Author:Kija
Email: kija@silveryroses.com
Title: Never had a Dream come True
Rating: G
Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon. Naoko Takeuchi, Kodansha, Toei
Animation, etc. do
AN's:
A very waffy Christmas story I wrote last year.
I wasn't all too happy with some parts, though and decided to rewrite
some passages. I don't know if it is any better than the first version,
but it's definitely more what I had imagined.
I tried to edit it as much as I could and hope there are not that many
typos and errors.
I think I really do need a beta- reader or editor*sighs*
Anyway.. this story is much more fluffy than what I'm writing now.. but
then again it's Christmas.. that's the right time for fluffy feelings, right?
Hope you enjoy this little story.. and please do tell me what you think.
Constructive Criticism is most welcome .
Never had a Dream Come True *revised*
*************************
Running down the stairs as quickly as he could the young boy tried not
to trip over his own two feet.
Reaching the living room his eyes went wide. There by the fireplace was
the most beautiful Christmas tree he had ever seen. Dozens of nicely
wrapped packages were lying around the tree and the stockings on the
fireplace were filled with small presents as well.
His eyes were glowing with happiness as he looked over the room,
admiring the way the fire enlightened the gold and blue ornaments on
the tree.
When he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder he turned dark blue eyes up
to stare into a pair of eyes just like his own.
The man and the woman were smiling down at him lovingly, one hand
holding the others gently in it's grasp.
"Mama, Papa." He whispered almost like it was forbidden to say those
words out loud.
Slowly a small smile crept onto the young boys face and he felt a
strange feeling of warmth and love flow through him.. he hadn't felt like
this for so long..
"Hey Chiba! Wake up!"
Mamoru's eyes snapped open and he had to look around the room
before he knew again where he was.
Sighing he fell back onto his pillows. Only a dream.. again.
His dark blue eyes searched the room for any signs that this was the
dream and his family would be waiting for him to wake up in a better
world.
When a fluffy white pillow hit him square in the face all his hopes were
gone.
Groaning he took the pillow in his hands and looked at it. The cloth was
worn and old, being sewed together at several places.
He stared at it for several seconds before a voice ripped him from his
trancelike state;
"You finally awake ,Mamoru?"
"Yes, no thanks to you, Arashi." He grumbled while throwing back the
pillow to it's owner; a sandy haired boy with sparkling brown eyes.
"Get up now, or we'll get problems." He looked at the dark haired boy
with a look of disgust "wouldn't be the first time we get into trouble
because of you."
Turning ice blue eyes at the other boy Mamoru jumped up from the bed
and lunged forward punching Arashi in the face, who landed on the floor
with a loud thud moments later.
Touching his bleeding nose the boy looked up at Mamoru angrily.
"If it weren't Christmas today, you'd be in a lot of trouble, Chiba."
Mamoru shook his head and glared back at the other boy.
"Without your so called friends you are nothing. All they can do is hurt
others.. some friends they are."
"At least I have friends." Arashi snarled before leaving the room angrily.
Shutting his eyes tightly Mamoru bit down the sobs he knew would
escape if he didn't control himself.
Opening his eyes again he looked out of the dirty window. Snow was
covering the trees and the world seemed to be in a deep slumber.
How he wished he could just do that too, while a lonely tear rolled down
his rosy cheek.
He slowly dragged himself down the shabby wooden stairs of the
Orphanage, dreading the moment he would enter the great hall, where
the Christmas tree was placed every year.
He knew what sight would greet him: All the children running around
happily unwrapping self-made gifts from their friends; and he?.. he
would just sit there looking round for his gift.. and like the years before
he wouldn't receive one, well except for the grey pullover they all got
every year from the Orphanage.
Arashi had been right, he had no friends, but he honestly didn't know
why.
The other children just seemed to avoid him, no one daring to come too
close to him.
They always whispered to each other when he entered a room. Maybe
they didn't like him because of this sad look he always wore on his face-
at least that's what Mrs. Fujiwara, the housekeeper had once told him.
He really tried to look cheerful, but whenever someone wanted to
befriend him, Arashi and his gang destroyed everything by telling the
newcomer absurd stories about Mamoru. The sad thing was they
believed them.
So over the three years he had been in the Orphanage
Mamoru hadn't succeeded in making a single friend. Slowly he started to
think that it was really his fault.
Another thing that hurt even more than Arashi's teasing was that,
although a lot of potential parents had been there, had seemed
interested in him but in the end didn't take him home. And every day
Mamoru started to doubt himself more and more, believing that he
would never find true friends or love..
While the other children were happily looking at each other's presents
Mamoru frowned and strode back up to his room. Well, you couldn't
exactly call it his room, since he had to share it with Arashi and his
gang- four other boys.
Although it was sometimes hell he had gotten used to their constant
bickering and even to the bruises in his face.
Grabbing his clothes Mamoru got dressed as quickly as he could.
Pushing the new grey pullover over his head hurriedly, he glanced
around cautiously and after taking a look at the corridor and making
sure nobody was there either, he grabbed his worn gloves and climbed
out of the window into the nearby tree and down to the earth.
Once on solid ground again he looked around the corner carefully,
hoping no one was outside.
Thanking the heavens that the way was clear he made a mad dash for
the Orphanage door.
Once there he sneaked through the half opened metal door and into
freedom.. at least for the next few hours.
He had tried more than once to just run away but they had always
caught him and had brought him back. The headmaster of the
Orphanage Mrs. Akimoto was a very friendly woman, which was his luck
or he would have been punished worse than just having to wash the
dishes for three weeks.
Since then he had been forbidden to leave the Orphanage grounds and
the doors were usually guarded by Mr. Fujiwara, the housekeeper's
husband; but obviously nobody expected him to flee on Christmas or Mr.
Fujiwara preferred sitting in his warm living room instead of spending
the day outside in the cold.
Mamoru had gotten used to not getting outside this prison, as he liked
to refer to it. In fact he found a secluded area of the gardens with an old
barn were he would spend his afternoons reading or just thinking.
Looking down the empty street he ran towards his destination.. the
park.
He loved being there, looking at the people, envying the children who so
carelessly went along the small paths holding their parent's hands.
But most of all he loved the lake in the middle of the park. It was
surrounded by tall trees and in the winter it froze over and some people
went ice skating. How he would have loved to go skating too, but he
didn't have any ice-skates nor the money to burrow a pair.
Once he reached his destination, Mamoru stopped at the entrance to
take a deep breath. He had run so fast he barely could breathe now.
Still taking deep gulps of air he strolled into the snow covered park.
Not many people were there but that didn't surprise him.. it was
Christmas after all. All the children would be now unwrapping their
Christmas presents he was sure.
Slowly he walked towards the lake which was empty and calm at the
moment and sat down on a bench so he could overview the scenery.
Never had the lake seemed so serene to him like it did that Christmas
morning.
Totally engrossed in the feeling of calm and peace he was startled when
he suddenly felt something tug at his shoe.
Looking down his eyes widened as he saw a small golden retriever
puppy sitting by his right shoe, happily munching on his shoe laces.
Raising one eyebrow Mamoru inspected the animal more closely and the
puppy seemed to do the same with him, turning small button like brown
orbs towards him.
A small smile crept onto the boys face as the puppy started to jump up
and down, inviting the child to play with him.
Mamoru brought a shaky hand to the puppy's head gently stroking it's
ears.
The little dog closed it's eyes and leaned in closer, obviously enjoying
the attention.
