*Please baby can't you see
*My mind's a burnin' hell
*I got razors a rippin' and tearin' and strippin'
*My heart apart as well
*Tonight you told me
*That you ache for something new
*And some other woman is lookin' like something
*That might be good for you

Mamoru closed the door.  He blinked twice.  Michiru had been there for
half an hour.  And the things she had shared with him... He had not
wanted to believe them at first.  He knew Michiru was not a liar, he
just hoped she was mistaken.  Something told him, though, she wasn't.

Usagi had been with Haruka.

Now he had to ingest this and work through it.  He loved Usagi, but
this was something that was a blow to his chest.  Not to mention his
ego.  Why go to Haruka?  Why not him?  What was it that he had not
been able to provide her?  What did Haruka have that would make Usagi
want to be with her in that sense?  Other than the obvious, but that 
was beside the point.  He gave her attention, material things, 
emotional support... He was hers.

He had been cruel to Usagi a few times... distant or cold.  But it was
all for her own good.  He always had her well-being in mind.  He loved
her!  Why wouldn't he always keep her in mind?  He had told her he was
sorry.  Every time he screwed up he tried to fix it.  Tried his
hardest.  What more did she want?  What more did she need?  And why
the hell did she have to do this?!

And, perhaps, if she had come to him they could have discussed it,
come to some kind of compromise or understanding.  But to go out, 
behind his back and sneak around... that was unacceptable and cruel of 
her.  He looked to the phone, debating who to call: Haruka or Usagi.  
If he called Haruka he'd end up leaving and going to beat the snot out 
of her.  If he called Usagi...

He picked up the phone and dialed Usagi's number.  All he asked was 
for her to come to his apartment.  She sounded frazzled.  He also 
requested that Chibi Usa remain at home, this was between the two of 
them and not for her ears.

Then he sat.

And waited for her.

*Please baby can't you see
*I'm trying to explain
*I've been here before and I'm locking the door
*And I'm not going back again
*Her eyes and arms and skin won't make it go away
*You'll wake up tomorrow and wrestle the sorrow
*That holds you down today

"Mamo-chan!"  Usagi bounced into the apartment, all smiles and light.  
Mamoru did not even get up to greet her.  She stopped mid bounce and 
looked at him.  "Mamo-chan?  Are you not well?"  Confused and worry 
creased her brow.

Mamoru raised his eyes to her.  "Well?"  He blinked once, 
deliberately.  "I suppose."  He sat up slightly, taking a breath.  
"So, Usako... had there been anything you have been keeping from me?"

Usagi's mouth opened and closed.  Then opened again with no sound.  
She gained her composure again and smiled a bright smile.  "Keeping 
things from you?"

Mamoru stood up and approached her, taking her hands in his own.  
"Usako, you know I am here for you... no matter what you may have 
done.  All I ask is that you come to me, be honest with me.  Do you 
understand?"

Usagi was obviously agitated.  She refused to look him in the eye and 
there was the distinct blush creeping over her features.  She swallowed 
once.  Twice.  The tears welled.  In a tiny voice, filled with regret 
and tears, Usagi confessed her infidelity.

"Mamo-chan, I am sorry.  It was... something stupid.  It was no more 
Haruka's fault than mine.  I could have chosen to not go.  Yes, she 
could have not asked... but I... I..." and the tears fell.

Mamoru wrapped her in his arms.  She had told him.  She had confirmed 
Michiru's accusation.  Just as Haruka had done for her.  Mamoru guided 
Usagi to the couch, never letting her go.

"I am disappointed and hurt, Usako."  Mamoru put his head in his hands 
and tried to sort out his emotions.  There was anger -- blinding anger -- 
toward Haruka, mild anger toward Usagi.  Betrayal, fear it would 
happen again, and tears.  He felt them trickle down one cheek.  Usagi 
gasped and took his head into her hands.

"Mamo-chan!  Please forgive me!  I was rash and... just... oh... I was 
so stupid!  I love you, Mamo-chan.  Please don't cry... not for a 
silly girl like me!"  Her tears came hot and fast, mixing with his on 
their entwined hands.

In that moment, looking into her eyes, Mamoru felt such love and such 
devotion... he could not *not* forgive her.

*Go on and hold her till the screaming is gone
*Go on believe her when she tells you nothing's wrong
*But I'm the only one
*Who'll walk across the fire for you
*I'm the only one
*Who'll drown in my desire for you
*It's only fear that makes you run
*The demons that you're hiding from
*When all your promises are gone
*I'm the only one

Late in the night Mamoru woke up and looked at Usagi beside him.  Her 
face was peaceful in the moonlight, the pain she had felt this 
afternoon gone.  He had taken her to bed that afternoon, loving her in 
such a way.  Even now it brought a smile to his face.  They had 
remained in bed all evening -- even taking supper there.  And, later, 
he had made love to her again.

He wanted the world to know she was his.  He knew their destiny, but 
still...

He brushed a lock of hair from her forehead and she stirred.  Her blue 
eyes opened and a smile spread over her face.  "Mamo-chan."

Mamoru leaned down and kissed her softly.  "Usako."

She reached up and pulled him against her again, moving her body in 
the fashion she knew would arouse him.  Their kisses deepened and 
their touches became more urgent.  Her eyes always on him, no reason 
to think she was thinking of anyone else... 

Yet, when he entered her, Mamoru wondered if Usagi's mind was on 
Haruka...

Little did he know -- it was.

--- End Part Five ---