For Sale

Author: ChibiJ

Rated: PG13

Rating :

Chapter 7

For Sale

Chapter 7

By: Chibi J

Edited by: Lady Solo

Rated: PG-13

Standard Disclaimers Apply.

Special thanks to all of you that help keep me sane during my insane moments. To my friends Kat, Sarah, and Roselle—thanks for always helping me keep my spirits high. I couldn't do this without you.

To everyone at AI…thanks for all your support as I write this. I am really proud of this story and I hope that you enjoy reading it.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Usagi stepped out of her bedroom, quietly closing the door to the dimly lit room. "She finally fell asleep," she sighed, exhaustion showing clearly in her eyes.

"I wonder how long she'll sleep this time," Mamoru said as he turned his equally tired eyes toward the clock on the VCR. The green glowing digits said that it was 4:22 in the morning.

"I don't know. She was screaming so loud this time," Usagi reflected as she glanced back towards the bedroom door. After watching her mother brutally beaten and then hung, Chika was reluctant to go home with Mamoru and Usagi. Yet the warm and loving words that the two adults spoke to her gave Chika a good feeling and she allowed herself to trust them.

Upon returning to Chiba Estates, females swarmed Mamoru and Usagi in an effort to get the details on the punishment of Honto Tesu. Immediately upon hearing her mother's name, Chika erupted in heart-wrenching sobs. Without any words to the females around them, Mamoru huddled Usagi, who was holding the small Chika in her arms, into the elevator and up to the penthouse.

For over four hours they tried to settle Chika down. Yet, the small child refused stop crying and would not eat anything. Finally, after what seemed to be an endless supply of tears, Chika fell asleep in Usagi's embrace. Transporting Chika from the couch to the bed hadn't been difficult, but the child refused to leave Usagi's arms. When she was finally on the bed and away from Usagi, Chika immediately felt the loss of warmth, woke up, and started crying again.

Such had been the night for over six hours. Mamoru and Usagi were both physically, mentally, and emotionally drained. Without even a word to each other, the two dropped onto the couch, Usagi laying her head on Mamoru's shoulder, Mamoru resting his head on hers.

Within five minutes, the two were fast asleep.

~*~

The sun shone in on the side of the balcony and sent a single ray of light in through the balcony doors to land on a small child, who was staring with a confused look at the two adults sleeping in a pile on the couch.

They were the two people that Chika remembered had helped her the day before. They looked so sleepy to her, but she really needed to wake them up to help her.

"‘Scuse me?" she whispered quietly at first. When neither grown-up had moved, Chika moved towards them.

"Ummm," she started as she poked the blonde female's leg. "Female?"

Usagi twitched slightly at the poke, but didn't wake. Chika began to do the infamous dance that all small children do…the potty dance.

"Female," Chika whined louder and saw that the female actually twisted some in her seat. This brought the little female to a conclusion of what she needed to do. "HELP!" The little child screamed at the top of her lungs, effectively causing the two grown-ups to jump from their seat and practically hit the ceiling.

Looks of complete shock and confusion were mirrored on both Usagi's and Mamoru's faces, causing Chika to laugh. Her little laugh alerted them to her presence and the day before immediately flashed in their heads.

"Chika?" Usagi asked, as if unsure about what was going on.

The little girl nodded but continued to do the "potty dance."

"I need to go potty," Chika danced around as she pulled at Usagi's pants.

"Okay," Usagi responded, a little confused why the child hadn't gone yet. Then looking at the child, she realized that she probably couldn't go by herself yet, or perhaps it was the little overalls that were the problem.

With a small sigh, Usagi led Chika to the bathroom. Mamoru smiled at the picture of the two females walking hand-in-hand down the hall. He could tell that his life was in for quite the change.

~*~

By the time Usagi and Chika had returned, Mamoru had set the kitchen table and put out a couple boxes of cereal and some milk. As the two females entered the room, he noticed that they both appeared to have freshened up, including Chika's light brown curls, which were now up in little pigtails.

"Are you ready for some breakfast, sweetie?" Mamoru asked Chika as she struggled to get into the large chair at the table. She gave a big smile as an answer and stretched for a box in the middle of the table. Mamoru reached to help her with the cereal and then with her milk.

Usagi stood to the side and watched the scene before her. Mamoru was being so sweet and caring to the little child. It made her melt inside and her feelings for him flared in her chest.

"And what about you, sweetie?" Mamoru said with a joking smile as he headed towards Usagi, planting a small kiss on her cheek. "Are you ready for some Coco Puffs too?"

With a little laugh and a slight slap on the arm, Usagi made her way past him and sat next to Chika. "Chika," Usagi prompted to get the child's attention. "Honey, how old are you?"

