I have to admit, this chapter is a bit of fluff. But it cover a lot of ground. Plus, who doesn't love a little fluff? Any who, here is the next chapter for you guys. I hope you like it! Thank you guys again for your reviews, keep them coming!

The Truth About Tragedy

Ch. 13

"Guilt is perhaps the most painful companion to death."- Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

She pinched her arm to check and make sure she hadn't passed out during the fight and was actually dreaming. Her actions caused him to laugh again.

"I told you it wasn't a dream."

"Why didn't you tell me?!"

"I wanting to make sure you liked the real me first. If you found out who I was back when we were fighting all the time, then you may not have trusted me."

"Of course I would have trusted you! We may not have been best friends Mamoru but I know you are a good person. You would never hurt me. But you forced me to trust you as Tuxedo Kamen. You didn't give me a choice in knowing my identity and not telling me yours. You didn't trust me."

"You're mad."

"Yes I'm mad! Forget that you couldn't trust me. I've been going crazy, having feelings for two men. And you could have ended my struggling long ago!"

"Usagi, you must know that I didn't mean to hurt or confuse you. It's not that I didn't trust you I just didn't trust your reaction to me. I just couldn't stand the idea of you not talking to me or hating me."

She launched herself into his arms. He caught her and her lips as they fell backwards on the cold ground but neither of them felt it. It was like they hadn't seen each other in years as their mouths and hands hungrily searched each other. He rolled them over so he was on top and broke their kiss to look her in the eyes.

"I would never hate you."

He kissed her again but it was short.

"We have a serious problem, they know who you are now."

"They were after me before Mamo-chan. Before they knew I was Sailor Moon. That's why they attacked me in my dreams. They think I'm Princess Serenity and that I know where the silver crystal is."

He smiled at her nickname for him, "Well now they have another reason to come after you. It is not safe for you or for your family."

The thought of Shingo and Aunt Yukio facing the same fate as her parents brought tears to her eyes. His hand brushed them away quickly.

"Shhh shhh it's going to be okay. I'll watch over you and your family. I won't let anything happen to you or to them."

She caressed the spot where she slapped him, planting a kiss on the red skin.

"I'm sorry I slapped you."

"Don't be. I'm glad you did. Well Mamoru is anyways."

He lowered his lips to hers and kissed her gently. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him in deeper to her.

Back at Mamo-chan's, she cleaned up as quickly as she could so Shingo and Yukio wouldn't freak at the sight of her. She gave a sad sigh as she examined her favorite coat, which now had rips and blood stains all over it. Mamo-chan gave her his coat which she kept wrapped around her even as she was now in her room. It smelled like him, roses and pine. She put the coat on the bed and changed into her pajamas. Luna was no where in sight, probably at center again. A shadow moved across her bedroom as she pulled on her nightgown, scaring her for a second. She wrapped the coat around her again and opened her window to sit in it. Across from her sat Tuxedo Kamen on a thick tree branch.

"Would you like to come in out of the cold?"

He jumped through the window and sat next to her in such a quick move, she almost missed it. Closing the window, she shrugged off the coat and got under her covers. She held them up as an invitation to him and even though she didn't say a word, her cheeks became flushed. He changed back into Mamo-chan, removed his shoes, and got in the bed with her. Holding her close to him, he placed a kiss on her forehead before resting his chin on top of her head. She tried to stay awake, to enjoy the moment. But he was so warm and she felt so safe. It all felt strangely familiar like deja va. Maybe she had dreamed this once before.

She woke to an empty bed. The sheets were still warm from his presences and they smelled of roses and pine, letting her know she did not dream it all. She heard his voice downstairs and fear crept up her back. Had he been caught in here this morning and Yukio was now giving him the riot act? She was sure Yukio wouldn't do that even if she found them nude together in bed but Yukio may have taken on a more parental role. She had to shake the thought of her and Mamo-chan nude together from her thoughts as her face turned a fiery red. Still in her nightgown and bare foot, she crept down the stairs and poked her head around the corner to see the kitchen. Her Aunt was playing music and Mamo-chan sat at the table with their paper. No yelling or hitting. So either he had slipped out earlier or she hadn't cared. She turned to creep back up the stairs when a hand grabbed her wrist. She turned, engulfed by deep blue. A smile plastered his face as he took in her appearance.

"I love your nightgown by the way."

"Shhh...how did you do that? Am I that loud?"

"I can always sense when your around Usako."

She blushed deeply at his pet name for her and he gave her a quick kiss before releasing her to escape upstairs.

Winter break was fast approaching and the girls were in a tisy to get more protection for her. She told them about her run in with Kunzite. She left out her wounds, him calling her Princess Serenity, and Tuxedo Kamen's identity but she told them his involvement with her parent's death and her transforming in front of him. Luna was still on her back about that and refused to leave her side any longer. Luckily, she was a heavy sleeper and never seemed to notice that every night Tuxedo Kamen a.k.a. Mamo-chan slept in her bed. Their break was going to start in a few days and Yukio wanted to take her and Shingo out of town.