After a few moments though it turned away and jumped up and down in
the snow again and Mamoru finally gave in and sat down on the ground
in front of the puppy.
"I really ask myself where you came from, little one."
His answer was a high bark from the baby dog.
Five minutes later you could find the two chasing around the area, the
young boy trying to catch the dog and both slipping on the snow from
time to time. In the end they both landed next to each other both
covered with snow, making a funny picture for everyone who went by.
Mamoru gently ruffled the puppy fur and hugged the little animal close
to him.. never had he had such a good time!
"Jingles! Jingles, where are you?!"
Mamoru looked up startled by the calling voice. There at the railing of
the lake stood a girl, about 3 years younger than him, he guessed, with
tears streaming down her red cheeks, a look of total distress on her
face.
What he noticed first at her was that exceptional hairstyle- two buns on
her head with the rest of the hair streaming down to her shoulders, but
even more fascinated he was by her eyes.. this light blue.. just like the
sky on a warm summer day.
He didn't know why but somehow it bothered him to see her cry, as if
she wasn't supposed to ever be sad.
When she suddenly looked towards him he blushed and looked down;
the next thing he heard was a loud squeal and soft foot steps in the
snow running in his direction.
Before he cold do anything the little puppy freed himself of the boy's
embrace and ran towards the girl.
Mamoru looked up startled and watched in horror as the girl picked up
the puppy and hugged it tightly.. all of a sudden she didn't seems so
cute anymore to him.
"Oh, Jingles!! I've found you! Don't ever run away from me again,
okay?" she hugged the small dog close to her before planting a small
kiss on it's nose.
Disappointed Mamoru got to his feet and trudged towards the entrance
doors, when all of a sudden a small hand grabbed his.
He whirled around only to be greeted by those light blue eyes again, still
brimmed with tears.
She looked up at him sweetly, a small smile playing on her lips.
"Jingles wanted to run after you.. so I guess you found him."
Mamoru just nodded at the girl dumbly.
A soft giggle escaped her lips as she held up the puppy which playfully
licked Mamoru's face.
"He wants too say thank you.. and me too." She almost whispered,
happy tears running down her face, the smile never leaving her lips.
The boy couldn't help but smile back.
"Can't you stay a little longer, or do your parents wait for you?"
Mamoru gulped upon hearing that question, so innocently asked by a
small golden angel.
"I don't have any parents." He stated coldly.
He could hear the girl inhaling sharply and expected her to leave, when
he felt a soft hand on his own and suddenly sparkling blue eyes looked
up into his own darker ones.
"Well.. then that means you can still play with us a little. I'm Usagi." She
exclaimed cheerfully extending her hand.
Mamoru took it flabbergasted and shook it gently.
"And you are?" she tilted her head to the side waiting for his answer
expectantly.
"Ahm... I'm M- Mamoru." He stuttered, still holding Usagi's hand tightly in
his.
"Well then.. come on! Let's go to the swings!" and with that she took off
bouncing towards the swings.
Mamoru stood rooted to the spot watching this little bundle of energy
with wondering eyes. Never in his life had he seen someone like her.
When she turned around and saw him still where she had left him she
pouted and waved wanting him to follow her.
He didn't know why but that cute little pout on her face made strange
things to him and he simply couldn't resist and ran towards her.
"So.. where do you live Mamoru-kun?" she asked her head tilted to the
left so she could better look at him
"The Orphanage." was his short reply.
Usagi looked at him puzzled. "What's an Orphan..?"
"An Orphanage?"
She nodded, her beautiful eyes fixed upon Mamoru's face with interest.
"Well.. it's a place where children without parents or any other relatives
live." He tried to explain.
Usagi studied her gloved hands for a moment before answering,
"That's sad."
"Yes it is." He sighed, hanging his head.
"Tell me about your friends there." She tried to change the subject but
here eyes went wide when she saw him hang his head even more, his
chin now firmly pressed against his chest as he answered her.
"I don't have any..."
Not able to believe that this nice boy didn't have any friends the words
"Why not?" burst out of her mouth before she could stop them.
Biting her tongue a moment later she chided herself for being so curious,
hadn't her father only told her the day before that she shouldn't ask such
questions?
But since she couldn't take them back now she looked up at Mamoru
expectantly, who was now gazing out at the frozen lake, his eyebrows
knit together in thought how to answer her.
He finally sighed loudly and let his gaze meet hers before speaking;
"Because I'm not a very likeable person.. always reading, secluding
myself from the others."
"I like you." The words shot out of her mouth so quickly, without thought
that Usagi blinked in surprise herself. She had known this boy for merely
a few minutes and yet she knew that those words were true.. she liked
him and she felt that what he needed most now was a friend- and that
she would gladly offer herself.
His eyes turned to look at her and that bright smile that lit up her face
made him grin as well;
"I like you too Usagi."
"Usagi! There you are!" a concerned male voice shouted in their
direction.
The little blonde turned around startled to see her father walking
towards her.
Jumping down to the ground she straightened up and ran towards her
father who picked her up and whirled her around until she started to
shake from her endless giggling.
Mamoru had to look away, not able to bear such a happy sight.. he just
didn't feel like seeing what he would never have.
After she had been set on the floor again she took her father's arm and
pointed towards Mamoru who sat there on the swing looking miserably.
Mr. Tsukino looked at the boy and then back at his girl who tugged
impatiently on his hand.
She leaned towards him and he kneeled down as she whispered
something into his ear.
His eyes widened before a small smile crept onto his face as he looked
back down at his little girl and nodded.
Smiling brilliantly Usagi ran back to Mamoru, surprising the poor boy by
tackling him and giving him a big bear hug.
She picked up the puppy who had been happily munching on one of
Mamoru's discarded gloves and put it gently into the boys arms.
Mamoru looked back at her with wide, puzzled eyes as he didn't
understand what she wanted him to do.
"You can have Jingles.." she started "if you promise you'll take good
care of him!"
Mamoru's mouth hung wide open as he couldn't believe what he was
hearing.
"What?.. Why?..." he stuttered.
"Because you have no one to love you.. to be with you.. someone you
can talk to." She told him softly.
"but I can't.. I mean he's yours. You love him, don't you?"
She nodded silently.
"Yes, I love him.. but I know he likes you.. and you like him.. he'll
always be a good friend to you. I don't want you to be lonely, Mamoru.."
"Usagi..." he managed to choke out as tears were rapidly running down
his face. Never had someone done something so sweet for him.
The little blonde girl looked back at her father who nodded signalling her
it was time to go.
"I have to go now."
Mamoru hugged the little puppy closer to him and nodded.
"Will I see you again?" he asked quietly.
"Sure you will! I'm always in the park on Mondays, Wednesdays and the
weekends! My mom takes me." She beamed.
The boy grinned back at her. "I'll try to be there."
"Good." She turned around to leave when she once more looked at him
with those cheerful blue orbs.
"Say, Mamoru-kun.. can you ice skate?"
"No.. you?"
Usagi shook her head " No.. but we could learn it together.."
"I'd like that."
She flashed him one last dazzling smile before she ran towards her
father and they took off.
Mamoru stood there for a long time until they were out of sight; then he
looked down at his new friend and smiled.
"So, Jingles.. let's go home."
For once in his life he didn't return to the Orphanage with a heavy heart
but a feeling of light-headedness and happiness.
He silently crept into the gardens and carefully made his way into the
secluded area.
There he placed the puppy in the barn and told him to stay quiet and
that he would be back after dinner to stay with him for the night.
