A/N: The number of reviews and positive feedback on this story has flattered me. I'm a bit embarrassed to show what I write, since I kind of do it just to pass the time. I have fun with it though, and I'm glad people enjoy it.

Act II: Betrayal Twofold

(Part 2)

It was her child-like spirit that he fell in love with.

The way she used to laugh and blush just at the very mention of his name.

Mamoru.

But it was no more.

He had found another.

Mamoru had heard it all, having not stepped foot outside of the bedroom that he and his wife shared. It was probably the wisest choice Mamoru had made in a long time.

"I cannot believe this."

He did not understand how it could have happened; or, rather, how he could have let it happen.

Setsuna had informed the King earlier that day of an important matter that needed to be addressed. Although the Queen did not like for anyone to be in the palace without her present, Mamoru had assumed it would be all right; Chibi-Usa was attending a play date with Hotaru and Usagi was having lunch with the girls.

Mamoru had greeted Setsuna at the door himself, rather than let the two heavy-set guards escort her inside. Setsuna had looked quite lovely that afternoon, wearing a simple white, sleeveless summer dress instead of the normal senshi attire Mamoru was accustomed to seeing. The contrast between Setsuna's dark skin and the dress caught Mamoru's eye; Setsuna gave a slight smile. Mamoru laughed when he noticed Setsuna still held the Garnet Orb staff despite her change in attire.

"Haha, do you sleep with that staff as well Setsuna?"

"Hush! I need the Garnet Orb staff with me always so as to fulfill my duty as Guardian of Time! You should be thanking me Mamoru for keeping things in order, or else beloved Crystal Tokyo would be in chaos! Stop poking fun at such a serious matter!" Mamoru saw a hint of a smile and knew Setsuna was teasing him. Mamoru adored her playfulness.

"I do thank you Setsuna, from the bottom of my heart." Mamoru smiled and to Setsuna's surprise, kissed her hand. Setsuna felt her face flush, her heart skipping a beat.

"Mamoru.." Setsuna felt Mamoru draw her closer, his familiar scent overpowering her. As much as she wanted—needed—to tell him, the important matter she came to discuss would have to wait.

The King made her feel so safe, wanted even. It was a lonely life, guarding the Gate of Time. Setsuna was proud of her duty, but longed very much for a companion. Although she wished to raise baby Hotaru along with Haruka and Michiru, the Queen informed Setsuna that her place was guarding the Gate of Time. Setsuna accepted, but was somewhat bitter over her loss at the chance of a normal life. Part of her felt as though the Queen did it to keep she and Mamoru apart; surely the Queen noticed the bond that was forging between the two. Still, Mamoru went out of his way to see her, even bringing Chibi-Usa with him occasionally. Setsuna felt a connection with Mamoru unlike no other, and Mamoru felt it too. For a long time, the two remained friends. Until one day they could hide it no longer.

Setsuna shivered as she remembered that time with Mamoru.

Mamoru felt Setsuna's body shake and held her tightly as he kissed her. I do not want to hurt Usagi. Millions of thoughts ran through Setsuna's head. But, I love him.

Setsuna's Garnet Orb staff clanged to the floor, as Mamoru grabbed her hand and walked down the hallway to the room he and Usagi shared.

Mamoru deep thoughts wandered to the news Setsuna had needed to tell him.

He smiled.

There is something positive in this whole mess. Mamoru closed his eyes, trying to clear his mind. He would need a clear mind to confront his Usa.

"Mamoru."

Mamoru was aroused from his sleep by the sound of his wife's voice.

Usagi stood into the doorway to their bedroom, her face showing no emotion.

"My Usa-" Mamoru started.

"You know Mamoru, haha, I was fool." Usagi plopped down on their big bed as she continued.

"I thought, because of that silly word called 'destiny', that we would always be together. No problems, no hardships, no other women." Usagi stressed the last words, causing Mamoru to wince. "I must have really been the 'Meatball Head' that Rei-chan always referred to me as."

Mamoru reached over, taking his wife's hand into his own. It was cold.

"Usagi, you were not. I just.."

Mamoru stopped, he did not want to, but he had to tell her.

"What, Mamoru?"

Mamoru took a deep breath. "I just, you've changed Usagi; you are not the fun girl I remember. You used to be so kind, so sweet. Usa, even your laughter was infectious, always bringing a smile to people's faces."

"You are saying I'm not that way anymore?" Usagi face seemed to soften.

"No Usa, you are not."

"Um, Your Majesty?" One of guards had poked his head into the bedroom, probably not realizing what a tense moment he had just interrupted.

Usagi knew he was addressing her and turned around.

"Yes, what is it?" Usagi tried not to appear irritated, the guard was simply doing his job.

"Ms. Haruka, has brought Princess Chibi-Usa back from her play date."

Usagi got up from the bed.

"I'll be back in a second Mamoru, let me go get our daughter."

"Yes," Mamoru stared at the floor.

Usagi was always happy to see Haruka. Despite the circumstances, she greeted Haruka with a smile. Usagi always had a fondness for her, maybe it was because Haruka possessed many of the qualities Usagi wished Mamoru did. It was obvious Haruka held a fondness for the Queen as well, but everyone knew her heart belonged to Michiru.

"Here's your little kiddo! She's a handful I tell ya! As if Hotaru isn't enough. Here's Michiru always saying she wants a big family..haha, over my dead body."

Usagi giggled; Haruka could be so cute.

"Mommy!" Chibi-Usa jumped into her mother's arms. Usagi clutched her.

"I wanna see Daddy!"

Usagi's face became tense. Haruka took notice.

"Hey, is everything alright? I heard some odd news about Setsuna floating aroun-"

"Yes, everything's fine Haruka. I must go." The Queen kissed Haruka lightly on the cheek. "Thanks for taking care of Chibi-Usa for me."

Haruka smiled. "Anytime Usa."

"Daddy, Daddy!" Usagi had brought the little one into the bedroom where her father embraced her.

"How's my little girl?" Both the King and Queen's faces softened. No matter what they were going through, their daughter always brought them great joy.

Usagi decided to let the child tell her father about the play date while she straightened their bedroom. She listened as the child babbled excitedly.

"And, and, Daddy! Hotaru-chan taught me a new game!"

Usagi and Mamoru exchanged a look. For the first time in a long time, Usagi smiled at her husband. Maybe we can work this out..

"Daddy, I wanna see lil sister! Can we go see Pluto-mama?"

"…"

Usagi froze without turning around.

Mamoru voice cracked, "Later..little one, later."

"Okay, I'm off to play in my room now!"

Chibi-Usa scampered off, not realizing the destruction she had left in her little wake.

"Little sister, Mamoru?" The Queen did not turn around.

"Usa, the reason Setsuna visited today was to tell me something."

"Oh, could have fooled me."

Usagi turned to face Mamoru. He had to tell her now.

"Setsuna wants Chibi-Usa and I to come stay with her."

"…And?"

"Usa, I want to go to her."

"You can't be serious?"

"Usa, Setsuna and I..have a child together."

A/N: DRAMA! Please R&R!