"What do you two think about going somewhere over your break?"

It was right before school and Mamo-chan sat at the table with them. Shingo brightened at the idea but she just cringed.

"I think that's a great idea. Usagi and Shingo could use the vacation." Mamo-chan added.

She knew what he was doing. He wanted to get her out of town, away from danger. Little did he know that danger tended to follow her and the Senshi where ever they went.

"Yeah, come on Usa, it'll be fun."

She smiled at the thought but it wouldn't be much of a vacation if she was there. As long as she was with them, they would be in danger. But if they went without her...

"Oh I would love to but its way too late for me to get off work now. But you guys don't need me, why don't you go without me? I can just stay with one of the girls."

"I don't know..."

"Yukio, I'm going to turn seventeen next year. I can take care of myself. You guys should go have some fun."

"Well alright, if your sure..."

"I'm positive."

Yukio left to clear the table and Shingo walked over to her and hopped into her lap. Was it just her or did he gain some weight?

"Usa, why don't you want to go with us? I promise I won't annoy you!"

She hugged him tight, "You don't annoy me. I would love to go and spend time with you but I really do have to work. Trust me, you'll have a ton of fun without me."

"I doubt it but okay."

She could feel Mamo-chan's anger even without looking at him. When they were alone in the car he finally let it burst.

"Are you crazy? You have a chance to get out of here, away from the danger and you throw it back in my face?"

"They are in danger as long as I am with them. Don't you think the enemy would find me no matter where I am? And then I would have to protect the two of them by myself."

"I just don't want anything to happen to you. It would kill me to lose you."

"I'm not going anywhere Mamo-chan."

With their bags in their hands, Usagi helped her small family pack up the car. They were going to Mount Tanigawa to the Minakami Onsen hot springs. She really did wish she could go, the hot springs would be great for her what with all the stress she was under. It wasn't even light out yet and she was barely awake as they hugged and kissed her goodbye. She felt a little guilty lying about work, she had gotten the week off so that the Senshi could end the fight over her. As the car pulled slowly out of the driveway, she memorized Shingo's chubby face as he watched her disappear out the back window. She didn't know if it would be the last time she would ever seen them, but she at least knew she wouldn't see them for a week. The house felt empty as she stumbled back into the warm living room. Sleep had reclaimed her long ago as a knock came to the front door. Looking at her clock, she could see that it was still early but heavy clouds hung in the air blocking out what would have been full sunshine for sure. The knocking came again and she covered her head with the covers. If it was the cops again, they could just go to hell. They had been bugging her and Shingo a lot lately. Their case had gone cold long ago and they hoped to get more information out them to push their case along. They asked ridiculous questions like, did their family have any connection to the mob. It didn't bother her, she knew exactly who was responsible and she had ever intention of giving them what they deserved. A knock at her window managed its way to her ears through her thick covers. Tossing them aside, she unlocked the window and went straight back to bed without looking to see who it was. She knew who it was. It was Mamo-chan. Wait Mamo-chan! She rose from her bed and turned to see him sitting in her window seat.

"Glad to see I have your attention."

Grabbing her covers around her, she shuffled to sit next to him and snuggled against him. He chuckled and wrapped an arm around her.

"Is this how you plan to spend your first day off from school? Where's Luna?"

"She left early this morning. We are trying to pin point the enemy's base so we can attack them."

"On their ground? Is that wise?"

"We are hoping for the element of surprise."

She didn't open her eyes the entire conversation and was easily slipping back into sleep when Mamo-chan rose leaving her alone on the window seat. She let out a moan in protest which he silenced with his lips. He pulled away with a chuckle.

"Come on and get ready. I'll be downstairs."

She heard his footsteps on the stairs and groggily made her way to the bathroom.

Her shower had woken her body but not her mind. Looking outside she opted for a black polka dot dress with a heart-shaped neckline and a thick light pink cardigan on top. The skirt came to her mid-thigh so she pulled on some thick gray wool knee-high socks. Her hair was still wet so she let it fall in waves down her back as she pranced down the stairs. Mamo-chan had made coffee and was working on pancakes and sausage. The whole house was filled with the smells of his cooking. She swiftly headed for the coffee pouring herself a cup and mixing it with her cream and sugar. She turned to catch Mamo-chan staring at her. He tried to hide it but she had totally caught him!

"What are you staring at?"

"What?! Oh uh nothing. I guess I'm just not use to you out of uniform that's all." He mumbled.

Well it was her favorite dress for a reason. He put a hand in her loose hair, twisting a strand around his fingers.

"So why dumplings, Dumpling?"

"I don't know. It just always seemed to make sense. To be me, even though it was weird. I guess I liked being different at first but then I just never wanted to wear my hair any other way."