The little animal seemed to be quite content with this and curled up on a
fluffy pillow, falling asleep immediately.
Mamoru smiled down at his new found friend.
"If I had any friend to tell this, they surely wouldn't believe me." He
whispered to the winds while he made his way back to the house
quickly.
The next day he stood at the railing of the lake expectantly, waiting for
this little sunshine named Usagi to arrive.. she said she was always
there on weekends and it was Sunday.. she had to come!.. but she
didn't..
Sad and very disappointed he picked up his little friend and marched
back towards the Orphanage.
He went to the park every Monday, Wednesday and on the weekends,
but she was never there.. except for that one time.
Jingles was running around his feet with a small wooden ball in his
mouth and Mamoru tried to keep his balance when he saw a small
golden angel sitting on a bench by the lake.
He slowly walked closer and as he was about to touch her shoulder he
heard a soft sob escape her lips.
"Why are you crying Usagi?"
Her head snapped up and she looked at him with wide opened eyes,
before a small smile started to form on her pink lips.
"I'm very sad, Mamoru.." she almost whispered " my papa told me we
will move away from here."
Mamoru gulped nervously, the only friend he had ever had.. although he
didn't know her that well- would soon move away.. and that would leave
him alone again.
He looked down at Jingles who looked back up at him expectantly
waiting for Mamoru to play with him.
What would happen to Jingles? Would she want him back?
As if she could read his mind Usagi said
"You have to take good care of Jingles, for me, promise?"
"Promise." He answered with tear filled eyes.
She slowly got up from the bench and hugged the older boy tightly.
"I hope I'll see you again one day.."
"I hope so too.. you know.. we planned to go ice skating together."
Smiling a sad smile Usagi nodded before running off without another
word.
"Usagi! Wait!"
She stopped immediately turning her head to look at him.
"Where are you going?"
"Tokyo!" those were the last words her heard from his little golden angel
who had brought so much light into his miserable life.
**************
How he had managed to hide Jingles from the headmaster and the other
children for 7 years was a riddle to the now quite handsome teenager as
he cast one last look at the old shabby building which had been his
home for the last ten years.
Now, at the age of 16 Mamoru was free to leave and live his own life...
that they didn't have to tell him twice!
Some of the girls had practically begged him to stay, very much to the
dismay of Arashi who had glared at him darkly from his pace in the
corner of the great hall.
Mamoru had gotten a little more popular the last two years.. mainly
under the female population of the Orphanage.
Everyone who looked at him knew quickly why: he was quite tall and
you could tell he would be a very handsome man once all grown up. His
chest was slightly muscled and his face had become more defined giving
him a sexy yet boyish look.
"Come on Jingles, let's go find a new home for us." And with that he left
everything he had known behind to finally start a life of his own.
He had been informed that he had quite a lot of money inherited from
his parents he now had access to, and the first thing he did was
buying a train ticket headed for Tokyo...
"Now would you look at this, boy?" He ruffled Jingle's head affectionately
while kneeling beside him and looking up at Tokyo Tower. "This city's
amazing!"
"Let's go to our new apartment."
The dog grabbed it's old and worn teddy bear and ran by Mamoru's side
as they headed for the large apartment building at the end of the street.
Furnishing the apartment had been more exhausting than he had
anticipated and after a week of carrying everything together he needed,
Mamoru flopped down on his large dark blue couch and stared out of
the balcony doors admiring the wonderful sunset.
"Jingles.. this is life.."
And as if to agree Jingles barked cheerfully jumping onto Mamoru's lap
who laughed cheerfully.
The next two years Mamoru had been tried to find a girl named
Usagi but had to find out that first, there were too many girls named
Usagi running around in Tokyo, second ,he didn't know her last name
and third, that he didn't even know where to start. So he decided he
would let fate play it's role.. it had brought them together for the first
time as well; maybe it would work again. But as the years passed by
Mamoru started to give up hope to see his angel again.
Life had been good to Mamoru for the first time in his life and after
finishing school he now carried a University scholarship in his pocket.
He even had made some friends and as in his last years at the
Orphanage, girls where trying to get his attention.
His now best friend Motoki often teased him about that fact and actually
tried to set him up with a girl every few months. Mamoru always smiled
and nodded when his friend bragged on about one girl or another, telling
him all about them.. up to the sizes of their shoes, which struck Mamoru
as rather strange.. and he really didn't dare ask how Motoki had found
out that bit of information.
He trusted the good natured, sandy-haired man and for the first time
could imagine what it would have been like having a brother, yet.. he had
never told him about that sweet little girl he had met as a child.
Over the years he started idealizing her, making her the perfect woman
in his mind, sweet, caring, loving.. and totally in love with him.
He knew it was silly to think of her like that and that he hadn't felt
anything like love for her as children, yet now when he thought about her
she was his perfect angel, the one he wanted to be with until he died.
He tried to control those thoughts by telling himself that she grew up as
well and that he had no idea what she was really like now. For all he
knew she could have grown up to be a heartless, arrogant woman- but
then he remembered those soft sky blue eyes staring so intently into his,
once filled with laughter and once with endless sadness... but always
with tenderness and pure love for everything that was alive.
Another two years went by and he hadn't once dated anybody seriously,
he had tried, but every kiss and every played act of tenderness was so wrong to him,
that he soon distanced himself again from the woman he dated.
He often saw the worried looks Motoki gave him, saw how much his best
friend cared about him and that fact alone kept him hoping that life was
good and that there was a chance for him to make his dream of love and
family come true one day.
Jingles barked happily as they both were on their daily jog, through the
park, still carrying around a very old and worn teddy bear, Mamoru had
given him to play with when he had still been a puppy.
Christmas was nearing again and the first snow had fallen only two days
before.
As the two made their way through the snow covered paths of a large
park, Mamoru watched the many children rolling in the snow, making
snowball fights or building huge snowmen.
The pair stopped at the railing of the large lake in the center of the park,
now frozen over.
Leaning against the cold metal he watched the many ice dancers,
fascinated by their grace and the fluid motion with which they gilded over
the ice.
His gaze swept over the cold surface taking in the many happy people
who spent some time on the ice as well- parents teaching their children
how to skate, young couples holding hands while lost in their own little
worlds and children sitting on the cold floor crying because they had
tripped and fallen once again.
Smiling gently Mamoru bent down and stroked Jingles soft, warm fur
making the dog lick his hand in response.
He had never learned how to skate.. and he knew it was because of the
promise he had given the little girl so many years ago.
Sighing he turned around and signalled Jingles to follow him back home.
Sitting at his desk, a chemistry book opened in front of him, Mamoru
stared out at the slowly darkening sky.
The streetlight were already going on and several tress where lit with
small lamps, giving them a feel of Christmas.
And then his gaze fell on the park he had been only a few hours ago,
and he could make out the lights surrounding the lake.
For a few moments he just stared unblinkingly out of the window before
shutting the book, taking his keys and Jingles and heading for the park.
Standing in front of the lake, ice skates in his right hand he wondered if
he had gone insane.
The ice looked slippery and he wondered if coming here had been such
a good idea after all.
He looked down at Jingles who sat by his feet looking up at him with his
head slightly bent to the left, sceptically watching the glittery surface of
the frozen lake.
Taking one encouraging breath he sat down on the bench behind him
and started to put on the skates, determined to face the ice for the very
first time in his life.
