Chapter Fifteen: Finally, there's love.

Everything seemed a lot more relaxed now. Some how he felt like things could go back to normal. All he had to do was keep his hands off of Usagi and battle his dreams of loving her. He smiled at the fact that she still called him a bully before getting out of his car when he dropped her home.

'It's always going to be like this, and nothing more.' He thought. The relationship that Usagi and he had developed after their first meeting was the relationship he wanted. The last thing he need was to be in a relationship where he could fall in love. He slid into his bed, knowing that he would probably have his love making dream, but for now he just had to accept it.

'If things cool down between us, maybe they'll stop on its own.' He pondered sighing. In some sick small way, he didn't want to stop having those dreams, he liked it much better than the depressing princess calling for him.

"I still have to talk to her again about Akio. That girl is such a real flake sometimes." He murmured remembering that Usagi was very obviously starting to forgive Akio. He knew that she could be taken in easily, she had faith and trust in people, even the bad ones. It was a part of her character that he admired, but hated. He never trusted people, no one. It took a very long time to loosen up to Motoki. Unexpectedly he had an insight. He had always trusted Usagi, even when they first met, he felt like he could tell her his secrets, could explain to her how lonely he was; how sad he was.

He smiled.

"Ever since I met that girl, I've been happier." He rested his head on his arms under his head, staring up at the ceiling.

"Well it's too late Chiba, you've pushed her away." He was still smiling but a small pressure on his chest caused him to gasp softly for air. He closed his eyes and cleared his mind, he needed to stop thinking about Usagi right now, he would see her in his dreams; and he was happy with that.

………………………………..

The morning air was very crisp. It had rained the night before leaving behind a fresh clean smell. It was warm, the sun was making sure to dry off all left over traces of rain. Usagi decided it was time for her to take a chance and walk on her own, so she was walking alone to school. She was pre-occupied with her birthday thoughts, wondering what was planned for tomorrow. She smiled looking up to feel the sun rays on her. Her mind had to stop when she heard a loud screech coming from a fast car. It turned the corner sharply at her house and skidded on top of the side walk in front of her. Terrified she closed her eyes trying to make her body work. She opened her eyes in time to see a couple of men grab her. She was kicking and screaming, but had no chance as they tossed her into the car. Usagi didn't stop there, she was now braver than before and she continued to kick and scream in the car. The man trying to rope her feet and hands was having troubles as he took a few shots to the chest and face.

"Stop that!" He shouted, slamming her back against the side, pinning both her hands in his. She struggled but in the end, he got her tied up.

'I shouldn't have walked alone…'Usagi cried as her kidnapper taped her mouth shut. They were in some kind of garage at a house and both her kidnappers pulled her out to go inside the house. The house was well furnished, everything looked new, including the house. One of her kidnappers tossed her over his shoulder and entered a room, Usagi tried to kick him with her knees, but with her feet and hands tied, she wouldn't get far. He threw her on the bed and walked out. Usagi was getting scared, she didn't want this happening again. The room was very dim, only the light from a pile of white scented candles lit the room. She looked around the room spotting a large window.

'I can escape.' She thought trying to struggle out of the ropes. She was interrupted when the door opened again. She couldn't make out the man's face, he was in the shadows, as he took off his jacket.

"Don't be scared. I promise that I'll be romantic this time." The voice set off alarms in her head, she knew the man. He walked out of the shadow and close to the bed. Usagi started to back up to the head board. She couldn't believe how foolish she was.

"I really am sorry about last time, this time don't give me a reason to hit you." He smiled, sitting down and caressing her face with his hand. Usagi quivered at his touch, it repulsed her. He slowly took off the tape and smiled down at her.

"You're sick Akio! LET ME GO!" She shouted kicking him hard enough to make him fall off the bed. Usagi realized she was still tied up, making this a really bad situation for her. Akio laughed from the floor. He shot up and pulled himself on top of her.