Chika immediately dropped her spoon and lifted her right hand into the air and put up three fingers. "I'm three!" she stated proudly and puffed out her chest as if it was the greatest thing in her entire life.

"Wow! Three years old, you are such a big girl," Usagi said cheerfully.

Yet, an immediate look of fear crossed the little girl's face. Lifting a finger up to her mouth, Chika made a "shhh" noise. "You can't say that!"

"I can't say what?" Usagi replied, confusion marring her face.

Chika lowered her voice to a whisper and Usagi found that she had to lean in slightly to hear her. "You can't say ‘girl', it's against the rules."

Usagi then realized that she had indeed called Chika a girl and was shocked at herself for doing so. It was a memory from her past to hear her mom call her a "big girl" without fear of what a male would say. Even through the years at the camp and all her training, she simply slipped.

Realizing that Usagi was greatly concerned and feeling sorry that Chika knew no life other than that of the males versus the females, Mamoru decided to step in. "Chika, honey, it is okay to say ‘girl' here. You won't get into trouble, I promise you."

Chika nodded her head in understanding, although she really didn't. Her mommy had always said that it was bad to say ‘girl' and ‘boy' and ‘lady' and ‘man'. But this male was so nice to her, so she decided that she could believe him.

Mamoru watched as Chika seemed to go though the deliberation of the whole concept in her head before returning to her bowl of cereal. As much as he wanted to let Chika finish her breakfast, he still had an important question that he needed to ask.

Kneeling down on the floor next to her chair, Mamoru asked in a soft and gentle voice, "Chika, what would you think of staying here with me and Usagi?"

Chika raised her head up to meet him eye to eye. "Would she be my new mommy?" she asked as she pointed to Usagi.

Usagi nodded her head slowly, a large smile playing on her face.

"And would you be my daddy?" she asked Mamoru, who was still kneeling next to her. He too nodded his head.

Chika sat quietly, thinking about what the male had just told her. Small tears formed in her eyes as she remembered her mother. "Can I still miss my old mommy?"

At this, tears began to well up Usagi's eyes. Quickly reaching across to the small child, Usagi enveloped her in a hug. "Of course, sweetie. We just want to take care of you. The way your mommy would have wanted you to be taken care of."

Chika pulled back slightly from the hug and smiled. Her silent agreement to the deal was concluded with an additional hug from Mamoru. The three were now a family.

~*~

"I'm sure that Usa would have called if something were up," Minako whispered to herself as she and Rei stood in the elevator, heading to the penthouse.

"You know how rumors are around here, Minako. I'm sure it's just some kind of misunderstanding, that's all," Rei said to assure the blonde. Yet neither female was quite certain of what, or whom, to expect when they reached the top floor of the estate.

Rumors started slower this time than the last bit of juicy gossip involving Mamoru and Usagi had. But, as always, the fire spread and the building was consumed with the news of the little female that Usagi had in her arms when they returned from the town square. This time, however, no one had any idea of what was going on.

The elevator door opened and the bell signaled their arrival to the penthouse. Walking quietly into the greeting room, Rei and Minako looked towards each other with questioning looks. Everything was silent.

Stepping into the hallway, the two females made their way into the living room. There was still not a single sound.

"Usagi," Minako said, a slight tone of confusion present in her voice.

"I'm here!" Usagi said as she popped up from the side of the couch.

From down the hall, previously unobserved by Rei and Minako, ran a toddler yelling, "I found you!"

"Thank heavens," came a masculine voice from under the kitchen table. "I thought I would be cramped in there all day."

After tagging Usagi on the shoulder in a triumphant display, Chika quickly ran over to Mamoru. "I found you too!" she shouted gleefully as Mamoru scooped up the giggling child.

The two visitors just stood in awe at the scene playing out in front of them.

Minako slowly raised her hand in the air as if she were in school and needed to be called on to ask a question.

Mamoru noticed the two females and gave a slight laugh at their very bewildered faces. With the toddler still in his arms, he walked over to his sister. "Morning, Rei. How are you?"

"Ma-ma-mamoru?" Rei stuttered out in what had to be her first ever episode of complete tongue-tied-ness. Her eyes darted from him, to the child, and back to him.

Usagi was watching the scene and decided that she needed to step in, at least before her sister lost all blood to the hand that was still raised in the air.

"Yes Minako, what do you want?" Usagi asked, slightly on the sarcastic side.

"I'll make it simple," Minako started as she brought down her hand. She seemed more composed than the startled Rei, yet still needed a lot of explaining. "Who, what, where, when, why?"