Maybe this was the key to finding her.. he knew it was silly but deep in
his heart he really hoped that if he learned how to skate now, Usagi
would pop up beside him like a miracle and they would both keep their
promise..
It was crazy.. but after all that he had tried to find her, it was his last
hope.
Getting up he needed a few moments to balance himself on the skates
before trying to make a step towards the lake.
Jingles watched from the shore as his master made the first step onto
the ice, slipped and landed on his behind a moment later.
Mamoru let out a small string of curses before struggling to get to his feet
again- this was definitely harder than he had every thought it would be.. it
always looked so easy when watching the ice dancers.
After fifteen minutes of slipping, falling, cursing and rubbing his behind
several times he managed to walk across the ice clumsily, he wasn't
quite able to glide yet, but at least he didn't fall that often anymore.
Glancing at the shore he made sure Jingles was still there- and sure
enough the dog was watching him interestedly jumping up and down
when he came closer to the shore.
About an hour later Mamoru finally managed to glide carefully across the
lake and even had figured out how to stop without falling down and he
actually started to enjoy this.
Grinning from ear to ear he decided it was enough for the day, even
though he hadn't met his angel, he felt strangely at ease and decided
that he had to come here more often.
Gliding quite serenely towards the shore he watched Jingles jump
happily and tossing his bear from side to side.
Just as he was only a few feet from the shore he started as he heard a
girl's loud cry from somewhere behind him,
"Oh my!!!!.. Usagi watch out where you are going!!! You are going to
crash!" the voice sounded frantic and a bit scared and on reflex he
turned around to look where the voice had come from.
Just as he had turned around, all he could see where pools of soft light
blue, opened wide and for a moment he just stared, mouth open.
"Oh no.. Mister.. watch ouuuuuuutttt!" the girl sputtered only seconds
before she crashed full force into Mamoru.
Not having anticipated the sudden impact, he toppled backwards and
landed on the hard ice with a loud thud. For a moment he believed he
would pass out as his head hit the ground hard and the world started to
spin faster around him, but then he felt someone moving on top of him.
Blinking he looked down at the mass of golden hair spread across his
chest and his hart stopped as the girl lifted her head and shyly looked up
at him, her face beet red with embarrassment.
For a moment their gazes locked and he felt something tug at his heart-
he knew those eyes.
The girl couldn't help but stare into those mesmerizing deep blue eyes
which seemed to suck her in and all of a sudden the world around her
didn't seem so important any more and for a few moments the world
around them didn't matter anymore.
Finally she realized though that she was still lying on top of him and tried
to get up as fast as she could.. unfortunately she forgot that she couldn't
keep her balance on ice and only a few seconds later landed on top of
the young man again. Also ripped from his daydreaming Mamoru mind
finally came back to reality and realized that he was still sprawled over
the ice, a cute girl on top of him.. which wasn't all that bad, he figured.
Slapping himself mentally for that picture he gently took the girl's hands
and together they managed to get up. Afraid to land on the ground again
any moment, she desperately griped Mamoru's arm trying to balance
herself on the ice.
Slowly the voices of her friends came closer and she watched them
skate over to where she and that handsome young man were.
Looking up at him, blushing again, she finally found her voice again and
thanked him for his help.
He smiled gently down at her and shook his head,
"No need to thank me, Usagi."
Her eyes went wide and she stared up at him puzzled,
"How did you know my name?"
He chuckled softly and turned his head into her friends' direction,
"They called out your name when you were about to fall."
"Oh" was the soft reply from her lips as she looked down studying her
skates.
Mamoru glanced down at the girl, he didn't know why he hadn't wrapped
her into his arms already, or why he hadn't asked her if she was the girl
from his childhood- he just knew that she was.
But he didn't want to just tell her that.. something in him wanted her to
remember him.. so he knew she hadn't forgotten about him as he had
about her.
And he also didn't want to risk looking like an idiot. What if she wasn't the
Usagi he had known?
After all these years of searching for her and being determined to find
her and never letting her go again, he couldn't ask this girl now if she
was the girl he dreamed of for so long.
What he didn't know was that quite similar thoughts were running
through the girl's head.
They simply didn't have the courage to make the first step- both too
afraid to be disappointed.
Mamoru fearing that even if she was his angel that she had forgotten him
over the years and Usagi being afraid that this handsome young man
wouldn't see anything in her but a klutzy girl who couldn't even manage
to keep her balance on the ice.
Sighing deeply she looked up at Mamoru one more time before starting
to unsteadily walk off to her where her friends were slowly approaching.
He watched her clumsily make her way over the ice and had to smile at
the lovely picture she made.. and he realized that if he didn't try it now,
he might never again have a chance.
"Do you want me to help you, Usagi?" he cried after her, slowly starting
to glide towards her.
Turning around slowly she looked at him with those big blue eyes, so
gentle and loving.
He smiles at her and taking her hand whispered softly,
"You know... we promised we'd learn it together.."
Eyes widening in surprise the stared at him for a moment before it tore
from her throat in a gently whisper,
"Mamoru"
and he swore it was the most wonderful sound he had ever heard in his
entire life.
She gripped his hand tightly and waved the other at her friends
dismissively. They looked her way worriedly for a moment before
stopping and making their way towards the beach, deciding to wait for
her from there.
For a moment their gazes locked and for a moment they both were sure
something was going to happen when suddenly the shrill bark of a dog
tore them from their stupor.
Turning his head to the right Mamoru fought to keep from laughing as he
watched his dog clumsily trying to walk on the ice, falling every few
inches, not able to keep balance.
He looked at Usagi who stared at him with a puzzled expression upon
seeing the dog.
"Is he..?" she trailed off.
"Jingles?" he offered and she nodded in answer.
"Yes.. still my best friend in the world." He replied chuckling.
Smiling she took his arm and together they made their way towards the
poor dog who immediately seemed to recognize the girl he belonged to
as a puppy.
"There's so much I need to tell you." She whispered, looking up at
Mamoru who was smiling down at her while she stroked Jingles' ears.
"Yes there is." He agreed.
**************************************
Running down the stairs as quickly as he could the young boy tried not
to trip over his own two feet.
Reaching the living room his eyes went wide. There by the fireplace was
the most beautiful Christmas tree he had ever seen. Dozens of nicely
wrapped packages were lying around the tree and the stockings on the
fireplace were filled with small presents as well.
His eyes were glowing with happiness as he looked over the room,
admiring the way the fire enlightened the gold and blue ornaments on
the tree.
When he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder he turned dark blue eyes up
to stare into a pair of eyes just like his own.
The man and the woman were smiling down at him gently, one hand
holding the others gently in it's grasp.
"Mama, Papa! Look what Santa Claus brought us!" the young boy
exclaimed excitedly.
Mamoru smiled down at his 5 year old son who happily started to
unwrap his presents. It was like he lived through him all that he had
missed in his own childhood.
This was like a dream coming true for him, having a family, warmth and
most importantly love.
He looked over at his lovely wife who had sat down on the large couch
trying to ease some of the back ache she was experiencing at the
moment.
Seeing she didn't feel too well, Mamoru rushed to her side, kneeled
beside her and stroke her cheek softly.
"You alright, Usako?"
She smiled weakly back at her husband trying to shift into a more
comfortable position which was quite impossible at 8 months pregnant.
"Soon, it'll be over and next Christmas the little one will be with us."
"Yes.. it's perfect Mamo-chan.."
He smiled down at her while getting up and placing a soft butterfly kiss
on her forehead.
