Authors' Notes: September 1998 Hi! I'm Mimee and this is my first fanfic, so I hope you guys out there don't flame me. I'd like to thank my pal Auston for helping me write this one and for bearing with my nervousness attacks(coz it's my first time to write a fanfic) THANKS! Auston you're a great pal! I would also like to thank Jade for being a supportive friend and for editing this. Please do read their individual and group works. Do also read the works of these other authors that I love: Pandora Waldron, Crystal Heart, Roo, Jenn Wand, Razz, Sailor November, Sailor Tampa, Bunny Annla, Yolanda Carrol, Fushigi Kismet, Sue Mei, Sailor Charon "Ancient History" and for 18years old and above readers Lady M. Harris' "Moonlight Midnight Glory" and "On a Moonswept Moor" are great! Lady Harris' work are not hentai, they are adult-oriented romances much like those of Johanna Lindsey and Linda Lael Miller, and definitely not like the sick, ugly, perverted ones out there! Anyway, this story is purely a romantic one, no action. The timeline is after Sailor Stars, everything's quiet, no enemies, the girls are starting college. I know Mamoru is a few years older than Usagi but for the purpose of this story he is on his last year of college. Auston and I owns the character Vince Malory and this story only, all other characters are not ours, so please don't sue us. Hi Guys! This is Auston here, I just want to add a quick somethin' to the authors notes...please go to my homepage at http:// www.neptune.on.ca/~dmacin also Joel is doin a club, you can go to his club through my homepage, his homepage is called 'A PEACE OF SERENITY' it's really cool and it has some jokes too, so if you even want to just go to my homepage to go there then that's fine by me ^-^ Rating: G A CHILDHOOD FRIEND By: Mimee and Auston An eight year-old girl standing helplessly with tears in her eyes saying "No...Vinni-chan, don't go......" her mother's hand restrained her from running towards the 10 year-old boy reluctantly getting into the car. The boy's parents waved to the girl's parents. The girl became smaller and smaller as the boy's sight blurred, tears he'd been holding finally fell. The car went further and further away from his beloved friend as he whispered "I'll come back someday.... ....Usa-chan" Ten Years Later.... "Mamo-chan, you're not listening to a word I'm saying" Mamoru was busy studying for another exam, he hardly noticed that Usagi's face is turning red with anger for she had been unsuccessful in getting his attention for the last hour. She came to his apartment thinking to spend some time with him alone for they haven't gone out on a date for some time or even for a walk in the park. For two weeks Mamoru's time was spent on researching for a thesis but now he is busy reviewing for exams. She tried again "Mamo-chan the room is on fire." nothing, no reaction whatsoever. "That's it! I'm leaving!" the door was slammed but gone unnoticed by the man engrossed with what he is reading. Walking home, Usagi was thinking "I'm so lonely. Ami-chan is in America studying to be a doctor, Mako-chan is in Italy going to that prestigious cooking school, Minako-chan went to study at that famous Paris fashion-design school, while Rei-chan had gone to visit her relatives, Luna and Artemis just disappeared without a word. Then Mamo-chan had been ignoring me for two weeks now. Oooh... he wouldn't spend even just an hour with me!" Reaching her house, she saw a tall handsome blond ringing the doorbell, she approached him, he turned then smiled "Hello, Usa-chan" she was shocked at first, then she said "Vinni-chan! I can't believe it! It's been so long." and hugged him. They both turned when the door opened. "Hello, Uncle Kenji, I'm James Malory's son." "Oh yes, I remember, you're Vincent, do come inside." In the living room, Kenji Tsukino asked the young man where his parents are, he replied they went to Norway for a second honeymoon so he decided to come and visit them. Vince is staying at a nearby hotel. Kenji invited him to stay at his house instead and he agreed so he went back to the hotel to get his things. The night was happily spent talking about the past and the present. "So, Usa-chan...what's been going on with you?" Vince asked her leisurely at the start of their conversation when they were alone. Usagi hesitated, she didn't know what to talk about...so much happened in her life that she couldn't tell him ....Vince studied her, wondering what was going through her mind, wondering what happened to bring out this silence in her. What could she say? The only thing that has been bothering her for the past two weeks. "I.... I have a boyfriend but he's too busy with his school work to even bother with me...! All