The Secret behind the Roses
Written by: Jill Annette

Part Six: 19 Questions

"I never would have known for sure if you would have just played stupid," Usagi pointed out.

"I had to know for sure," Mamoru explained. He had to know that the two dominant women in his life were the same person.

"Why? I mean, it's not like it's going to make much of a difference on anything." Usagi shrugged, picking at the lint on her jeans. "It's not like you should care."

"What do I do? As Tuxedo Kamen, what do I do?"

"You protect me or well, Sailor Moon," Usagi noted. "You keep the little creeps from ripping my skin apart. Or at least, that's what you usually do. But seeing that you were distracted by Sailor V -" Usagi gestured to her side.

"I wouldn't have been able to stop that attack from happening."

"I know," Usagi sighed. "So you come to our defense whenever we need you and you are able to."

"Without asking right?"

"Have you developed amnesia? Is this why you need to ask me everything?"

"I protect Sailor Moon because she represents something important to me and she's an ally."

"Oh, so Sailor Moon is super cool," Usagi said dully.

"She represents love and beauty and everything a woman could hope to stand for."

"Right and besides the fact that I'm Sailor Moon from time to time, I have no clue why you're telling me this," Usagi flipped her hair behind her shoulder.

Mamoru turned to face Usagi head on, "I'm telling you this because you represent the real thing to me."

"The real thing?" Usagi asked. She looked at Mamoru. Was she even hearing him right?

"Yes, the real beauty, the real part of love. It's like I'm hitting two birds with one stone."

Usagi leaned in close to Mamoru, her eyes shining with mischief. "So you do want me!"

"Odango Atama!" Mamoru sighed, leaning back against the cushions.

"No, no you have it all wrong. There are no dumplings in my hair. You'll never win me over like that." Usagi said matter-of-factly.

"What do you think about me?"

Usagi shrugged. "I think you're an old geezer!"

"I'm serious!"

"Me too. You know, when I was born you were six years old!" Usagi giggled.

"Fine, Usagi." Mamoru sighed; he had to get this out to keep them from chasing her around the stupid bush she was running around, "I like you. I've always liked everything about you and I'd like to see if there's anything more between us than a few choice words and heated arguments." Mamoru ran a hand through her blond hair, tucking it behind her ear. He met her eyes, "You know I didn't want to get involved before because of my responsibility. I didn't want to have to give a girl like you my burden but you already have it so I don't have an excuse anymore."

Usagi didn't know what to say. She hopelessly stared into his eyes, knowing exactly what he had thought.

"Am I making any sense?"

"No." Usagi shook her head. She hesitated a moment and then dropped her head as she spoke, "Yes, of course you're making sense. I understand, seeing that I practically have the same life you do."

"So we could make this work?"

"I dunno," Usagi stated. "I mean, sure, I like you too. That's been a given since I met you. You can't tell me you didn't know." Usagi paused; Mamoru's thumb was brushing against the base of her neck. "But uh, there's just one thing I have to know beforehand, otherwise, there'd be no point in any kind of relationship with you."

Mamoru sighed. He knew he was going to regret this. "Okay, ask away."

Usagi raised her eyebrows as she emphasized each word. "Do. You. Want. Me?"

Mamoru laughed, leaning over to her, taking her chin in his hand and pulling her face to his. He let his lips do all the talking and she talked back. Usagi took in the pleasure of him being so close to her and took comfort in his embrace. She moaned into the kiss as he ran his tongue along her bottom lip. He felt her response, and she his, as they took in each other's mouths.

Usagi gasped for air, her face flushed. "Oh my, wow."

Mamoru chuckled, "I like the effect I have on you."

"Do you?"

"It looks nice on you."

Usagi laughed and drew him close to her to kiss him again, her arms wrapped around his neck. His kisses were intoxicating and she wanted to know why she never thought of it before. Who knew? They could have been kissing for years now. More than kissing by now.

"Wait," Mamoru said, stopping the kiss as he thought of something. "You knew. How did you find out?"

"A big hint was the rose you gave Sailor Moon last night for her troubles. You can't do that to me as both Mamoru and Tuxedo Mask because eventually someone will figure out that you two are the same person."

"Seeing that I didn't know you and Sailor Moon were the same person, I thought I was safe."

"Do you think that makes you exempt?"

"No, I think this does though." Mamoru kissed her.

"So does this mean you're not angry with me anymore?" Usagi questioned.

"I am a little mad about your hair. I mean, I absolutely loved your hair." He ran his fingers through the new shorter locks. "I still love it." It still felt silky as it slipped through his fingers, the only problem was; "I'll just have to find a new nick name."

"Good," the blond in his arms triumphed. "Odango Atama was getting old anyway. You have to be creative with your insults."

"It wasn't an insult. Ever." Mamoru stated. "I love odangos."

Usagi hugged him to her a smile playing on her lips. She rested her chin on his shoulder, her mouth next to his ear. Her voice was calm whenever she said, "Just one more thing."

"Shoot."

"Do you want me?"

Mamoru looked at her, "You're relentless aren't you?"

"It's a simple question and you won't give me a straight answer!"

"Yes, Usagi, yes, I want you."

"See, that's all I wanted to know," Usagi said and kissed him full on the lips.