*The End*
Email: kija@silveryroses.com
Title: Never had a Dream come True
Rating: G
Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon. Naoko Takeuchi, Kodansha, Toei
Animation, etc. do
AN's:
A very waffy Christmas story I wrote last year.
I wasn't all too happy with some parts, though and decided to rewrite
some passages. I don't know if it is any better than the first version,
but it's definitely more what I had imagined.
I tried to edit it as much as I could and hope there are not that many
typos and errors.
I think I really do need a beta- reader or editor*sighs*
Anyway.. this story is much more fluffy than what I'm writing now.. but
then again it's Christmas.. that's the right time for fluffy feelings, right?
Hope you enjoy this little story.. and please do tell me what you think.
Constructive Criticism is most welcome .
Never had a Dream Come True *revised*
*************************
Running down the stairs as quickly as he could the young boy tried not
to trip over his own two feet.
Reaching the living room his eyes went wide. There by the fireplace was
the most beautiful Christmas tree he had ever seen. Dozens of nicely
wrapped packages were lying around the tree and the stockings on the
fireplace were filled with small presents as well.
His eyes were glowing with happiness as he looked over the room,
admiring the way the fire enlightened the gold and blue ornaments on
the tree.
When he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder he turned dark blue eyes up
to stare into a pair of eyes just like his own.
The man and the woman were smiling down at him lovingly, one hand
holding the others gently in it's grasp.
"Mama, Papa." He whispered almost like it was forbidden to say those
words out loud.
Slowly a small smile crept onto the young boys face and he felt a
strange feeling of warmth and love flow through him.. he hadn't felt like
this for so long..
"Hey Chiba! Wake up!"
Mamoru's eyes snapped open and he had to look around the room
before he knew again where he was.
Sighing he fell back onto his pillows. Only a dream.. again.
His dark blue eyes searched the room for any signs that this was the
dream and his family would be waiting for him to wake up in a better
world.
When a fluffy white pillow hit him square in the face all his hopes were
gone.
Groaning he took the pillow in his hands and looked at it. The cloth was
worn and old, being sewed together at several places.
He stared at it for several seconds before a voice ripped him from his
trancelike state;
"You finally awake ,Mamoru?"
"Yes, no thanks to you, Arashi." He grumbled while throwing back the
pillow to it's owner; a sandy haired boy with sparkling brown eyes.
"Get up now, or we'll get problems." He looked at the dark haired boy
with a look of disgust "wouldn't be the first time we get into trouble
because of you."
Turning ice blue eyes at the other boy Mamoru jumped up from the bed
and lunged forward punching Arashi in the face, who landed on the floor
with a loud thud moments later.
Touching his bleeding nose the boy looked up at Mamoru angrily.
"If it weren't Christmas today, you'd be in a lot of trouble, Chiba."
Mamoru shook his head and glared back at the other boy.
"Without your so called friends you are nothing. All they can do is hurt
others.. some friends they are."
"At least I have friends." Arashi snarled before leaving the room angrily.
Shutting his eyes tightly Mamoru bit down the sobs he knew would
escape if he didn't control himself.
Opening his eyes again he looked out of the dirty window. Snow was
covering the trees and the world seemed to be in a deep slumber.
How he wished he could just do that too, while a lonely tear rolled down
his rosy cheek.
He slowly dragged himself down the shabby wooden stairs of the
Orphanage, dreading the moment he would enter the great hall, where
the Christmas tree was placed every year.
He knew what sight would greet him: All the children running around
happily unwrapping self-made gifts from their friends; and he?.. he
would just sit there looking round for his gift.. and like the years before
he wouldn't receive one, well except for the grey pullover they all got
every year from the Orphanage.
Arashi had been right, he had no friends, but he honestly didn't know
why.
The other children just seemed to avoid him, no one daring to come too
close to him.
They always whispered to each other when he entered a room. Maybe
they didn't like him because of this sad look he always wore on his face-
at least that's what Mrs. Fujiwara, the housekeeper had once told him.
He really tried to look cheerful, but whenever someone wanted to
befriend him, Arashi and his gang destroyed everything by telling the
newcomer absurd stories about Mamoru. The sad thing was they
believed them.
So over the three years he had been in the Orphanage
Mamoru hadn't succeeded in making a single friend. Slowly he started to
think that it was really his fault.
Another thing that hurt even more than Arashi's teasing was that,
although a lot of potential parents had been there, had seemed
interested in him but in the end didn't take him home. And every day
Mamoru started to doubt himself more and more, believing that he
would never find true friends or love..
While the other children were happily looking at each other's presents
Mamoru frowned and strode back up to his room. Well, you couldn't
exactly call it his room, since he had to share it with Arashi and his
gang- four other boys.
Although it was sometimes hell he had gotten used to their constant
bickering and even to the bruises in his face.
Grabbing his clothes Mamoru got dressed as quickly as he could.
Pushing the new grey pullover over his head hurriedly, he glanced
around cautiously and after taking a look at the corridor and making
sure nobody was there either, he grabbed his worn gloves and climbed
out of the window into the nearby tree and down to the earth.
Once on solid ground again he looked around the corner carefully,
hoping no one was outside.
Thanking the heavens that the way was clear he made a mad dash for
the Orphanage door.
Once there he sneaked through the half opened metal door and into
freedom.. at least for the next few hours.
He had tried more than once to just run away but they had always
caught him and had brought him back. The headmaster of the
Orphanage Mrs. Akimoto was a very friendly woman, which was his luck
or he would have been punished worse than just having to wash the
dishes for three weeks.
Since then he had been forbidden to leave the Orphanage grounds and
the doors were usually guarded by Mr. Fujiwara, the housekeeper's
husband; but obviously nobody expected him to flee on Christmas or Mr.
Fujiwara preferred sitting in his warm living room instead of spending
the day outside in the cold.
Mamoru had gotten used to not getting outside this prison, as he liked
to refer to it. In fact he found a secluded area of the gardens with an old
barn were he would spend his afternoons reading or just thinking.
Looking down the empty street he ran towards his destination.. the
park.
He loved being there, looking at the people, envying the children who so
carelessly went along the small paths holding their parent's hands.
But most of all he loved the lake in the middle of the park. It was
surrounded by tall trees and in the winter it froze over and some people
went ice skating. How he would have loved to go skating too, but he
didn't have any ice-skates nor the money to burrow a pair.
Once he reached his destination, Mamoru stopped at the entrance to
take a deep breath. He had run so fast he barely could breathe now.
Still taking deep gulps of air he strolled into the snow covered park.
Not many people were there but that didn't surprise him.. it was
Christmas after all. All the children would be now unwrapping their
Christmas presents he was sure.
Slowly he walked towards the lake which was empty and calm at the
moment and sat down on a bench so he could overview the scenery.
Never had the lake seemed so serene to him like it did that Christmas
morning.
Totally engrossed in the feeling of calm and peace he was startled when
he suddenly felt something tug at his shoe.
Looking down his eyes widened as he saw a small golden retriever
puppy sitting by his right shoe, happily munching on his shoe laces.
Raising one eyebrow Mamoru inspected the animal more closely and the
puppy seemed to do the same with him, turning small button like brown
orbs towards him.
A small smile crept onto the boys face as the puppy started to jump up
and down, inviting the child to play with him.
Mamoru brought a shaky hand to the puppy's head gently stroking it's
ears.
The little dog closed it's eyes and leaned in closer, obviously enjoying
the attention.