Usagi laughed, but decided to answer in the exact manner as asked. "Chika, child, here, yesterday, we'rehernewparents."

Chika clapped her hands happily from her spot in Mamoru's arms at Usagi's quick speech. "Mommy silly!"

And the jaws of the two new aunts dropped practically to the floor.

~*~

"I don't know who she thinks she is," Beryl ranted as she paced around the living room of her apartment. "What does she think she is doing? Mamoru is mine and she's trying to use some kid to keep him from me!" she shouted and threw a nearby vase against the wall.

"Beryl," Mikia, one of Beryl's roommates, attempted to speak during Beryl's ranting. "I wouldn't worry about her. She can't keep his interest."

"Yeah," Shinna, the other roommate, added. "She can't hold a candle to you."

Hearing the compliments in her favor, Beryl gave a sickening grin of triumph. "You're right, of course."

Beryl gave a wave of her arm, dismissing her two worshipping roommates so that she could have some time alone to think. As she looked out the window and caught sight of the sunset, she sighed.

"But how long will this blonde twit be in my way?" she spoke to herself. "Perhaps I can speed up the process a little."

The sun set, casting a dark shadow over Beryl and the evil grin that was on sprawled across her face.

~*~

A few days passed and the verified rumors launched a series of questions to both Mamoru and Usagi that neither felt very comfortable answering. But with a few assuring words from Mamoru to the females, a sweet smile, and his charming good looks, the females of the building were once again satiated.

But the days did not pass so easily for the occupants of the penthouse. While Chika was easily entertained and happy during the day, she slept very poorly. What little sleep she did get was interrupted by horrible nightmares of her mother's death. Mamoru and Usagi were exhausted with their loss of sleep at night and constant use of energy during the day while dealing with an energetic three-year-old.

Luckily, Aunt Minako and Aunt Rei decided to handle the day and give the two new parents a much-deserved break. The day started slowly, with the two sleeping in and not leaving the bedroom until late. Then they had a late breakfast followed by a peaceful stroll in the small park down the block.

Upon returning to the estate, the parents found Aunt Rei slightly frazzled, Aunt Minako rather crazed-looking, and Chika smiling quite contently. Without a word to the "Aunts," Mamoru and Usagi ran to their bedroom and locked the door before any protest could be made.

"Safe," Usagi breathed out as she attempted to bring her heart rate back down to normal. She knew that both Rei and Minako were fit, but she had never guessed that they were such quick runners.

"Thank goodness," Mamoru sighed as he flopped himself onto the bed in the center of the room. Usagi unceremoniously dropped herself down on the bed next to him.

"How long do you think we have?" Usagi asked, gazing at the clock on the nightstand.

"Not long. They will start trying to break down the door soon," Mamoru laughed. Chika was a really sweet girl, but between the four adults, none of them had ever acquired experience with a three-year-old. Much less, experience a three-year-old suffering from a lack of sleep—that made the situation ten times worse.

Reveling in the peace and quiet of the room, Usagi closed her eyes and let out a loud sigh, completely relaxing her body in the process. Mamoru turned his head towards the peacefully resting female, immediately taken in by her beauty. After spending the day outdoors, Usagi had a slight redness to her cheeks, where the sun and wind had kissed her.

Feeling Mamoru's eyes on her, she opened her own and turned in his direction. He had an almost goofy smile on his lips and a strange look in his eyes. "What?" she asked, not understanding why he was just staring at her.

"You're beautiful," he said in a whisper. Usagi's cheeks brightened again, turning a very flattering shade of crimson. Mamoru quickly closed the inches between them and kissed Usagi lightly.

Usagi felt almost light headed. Although they had kissed, to the point of what teenagers of old would call "making-out," Usagi had never felt so much passion from Mamoru.

When he pulled slightly away from Usagi, he opened his eyes to find her eyes still closed. "Usagi," he breathed. "Look at me."

Usagi took in his words. It was not a command, but a request. She slowly opened her eyes to find herself nose to nose with him. Her heart was hammering in her chest, simply because of the way he was looking at her.

"Usagi, I have something I have to tell you," Mamoru said slowly. Usagi nodded her head in understanding, not able to form words to tell him to go on. "I think, no, I know…"

Usagi felt her blood flowing through her body. Time seemed to be stopping around her so that she could pick up every detail of this moment. "Yes," she encouraged him to go on.

"Usagi, I love you." The words, so solid in meaning, cleared his throat and left him wondering if he had actually said them out loud or in his head. However, he noticed small tears forming in the corners of Usagi's eyes, indicating that he did finally tell her.