He gave her hair a playful tug, pulling her closer to him.

"It does fit you, Dumpling Head."

Before she could just him a tongue lashing for calling her that horrible name, he silenced her with his own tongue lashing.

The bag she packed for herself sat by the door as she pulled on her dark brown lace up boots. They ended at her knees allowing for a bit of her socks to peek out over the top. Then she put on Mamo-chan's coat as he grabbed her bag to put in his car. Even though she wanted to stay with Mamo-chan, they all agreed it would be best if she stayed with Rei. It would be the safest for her there and she didn't want to put Mamo-chan in any more risk. She didn't want to put any one in danger but they refused to let her stay by herself. It was so far out-of-town, they wouldn't be able to get to her in time anyways and she couldn't tell them that Mamo-chan had slept in her bed every night so she was off to the temple. They weren't far into the city when Mamo-chan reached over and took her hand.

"Would you like to do something today with me?"

"You mean...like a date?"

"Yeah...would you...like to go on a date with me?"

They had never been on a date. As weird as that is. They had made out tons of times and spent as much time as possible together but they had never really been on a date.

She did her best to say it without a smile but it burst through anyways, "Nope."

He turned in time to see her smile and let out a chuckle at her little game.

"Alright, I'll just ask Rei then."

"Noooooo!"

"Hey don't hit the driver!"

Rei wasn't at the temple so her strange but sweet Grandpa showed her to her room. Mamo-chan followed close behind her and Grandpa gave him a wink as he shut the door. This caused them both to blush and try to find anything but each other to look at. She set her bag down at the edge of the bed and then flopped on the bed. Mamo-chan busied himself by inspecting the window of all things. If the bad guys wanted to get in they could just blow the wall up.

Mamo-chan took her to a movie. It was Christmas themed and cute. She had a feeling he took her to it for her sake. Then he brought her a hot chocolate and they walked through the park. They came upon their playground which was filled with shrieking kids this time. She stopped to watch the innocence as it clambered all over the grounds. Mamo-chan wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her away. She could smell his coffee as she wrapped her free arm around his waist and let him take her further into the park. He led her to a part of the park she had not seen before. There was a lot of this park she had yet to see. There was a small river with a beautiful bridge that span across it. Coming to its peak they stopped and watched the water run under their feet. There were still a few chunks of ice in it but other wise it bubbled and gurgled like normal.

"In the spring this area is full of cherry blossoms. It's beautiful."

She watched his face as he wistfully reflected on the memory of spring. It seemed so far away now, so out of reach. He snaked his arm around her waist and looked deep into her eyes.

"I'll have to bring you here to see it."

Spring suddenly seemed obtainable. All because he was going to be with her. It all felt so...right. Just like her hair style so long ago. It seemed crazy at first but now she couldn't imagine her life with anyone else. He was the one she had been waiting for all this time. He was why she was never interested in anyone else. She was meant to be with him. She pulled on his coat, bringing him down to her level so she could kiss him on their bridge.

When they could no longer stand the cold, she took him to a noodle place down the street. It was a little hole in the wall that Makoto introduced her to and it had some of the best oolong noodles in Tokyo. Much to his protest, she paid since he paid for the movie. As he drove away from the temple, it hit her that this would be their first night apart. The steps to her solitude stretched before her and as she got higher and higher her sadness grew.

She flopped on her bed and hoped that sleep would take her before she started to cry but she found it impossible to sleep without him now. Her room was darker than any room she had ever slept in, due to the screens that made up the practically windowless walls. She listened in the darkness, wide awake in her bed and tried to adjust herself to her surroundings. She could hear a few more crickets here than at her Aunt's house.

She rolled to her side and closed her eyes. A few weeks ago she prayed not to go to sleep and here she was praying for it. The house made strange noises in the night, creaking loudly in the wind. How does Rei sleep through this every night? It had finally quieted down when she felt the bed shift and two arms wrapped around her. He nuzzled her neck and pulled her tight to him.

He whispered, "Couldn't sleep."

Glancing behind her, over him, she could see that he had removed the small grate that was her window and left it leaning against the wall. She turned over in his arms to face him. With the larger hole in her wall she could just make out his face.

"You know, I haven't told my friends about you."

"I'm sure your friends have figured out that we are together by now."

"No I mean I haven't told them that you are Tuxedo Kamen."

"Oh. Do you think they would handle it badly?"

"At this point I don't see how they wouldn't. The fact that I am dating you is enough to cause them to freak out. Even if they did trust you, the fact that I have kept it from them for this long. There really is no way that it will be smooth."

"Do you want to tell them?"

"...I want them to trust you. To see that Tuxedo Kamen is our ally not our enemy. I want us all to fight together."

"So what do you want me to do?"

"We are training tomorrow, getting ready for our ambush on the enemy. Maybe, Tuxedo Kamen could make an appearance and make a peace-offering or something?"

"Alright, if it's what you want Usako."