad's dad died a few years ago from drinking too much—for far too long: he left me all his money in his will. And Grandma: Dad's mom, died four months ago; she also left me everything. They said I was their only grandchild—and all their children were now dead. I got everything—except the house. Well, they did leave me that as well. But I'm too young to own a house and all that, so the bank took that. But that's ok; the manager of the motel is very nice. She said as long as I'm not too loud and pay the agreed upon amount, I could stay there." Usagi explained as calmly as she could.
"And how much do you pay each month?" Mamoru asked, watching her.
"I don't know. Between $300 and $800; it depends on what she needs." Usagi softly answered.
"Jeez… Usagi, that's not how… Do you need a place to stay—a safe place where you won't be taken advantage of?" Mamoru asked, watching her.
"I'm ok. Most places are too expensive and don't allow too many cats. Minako and Makoto offered, but Minako's parents died, and she had to move in with a different family member. And Makoto has a large family as is." Usagi replied.
"How many cats do you have?" Mamoru calmly asked. He was afraid she was going to say there were eight or more; he already had two of his own: Dusk and Saturn.
"Just three kittens. Their mother died when they were very young; I've been taking care of them since then. I have Luna, Artemis, and Diana." Usagi answered.
"Usagi… I meant: do you want to stay at my place? You wouldn't have to get rid of your cats—and you'd be safe. And you'd be able save your money to get what you want." Mamoru calmly but firmly told Usagi, holding her hand; he just wanted her to be safe.
"But I couldn't do that; I couldn't be a burden and put you out." Usagi replied, concerned.
"You wouldn't be putting me out; I have three extra rooms. Usagi, I live in a four-bedroom house with a full bathroom and two half bathrooms. You've been in my house enough times to know this. What's really bothering you?" Mamoru replied before asking, demanding an answer.
"What about everyone at school? What if they find out? They'll figure out that we're…" Usagi started, becoming upset again.
"Usagi, it's fine if people know you live with me. We'll just explain that you had a bad family situation and have been living in a motel for the last—however long. Do you have proof of living in a motel?" Mamoru stopped Usagi before she had a panic attack.
"I recorded each time I paid her on video. And yes, she knows; she ok'd it." Usagi answered.
"Ok, then. If anyone asks; you'll have those for records. Also, that means we'll be able to spend more time together. Which reminds me; Minako and Makoto know about us. Apparently, they know you well enough or something like that." Mamoru calmly told Usagi, holding her hand.
"Wh-what?" Usagi asked, turning red.
"It's ok; they promised not to say anything." Mamoru calmly informed with a smile.
"What about your friends; do they know as well?" Usagi softly asked.
"Not that I know of—but I could be wrong. So, how long are you stuck in here for?" Mamoru asked, looking around.
"They say another day or two. But they also depends on me and my healing process." Usagi answered.
"That reminds me… You didn't answer my question. What did he do to you?" Mamoru asked again.
Usagi just stared at Usagi with a sad look before slowly sitting up, wincing a little in pain. She took a deep breath before removing the blanket and then lifted her gown to reveal that both her sides and upper stomach had several stitches.
"What on earth happened?! What the hell did he do to you?!" Mamoru demanded, becoming enraged. At the same time, he kept his voice down so that doctors or nurses wouldn't come running in.
"He stabbed me because I refused to have sex with him—let alone even be with him." Usagi answered, putting her gown down and covered herself with the blanket.
"How…? Why…? Usagi—I'll be right back." Mamoru told Usagi, frustrated; he was so damn flustered, he couldn't finish anything he wanted to ask her. Also, he didn't want to yell and scream in front of Usagi.
"Oh. Ok." Usagi softly replied, slightly upset. Not at Usagi, but rather herself.
"I'll be right back; I just needs some air." Mamoru told Usagi before getting out of that room as fast as he could.
With Mamoru:
Mamoru's P.O.V.:
Why? Why did this have to happen to her of all people?
I should've pushed more to take her home; granted, I guess I get why she didn't want me knowing where she was living.
I should've been there to protect her.
I should've seen this coming.
I should've gone with her.
But that's not going to happen ever again; I'll keep her protected—no matter what.
I pray to God that I don't ever see that mother fucker.
Diamond Tomo…
I will remember that name—forever.
Normal P.O.V.:
After Mamoru got done arguing with himself—and his conscience, he went back to Usagi's room, when he found her asleep.
'She looks so peaceful.' Mamoru thought to himself, sitting back in the chair, and sighed.
"How is she?" Minako and Makoto asked, walking into the room, making Mamoru jump a little; he hadn't heard them walk in, let alone the door being opened.
"Jesus! You scared the crap out of me! She's ok, I suppose. She's asleep currently." Mamoru answered after exclaiming.