"Mamoru," she started, letting the few tears cascade down her face. Never had she felt so happy in her life. "I love you too."

The sentence barely escaped her mouth before Mamoru claimed her lips in another kiss. This time, however, the kiss was much less innocent. Mamoru lifted his body off the bed slightly, only to bring himself down over Usagi's small frame. He brought his tongue to her lips, which she obediently opened to invite him into her mouth.

Usagi brought her hands up and wrapped them around Mamoru's neck, holding him as close to her as possible. Mamoru, on the other hand, was allowing his hands to move much more freely across Usagi's body. A small moan in the back of her throat let Mamoru know that she was enjoying herself. Only a moment later found him groaning back as she allowed herself to return the favor.

~*~

Minako approached the bedroom that Mamoru and Usagi shared since Chika had moved into Usagi's old room. She was tired and hungry and needed a break from the toddler. Just as she raised her hand to knock on the door, she heard a strange, yet oddly familiar sound coming from inside.

Dropping her hand, Minako smiled and crept away from the door. She approached the living room, where Rei and Chika were playing "horsy" on the carpet.

"Did you try?" Rei said in an almost tearful sounding voice. She, like her blonde friend, was exhausted and ready to go back to her own apartment.

"Um, no, not exactly," Minako blushed lightly as she thought about what her sister was most likely doing behind the door.

Rei, however, did not give Minako a chance to explain as she quickly ditched her "jockey" and stomped down the hall to the door. Much like Minako, her hand immediately paused right before knocking. She turned around and walked back to the living room, the same knowing smile on her face as Minako had.

"Mommy and daddy come play now?" Chika asked in an energetic voice as she raced down the hall towards the door. Minako quickly swept in and grabbed up the child.

"Mommy and daddy are still busy, honey," Minako supplied as an answer to the child's unasked question…‘why?' "But I'm sure that Aunt Rei would love to play horsy again!"

Rei shot Minako a look that had the blonde praying for her life. She should have known better than to cross the fiery female, but Minako couldn't resist seeing Rei forced to crawl around on all fours.

"No, no more horsy," Chika said with a yawn as she sat down and picked up a nearby doll.

"Chika, are you tired?" Rei asked, although the answer was very obvious. It was nearing eight o'clock and the young child was due to go to bed.

"No," she yawned. "I'm not sleepy," she said as she automatically stood up and started to walk to her bedroom. Minako and Rei followed the little girl into her room and helped her change into her pajamas.

"Sweetie, why don't you go to the potty and then we'll read you a story," Minako suggested and Chika immediately complied.

Minako and Rei sat on Chika's bed until a loud scream erupted from the master bedroom. Both aunts shot up and ran to the bedroom door. Finding it still locked, they came upon a sudden realization.

"The bathroom!" both shouted in unison as they entered the large bathroom, only to find it empty and the opposite door opened. The door that lead to the master bedroom.

"Chika!" Minako shouted as she barreled into the bedroom. Rei was right behind her. Neither expected to see the scene before them, ever, in their life.

"Minako!" Usagi burst out in a wail. She was lying on the bed next to Mamoru, both with sheets pulled up to their necks. Chika was sitting happily between the two, cuddling up to Mamoru's arm.

"I'm so sorry, Usa." Minako blushed bright red as she reached across Mamoru to pluck Chika from the bed.

"She was just supposed to go to the bathroom," Rei added as she began to back out of the room, back into the bathroom. Minako was backing into the bathroom as well, with a squirming Chika in her hands.

"No, mommy, daddy," the little girl cried out to her new parents.

The bathroom door shut with a thud, causing the two occupants of the room to finally register all that had happened. A moment of silence passed and both Mamoru and Usagi began laughing uncontrollably.

"I suppose that we should go say goodnight," Usagi suggested, once her laughing had begun to die down.

"How are we supposed to explain this?" Mamoru asked, but Usagi gave him a look that he had not seen often: utter and total embarrassment. "What?"

"If we don't hurry, we won't get to explain," Usagi replied, jumping from the bed and grabbing a bathrobe. She turned to find Mamoru still sitting in the bed, watching her. "What?"

"Nothing, just enjoying the view," he smirked when she started blushing once more. Rising from the bed, he too grabbed a robe and found himself now under the same scrutiny.

"And what a view it is," Usagi commented with a smile. It was Mamoru's time to lightly blush.

"Come on, we have to hurry," Usagi said anxiously as she opened the door and went towards Chika's bedroom door. Turning the knob, she found that she was too late.

"Boom-booming?" Chika asked her Aunt Minako, who nodded her blonde head enthusiastically.

"Minako!" Usagi hissed as she entered the door.

