On a Moonswept Moor Author: Lady M. Harris Chief Editor: Sun Princess Part Six "Seiya-chan! What are you doing here?" Usagi exclaimed, eyes wide with surprise when she opened her door. Seiya was standing out in the hall beside her door, the surprised expression on his handsome features mirroring Usagi's own as he gazed at her elegant dress. "Usa-chan, were you going someplace?" Seiya asked as he continued eyeing her outfit with a frown. That gown must have cost a fortune, he thought with dismay. He knew Usagi didn't have that kind of money, and there was only one man that he could think of who could afford such a dress. Chiba Mamoru. The corner of his mouth twitched in irritation. He didn't completely understand why he was here, standing outside Usagi's door, only that he had to see her. "Actually, I was expecting someone else," Usagi chuckled, then elaborated. "Mamoru is having someone pick me up from his estate. I've been invited to a dinner party for Chiba-sama Hiromi, his ojii-san. Would you like to come inside until my ride arrives?" she asked politely, backing into her apartment to let him in. Seiya nodded his head and stepped inside. "Usa-chan," Seiya began after they were seated comfortably on her couch. "The reason I came is--because of Chiba-san." Usagi's blue eyes flickered for a moment as she gazed at Seiya; she sighed. "I know you're surprised over our engagement, Seiya-chan," she stated, looking down at her hands folded in her lap. Her gaze strayed to the engagement ring on her finger. "Are you sure about him?" Seiya asked bluntly. "I mean, I don't even know who he is and--well, how long have you known him?" he asked anxiously, taking one of her cold hands in his, softly caressing the knuckles. "Seiya-chan, this it isn't any of your business. I know exactly what I'm doing," she replied, frowning slightly as she became uneasy about the way he was caressing her knuckles. "Well, I'm making it my business, Usa-chan," he stated, suddenly pulling her abruptly toward him. Usagi squeaked like a frightened mouse and before she had a chance to protest, felt Seiya's mouth covered hers in a kiss. His arms closed around her body as he deepened the kiss. She closed her eyes for a moment, reliving the past memories of moments like this. Unlike Mamoru's kisses that inflamed her body and mind, Seiya's were just mildly pleasant. It was like a kiss between friends or young innocents; and that's what they had been years before, young, innocent teenagers. Seiya broke the kiss and stared down into her face with a puzzled expression. "Why did you do that, Seiya-chan?" Usagi gasped out, her face flaming bright red as she began to get angry. "What about Minako-san? How could you think to do this to her? What are you trying to prove?" she spluttered out, getting up from the couch and marching to her door. With a firm twist of the doorknob, she swung the door wide open and looked back at him with a determined expression written on her face that made her message painfully clear. "Usa-chan . . . I-I don't know," Seiya answered her as he ran an agitated hand through his hair, leaning back against the couch, trying to think. How could this be, he thought, confused? What was he trying to prove? That he was still in love with Usagi? Yet, when they had kissed, all he thought of . . . was . . . of betraying Mina. Usagi's kisses weren't as he remembered them to be. He felt as if he had kissed his sister. "I think you better leave," Usagi stated firmly. "You're probably right," Seiya replied, getting up from the couch. "Usa-chan-" he began again, but was firmly cut off. Shaking her head, she stated, "Don't say another word, Seiya-kun. I won't have it. I will see you at the wedding," she finished, frowning at him, disbelief and anger still written on her features over what had just occurred. Seiya ducked his head slightly and stared at Usagi with an expression that she couldn't make out. As he headed to the door, another older gentleman appeared. "Excuse me? Is this the residence of Tsukino Usagi?" the older gentleman asked. He was dressed as a chauffeur and Usagi knew immediately that this must be Kyoko-san. "Yes, I'm Tsukino Usagi," Usagi replied, bowing low to the Kyoko. He bowed politely in return to Usagi as he introduced himself. "And I'm Kyoko Tetsuo. We must hurry Tsukino-san. The snow is beginning to fall heavily outside and looks like it will steadily worsen. This is very unusual, even for Tokyo," Tetsuo finished, as a worry frown creased his lined forehead. Seiya stepped through the door and looked back at Usagi, his face now composed. "Don't mind me," Seiya said to Tetsuo, bowing slightly at the same time. "I was just leaving. I'll see you at the wedding, Usa-chan," Seiya said to Usagi, who continued to frown fiercely at Seiya. "That's good, Seiya-kun," Usagi replied, her eyes still flashing defiantly at him. "See you later." "Tsukino-san, your coat?" Tetsuo asked, anxiously. "Oh yes, let me grab it," Usagi answered, all traces of anger gone as she backed into her apartment quickly. "We're here, Tsukino-san." Tetsuo