The Truths of Love: Chapter seven

Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon. Never have, never will, so please don't sue me.

"Whoa, man, slow down!" came the voice of one of Mamoru's closest friends, Riku Kurosaki. "What's the rush that you can't take the stairs one at a time?" Riku's aqua colored eyes sparkled with laughter as he asked the question.

"Shut up, Riku," Mamoru responded with a laugh. "Work is done for the week. I want to get out of here."

Riku laughed.

"There's got to be some other reason than that. You've always loved working here before," he said.

"Yes, well," Mamoru muttered. "I have to go. I'll talk to you later, Riku."

And before Riku could say another word, Mamoru resumed moving down the stairs, taking them three at a time.

Laughing, Riku shook his head and continued up the stairs of the hospital.

"Usagi!" Mamoru called as he let himself into the apartment. "I'm home!"

Usagi's blonde head stuck out the door to the bedroom and she smiled slightly.

"Welcome home, Mamoru." She said.

"Thank you. Usagi, I have a surprise for you," he continued.

Usagi's eyebrows shot up in surprise. A surprise? For her?

"A surprise? What is it?" She asked him.

Mamoru grinned as he responded, "Get dressed and come on out. We're going out today."

Usagi's face blanched and she shook her head frantically. "What if he sees us?" She asked him.

Mamoru shook his head. "Don't worry, Usagi. I'm here. I'll keep you safe. And what are the odds that he'd be going out for a walk in Tokyo Park today? Come on, it'll do you good to get some fresh air. And I won't take no for an answer.

Grumbling, Usagi retreated into the room, her heart pounding at the thought of going outside. If he found her... She shook her head.

Mamoru was right, after all. The chances that Matt would pick this particular day at this particular time were slim to none. And it would be nice to get out into the fresh air again.

With a sigh, she went to the closet, pulling out one of her favorite outfits: a royal purple tank top with small flowers embroidered on the front, and a pair of tight black paints with silver threading.

After she had changed her clothes, she walked out into the bathroom, pulling her hair up into a single long ponytail, and then applying a small amount of makeup, consisting mainly of foundation, blush, lip gloss, and a little bit of purple eye shadow.

Walking out of the bathroom, and then out of the bedroom, she nodded to Mamoru.

"Alright," she said, "Let's go. I want to see this surprise."

Mamoru smirked slightly, and then turned to look at her, and his mouth dropped open.

Usagi looked prettier than she had in days. Her long silver blonde hair was pulled into a ponytail, and a few stray pieces were falling into her face, but it didn't seem to matter to her. The shirt she was wearing clung to every curve of her body, and showed off the cerulean color of her eyes. Her black pants clung to her hips, accentuating her hour glass figure. The little bit of makeup she had on only added to her look of beauty, her skin seeming to glow, her lips a little fuller and her eyes standing out more.

Snapping his mouth shut, he smiled and held out an arm.

"Shall we go?" He asked.

Taking his arm, Usagi smiled up at him. "We shall indeed," she responded. "Geez, Mamoru, what's gotten into you today? You're so excited."

Mamoru laughed, not about to tell her what was going on. He had two surprises planned for her, the first one being lunch at the Crown Arcade and Café with all of her friends, Naru included. The second one... well, that came later, and hopefully she'd respond affirmatively.

Smiling and joking with her all the way down the stairs, he led her out of the apartment building and down the street, heading towards the Crown Arcade and Café.

Usagi tilted her head to one side suspiciously.

"I thought you said we were going for a walk," she said suspiciously.

"Well, have you eaten lunch yet?" Mamoru asked calmly.

"Well, no, but..."

"Then we'll stop in at the Crown and pick up a quick lunch. Afterwards, we'll go for a walk. Alright?"

Usagi hesitated, and then nodded. "Alright, Mamoru. We'll do that."

Smiling, Mamoru led Usagi down the street and to the Crown Arcade. Walking in, Mamoru turned to look for the girls, and noticing them, gave a slight nod to indicate that he'd seen them. Turning back to Usagi, he said "Come on. Let's go sit down. There's a spot in back that we can go to."

"Alright," Usagi said with a shrug, again following his lead... directly into a group of girls, who all screamed and jumped and threw themselves at Usagi.

Usagi's eyes widened as she looked around, her eyes finally recognizing Ami, Rei, Minako, Makoto and...

"Naru!" She cried out in delight, running to her friend's side and throwing her arms around her in a hug. "It's so good to see you!"

Naru laughed and hugged Usagi in response. "It's good to see you again as well, Usa. Everyone at work misses you. And Matt has been absolutely frantic."