"What? That's what mom called it when she explained it all to me," Minako protested in her defense. She knew that her sister had the same talk before; why was she so startled?

"But you were ten, not three," Usagi said as she placed her hands on her hips. Mamoru stood behind Usagi, a bright red staining his cheeks as his sister looked at him from across the room.

"Mommy," Chika said, gaining Usagi's attention from her sister. "What's boom-booming?"

Three of the four adults in the room turned scarlet from head to two, while Minako just smiled on. "It's when…" Minako's words were promptly muffled when Usagi jumped on her back and tackled her to the ground.

Her question not answered, Chika turned to her daddy, who slowly crept back out of the room and into the hallway.

Rei, being the most lucid adult in the room, decided to step in. She sat on the side of the bed and put on her best, "I'm an adult" look. "It's a game that adults play," Rei said with a smile, before thinking of her lack of a love life. "Well, a game that mommies and daddies play."

Chika smiled at her aunt lovingly. "I love you," she said as she yawned.

Rei smiled at the sweet child. "I love you too," she said as she leaned down to kiss the child on the forehead. She stood up from the side of the bed and walked to the doorway, turning off the light in the room.

Stepping out of the room, Rei sidestepped the Usagi-Minako pile that was still rolling around on the floor. The two sisters had each other in a headlock, an interesting sight. Rei was just grateful that she didn't have to drag the two out of the bedroom.

Spotting Mamoru hiding in the living room, Rei made her way to his side. "She's okay," she replied, knowing that Mamoru knew what she meant. All was explained in a way that would not cause the young child psychological problems in the future.

"Thanks, Rei," Mamoru said as he enveloped her in a hug.

"No problem," Rei smiled. She was happy that her brother was finally opening up. For too many years after their parents' death he had been depressed. Usagi had brought him out of his shell and made him live again.

From down the hall, a small scream was heard and suddenly Minako went flying by, grabbing Rei's arm as she passed. "Sorry Mamoru, gotta jet!" she yelled as she dragged her friend to the elevator.

Usagi came running down the hall, muttering curses, before Mamoru stopped her by wrapping his arms around her. "I can still get her if I catch her before the elevator closes," she protested. Her breath was ragged and Mamoru found the little war between the sisters too funny.

"Wouldn't you rather just get me?" Mamoru whispered huskily in her ear, causing her anger to immediately melt.

"That sounds much more appealing," Usagi agreed as she was lead back to their bedroom.

In the other room, Chika was sleeping soundly for the first time in over a week.

~*~*~

A month passed and Chika's nightmares were generally only occurring one-to-two times a week. Life started to become normal again, with Mamoru returning to work and Usagi starting to work in the estate again, Chika by her side.

With Chika more visible to the females of the estate, Usagi found herself under the bombardment of a lot of questions. The simplest were answered with a uncomplicated yes, while the most inquisitive females caused a blush to cover Usagi's cheeks. For the most part, the females accepted Chika--for who could deny love to a three-year-old child whose mother was killed before her eyes? Especially when the mother was killed fighting for the rights of females everywhere.

Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. In this case, the exception was Beryl. Her rage towards the small female grew daily, along with her hatred of Usagi. She watched on as Usagi cleaned in the kitchen with the toddler always at her side. She watched from the window of her apartment as Mamoru, Usagi, and Chika went for walks in the park. She watched as Usagi and Chika walked Mamoru to the lobby to share kisses and hugs before he left for work. Day after day, Beryl watched, planned, and waited. For what, she wasn't sure, but she knew that she needed to wait.

~*~*~

"Mamoru?" Usagi questioned as she stretched out her arms. She rubbed the sleep out of her eyes and looked around the room. She didn't hear him in the bathroom either. For some time now, she had become accustomed to waking up with him by her side; finding him gone was a little disconcerting.

Usagi began to lift herself up from the bed, concern for her family suddenly flooding her senses. Yet, before she could make it out of the bed, both the bathroom and bedroom doors swung open.

"SURPRISE!" was yelled from both doors, startling Usagi to the point where she jumped up and fell off the bed.

Laughter filled the room as Mamoru quickly made his way to a disheveled Usagi. He helped her up as everyone made their way into the bedroom.

"Happy Birthday, Mommy," Chika cheered and clapped her hands from her perch in her grandmother's arms.

The toddler bounded out of Ikuko's arms and ran to Usagi. The blonde picked up the little female and looked at everyone in the room. Rei, Minako, Setsuna, and Shingo had burst into the room from the bathroom door, whereas Mamoru, Hotaru, Ikuko, and Chika had entered from the bedroom door.