smiled, letting out a shallow breath at the same time. The snow was now falling heavily, darkening the sky as the winds picked up, lifting the icy flakes and slanting them into the windshield, dropping visibility drastically. He could barely make out Mamoru's car parked in front of the entrance, but he was able to see the lights in the mansion with no problem. His orders were to drop Usagi off and join his wife at the caretaker's cottage with little or no contact with Mamoru-san. Hopefully, he could dodge Mamoru before he could question him about the canceled dinner party. His orders came directly from Chiba Hiromi. "Oh, it looks lovely!" Usagi breathed out as she gazed up at the large mansion and its impressive surroundings. Even with all the snow falling down around the estate, the mansion looked imposing and well kept. "That it is. It's been in the family for generations. Like my father and my father's father, I'm proud to have served such a generous and prestigious family. There are no better people than the Chibas," Tetsuo finished as they pulled into the driveway. He could see Mamoru opening the entrance door and walk toward the limo, relief evident on his face. "Usako--thank God," Mamoru muttered quietly under his breath, as he opened her door before Tetsuo even had a chance to unfasten his seat belt. He pulled Usagi out quickly and before she had a chance to call out a greeting, was swiftly caught up in his strong arms. Her senses were instantly overwhelmed by the fresh scent of his cologne of wood spices and cinnamon. "Usako." She caught the caressing sound of her name whispered against her hair, immediately causing her body to tremble. "Mamoru . . ." Usagi whispered back, closing her eyes as his warmth enveloped her, a shield against the icy winds surrounding them. God, she had missed him. Abruptly, he let go of her, making her feel slightly dazed. Leaning into the limousine's back door, Mamoru began a rapid fire questioning of Kyoko. "Tetsuo-san, what's going on? Did the party get canceled? There's no one here. Even the servants have apparently been given the night off . . . but your wife is waiting for you at the cottage." He sighed. "This doesn't make any sense, Tetsuo-san," Mamoru stated, as he stared into the interior of the limousine at Tetsuo, his gaze questioning. "Perhaps, you better go and check on her. I would recommend staying there tonight because of the weather though. I haven't seen snow this thick in a long time, and the phone lines are down too." "I have no idea about the party, Chiba-san. Just doing what you asked me to do," Tetsuo replied, smiling inward as Mamoru nodded his head in agreement. The plan was going exactly as Hiromi-sama had explained it would. He wished that he could be there to see Mamoru's face, when he discovered the newspaper. Tsukino Usagi certainly turned out to be a very lovely and charming lady, just as Hiromi-sama had observed. The perfect wife for Chiba Mamoru, Tetsuo thought with glee. "What's going on?" Usagi asked curiously, when they stepped into the foyer. The foyer and main hallway was large and spacious, and she noted briefly that it was the same size as her living room. "The party's apparently been canceled. But I find it strange, that all of the servants have been given the night off, even on Christmas Eve. What's even more unusual is that Ojii-san isn't in residence. Although, I suspect that he's the one behind all this--I wonder what he's up to," he finished as he reached over to help her remove her coat. Mamoru went still as his eyes feasted on the lovely sight of Usagi in her silver dress. "Are you saying that he planned for us to be alone? But surely, he didn't count on the weather," she stated, blushing as she noted how Mamoru's eyes swept over her figure. "I'm sure the weather was just an added bonus. My God, Usako--but you're a sight for sore eyes. Has anyone ever told you how beautiful you are?" he asked suddenly, changing the subject as he gazed down into her flushed face. Briefly, Mamoru thought about the times when she was nothing more than an intriguing volunteer at the hospital, helping him innocently with various, small chores in his cluttered office. It all but floored him that he had ignored her alluring body and personality. If he was completely honest with himself, he would have had to acknowledge how his eyes would trail with longing after Usagi's graceful movements. And how he had listened to her gay chatter within his office, the way a child hungered for a lollipop. But then, he was a master of masking his own features and emotions, and would rather disguise them--even from himself--than to have been caught lusting after Juuban Hospital's most popular volunteer. "You understand, that with the snow coming in the way it is, you're stuck here for the reminder of the night?" he asked suddenly as he took her warm hand in his and pulled her toward him. Usagi stared down at their clasped hands and entwined fingers, her body beginning to tremble from his words. She knew that they would have eventually come to