"Well, we see that." Minako stated, watching Usagi.
"Do you know what happened?" Makoto asked, watching Mamoru.
"Someone named Diamond Tomo attacked and stabbed her in the side." Mamoru told the girls what he knew.
"I should've known. That bastard just doesn't get it." Minako mumbled.
"Has he been arrested?" Makoto softly asked.
"I'm not sure." Mamoru answered.
"Do you know where she's been living?" Makoto asked, indicating she knew.
"At home with her crack-head mother." Minako answered, annoyed.
"How did you find out?" Mamoru asked Makoto, confusing Minako.
"I saw her one day. So, you do know then?" Makoto answered and then asked, looking at Mamoru.
"Know what? What's going on? Tell me." Minako demanded, becoming frustrated.
"Usagi's been living in a motel; her mother kicked her out a few months ago. I'm not sure why, but she did. She didn't want to burden us because you just moved in with a new family member, and my family is already too big." Makoto explained.
"She just told me that her mother kicked her out because she refused to be with this Diamond guy." Mamoru spoke up.
"The guy her mom wants her to marry." Minako and Makoto mumbled.
"I guess…" Mamoru sighed.
"But don't worry; Usagi doesn't love him. She doesn't even like him; she does, however, love you." Makoto assured Mamoru with a smile while Minako stood there.
"So, we were right; you and Usagi are a thing." Keiichiro and Shiki stated, walking into the room.
"What are you two doing here?" Mamoru asked, shocked.
"We heard what happened on the news." Keiichiro answered.
"The news?" Minako and Makoto asked, shocked.
'That honestly doesn't surprise me—not by this time.' Mamoru thought to himself.
"Yes; it's all over the news. Now, it makes since why she hasn't been in school for the last four days without anyone calling her in." Shiki plainly spoke up.
"Someone named Diamond Tomo has been arrested for the crime. He admitted doing so because she refused to be with him; he currently thinks she's dead. We didn't know it was Usagi until we overheard these two talking; we decided to pay her visit and see how she was doing. We never expected to see you here. Well—we kind of did; we had a feeling you two were in some kind of relationship. Why didn't you tell either of us?" Keiichiro explained and then asked, watching Mamoru.
"Usagi, being so shy and as nervous as she was about dating her teacher, didn't want anyone to know just yet; we both agreed to wait awhile. And aside from you four; she doesn't want anyone else to know." Mamoru answered, becoming serious.
"Ami and I are dating, and everyone knows about us." Shiki stated.
"Yeah… But you almost lost your job. And wasn't she branded as a girl who couldn't get anything done on her own—that she was sleeping with her teacher to get passing grades?" Mamoru sternly asked, looking directly at Shiki.
"Yeah, but we got over that. And no one mentions it anymore." Shiki stated, watching Mamoru.
"Fine. But Usagi's not Ami; she can't handle all that." Mamoru argued, looking from Shiki to Usagi.
"I suppose… Usagi's not the brightest student in math or science, is she?" Shiki asked with a smirk.
"Shut it! She does just fine. And she's not passing because we're together; she's passing on her own work ethics." Mamoru growled, becoming annoyed.
"Ok you two: just relax. This is their business; we will accept their wishes." Keiichiro sternly told Shiki, breaking anything up before it started.
"Right…" Shiki mumbled; he wanted to have some fun with this. But Keiichiro put his foot down. And when he did that, he meant business.
"So, how is she? What happened exactly?" Keiichiro asked after he calmed down.
"She was stabbed in the side and is now resting. I think she's in pain but isn't saying anything; I can see it on her face when she moves. How are your lives going?" Mamoru explained and then asked, not taking his eyes away from Usagi.
"Who are you asking? Us or the girls?" Shiki asked, watching Mamoru.
"Either or: it don't matter to me. But I'm not sure the girls want to talk to me about their lives." Mamoru replied, not really caring. And he was right; Minako and Makoto would prefer to talk to Usagi—who would fill Mamoru in later.
"Well, Ami and I are doing good." Shiki informed with somewhat of a smile.
"I started dating a girl named Aria yesterday; she's twenty-two and is a model. And yes, I've met her in person." Keiichiro explained and then swore when he saw not only Mamoru's and Shiki's faces but also Minako's and Makoto's.
"Mmm… Oww…" Usagi moaned in pain in her sleep.
"Oh. It seems like she has a lot of visitors today." A nurse spoke, kind of surprised, walking in.
"Sorry…" Everyone in the room apologized, watching the nurse.
"No, don't be. This is a good thing. She said she didn't have any family who were coming. I'm just glad she at least has friends who care." The nurse stated, walking over to Usagi.
"Well, have to head out; I have a meeting with my ex." Keiichiro sighed before leaving.