my friends are gone and left me to go to some other college.... and me? I have no one left ....except Luna my cat!" Usagi laughed weakly. Luna wasn't much company these days what with her suddenly running off with Artemis. Minako asked her to take care of her cat while she's away saying that no animals were allowed where she's staying and Luna would probably miss him and Usagi agreed. Vince was surprised at the sudden outburst that came came from Usagi....Oh poor Usagi, he thought to himself... "I'm sorry I wasn't there for you, but I am now..." He gently went over to her and put his hand on her left shoulder. Vince is half japanese and half american with wavy blonde hair and stands 6'4". Whenever he smiles a dimple would appear on his right cheek which always makes the ladies swoon. Eventhough he dates every now and then, he never forgot Usagi. He often thinks about her, what she would be doing, dear sweet and playful Usagi, does she still have that hairstyle which often cause some kids to make fun of her and him always defending her. He smiles everytime he think about Usagi. A sudden sob came out of her throat and he quickly bent down and held her hands gently. "I'm here Usa.. I'm here, everything's going to be alright..you'll see." He cooed at her as if she was a baby trying desperately to calm her down...to make her stop her quiet sobbing. "Oh, Vince! I'm glad you're here!" she wailed then threw herself at him. He held her gently, comforting her. "I have an idea, Usa. Tomorrow, why don't we go to the arcade that I passed by today then eat at some place I heard was a good one nearby." Usagi looked up at Vince trying to stop her sobs long enough for her to answer "Yes. *hicup* I will *sniff* love to go with you..." She smiled. He remembered the way she use to smile, her smile was a like a rainbow after a storm...wonderful, a sight to see... beautiful, peaceful and he would do anything to make her smile like that again. "All right, it's late now, better get some sleep. Tomorrow, the fun begins!" Usagi went to bed with thoughts of their childhood, the times they spent together. She used to have a crush on him. She remembered the times she followed him wherever he goes, he didn't mind it at all, he seemed to be happy with her. Usagi fell asleep with a smile on her face. The next few days passed quickly. Usagi showed Vince around, they had fun together like two kids, making up for the lost time. Mamoru Chiba finally noticed the silence in his apartment, his exams were over, now he suddenly missed his Usako's presence, her cheerful voice, her beautiful face, her warm embrace. Guilt made him realized his shortcomings and neglectfullness, and he vowed to make it up to her. He called her up but she wasn't at home, thinking she would be there he hurriedly went to the arcade. "Hi! Motoki, have you seen my Usako?" "Oh, she left two hours ago. She and Vince come here often." "Vince? Who's Vince?" Mamoru asked, surprised his Usako would be with another guy. Jealousy reared it's ugly head. "Oh,you mean you don't know? Vince is Usagi's childhood friend who moved away 10 years ago, he recently came back and now he's staying at Usagi's house since their parents were good friends." Burning jealousy seared through his heart at the mention of this Vince guy staying at HIS Usako's house, while his mind is still reeling Unazuki came in and said. "Hey, Mamoru-san, long time no see. Heard from Usagi that you were very busy with school work, she used to be sad and bored but when Vince came, her bright and bubbly side returned. You'd better do something Mamoru-san or else he might steal her away." she said this half joking and half seriously. Raging jealousy, anger and fear course through him with those words from Motoki's sister. Troubled thoughts accompanied his long walk to the park to think. "Vince, Vince.....wawo..Vince! Usagi waved her hand in his face wondering where his imagination wandered to...for that matter, his brains too when she got no reaction, finally annoyed she pinched his nose. Surprised, he laughed when he saw Usagi's pout....she was adorable when she did that. "I thought that you wanted to spend some time with me alone Vince, not in lala land!" She said indignantly. Vince hugged her in a friendly sort of way and said softly in her ear "I am with you..." He said so softly that Usagi had to strain her ears to hear them. As he said those words, the wind blew a few strands of her hair, gently carressing her face and it tickled her, making her laugh. They were in the park leisurely walking and talking about things long past gone. Usagi looked around the park at the beautiful lake, she heard laughter in the distance and looked to see a happy smiling couple obviously