"I can make this pleasurable or a nightmare." He smirked pulling her face close to his. Usagi snorted up and spat on him.

"Anything is a nightmare with you!" She shouted watching Akio wipe her spit off of his face. He was mad. He sat up on her, pulled her to him and slapped her across the face, allowing her body to fall back down to the bed. The stink of the slap was zipping through her cheek, but she wasn't going to cry. He leaned back down on her rubbing his nose against her neck.

"No on will hear you. Scream all you want, it excites me." He smirked again. His hands were trailing over her stomach, touching her skin and going up just to her rips, making her want to weep.

"HELP! HELP ME!" She shouted, giving it a try. The tears were starting to build up as Akio's hand was starting to get closer to her breasts. He slowly and very smoothly trailed his hand down to her skirt, tracing the top, scaring her out of her screams.

"Don't do this. Please don't do this. I won't tell anyone, just please let me go." She begged, no longer in control of her cry. Akio smiled.

"I always get what I want Usagi. Even if it means forcing it. Other girls tried to reject me, but they always give it up." He was lightly moving his lips on the cheek he slapped, frightening Usagi more. She realized that this time, she wouldn't be saved. This time no one could hear her, no one would be able to get to her on time.

"Mamo-chan…" She whispered, ticking Akio off further. He tore off his shirt and was ready to start when the window burst, sending ittle fine pieces of glass flying everywhere. Akio looked up and there was Mamoru, ready to kill.

"How did you!" He shouted. Usagi was so happy to see him. Akio's criminal team barged into the room fighting with Mamoru, but he was easily able to beat each one to unconsciousness. Akio pulled Usagi over his shoulder, while Mamoru was still fighting.

"Let me go! Mamo-chan!" She screamed squirming to get free. Akio finally dropped Usagi when he felt a horrible pain in his back. It was Mamoru's fist, it was like his back bones all broke. He fell to his knees, Usagi quickly backing away.

"I told you. I told you not to go near her! Now I'm going to kill you!" He pulled Akio to his feet, forcing him to face him. Mamoru was unmerciful as he pounded Akio to the ground. He was bleeding badly, and even made a small whimper to stop, but Mamoru wouldn't. This time he would not stop. Usagi saw the horrible look in Mamoru eyes, he was really going to kill Akio. His madness scared her and she started to beg for him to stop. Akio was not moving anymore, but faintly breathing when Usagi pulled on Mamoru's leg to stop. Mamoru's hand and shirt were stained with spots of Akio's bloody face. He stopped, knelt down and gathered Usagi into his arms. He pressed her tightly to him. He was breathing heavy from the physical and mental battle, and it was all he could do to calm down. Usagi relaxed in his arms, still bound. He looked down to her and united her arms and feet. Red marks left behind to out line the rope marks.

"Lets get out of here." He got up taking Usagi with him. Akio opened his eyes, glad that he was alive.

………………………….

"Yes thanks officer." Kenji said letting the three uniformed police men out.

"Here Mamoru." Ikuko placed a bag of ice on his throbbing hand. Mamoru smiled and thanked her. He still had a lot of aggression left in him. Kenji quietly sat back down on the couch next to his wife. She leaned onto his chest, both staring out into space. Mamoru felt horrible, he wanted to say something that would comfort them, but what could he.

"Mamoru, we are in great debt to you son." Kenji spoke looking to him. Mamoru was surprised, he didn't expect him to do that. He had expected that he would run upstairs start drawing up plans for the cage he would stick his daughter into; and make up a even bigger 'do not feed the usagi' sign.

"No Tsukino-sama. There is no need to thank me. I'm just glad that Usagi-chan is alright." Mamoru leaned back into the lazy boy chair, thankful that he could feel her in danger. He was never happier to be Tuxedo Kamen.

"Mamoru, how did you know that she was in danger?" Ikuko asked with a thankful smile. She already knew the answer, it was obvious that Mamoru loved her daughter and the strength of his love for her, drove him.