"Are we ready?" a quiet voice asked from the bedroom doorway, before walking in without waiting for an answer. From the door entered Makoto, carrying a large birthday cake with several candles lit on top.

"Happy Birthday to you," the entire group sang as tears formed in Usagi's eyes. "Happy Birthday to you," Makoto came closer to Usagi, presenting the cake to her. "Happy Birthday to Usagi (Usa/Mommy)," the burning candles reflected in the blonde's eyes as the tears began to stream down her cheeks. "Happy Birthday to you!"

Makoto held the cake as Usagi leaned down to blow out the candles. Chika clapped happily as her mommy blew out the candles, but her joyful smile fell when she saw Usagi's tears.

"Mommy sad?" the small child asked as she tried to wipe away the tears.

"Mommy's just happy, sweetie," Usagi assured Chika who nodded her understanding, even though she really didn't understand at all.

All day Usagi was bombarded by females wishing her "Happy Birthday" and giving her hugs with heartfelt wishes. For dinner, Makoto made Usagi's favorite foods and baked several more cakes that the females feasted on happily after singing "Happy Birthday" once more.

Mamoru smiled in happiness. Usagi, the love of his life, was having a wonderful birthday, something that she hadn't been able to do in many years. Her smile stretched from ear to ear, a smile that Mamoru adored. As of this moment, Mamoru knew, without a doubt, that he wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of his life with Usagi.

At the third table in the dining hall, in the last seat, sat a female with flaming red hair. She was the only person in the dining hall who wasn't smiling, laughing, and enjoying herself. Her eyes narrowed on Usagi, smiling happily at the front of the middle table, surrounded by all her "loved ones." Beryl knew in that moment that her wait was over.

~*~*~

Rei sat behind the front desk in the lobby of Chiba Estates. Of all the work she did throughout the estate, working the front desk was her favorite, mostly due to the quiet nature of the job. Rarely did she actually need to greet anyone entering the building, as the females didn't pay much attention to her and it was rare to have anyone else enter the building. Mamoru had only required the doors locked when he was at work for the day, so she didn't even have to work the annoying buzzer system today.

Earlier, Rei had spoke with Usagi and Mamoru before they left on a walk with Chika. They were due back soon and Rei's shift was almost over, so she planned on spending the afternoon with her brother and family. Even Setsuna had agreed that she would come to visit with Hotaru. Her sister had managed to escape babysitting Chika, pleading that she had her own daughter to take care of. Rei supposed it was a good excuse, or would have been had the thirteen-year-old Hotaru not offered to baby-sit herself.

Rei was laughing at the thought when the front door swung open. She smiled, figuring it was her brother entering. Her smile quickly fell. Four males in officer's uniforms entered through the door, one holding a white document in his hands. Rei pushed a red button under the desk before another thought could cross her mind.

"Good afternoon, sirs," Rei spoke respectively, bowing her head slightly as the males approached the desk. "How may I be of service to you today?"

The male holding the white document in his hand spoke, "I need to speak to your master."

Rei acknowledged the male, but frowned as if she had suddenly become sad, "I'm sorry sirs, but he is out right now. He is due back soon if you would like to wait."

The officer, whose name badge said "Smith," scowled and spoke with a growl, "That won't be necessary female. This is a warrant to search the premises." He flashed the papers, not allowing Rei to get a proper look at the document.

"Do as you must, sirs," Rei said with a subservient tone. She really hated to sound so complying, but she knew she had no other choice.

The males moved away from the desk and went to the elevator. While they weren't watching, Rei slipped off three keys from the key ring that sat at the front desk. She quickly threw the keys into an envelope that had been previously addressed, for such an event, to Boka Miko and placed it in the pile of outgoing mail. Ironically, Boka Miko's address was the same as Chiba Mamoru's office address.

Rei tried to look busy as the males returned from the elevator.

"Where are the elevator keys?" Officer Smith said with a snarl.

"I am sorry sirs, but only my master has those keys," Rei replied with an innocent smile.

Officer Smith growled again and his fellow officers were also starting to look quite annoyed. Yet Smith felt that he was a very intelligent male, especially when he snatched up a set of keys that he noticed hanging on a peg on the desk. He turned to Officer Tomba, "Watcher her. Jameston and Wilson, with me."

Rei simply smiled at the officer in front of her and continued on with her work, or so it seemed. She was actually typing up a quick letter to Mamoru explaining what had happened so far. Just as the paper came off the printer, the front door of the estate opened again.

Mamoru's smile immediately fell as he noticed the officer standing at the front desk. Whispering quick words to Usagi, Mamoru made his way to the desk while Usagi led Chika down the hall to the elevator.