this bridge in their most unusual relationship. "Yes, I understand, Mamoru . . ." she answered huskily, as she pulled their entwined hands toward her lips. She heard him suck his breath in sharply as she rubbed her soft cheek against the back of his hand. Closing her eyes, she placed a light, caressing kiss on his knuckles before opening her eyes again to gaze deeply into his. Her lovely, blue orbs told him more than any words could ever convey. "Let's enjoy it to the fullest," she replied boldly, her voice low and clear. I'll think about the consequences tomorrow, she thought to herself in the deepest part of her mind. Mamoru's eyes gleamed in the lowly lit hallway as they slowly made their way toward the receiving room. Clearing his voice from the sudden frog in his throat, he said, "Well then, why don't I show you around my humble abode?" he asked, trying to create a lighter mood. Usagi nodded her head, smiling up into his face. Then she gasped with delight, her eyes lighting up merrily as they came into the receiving room. An enormous and lavishly decorated Christmas tree stood next to the huge bay windows that overlooked the estate. Gold and silver decorations trimmed the tree, while soft, white lights cast a warm glow to everything they touched. Beside the tree, a large cheery fire burned in a huge, white, roman column fireplace. The room itself was elegantly decorated in gold and creams. Expensive, Oriental rugs lined the pale, marble floors and priceless paintings graced the walls. Large ferns and various potted plants were placed strategically throughout the room to give it a more personal touch and warmth. Here and there, placed on tables, were rare and intricately designed artifacts or vases that had obviously been in the family for generations. Usagi also noted that the room was almost three times the size of her apartment. Mamoru showed her some of the most frequently used rooms in the mansion. Each room was almost as lovely the receiving room. There was the formal room, the family room or den, a formal dining hall, the rec. room, the main office, and the grand ballroom. Then there was the breakfast nook which could open to the back terrace, a kitchen large enough to cook for over one-hundred and fifty people, the library lined to the ceiling with books and one of his favorite rooms, and the master bedroom. Eight other bedrooms lined the halls, each with their own adjoining bathroom, and a servant's wing completed the interior of the house. In addition to the mansion, there was a large indoor pool with huge skylights that could open up in the ceiling to let in the sun's light. Three porches surrounded the mansion and a balcony opened from the master bedroom. On the outer grounds, were tennis courts and horse stables. Usagi was flabbergasted by the size of the mansion. "It's a very beautiful house, Mamoru," she breathed out when they returned to the room where the Christmas tree stood. She stared at the tree and wondered briefly about his childhood. Had it been as happy as mine has been in my family's tiny house, she thought? The faces of her father, mother and younger brother briefly appeared in her mind's eye. She loved them fiercely and dearly. "Yes, I have to agree with you on that. It has seen many generations of Chiba. Right now, there are just my Ojii-san and I," Mamoru grinned down into her face. There was an audible sound of a stomach growling loudly throughout the room. Usagi's eyes grew wide in embarrassment, her face flushing in the soft glow of the tree lights and fireplace. Mamoru chuckled and added, "Perhaps, we should rummage through the kitchen and see if there's anything to eat." Grabbing her hand in his again, they headed back to the kitchen. Switching on the lights, they made their way toward the large walk-in refrigerator. "What do you feel up to?" he asked. "It doesn't really matter. I could eat a cow right about now." Usagi laughed as her stomach rumbled again. "Oh my," she commented as Mamoru laughed along. She walked away from Mamoru, curious about the multiple ovens in an obvious gourmet kitchen. She opened one large oven door that was still warm, a light inside the oven clicking on, and a delicious smell rising from the interior. Inside, sat two covered, ceramic hotplates. "Oh, look what I've found," she voiced, sniffing the wonderful scent arising from the covered hotplates. Apparently, someone had gone through the trouble of preparing a meal for them. "What?" Mamoru asked curiously, coming over to look into the open oven. In one hand, he carried an expensive bottle of warm, red wine and in the other, two beautiful wine goblets. Usagi grabbed a pair of oven mitts, placed conveniently next to the oven and slipped them on. "Well, well, well--what do we have here? Hmm?" Mamoru replied sarcastically, a lopsided grin forming as he stared down at the two hotplates. "It just so happens to be 'our dinner'--how convenient!" Usagi replied as she pulled out the hotplates, a broad grin also playing across her features as she mimicked Mamoru's tone of voice. They laughed