After a few moments though it turned away and jumped up and down in
the snow again and Mamoru finally gave in and sat down on the ground
in front of the puppy.
"I really ask myself where you came from, little one."
His answer was a high bark from the baby dog.
Five minutes later you could find the two chasing around the area, the
young boy trying to catch the dog and both slipping on the snow from
time to time. In the end they both landed next to each other both
covered with snow, making a funny picture for everyone who went by.
Mamoru gently ruffled the puppy fur and hugged the little animal close
to him.. never had he had such a good time!
"Jingles! Jingles, where are you?!"
Mamoru looked up startled by the calling voice. There at the railing of
the lake stood a girl, about 3 years younger than him, he guessed, with
tears streaming down her red cheeks, a look of total distress on her
face.
What he noticed first at her was that exceptional hairstyle- two buns on
her head with the rest of the hair streaming down to her shoulders, but
even more fascinated he was by her eyes.. this light blue.. just like the
sky on a warm summer day.
He didn't know why but somehow it bothered him to see her cry, as if
she wasn't supposed to ever be sad.
When she suddenly looked towards him he blushed and looked down;
the next thing he heard was a loud squeal and soft foot steps in the
snow running in his direction.
Before he cold do anything the little puppy freed himself of the boy's
embrace and ran towards the girl.
Mamoru looked up startled and watched in horror as the girl picked up
the puppy and hugged it tightly.. all of a sudden she didn't seems so
cute anymore to him.
"Oh, Jingles!! I've found you! Don't ever run away from me again,
okay?" she hugged the small dog close to her before planting a small
kiss on it's nose.
Disappointed Mamoru got to his feet and trudged towards the entrance
doors, when all of a sudden a small hand grabbed his.
He whirled around only to be greeted by those light blue eyes again, still
brimmed with tears.
She looked up at him sweetly, a small smile playing on her lips.
"Jingles wanted to run after you.. so I guess you found him."
Mamoru just nodded at the girl dumbly.
A soft giggle escaped her lips as she held up the puppy which playfully
licked Mamoru's face.
"He wants too say thank you.. and me too." She almost whispered,
happy tears running down her face, the smile never leaving her lips.
The boy couldn't help but smile back.
"Can't you stay a little longer, or do your parents wait for you?"
Mamoru gulped upon hearing that question, so innocently asked by a
small golden angel.
"I don't have any parents." He stated coldly.
He could hear the girl inhaling sharply and expected her to leave, when
he felt a soft hand on his own and suddenly sparkling blue eyes looked
up into his own darker ones.
"Well.. then that means you can still play with us a little. I'm Usagi." She
exclaimed cheerfully extending her hand.
Mamoru took it flabbergasted and shook it gently.
"And you are?" she tilted her head to the side waiting for his answer
expectantly.
"Ahm... I'm M- Mamoru." He stuttered, still holding Usagi's hand tightly in
his.
"Well then.. come on! Let's go to the swings!" and with that she took off
bouncing towards the swings.
Mamoru stood rooted to the spot watching this little bundle of energy
with wondering eyes. Never in his life had he seen someone like her.
When she turned around and saw him still where she had left him she
pouted and waved wanting him to follow her.
He didn't know why but that cute little pout on her face made strange
things to him and he simply couldn't resist and ran towards her.
"So.. where do you live Mamoru-kun?" she asked her head tilted to the
left so she could better look at him
"The Orphanage." was his short reply.
Usagi looked at him puzzled. "What's an Orphan..?"
"An Orphanage?"
She nodded, her beautiful eyes fixed upon Mamoru's face with interest.
"Well.. it's a place where children without parents or any other relatives
live." He tried to explain.
Usagi studied her gloved hands for a moment before answering,
"That's sad."
"Yes it is." He sighed, hanging his head.
"Tell me about your friends there." She tried to change the subject but
here eyes went wide when she saw him hang his head even more, his
chin now firmly pressed against his chest as he answered her.
"I don't have any..."
Not able to believe that this nice boy didn't have any friends the words
"Why not?" burst out of her mouth before she could stop them.
Biting her tongue a moment later she chided herself for being so curious,
hadn't her father only told her the day before that she shouldn't ask such
questions?
But since she couldn't take them back now she looked up at Mamoru
expectantly, who was now gazing out at the frozen lake, his eyebrows
knit together in thought how to answer her.
He finally sighed loudly and let his gaze meet hers before speaking;
"Because I'm not a very likeable person.. always reading, secluding
myself from the others."
"I like you." The words shot out of her mouth so quickly, without thought
that Usagi blinked in surprise herself. She had known this boy for merely
a few minutes and yet she knew that those words were true.. she liked
him and she felt that what he needed most now was a friend- and that
she would gladly offer herself.
His eyes turned to look at her and that bright smile that lit up her face
made him grin as well;
"I like you too Usagi."
"Usagi! There you are!" a concerned male voice shouted in their
direction.
The little blonde turned around startled to see her father walking
towards her.
Jumping down to the ground she straightened up and ran towards her
father who picked her up and whirled her around until she started to
shake from her endless giggling.
Mamoru had to look away, not able to bear such a happy sight.. he just
didn't feel like seeing what he would never have.
After she had been set on the floor again she took her father's arm and
pointed towards Mamoru who sat there on the swing looking miserably.
Mr. Tsukino looked at the boy and then back at his girl who tugged
impatiently on his hand.
She leaned towards him and he kneeled down as she whispered
something into his ear.
His eyes widened before a small smile crept onto his face as he looked
back down at his little girl and nodded.
Smiling brilliantly Usagi ran back to Mamoru, surprising the poor boy by
tackling him and giving him a big bear hug.
She picked up the puppy who had been happily munching on one of
Mamoru's discarded gloves and put it gently into the boys arms.
Mamoru looked back at her with wide, puzzled eyes as he didn't
understand what she wanted him to do.
"You can have Jingles.." she started "if you promise you'll take good
care of him!"
Mamoru's mouth hung wide open as he couldn't believe what he was
hearing.
"What?.. Why?..." he stuttered.
"Because you have no one to love you.. to be with you.. someone you
can talk to." She told him softly.
"but I can't.. I mean he's yours. You love him, don't you?"
She nodded silently.
"Yes, I love him.. but I know he likes you.. and you like him.. he'll
always be a good friend to you. I don't want you to be lonely, Mamoru.."
"Usagi..." he managed to choke out as tears were rapidly running down
his face. Never had someone done something so sweet for him.
The little blonde girl looked back at her father who nodded signalling her
it was time to go.
"I have to go now."
Mamoru hugged the little puppy closer to him and nodded.
"Will I see you again?" he asked quietly.
"Sure you will! I'm always in the park on Mondays, Wednesdays and the
weekends! My mom takes me." She beamed.
The boy grinned back at her. "I'll try to be there."
"Good." She turned around to leave when she once more looked at him
with those cheerful blue orbs.
"Say, Mamoru-kun.. can you ice skate?"
"No.. you?"
Usagi shook her head " No.. but we could learn it together.."
"I'd like that."
She flashed him one last dazzling smile before she ran towards her
father and they took off.
Mamoru stood there for a long time until they were out of sight; then he
looked down at his new friend and smiled.
"So, Jingles.. let's go home."
For once in his life he didn't return to the Orphanage with a heavy heart
but a feeling of light-headedness and happiness.
He silently crept into the gardens and carefully made his way into the
secluded area.
There he placed the puppy in the barn and told him to stay quiet and
that he would be back after dinner to stay with him for the night.