"Good afternoon, sir," Rei said as she stood and bowed before Mamoru. If the officer hadn't been enough to alert Mamoru to the fact that something was amiss, her formal behavior certainly would. "This urgent message was just received via e-mail and there are several officers here to see you."

Mamoru acknowledged the officer before taking the "urgent message" from Rei. He read her quickly typed words before crumbling up the paper with a scowl on his face.

"Should I send back a response, sir?" Rei asked, hoping that he could give her further indication of what she should do.

"There will be no need for that," Mamoru replied curtly, but looked at her with eyes full of caring. "I will handle the situation personally."

Just as Rei nodded her understanding, the other three officers returned from the elevator. Mamoru hopped that Usagi had no difficulty passing by the officers to board the elevator.

Officer Smith noticed Mamoru and immediately recognized him from his multiple appearances in the newspaper. "Chiba Mamoru, I need to have a word with you."

"Ah yes, Officer," Mamoru stopped to read the male's name on his badge, "Smith. How can I help you?" Mamoru asked with a cocky, yet somehow still polite smile.

"We received an anonymous tip this morning in regards to your operating this estate as a safe-house. I have a warrant to search the floors below the basement," Smith said as he flashed Mamoru the warrant.

Mamoru nodded his head and reached in his pocket to remove his keys. "Feel free to search as much as you need," he said as he handed the keys to the officer.

"Thank you," Smith replied with a cynical smile. Mamoru followed the three officers (Officer Tomba was still keeping an eye on Rei—both eyes really, as he was quite taken by her beauty) to the elevator. Smith noticed this and did not want Chiba bothering him during the search. "Chiba, I would prefer that you not accompany us."

"I understand. However, I would like to retire to my penthouse now and you have the keys and control of the elevator," Mamoru replied as if reciting a dry and boring fact from a textbook.

Officer Smith nodded his understanding, found the key on the chain for the penthouse, and the elevator started its ascent to the top floor. The elevator door opened and Usagi rushed to the door with a glass of water in her hand. She bowed down low and held out the glass of water for Mamoru.

"Welcome home, master," she said with a quiet voice, still bowed down.

"Thank you," he replied dismissively, removing the glass from her hands before walking past her.

Usagi looked up as the elevator doors began to close. Although the moment was brief, she found herself able to identify two of the three officers as her previous attackers.

Body shaking, Usagi mechanically made her way to the living room where Mamoru was waiting for her. Immediately sensing her distress and pretty sure he knew the cause, he grabbed her into a hug and whispered softly into her ear, "I'm here; they can't hurt you."

Several minutes passed, Mamoru keeping Usagi tightly wrapped in his arms. A small creaking noise alerted the couple to the small child walking up behind them.

"I can't sleep," Chika said as she rubbed her very tired looking eyes.

Usagi looked down at the small child. Her face immediately cleared of all fear and a look of joy came across her features. She needed to be strong for Chika. "It's okay honey. I'll come read you a story," Usagi said in a very loving voice.

Mamoru smiled at the two as they headed back to Chika's room. He would give his life before he let harm come to them or any member of his family. He hoped that the previous evacuation drills had properly prepared the people living on the sub-floors for the search that was going on.

~*~*~

"Clear!" a male voice shouted from the far end of the first sub-floor.

"Clear here too!" another voice shouted.

Officer Smith gave one last look over the area he was standing and he wanted to growl. The "anonymous tip" was just a false lead and waste of time. The only thing the officers were able to find was a bunch of stacked cots and mattresses and some other supplies. The two sub-floors were used as an emergency shelter for the large estate. Signs for tornado, bombing, and other such disastrous events were posted on the walls with directions on what to properly do in such an emergency.

Furious with the female who had called the station, Smith directed the other two officers to the elevator. Inserting the key to the penthouse, the three officers rode up to the top floor in silence.

The elevator bell rang as the doors opened. "Chiba?" Smith questioned as he entered the penthouse. He walked into the hall and heard the sound of the television in the living room. Following the sound, he entered the living room to find Mamoru sitting on the couch and Usagi kneeling on the floor with her head lowered.

"We are through with our search," Smith spoke, assuming that Mamoru knew that he was there.

Without turning to acknowledge the officer, Mamoru waved his hand dismissively, "That's fine."

A little disgruntled at his lack of attention, Officer Smith grumbled slightly before speaking again. "I need to know if you are in possession of a female named Beryl."

At the mention of Beryl's name, Usagi's head snapped up to look at Mamoru. He was also curious as to what the officer wanted with the rude redhead, turned to give his full attention to the male behind him. "Yes, Beryl is my property. May I ask why you need to know?"