"I'm not sure, I just knew. I can't explain it." He was nervous and watched Luna come to his side. He wondered if Usagi had told her cat that he was Tuxedo Kamen.

"I should go now, you all need to rest." He was leaving the house when Usagi's friends walked down.

"She fell asleep. I think it's better we go too now Tsukino-sama." Ami smiled. Mamoru waited for them to leave with him, he was getting ready to get into his car when Rei approached him.

"We need to talk." She was mad, she needed answers, all the senshi did. Mamoru saw the expression and wondered what she was so upset about. He pulled to the corner to the park waiting for the girls to arrive. He was deep in thought. Usagi was almost forced again. He was irate, and it was not just because no girl should ever be forced like that, but that it was happening to his Usagi.

'When did she become mine…'He sighed, knowing that it would take a very long time to get back to normal for him. He would suffer like this until she got a real boyfriend, and than he would probably slip into depression.

"Mamoru" The girls arrived, they were all looking pretty upset and uptight. He turned to face them, still leaning against his car.

"We want to know why you took her like that! You had no right to just fly off with her even if you are Tuxedo Kamen." Rei shouted. Mamoru seemed surprised, he looked carefully at the girls not understanding how they knew that he was Tuxedo Kamen.

'Did Usagi tell them?' He pondered feeling slightly betrayed.

"Mamoru-san, we are the senshi. I'm Sailor moon Mercury, Minako-chan is Venus, Rei-chan is Mars and Makoto-chan is Jupiter. We just want answers." Ami maintained her calm collective manner, but even she was upset that he kidnapped her like that. Mamoru was surprised as he looked at each one of them, finally seeing it. He was happy that Usagi had not betrayed his trust.

"I only took her to show her who I was." He said, still very relaxed.

"That's not the way to show her that! She's been through a lot! And it's not like you're making things easier for her." Rei fumed stepping closer to him. She was angry that he was not with her, and angry that Usagi was hurt. Mamoru's eyes narrowed.

"What are you saying?" He barked in a low growl. Makoto asked Rei to stop and let things cool off first and discuss all of the matters tomorrow or later. But Rei didn't, she needed answers now. They had waited too long.

"You kissed her again, than you offer to pretend to be her boyfriend! You send her all these mixed signals. You're causing her more grief than anything. You don't care for her, so why are you acting like you do!" She shouted at him. Mamoru was infuriated. Rei was really stepping over lines. Who did she think she was to accuse him of not caring for Usagi.

"We should go, we can talk about this later." Luna interrupted, seeing how much Mamoru's expression had changed. His body language was sending her shivers, she could tell that he would probably not hesitate to slap Rei if she continued.

"What are you talking about! I saved her, and always will, so don't ever tell me that I don't care. I care for her more than my own life!" Everyone gasped in shock. They had never heard Mamoru raise his voice so much, nor did they ever count on hearing that. Rei stepped back, her eyes glassed over.

'He loves her…'She thought. Some how, she already knew that he did. But it didn't upset her, what made her upset was that he never told Usagi it. They were all silent. Luna and Artemis skipped over to say something but Mamoru had got into his car and sped off. He knew he had given them too much of his deep thoughts. He regretted telling them that much but what else could he do, he was furious.

…………………………………

It was past midnight when Usagi opened her eyes feeling a bit thirsty. She quietly walked passed Luna to the bathroom. She spotted her face in the mirror, noticing how well her bruises had healed, only a few light shades of blue and red brushed her chin and cheek. She came back to her room, sitting on the bed looking at the time. She was still very sleepy.

'Happy birthday Usagi' she smiled. She laid her head back on the pillow, snuggling her blankets closer to her face. A tall shadow fell on her body and she quickly sat up. She softly gasped as the figure stepped forward from her window.

"Mamoru?" She whispered as he walked to her bed side. Usagi was going to stand up, but she was in her moon and star pajama's and felt embarrassed if he noticed. He was silent, his eyes were soft, his expression very lost.