in love with each other and remembered her Mamo-chan and how *MUCH* she cared...how *DEEP* her love for him. They were united as one. For as long as she could remember, even before they knew of their past together, there was something about him that draws him to her amidst the insults that were traded back and forth between them. Something that *ONLY MAMORU* has and no other man can ever replace him in her heart. "Now, who's the one in lala land?" Vince said grinningly at her like a child gaining a treat for a millionth time. Usagi slapped his arm playfully, walking hand in hand down the sandy stone walk bay. They laughed together...... But unbeknownst to them, a man with black hair stood watching with his fist clenched tightly looking a lot like a betrayed man. Mamoru determined now to get his beloved for eternity back to him. Eternity for him means for *ALL ETERNITY* and he will not back down lightly.... No, not for Usako....Never for Usako will he back down... Whoever this guy is, he is in for a BIG surprise! Mamoru dared to go to Usagi's house and face her father for he needed to talk to her and maybe...just maybe get the chance to punch that Vince guy's face for trying to take away Usako...*HIS* Usako away from him. He walked up the steps to the door determined to talk to her. He got himself in check and knocked on the door gently instead of the urge to ring the doorbell impatiently so that her father wouldn't suspect him being an axe murderer or something. He waited....... knocked again and waited.... And waited..... And waited..... And waited.... "Maybe no one's home" he thought and frowned. Then he thought he heard footsteps. And waited.... At last! the door opened...an inch...an inch more....then Shingo's head popped out. Mamoru masked his dread at the sight of Usagi's little brother. In a way Shingo was trouble...he's an immature kid and an immature kid creates trouble..no matter how silly it may seem sometimes. He remembered the time when he and Usako returned Chibiusa home Shingo asked how he could stand klutsy Usagi as a girlfriend enraging the proctective father so much that he had to run or be killed then and there in the front yard. "Could I see your sister?" Mamoru said trying to make his voice steady and cool. All Shingo did was glare at him with mischief in his eyes, annoyed that his video game was disturbed he was like a tiger ready to pounce on the little bunny calling on his sister. "Why do you want to see her?" He said in his most annoyed voice. "Shingo, I just want to talk to your sister about something... and it's none of your business!" Trying to keep it cool was not that easy when someone was interrogating you like you see in those conspiracy movies. Shingo glared at Mamoru and opened his mouth ready to tell him to get lost but then another voice broke the silence. "Shingo, who's that at the door that you're talking too?" That was Shingo's father and by the sound of him, he was pissed off too. Mamoru thought that the best and smartest thing for him to do would be to run away and hide...but that would be cowardly. So he stayed, after all what could a man do to TUXEDO MASK for that matter, anyway. He thought trying to reassure himself nervously. "Mr. Tsukino...sir, I would like to request permission to speak fully in private with your daughter Usagi...." he said. Hoping with all his power that he impressed the man enough to be allowed to speak to his beloved. He bet that if he was in Crystal Tokyo, he wouldn't have to deal with all this just to speak with his princess. Usagi's father stared at him for a few seconds and then opened the door wide for him to enter. "But, Dad..." Shingo started to protested but was told to be silent by his father. Mamoru was glad he was able to enter into the house, much more that he is still in one piece so he didn't mind what Shingo said. "Sir, may I ask where Usagi is?" He said using her real name... he didn't want to know what her father's reaction would be if he used his affectionate pet name for her. He doesn't want to die yet and leave her in *that* Vince's clutches. "She's playing a playstation game with Vince her friend in the family room." her father said then left, leaving Mamoru standing alone. Wandering from room to room he heard Usagi's laughter and of another, thinking that it should be him with her not another. When he opened a door and looked in, he saw Usagi's feet flinging up in the air in excitement and glee as Vince playing as Tuxedo Mask defeated another enemy and Usagi playing as Sailor Moon. Mamoru thought ironically as he remembered the times in real life that she needed him alone. He wasn't so sure if she feels that way towards him now...For that he hated his work, he hated it