together, Chiba Hiromi's plan obvious to them both, but their mood was merry and a spell had been cast over the two of them. Mamoru grabbed some eating utensils and napkins on their way out of the kitchen. They settled back on the rug in front of the Christmas tree and warm fireplace, kicking their shoes off in the process. The hotplates turned out to be a lavish, traditional, American Christmas feast. They dined on scrumptious honeyed ham, succulent white turkey meat with brown gravy, a tangy and spicy stuffing, whipped potatoes topped with melted butter, and a vegetable medley of sautéed onions, carrots, red and green bell peppers. Buttered, French loaves and a hot, crumbling apple pie served with aged, red wine finished off their dinner. They languished slowly over the meal, enjoying each other's company, talking about everything and really nothing at all. Usagi realized that this was actually their very first dinner together, and so filed away the special moments, savoring the warm feelings that she was experiencing at this time. She wanted to memorize the scenery and the epitome of raw, male beauty who sat before her nonchalantly, as if the world belonged to him. And to her, it did. After eating their fill, they cleared away the hotplates and continued to sit on the rug before the Christmas tree still languishing over the wine and enjoying the lingering, intimate mood. Usagi continued to watch the snow through the huge bay windows that continued to slant down heavily outside. The conversation died a comfortable death with only an occasional comment here and there on different subjects. Usagi shifted her gaze to all of the interesting decorations on the tree when a particular one caught her eye. One decoration looked something like an intricately designed, glass cube with small portraits in it, and she had a funny feeling that the pictures were of Mamoru at different ages. She looked back impishly at Mamoru, grinning like a mischievous elf and got up to take a closer look at the decoration. "Is that what I think it is?" she voiced out to him curiously. Mamoru grinned back at her lazily with a slightly puzzled look. "What is?" he asked, rising at the same time as her. Just as she reached the tree, her stocking foot tripped over a slight hump in the rug. "Ahhhhhh!" Usagi cried out in surprise, her arms flying out to try and stabilize her balance. Why in the world do I have to have a klutz attack after seven years, she thought with heady embarrassment? Just as the ground loomed dangerously close, a large, warm body suddenly appeared before her to pad her fall. Mamoru landed on the ground with a slight grunt escaping from his lungs as his body braced Usagi's. They rolled once toward the tree, with Usagi ending up underneath Mamoru, a slightly dazed look on her face. Usagi's eyes focused on Mamoru and then she burst out with concern, "Are you okay?" Her hands reaching out to trace Mamoru's hard face with apparent concern. Mamoru chuckled down into her face, a sardonic smile slowly spreading across his lips. He watched Usagi's lapis-blue eyes widen with instant awareness, the irises enlarging within her eyes as she felt the long, hard length of his body settling purposely, comfortably over hers. His finger reached up to touch her full, trembling lower lip. His lids lowered over his eyes as they dipped to her mouth, his blue eyes deepening to the color of turbulent ocean waves as they flared with desire. "I cannot pass up this perfect opportunity, Usako . . ." he said as his finger slid slowly back and forth across her lower lip, enjoying the feel of her wet lips against his finger. Usagi's ran her hands slowly through the strands of Mamoru's hair, luxuriating in their silky softness. Her blood felt like it was beginning to boil as it pulsed through her veins at breakneck speed. Her body began its spiraling accent as her own desire trembled and sang within her, answering to his call of daunting passion. Mamoru's finger paused on her lips and Usagi opened her mouth to gently suckle it, causing him to shudder powerfully. "Usako . . . what are you doing to me?" he asked hoarsely, staring at where she gently sucked his finger. Usagi let go of his finger and looked up into his hard face. With her hands still entwined in his hair, she firmly nudged his head toward her lips. "Mamoru--please quit talking and kiss me," she huskily pleaded and commanded at the same time. "I thought you'd never ask," he murmured before his mouth possessed hers in a deep kiss. He kissed her like a man starved, releasing all his pent-up passion and devouring her in his kiss. She moaned in response, wrapping her arms around him tightly. She could feel Mamoru's hands roaming freely over her body, exploring her curves again. Desire flared like a restless brush fire burning out of control and Usagi was caught, trapped within the flaming circle of its intense heat and passion. Mamoru broke off their kiss, his breathing ragged and shallow. Usagi watched wordlessly as he unzipped the back of her dress. Inch by inch, he slowly peeled down