At the mention of Matt, everyone around the table grew silent. Usagi looked away, biting the inside of her cheek. Noticing this, Naru's eyes grew worried.

"Usagi? What happened between you and Matt?" She asked quietly.

With a sigh, Usagi related quickly and without detail what had happened. At the end of her story, Naru's eyes were bulging and her teeth were clenched.

"Why that no good..." she paused and looked around the table at the other five sitting there. When none of them failed to make a response, or show any indication of what they were feeling at this outrage, Naru raised her voice a bit. "What's the matter with you guys? Didn't you hear what he did to her? Don't you have anything to say to her?" Naru's eyes sparkled fiercely. If these girls didn't say a thing, they obviously weren't the friends that Usagi made them out to be.

"Naru, they all know," Usagi said quietly, color blossoming in her cheeks. "they all came to see me a few days after... after it happened. I told them then. And Mamoru... I just told him about it yesterday, even though he's the one that has been taking care of me. I hadn't seen you, so I wasn't able to tell you what happened. But now you know."

Minako frowned and looked from Usagi to Naru and back again. Usagi's face had become drawn and pale, and Naru looked ready to chew rocks.

"Come on, you guys. This is supposed to be a happy day! We're all together for the first time in weeks. Now, let's put that dirty topic away and talk about something else. And we can't forget to thank Mamo-chan for setting this up for us, can we?"

Usagi looked up at Mamoru, her eyes wide, taking in his sparkling eyes.

"You set this up?" She asked incredulously. "Why?"

Mamoru smiled softly and took her hand in one of his. "Because I like to see you happy," he answered, the look in his eyes enough to melt any girl he looked at, and Usagi wasn't an exception.

Throwing her arms around him, she squeezed him tightly and murmured her thanks over and over.

His cheeks pink, Mamoru pulled Usagi back from him and smiled. "You're welcome. Now, let's eat our lunch and be on our way, right?"

Usagi smiled and nodded, and they both ordered their food, oblivious to the knowing looks that the five other girls at the table were giving the two of them.

After an hour of eating and gossiping, Usagi and Mamoru stood, excusing themselves and saying their goodbyes to the five girls and Motoki. Turning to Usagi, Mamoru held his hand out for hers. "Shall we go to the park now, Usagi?"

Usagi smiled and took his hand. "Let's go," she responded. The two of them walked hand in hand out the door of the Crown Arcade and Café and down the street to the Tokyo Park.

As they walked, they began to chat about one thing and another, and Usagi laughed every so often. As they were about to turn and head back to the apartment, a familiar drawling voice called to them.

"Well, well, well, look what we have here," Matt LaClare said as he stepped in front of Usagi and Mamoru. "My best friend and my girlfriend. Or should I say, my ex best friend. After all, Mamoru, you lied to me. You told me you hadn't seen her, and now I find that not only have you seen her, you're with her." Matt shook his head regretfully, his eyes sparkling with maliciousness. "But tell me, Mamoru. Was she as good for you as she was for me? You've obviously slept with the little whore by now, haven't you?" He asked, his voice dripping with venom, his eyes glaring into Usagi's.

Usagi's face had turned white when she'd first heard Matt's voice, and now she was shaking like a leaf. Mamoru's face remained impassive as he took a step closer to Matt. Being 6'3 with broad shoulders, Mamoru easily towered over Matt, who was only 5'6.

"Excuse me, Matt. But did I just hear you call Usagi a whore?"

"That's right," Matt sneered. "I was the best thing to happen to the slut's life. Without me she'd be--"

Matt's words were cut off when Mamoru's fist connected with Matt's chin. Mamoru's eyes glinted dangerously as Matt fell pack, blood beginning to drip from his nose.

"Don't you ever call her a whore, or a slut, again. Am I understood? I don't know when or why you changed, Matt, but the change you made doesn't suit you. And if I ever hear that you talked to Usagi again, I will make sure it's the last thing you do." Taking Usagi gently by the shoulders, he turned her around and began to walk off with her. "Oh, and Matt. We'll see you in court," Mamoru finished, his voice jovial, but the look in his eyes completely belying the tone of his voice.

"Come on, Usagi," Mamoru said quietly, "Let's get you back home. There're some things we need to talk about, and something I have to tell you."

Usagi's body was shaking like a leaf at the end of the confrontation, and it was all she could do to nod, and to lift her feet enough to walk.

Noticing this, Mamoru lifted her off her feet and cradled her gently in his arms, walking with her back to the apartment.