and wish he never had to do it...but still...it was his fault for neglecting her..... "Usako" he started to say but was ignored for Usagi didn't hear it so he said her name again, this time louder. "USAKO!" Usagi's head flipped around so quickly, her ponytails flapping hitting her drink that was on the coffee table. Luckily, Vince had quick reflexes saving the glass and Usagi from cleaning up a mess and a scolding from her mother. As soon as she saw who was standing at the door looking at her she screamed with joy crying out "Mamo-chan!" flung herself on him and hugged him with one of her tight bear hugs. Mamoru smiled and hugged her back. "Usako, I need to talk to you..." He said and then looked at Vince who was looking at them oddly. "In Private!" this he directed at Vince with a glare. Vince taking the not-so-subtle hint walked off to see if Shingo wanted to play. When he was gone, Mamoru gently released Usagi from her death grip and sat her down gently on the sofa. Looking at her, he asked her as gently as he could. "Do you love me Usako? Really love me?" wondering what her answer would be. It was usually Usagi who asked him this question but now their role was reversed. Usagi shocked at the question was silent for a few minutes, worrying him. He could never stand his Usako being silent, now he dreaded what her silence could mean... "Mamo-chan, I....I don't know....." she wailed, still shocked and couldn't quite believe the question that he had just asked her, she never thought he would ask her that, that he could doubt her love for him. Mamoru was silent then he slowly started to speak "Usako, I never dreamed that school work would do this to us.... I was so caught up in it that I didn't realize that I was neglecting you, pushing you away from me...hurting you....believe me that is the last thing that I would ever want to do for I would never be able to live with myself again without happiness, without the joy that only you can bring, you're my life Usako, without you everything would be meaningless. I'm sorry I've neglected you, unknowingly hurt you and pushed you away. Is that why you turned to Vince, your friend? Because when you wanted love instead you got silence and rejection? I'm truly sorry love, I've never meant to hurt you, can you ever forgive me?" Usagi had tears in her eyes with love...for him alone, not Vince or anyone else. She nodded her head unable to speak, unable to find her voice. She never knew Mamoru could be this romantic. Mamoru smiled, relief in his eyes, grabbed her to him and kissed her with a passion that was stored up in him these past few days. Finally when they broke free, Usagi sighed in contentment. Mamoru leaned over to her ear as Vince did in the park "I love you, Usako for all eternity....do you love me too?" He said repeating the question though he already knew the answer to it. "Yes, I love you...only you...for all eternity!" She said and leaned her head onto his right shoulder, wrapped up in each other's arms, they were both content. Vince came back from playing with Shingo later to see if Usagi was alright and that strange guy he assumed was the Mamoru she told him about. Vince gently looked in trying not to make a sound.... He saw a nice scene with Mamoru holding Usagi gently and the love that they have for each other shining brightly through their eyes and touch. He knew in his heart that he wouldn't have a chance with Usagi for a relationship that he so wanted with her....... he went silently away from the door. A few days later.... An eighteen year old girl stood with tears in her eyes as she looked at the twenty year old guy reluctantly getting into the car. He waved to her and she waved back. The girl became smaller and smaller as the guy's sight blurred, tears he's been holding finally fell. All his memories of the distant past and the recent ones came: The times they played and laughed, the times she cried and him comforting her, the times he defended her....... all sweet memories of her....... his heart ache that he wouldn't be with her anymore. He looked back one last time, seeing a man place a protective arm around her. A man he knows who will be with her, to share her laughter, to comfort her tears, to calm her fears and to protect her, cherish her with his whole heart. A man that she loves and who loves her! With this last thought the car went further and further away................ And a smile finally lit his face and contentment in his heart. The End ______________________________________________________________________ Thanks for reading. Hope you like our story. You can write to me, just don't flame me, it's my first fanfic. ^-^ Mimee or Auston or visit Auston's homepage: www.neptune.on.ca/~dmacin