the straps of her dress, exposing her soft flesh to his intense gaze. The fire in the fireplace crackled and sparkled, casting a golden hue on the totally engrossed couple. Usagi helped him remove the rest of her dress, and then she lay before him in just her white, silk panties and lacy stockings that encased her long, shapely legs. She could see his eyes deepen to the color of sapphires as they swept slowly over her figure. She blushed becomingly but allowed him to take his fill of her. Her breasts swelled as her breathing stormed through her body, and her nipples puckered erect underneath his heated perusal. Her face grew even redder as she watched his eyes stare for long moments at the apex between her legs, the center of her being suddenly warming with intense heat. "You're absolutely beautiful--Usako," he whispered as his hand reached out to carefully cup and caress one of her heavy breasts. "Absolutely . . . beautiful . . ." he continued, his fingers sweeping over the hard pebble of her nipple--back and forth--in a tantalizing stroke. Usagi's immediate response was to groan in frustration, her hands reaching up to stop him--no, to continue what he was doing. Her legs pulled up as the heat within the center of her belly fast approached boiling point. Mamoru paused in his stroking to divest himself of his garments, suddenly feeling as if the tuxedo was too stifling and confining. Piece by piece, each article of clothing dropped to floor beside them in a forgotten heap. Usagi felt as if her lungs would explode from holding her breath for so long. With the fire lights flickering in the background and the soft glow of the Christmas tree's lights joining in unison, dark grooves, ridges and hollow lines were cast on his exposed, sinew, and muscular skin. Each definitive shape of muscle, from his hard face to his broad shoulders, down the sleek lines of his stomach and his long, hard thighs, was displayed only for her own pleasurable viewing. Her gaze traveled hesitantly toward the center of his groin, halting for long moments on his hard erection, so explicitly protruding from his body. Everything had come down to this point, Usagi thought dazedly as she continued to gaze at Mamoru's body in fascination and wonderment. "Usako . . . touch me--" Mamoru commanded softly, but the words came out in a half groan as he kneeled back down before her. He took her hand in his and guided her fingers around his member and taught her the movements that would satisfy him. And after while, Usagi could feel him stiffening and shuddering powerfully under her exploring ministrations. She felt a sense of heady, overwhelming power that her untaught hands could cause him to groan and tremble beneath her caressing fingers. When Mamoru could stand no more--for fear of spilling his seed before he had a chance to give her pleasure--he halted her hands and kissed her deeply again. This time, he could feel her hesitant, exploring fingers reaching out to touch his shoulder blades, the curve that dipped in the middle of his back and down his hard buttocks. He whispered and coaxed her gently to touch him wherever she pleased. She was rewarded with his soft exclamations and the stiffening of his body in response to her caresses. Somehow, Usagi had lost track as to when Mamoru had removed her stockings and panties, but it was no matter as his fingers delved deep between her soft thighs to explore and entice her sweet nectar. All the while, they kissed and caressed each other, both of them softly exclaiming over the new wonders of learning each other. And when Mamoru lips teased and kissed her nipples once again, they both seemed to reach a point where their bodies were tired of waiting. With a certain pleading in her lovely blue orbs that could not be denied, Mamoru shifted his body between her outstretched thighs and swiftly drove his member deep within her awaiting channel. It was nearly their undoing as they cried out in unison. Their hands reached out and clasped together, fingers entwined so it was hard to determine whose were whose, as if they were joined as one. Mamoru began to move deeply within her in a rhythm that was timeless as the sea itself. All that mattered was the moment--a moment frozen in time for Usagi and the man above her and within her embrace--and the driving motion of his body. And when she reached that pinnacle where there was no returning, he was there, whispering to her. Open your eyes--Usako, he coaxed her huskily, as her body began to convulse, and she did, feeling his deep and powerful thrusts within her body as their gazes held. She understood then as she cried out his name and watching his own deep gaze, the pupils widening within the irises, as his body began to join hers in mutual passion. It was the touch of her hand that reached out to caress the hard angles of his face that was his undoing. Usako--he groaned out and then he kissed her passionately again as his seed spilled deeply into her body. Mamoru . . . she thought, sometime later, still holding him within her embrace . . . I love you.