"And I have to finish making the test for next Friday." Shiki stated, heading out.
Mamoru got everything school-wise done before coming to visit Usagi—so he could stay with her if she asked him to.
"Ms. Tsukino, please wake up; I need to check your vitals and everything." The nurse instructed, gently shaking Usagi.
"Mmm… Minako? Makoto? Is Mr. Chiba still here?" Usagi groggily asked.
"Yes, he's still here. But I have to get going. My mom's calling me home for dinner; she's actually in the parking lot. But I'll see you tomorrow. I hope you feel better. Minako: Mom said your aunt called and said she wants you home as well. Do you want a ride?" Makoto told Usagi before asking Minako.
"I guess… I'll see you tomorrow, ok?" Minako replied before telling Usagi before she and Makoto gently hugged her.
"Ok. See you tomorrow." Usagi softly replied, hugging her best friends.
"Let's see. Well, your fever is back; you're at 101.8. But your BP, pulse, and heartrate are also normal. Your blood sugar is good as well. How are you feeling? How is your side? On a scale of one to ten, rate your pain; one being no pain, and ten being severe." The nurse informed Usagi before instructing.
"…Eight…" Usagi hesitantly answered.
"Let's see… You are due for some pain medication now; let me get that for you. I'll be right back." The nurse told Usagi before leaving.
"I'm sorry." Usagi softly/guiltily apologized.
"It's ok; this isn't your fault—none of it is." Mamoru sincerely replied, taking Usagi's hand in his, causing her to blush.
"But—if I had told someone where I was living or something, maybe this wouldn't have happened." Usagi sadly admitted.
"Even if you had told someone and made it home; Diamond still would've attacked you there—and maybe successfully raped you. And then you might not have been found—and possibly died. Then where would that leave me? I would've lost the most important person in my life. Yes, I'd rather it didn't happen at all. But since it did, I'm glad it happened this way. I'm elated you were found, and got another chance at life, versus the other option." Mamoru sincerely told Usagi, causing her to cry a little.
"I love you so much. And I'm soo sorry." Usagi cried, hiccupping here and there.
"I love you too." Mamoru responded, holding her hands; he was going to kiss her forehead, but they heard the nurse coming back.
"Ok… I found you some oxycodone. Do you think you can swallow some pills today?" The nurse asked, walking in with two pills and some water.
"Yes, I think so." Usagi replied, softly sitting up a little, wincing in pain.
The nurse gave her the pills, made sure all was good, and then left again, saying she'd be back after an hour or so to check up on her. As always, push the red call button if she needed anything.
"Do you need anything?" Mamoru asked, watching Usagi as she stared at the ceiling.
"No; I'm ok. I've got a bottle of water on my table next to me. I'm not very hungry; I had some soup earlier. Thank you anyway. What about you; have you eaten yet?" Usagi softly answered before asking, looking back to Mamoru.
"I had a chicken sandwich and some fries from the WacDonalds near the school. I'm just fine." Mamoru answered.
"Oh." Usagi softly replied.
"What's wrong?" Mamoru asked, concerned.
"Nothing. WacDonalds hot fudge sundae sounds nice." Usagi told Mamoru.
"Would you like to get you one?" Mamoru asked, ready to stand up.
"No! No. Please don't go. Please, stay. Stay until you have to go home." Usagi begged, reaching her arm out to Mamoru, desperately trying to reach him.
Mamoru sat down and let her take his hand, tangling his fingers in with hers.
"I'll stay with you for as long as you want me to." Mamoru sincerely assured Usagi.
"Until you have to go. You have to go home, get rest, get up and ready for school—get ready for a new day. Maybe take a shower." Usagi softly told Mamoru, hand twitching as her eyes started becoming heavy.
"Are you saying I smell?" Mamoru asked, watching Usagi, knowing full well she was about to fall asleep any minute now.
"No. I don't know your bathing habits or schedule. I only know it enough to know you do it every day and always smell like vanilla or cinnamon—or coffee. You smell like coffee and chalk now—like school." Usagi softly replied with a small smile.
"Well—seeing as you're already four days behind, I was thinking I'll just take a personal day; I have years of those built up. Hey, I never had anything to go or stay home for. Now, I do; I have you. I'll just call in, have a sub come in, and put some movie, or have them do previous or other schoolwork. You are more important than any school or class assignment. So, if you want me to stay; I'll stay—for as long as you want." Mamoru sincerely and firmly told Usagi, making her cry.
"Mamoru… Please, don't go. Stay. Please. Please stay with me." Usagi softly pleaded, tears running down her cheeks.
"Until you ask me otherwise." Mamoru promised, rubbing her tears away.
And just like that, after another minute or two, Usagi fell asleep, staring at Mamoru. His face was the last thing she saw before her world went dark for several hours…