The little animal seemed to be quite content with this and curled up on a
fluffy pillow, falling asleep immediately.
Mamoru smiled down at his new found friend.
"If I had any friend to tell this, they surely wouldn't believe me." He
whispered to the winds while he made his way back to the house
quickly.
The next day he stood at the railing of the lake expectantly, waiting for
this little sunshine named Usagi to arrive.. she said she was always
there on weekends and it was Sunday.. she had to come!.. but she
didn't..
Sad and very disappointed he picked up his little friend and marched
back towards the Orphanage.
He went to the park every Monday, Wednesday and on the weekends,
but she was never there.. except for that one time.
Jingles was running around his feet with a small wooden ball in his
mouth and Mamoru tried to keep his balance when he saw a small
golden angel sitting on a bench by the lake.
He slowly walked closer and as he was about to touch her shoulder he
heard a soft sob escape her lips.
"Why are you crying Usagi?"
Her head snapped up and she looked at him with wide opened eyes,
before a small smile started to form on her pink lips.
"I'm very sad, Mamoru.." she almost whispered " my papa told me we
will move away from here."
Mamoru gulped nervously, the only friend he had ever had.. although he
didn't know her that well- would soon move away.. and that would leave
him alone again.
He looked down at Jingles who looked back up at him expectantly
waiting for Mamoru to play with him.
What would happen to Jingles? Would she want him back?
As if she could read his mind Usagi said
"You have to take good care of Jingles, for me, promise?"
"Promise." He answered with tear filled eyes.
She slowly got up from the bench and hugged the older boy tightly.
"I hope I'll see you again one day.."
"I hope so too.. you know.. we planned to go ice skating together."
Smiling a sad smile Usagi nodded before running off without another
word.
"Usagi! Wait!"
She stopped immediately turning her head to look at him.
"Where are you going?"
"Tokyo!" those were the last words her heard from his little golden angel
who had brought so much light into his miserable life.
**************
How he had managed to hide Jingles from the headmaster and the other
children for 7 years was a riddle to the now quite handsome teenager as
he cast one last look at the old shabby building which had been his
home for the last ten years.
Now, at the age of 16 Mamoru was free to leave and live his own life...
that they didn't have to tell him twice!
Some of the girls had practically begged him to stay, very much to the
dismay of Arashi who had glared at him darkly from his pace in the
corner of the great hall.
Mamoru had gotten a little more popular the last two years.. mainly
under the female population of the Orphanage.
Everyone who looked at him knew quickly why: he was quite tall and
you could tell he would be a very handsome man once all grown up. His
chest was slightly muscled and his face had become more defined giving
him a sexy yet boyish look.
"Come on Jingles, let's go find a new home for us." And with that he left
everything he had known behind to finally start a life of his own.
He had been informed that he had quite a lot of money inherited from
his parents he now had access to, and the first thing he did was
buying a train ticket headed for Tokyo...
"Now would you look at this, boy?" He ruffled Jingle's head affectionately
while kneeling beside him and looking up at Tokyo Tower. "This city's
amazing!"
"Let's go to our new apartment."
The dog grabbed it's old and worn teddy bear and ran by Mamoru's side
as they headed for the large apartment building at the end of the street.
Furnishing the apartment had been more exhausting than he had
anticipated and after a week of carrying everything together he needed,
Mamoru flopped down on his large dark blue couch and stared out of
the balcony doors admiring the wonderful sunset.
"Jingles.. this is life.."
And as if to agree Jingles barked cheerfully jumping onto Mamoru's lap
who laughed cheerfully.
The next two years Mamoru had been tried to find a girl named
Usagi but had to find out that first, there were too many girls named
Usagi running around in Tokyo, second ,he didn't know her last name
and third, that he didn't even know where to start. So he decided he
would let fate play it's role.. it had brought them together for the first
time as well; maybe it would work again. But as the years passed by
Mamoru started to give up hope to see his angel again.
Life had been good to Mamoru for the first time in his life and after
finishing school he now carried a University scholarship in his pocket.
He even had made some friends and as in his last years at the
Orphanage, girls where trying to get his attention.
His now best friend Motoki often teased him about that fact and actually
tried to set him up with a girl every few months. Mamoru always smiled
and nodded when his friend bragged on about one girl or another, telling
him all about them.. up to the sizes of their shoes, which struck Mamoru
as rather strange.. and he really didn't dare ask how Motoki had found
out that bit of information.
He trusted the good natured, sandy-haired man and for the first time
could imagine what it would have been like having a brother, yet.. he had
never told him about that sweet little girl he had met as a child.
Over the years he started idealizing her, making her the perfect woman
in his mind, sweet, caring, loving.. and totally in love with him.
He knew it was silly to think of her like that and that he hadn't felt
anything like love for her as children, yet now when he thought about her
she was his perfect angel, the one he wanted to be with until he died.
He tried to control those thoughts by telling himself that she grew up as
well and that he had no idea what she was really like now. For all he
knew she could have grown up to be a heartless, arrogant woman- but
then he remembered those soft sky blue eyes staring so intently into his,
once filled with laughter and once with endless sadness... but always
with tenderness and pure love for everything that was alive.
Another two years went by and he hadn't once dated anybody seriously,
he had tried, but every kiss and every played act of tenderness was so wrong to him,
that he soon distanced himself again from the woman he dated.
He often saw the worried looks Motoki gave him, saw how much his best
friend cared about him and that fact alone kept him hoping that life was
good and that there was a chance for him to make his dream of love and
family come true one day.
Jingles barked happily as they both were on their daily jog, through the
park, still carrying around a very old and worn teddy bear, Mamoru had
given him to play with when he had still been a puppy.
Christmas was nearing again and the first snow had fallen only two days
before.
As the two made their way through the snow covered paths of a large
park, Mamoru watched the many children rolling in the snow, making
snowball fights or building huge snowmen.
The pair stopped at the railing of the large lake in the center of the park,
now frozen over.
Leaning against the cold metal he watched the many ice dancers,
fascinated by their grace and the fluid motion with which they gilded over
the ice.
His gaze swept over the cold surface taking in the many happy people
who spent some time on the ice as well- parents teaching their children
how to skate, young couples holding hands while lost in their own little
worlds and children sitting on the cold floor crying because they had
tripped and fallen once again.
Smiling gently Mamoru bent down and stroked Jingles soft, warm fur
making the dog lick his hand in response.
He had never learned how to skate.. and he knew it was because of the
promise he had given the little girl so many years ago.
Sighing he turned around and signalled Jingles to follow him back home.
Sitting at his desk, a chemistry book opened in front of him, Mamoru
stared out at the slowly darkening sky.
The streetlight were already going on and several tress where lit with
small lamps, giving them a feel of Christmas.
And then his gaze fell on the park he had been only a few hours ago,
and he could make out the lights surrounding the lake.
For a few moments he just stared unblinkingly out of the window before
shutting the book, taking his keys and Jingles and heading for the park.
Standing in front of the lake, ice skates in his right hand he wondered if
he had gone insane.
The ice looked slippery and he wondered if coming here had been such
a good idea after all.
He looked down at Jingles who sat by his feet looking up at him with his
head slightly bent to the left, sceptically watching the glittery surface of
the frozen lake.
Taking one encouraging breath he sat down on the bench behind him
and started to put on the skates, determined to face the ice for the very
first time in his life.