"What's wrong? Why are you here?" She whispered watching his body walk to her side and sit on her bed. She blushed.

'The last time he was here, he kissed me..' she thought. He didn't say anything to her, all he wanted to do was stare at her, like she would be the last thing he would ever see before he went blind. Usagi became very nervous and more embarrassed, so she shook him lightly by the arms. He turned to her exam her bed, it looked comfy, big enough to fit two, he than noticed his shirt tangled in her pillow. Usagi blushed madly, embarrassed out of her mind.

"Ah you can have it back." She trembled taking the shirt in her hand and held it out to him. He slid closer to her, making Usagi's heart skip a beat. His eyes were still very soft and loving.

"You keep it for now." Usagi looked down to her hands holding on to the shirt, not sure what to say next. Mamoru knew that there was no point in holding himself back. He wanted to be with her. Having almost lost her to Akio, it only heightened his need to have her. He wasn't sure if this was the best thing, but he couldn't lie to himself anymore, or pretend that it was only in his dreams that he thought about Usagi. She had taken over his life and there was no point in going on with life, without her with him. Usagi felt his hands gently bring her chin up, her eyes growing wider as she saw his face. He leaned towards her, shifting his arms to engulf her, and he pulled her to him. His lips touched hers lightly, causing a nervous excitement in Usagi. He moved his mouth on to her sealing the kiss. Her eyes closed as she brought up her hands to his shoulders, holding on to him like she never wanted to let go. He deepened the kiss, demanding her body to move closer to his. He rubbed her back gently, bringing up his hand to push her head closer to him. Everything felt right when he kissed her, like nothing else mattered in the world but her. All his loneliness flew away, he had love now, he had no need for coldness. Usagi pulled back, needing to breath. She was blushing and lightly smiling.

"I can't lie anymore…" He softly said still holding on to her. Usagi smiled at him moving her feet over the bed. He cupped her face with both hands making her look at him.

"Why are you here Mamoru?" She whispered blushing again.

"Our first kiss was not very beautiful. This will be the first kiss now." He looked so loving. Usagi turned red looking to her feet. She was so happy. Mamoru held on to her, bringing her to rest her head on his shoulder.

"Strange how this all worked out. It was like I was fated to be with you." He smiled inhaling the scent of her hair. He had never felt so relaxed. Usagi smiled. He got up helping her up with him. She was totally embarrassed that he looked down to her pajama's. He smiled cutely. His eyes were a soft midnight shade of blue complimented by his dark hair. He pulled her close to him in a sudden tight hug. He inhaled her scent loving the feel of her body against him. Usagi closed her eyes hugging him back. She buried her face into his chest, taking comfort in his embrace. Mamoru didn't want to let her go, this moment felt so right to him. They stayed there, locked in each other's arm, lovingly holding on. Mamoru knew then, that his decision was correct, he really did love Usagi and couldn't live without her. The thought of leaving her room was driving him insane, knowing very well that he would have to part from her warmth. Everything in his world was so cold, but now that Usagi was part of it; he would never shiver.

"You should sleep now Odango atama." He smiled, cupping her face with one hand.

"What's happening Mamoru? Why do I feel like this?" She asked innocently still holding on to him. She didn't want him to leave. He smiled looking deep into her beautiful bright eyes.

"Because it's fate." He smiled lightly kissing her forehead.

"I'm sorry Mamoru. I shouldn't have forgiven Akio-"

"Don't, don't say sorry. It's not your fault." He whispered again softly. Usagi was feeling better. She had fallen asleep after the attack blaming herself, but now she felt happier. Mamoru let go of her body and headed back out her open window.

"Sleep well odango" He smirked, jumping off and disappearing into the dark road. Usagi traced her lips, finally truly feeling happy. The first time in a week.

"Good night Mamo-chan…." She whispered into the breeze.