Once they were back in the safety of his apartment, Mamoru carefully placed his shaking bundle onto the couch and sat beside her, pulling her into his arms and holding her tightly, running his hands softly over her back, brushing his fingers softly up and down her spine, cooing little nothings into her hair, anything he could think of to calm her down.

"It's alright, Usagi. He's gone now. Calm down now, Usako, everything is okay. You have so many people that love you and want to take care of you. Rei and Ami, Minako and Makoto, Naru and Motoki. They all love you and want to see you happy." He brushed his thumb softly over her cheek, lifting her head up to face him. "And, perhaps most importantly... I love you."

Usagi stiffened at his last words, and looked up into his face.

"Wait...what did you just say?" She asked quietly, unable to believe what she had just heard.

Mamoru averted his gaze, looking anywhere but at her.

"I said I love you."

Struggling to sit up, she took his face in her hands and studied him carefully, her whole being screaming out to say she loved him too. But she couldn't. Not yet. She had to make absolutely certain that he wasn't playing with him. She studied his eyes carefully, and after two minutes, she nodded once, and dropped her hands back to her sides and looked away.

"Mamoru... "Usagi whispered softly, leaning her head against his chest, tears running slowly down her face. "Oh, Mamo-chan. But... but Matt... if he finds out..." Her eyes grew clouded with horror as she remembered the dream she'd had, where Mamoru was lying in bed, and Matt had slit his throat. "No, no, I can't let that happen," she mumbled to herself.

"Take it back!" She demanded, tears running down her face. "Don't say you love me! You can't love me! If Matt finds out, then you'll... you'll... he'll kill you!" She cried out, anguished. "He'll kill you, and then I'll be left with no one. No, damn it! You can't love me!" And that said, Usagi bolted upright, pushing away from him and running to the bedroom, where she promptly shut and locked the door.

Mamoru sighed and stood, walking to the bedroom door, trying the handle, and then knocking softly on it.

"Usagi," he said softly.

"Go away!" Came the muffled voice.

"Usagi, I can't take back what I said. Because what I said was the truth. I do love you. And.... If you don't love me in return, I understand."

Usagi's heart broke at those words, and she stood, running to the door and throwing it open, she took his hand in hers.

"Mamoru, it's not that," she said, tears running down her face. "If he finds out that... that we're in love... Mamoru, he'll kill you! He got so jealous when I even talked to another male... if he realizes that I love you, he'll kill you."

Mamoru paused, looking down at Usagi.

"You love me." It was more a statement than a question.

Usagi shook her head miserably. "But don't you understand?" she whispered, the sound drowned out as Mamoru pulled her to his chest. "We shouldn't... he'll find out..."

Mamoru gently tilted her head up, looking down into her eyes, nothing else mattering right now.

"I heard you," he replied. "And frankly, I don't care. He can try to kill me as much as he wants. But he'll never succeed. And now, I have one thing that he doesn't."

"What's that?" Usagi whispered, unable to tear her eyes away from his.

Mamoru lowered his head and slowly brushed his lips over hers. "I have you," he whispered softly, and all further words were cut off as he placed his lips on hers, in a soft, slow, sweet kiss.

At first Usagi struggled in Mamoru's arms, not wanting to do this, but slowly, she relaxed in his arms, and once more she began to slowly kiss him back. Her arms wrapped slowly around him, holding her tighter to him, unable to get close enough.

Mamoru's own arms wrapped around Usagi's waist, holding her close to him, his mouth on hers, and for awhile, they stayed that way, until slowly the kiss began to deepen. Mamoru slowly ran his tongue along her bottom lip, asking for entrance to her mouth.

Her lips parted, and Mamoru's tongue slowly slid into her mouth, and his eyes widened in shocked delight. Her mouth tasted of cherries and chocolate in an odd yet delicious mix, one that he'd never tasted before.

At the touch of Mamoru's tongue in her mouth, Usagi's eyes widened in panic, remembering the last time someone had kissed her in somewhat the same way as this. Hurriedly, she pulled back, and Mamoru, recognizing the panic in her eyes, let her.

"Usagi," he whispered huskily, "I will never hurt you. I love you Usagi, and I only want you to be comfortable. If you don't want me to do this, I won't."

Usagi relaxed slowly and just leaned in his arms for awhile, before looking up into his eyes.

"Mamoru...?" she asked timidly.

"Yes, Usako?"

Usagi blushed slightly at the term of endearment he used, but continued on. "Mamo-chan, will you hold me tonight? I don't... I don't want to be alone..."

Mamoru smiled softly and nodded.

"Of course, Usako, if that's what you want, I'll do it. I'll do anything you ask me to."