"Our tip was from her. We only provide anonymity to those who actually provide useful information. Your female provided us false information and will be placed under arrest," Smith informed Mamoru.

Usagi's face paled. As much as she did not like Beryl, no one deserved what happened to females in that jail. Beryl was attractive and there was no doubt in the blonde's mind that Beryl would suffer as she had. But more than that, she was upset. Beryl had betrayed them all and put everyone in the estate in danger. What could have possibly caused her to do such a thing?

"And when will I be able to retrieve her?" Mamoru asked, as if this was just another inconvenience to add to his day. Truly, he felt as Usagi did.

"Sorry sir, but in this case, she must go to trial before the judge. Our call-tracing and audio tapes of the conversation will certainly find her guilty," Smith replied with a smile. Nothing pleased him more than a nice-looking female tied to the wall, unable to resist him. Knowing Chiba Mamoru's taste in females, he was certain that this Beryl would be just as tasty as the blonde sitting on the floor before him had been.

Mamoru stood up from the couch and made his way to the officer. Usagi quickly stood and walked two paces behind Mamoru with her head bowed. "I understand, do as you must."

Mamoru held out his hand to retrieve his keys from the officer. He immediately walked into the elevator and pushed two buttons, one for the eighth and one for the first floor. The officers entered the elevator behind Mamoru and Usagi, but before Smith could question Mamoru about the two floors being requested, Mamoru spoke. "You will find Beryl in apartment 8-C. She has red hair. I will be down in the lobby to see you out."

The elevator was silent the rest of the ride to the eighth floor, where the officers stepped out without saying a word. The doors closed again and Usagi felt her body fall towards Mamoru. She felt weak and nauseous. Mamoru wrapped an arm around the frail female, hoping that all that was happening would not reopen old wounds.

Mamoru already had to calm the near hysterical Usagi when he informed her that the officers were here to search the sub-floors. The escape route used in case of evacuation was known to very few and Mamoru had never thought to let Usagi know of the secret tunnels used to house the people after a quick disassembly of the beds, dressers, and dividers was accomplished. The most recent drill had been completed in fifteen minutes. A little long, but luckily Rei had been able to keep the officers sufficiently stalled.

The doors opened to the first floor and the couple made their way to the lobby. Rei and Mica, the female who was to relieve Rei of her duty for the day, both had a slightly worried expression on their faces. Mica was a very intelligent female, as all the females who worked the front desk needed to be, and she knew that if her master's sister had concern, then she had better be concerned too. Unfortunately, they were unable to express that concern to each other or to Mamoru and Usagi as they entered the lobby. Officer Tomba was still standing guard at the desk, ensuring that nothing suspicious happened.

Five minutes passed silently in the lobby before the elevator doors opened again. The five occupants of the lobby could hear struggling and cursing as the three officers dragged Beryl, kicking and screaming, down the hall.

Seeing Usagi standing next to Mamoru in the lobby enraged Beryl further and she attempted to lunge at the blonde female. "I swear I'll get you!" she yelled over and over again at Usagi, who stood dumbfounded as to why she was the source of the redhead's anger.

"That's enough of this. Tomba!" Smith shouted as they neared the desk. Tomba, immediately guessing his superior's wish, quickly pulled a piece of material from his pocket, placed it in Beryl's mouth, and tied it around the back of her head.

Her cries muted, Beryl continued to struggle, although her cause was for not, as the fourth officer took position in holding her, effectively stopping most of her movement.

Officer Smith turned to see Mamoru standing by the desk and gave a slight nod of the head. "Thanks for all your cooperation."

Mamoru was unsure if the comment was sarcastic or not, but refrained from replying. He merely watched the officers leave the building, hauling Beryl along with them. Once the door was shut, Mamoru dropped his head into his hands and leaned against the desk. His body and actions were ragged, as if he hadn't used his muscles in some time.

Usagi placed a hand on Mamoru's shoulder, understanding his pain. Mamoru tried to help all the females in the building. He cared for their safety and well-being immensely, even those that he didn't care for personally.

"This has got to stop," Mamoru muttered under his breath. He felt Usagi's hand on his shoulder and his resolve solidified. His heart burned and his body tensed. His mind screamed, but the words did not echo in his mouth. One thought kept recycling in his brain.

This will stop.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Wow…*looks up* that's the longest chapter I think that I've written in a long while. I hope it was well worth the wait!

You can blame LS for the Boom-booming.

LS: bammm chicka baaaaawwww wwaaa

Please review…I'd really appreciate it.

LS: *hugs J* Amazing chapter and perfect length. And you heard her folks, REVIEW! *slips readers a dollar and a glass of vodka*