Maybe this was the key to finding her.. he knew it was silly but deep in
his heart he really hoped that if he learned how to skate now, Usagi
would pop up beside him like a miracle and they would both keep their
promise..
It was crazy.. but after all that he had tried to find her, it was his last
hope.
Getting up he needed a few moments to balance himself on the skates
before trying to make a step towards the lake.
Jingles watched from the shore as his master made the first step onto
the ice, slipped and landed on his behind a moment later.
Mamoru let out a small string of curses before struggling to get to his feet
again- this was definitely harder than he had every thought it would be.. it
always looked so easy when watching the ice dancers.
After fifteen minutes of slipping, falling, cursing and rubbing his behind
several times he managed to walk across the ice clumsily, he wasn't
quite able to glide yet, but at least he didn't fall that often anymore.
Glancing at the shore he made sure Jingles was still there- and sure
enough the dog was watching him interestedly jumping up and down
when he came closer to the shore.
About an hour later Mamoru finally managed to glide carefully across the
lake and even had figured out how to stop without falling down and he
actually started to enjoy this.
Grinning from ear to ear he decided it was enough for the day, even
though he hadn't met his angel, he felt strangely at ease and decided
that he had to come here more often.
Gliding quite serenely towards the shore he watched Jingles jump
happily and tossing his bear from side to side.
Just as he was only a few feet from the shore he started as he heard a
girl's loud cry from somewhere behind him,
"Oh my!!!!.. Usagi watch out where you are going!!! You are going to
crash!" the voice sounded frantic and a bit scared and on reflex he
turned around to look where the voice had come from.
Just as he had turned around, all he could see where pools of soft light
blue, opened wide and for a moment he just stared, mouth open.
"Oh no.. Mister.. watch ouuuuuuutttt!" the girl sputtered only seconds
before she crashed full force into Mamoru.
Not having anticipated the sudden impact, he toppled backwards and
landed on the hard ice with a loud thud. For a moment he believed he
would pass out as his head hit the ground hard and the world started to
spin faster around him, but then he felt someone moving on top of him.
Blinking he looked down at the mass of golden hair spread across his
chest and his hart stopped as the girl lifted her head and shyly looked up
at him, her face beet red with embarrassment.
For a moment their gazes locked and he felt something tug at his heart-
he knew those eyes.
The girl couldn't help but stare into those mesmerizing deep blue eyes
which seemed to suck her in and all of a sudden the world around her
didn't seem so important any more and for a few moments the world
around them didn't matter anymore.
Finally she realized though that she was still lying on top of him and tried
to get up as fast as she could.. unfortunately she forgot that she couldn't
keep her balance on ice and only a few seconds later landed on top of
the young man again. Also ripped from his daydreaming Mamoru mind
finally came back to reality and realized that he was still sprawled over
the ice, a cute girl on top of him.. which wasn't all that bad, he figured.
Slapping himself mentally for that picture he gently took the girl's hands
and together they managed to get up. Afraid to land on the ground again
any moment, she desperately griped Mamoru's arm trying to balance
herself on the ice.
Slowly the voices of her friends came closer and she watched them
skate over to where she and that handsome young man were.
Looking up at him, blushing again, she finally found her voice again and
thanked him for his help.
He smiled gently down at her and shook his head,
"No need to thank me, Usagi."
Her eyes went wide and she stared up at him puzzled,
"How did you know my name?"
He chuckled softly and turned his head into her friends' direction,
"They called out your name when you were about to fall."
"Oh" was the soft reply from her lips as she looked down studying her
skates.
Mamoru glanced down at the girl, he didn't know why he hadn't wrapped
her into his arms already, or why he hadn't asked her if she was the girl
from his childhood- he just knew that she was.
But he didn't want to just tell her that.. something in him wanted her to
remember him.. so he knew she hadn't forgotten about him as he had
about her.
And he also didn't want to risk looking like an idiot. What if she wasn't the
Usagi he had known?
After all these years of searching for her and being determined to find
her and never letting her go again, he couldn't ask this girl now if she
was the girl he dreamed of for so long.
What he didn't know was that quite similar thoughts were running
through the girl's head.
They simply didn't have the courage to make the first step- both too
afraid to be disappointed.
Mamoru fearing that even if she was his angel that she had forgotten him
over the years and Usagi being afraid that this handsome young man
wouldn't see anything in her but a klutzy girl who couldn't even manage
to keep her balance on the ice.
Sighing deeply she looked up at Mamoru one more time before starting
to unsteadily walk off to her where her friends were slowly approaching.
He watched her clumsily make her way over the ice and had to smile at
the lovely picture she made.. and he realized that if he didn't try it now,
he might never again have a chance.
"Do you want me to help you, Usagi?" he cried after her, slowly starting
to glide towards her.
Turning around slowly she looked at him with those big blue eyes, so
gentle and loving.
He smiles at her and taking her hand whispered softly,
"You know... we promised we'd learn it together.."
Eyes widening in surprise the stared at him for a moment before it tore
from her throat in a gently whisper,
"Mamoru"
and he swore it was the most wonderful sound he had ever heard in his
entire life.
She gripped his hand tightly and waved the other at her friends
dismissively. They looked her way worriedly for a moment before
stopping and making their way towards the beach, deciding to wait for
her from there.
For a moment their gazes locked and for a moment they both were sure
something was going to happen when suddenly the shrill bark of a dog
tore them from their stupor.
Turning his head to the right Mamoru fought to keep from laughing as he
watched his dog clumsily trying to walk on the ice, falling every few
inches, not able to keep balance.
He looked at Usagi who stared at him with a puzzled expression upon
seeing the dog.
"Is he..?" she trailed off.
"Jingles?" he offered and she nodded in answer.
"Yes.. still my best friend in the world." He replied chuckling.
Smiling she took his arm and together they made their way towards the
poor dog who immediately seemed to recognize the girl he belonged to
as a puppy.
"There's so much I need to tell you." She whispered, looking up at
Mamoru who was smiling down at her while she stroked Jingles' ears.
"Yes there is." He agreed.
**************************************
Running down the stairs as quickly as he could the young boy tried not
to trip over his own two feet.
Reaching the living room his eyes went wide. There by the fireplace was
the most beautiful Christmas tree he had ever seen. Dozens of nicely
wrapped packages were lying around the tree and the stockings on the
fireplace were filled with small presents as well.
His eyes were glowing with happiness as he looked over the room,
admiring the way the fire enlightened the gold and blue ornaments on
the tree.
When he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder he turned dark blue eyes up
to stare into a pair of eyes just like his own.
The man and the woman were smiling down at him gently, one hand
holding the others gently in it's grasp.
"Mama, Papa! Look what Santa Claus brought us!" the young boy
exclaimed excitedly.
Mamoru smiled down at his 5 year old son who happily started to
unwrap his presents. It was like he lived through him all that he had
missed in his own childhood.
This was like a dream coming true for him, having a family, warmth and
most importantly love.
He looked over at his lovely wife who had sat down on the large couch
trying to ease some of the back ache she was experiencing at the
moment.
Seeing she didn't feel too well, Mamoru rushed to her side, kneeled
beside her and stroke her cheek softly.
"You alright, Usako?"
She smiled weakly back at her husband trying to shift into a more
comfortable position which was quite impossible at 8 months pregnant.
"Soon, it'll be over and next Christmas the little one will be with us."
"Yes.. it's perfect Mamo-chan.."
He smiled down at her while getting up and placing a soft butterfly kiss
on her forehead.
*The End*