Usagi smiled softly, noticing that he used the endearment once more. She nodded once, indicating that that's what she wanted him to do.

The two of them lay in bed that night, Usagi wrapped in Mamoru's arms, smiling softly, her eyes closed, her body held to his. They lay together whispering, talking softly to each other, smiling and laughing at each other.

At around 2 am, the two drifted off to sleep, still held in each others arms.

The next morning, Usagi awoke and found herself staring into the big, beautiful blue eyes of the person she loved. Smiling and stretching languidly, Usagi spoke.

"Morning."

"Morning love," Mamoru replied with a light smile. "Did you sleep well?"

Grinning, Usagi responded, "I slept like the dead." She hesitated, and then plunged on. "Mamoru, I'm sorry about last night. I'm worried, though. What I said was the truth, if Matt realizes that we're together, he'll find you, and he'll kill you. I don't want to lose you, Mamo-chan," Usagi whispered softly. "So please... just be careful."

At that moment the phone rang.

Mumbling, Mamoru sat up and grabbed for the phone.

"Hello?" he spoke into the phone.

There was a silence on the other end of the phone, broken only by a heavy breathing and then a voice, raspy, said, "Mamoru. I'm watching you. You'll be sorry."

Mamoru looked over at Usagi and forced a smile.

"Usagi, I have to take this call. I'll be back with you in a minute."

That said, he walked out of the room and down the hall to his study, closing the door and picking up the phone once more.

"Matt, I know that's you," Mamoru said with a smirk. "And there's nothing you can do to me. You have nothing against me, and you have nothing to use against me, either."

The voice laughed, a deep, harsh laugh.

"Oh, but I do Mamoru. The girl will pay for what you did. She's a lovely piece of work, isn't she? Imagine what she'll look like with no skin... with blood dripping down her body, and her screaming out in pain. Imagine her having her entrails ripped out of her body, dissected if you will. And you'll know that you have no one to blame but yourself."

Mamoru's face drained of color, and when next he spoke, his own voice was harsh.

"You won't touch her, Matt. You won't even be able to get close to her. And another thing. You're going about this the wrong way. You're problem is with me, not with her. So don't try to get me scared by talking about her."

The voice on the other end of the line chuckled.

"I see I've hit a weak spot, eh, Mamo-chan? Well, I warn you now. Watch out. Because when you least expect it, I'll be there. And she'll be there too, but you won't be able to recognize her. I'm going to have a little bit of fun with out little bunny. And there's nothing you can do to stop me."

With a laugh, the person on the other end of the phone hung up, leaving Mamoru gasping for breath, the blood drained from his face. Replacing the phone on the receiver, he nearly jumped out of his skin when it rang again.

"H-hello?"

"Mamoru? It's Motoki. What's the matter? You sound like you just saw a ghost."

Mamoru laughed bitterly.

"Not a ghost, Motoki. An evil creature, spawned from the pits of Hell."

Mamoru went on to tell Motoki about the phone call he'd just received from Matt.

There was an intake of breath from the other end of the line when Mamoru finished, and Motoki let out a low whistle.

"He's serious, isn't he?" Motoki asked quietly.

"Yes, Motoki, I think he is," Mamoru answered wryly.

"Well, I'm not going to worry," Motoki said forcefully. "As long as Usagi is with you, she'll be fine. And as long as she's with anyone she'll be fine. If there are any days where you have to go to the hospital, and none of the girls can come, give me a call and I'll be over in a flash, or take her to the Crown and I'll watch her for you. Alright?"

Mamoru gave a relieved sigh and nodded his head.

"Thanks, Motoki. You don't know how relieved I am to be able to count on you guys. Now, what is it you called me for?"

"Ah, well, about that. I just called to ask if you and Usagi wanted to join the girls and me for dinner tonight. Say, around 7:30 we'll meet at the Crown and go out somewhere?"

"Sounds good, Motoki. We'll see you tonight. Bye."

"See ya, Mamoru."

Hanging up the phone, Mamoru went back to the bedroom.

"Who was it, Mamoru?" Usagi asked as Mamoru walked back into the room.

"It was Motoki," Mamoru replied. "The connection cut out, so he had to call back. We've been invited to dinner with him and the girls tonight. How does that sound?"

"Great!" Usagi answered. "I need to start getting ready... hm... what to wear. Mamoru, where are we going?"

Mamoru raised an eyebrow and shrugged slightly, amused at the girls reply.

"I'm not sure. We're meeting at the Crown Arcade, and going somewhere from there. Don't dress up too much; we might just go to a fast foods place."

Usagi pouted slightly, but nodded and went to get ready for the dinner.