Chapter 5
A few months later
Mirai Trunks (I will just call Mirai Trunks, Trunks and Trunks of that time Chibi trunks /*he's 13*/for simplicity sake) and his wife Anna were having some serious problems. They were living on their own and since they moved in together, their relationship moved from bad to worse. Anna accused Trunks of having no time for her and even went so far as to say that he was having an affaire. This was pure bull of course but it worked for her.
One day Trunks came home from work a little earlier than usual. He found the house strangely empty. Going into his daughter's room he found her sleeping soundly. He admired her for a while. She was small with lavender hair and light blue eyes. Everyone said that she looked like her dad. Leaving her room he went to search the rest of the house. Anna was a stay at home mother by choice so it was strange for her not to be there and Anne Marie to be alone. After finding the house empty he gave up and went to his bedroom to relax. When he opened the door he found his wife.
In bed with another man.
To say he was shocked would be an understatement.
Was he mad?
Hell yeah.
Would he get even?
Oh yeah.
Anna and her lover were very deeply involved in the moment when she though she heard the door open. Ignoring it she didn't bring it to the attention of the other man. Then she heard the distinct sound of someone clearing their throat and they froze. Almost afraid to look she peered over her lover's back. What she saw shocked her beyond belief. There was her husband standing by the door with his hands folded over his chest. Struggling to get up she put on a smile to try to calm her obviously upset husband. "Now Trunks dear, this is not what it looks like."
"You absolutely sure about that, because it looks like you are screwing around with this man in my bed, under my roof."
"I know that's what it looks like but listen I can explain."
"Then explain," He said, sitting on the chair in their his room.
"Well… I …umm," she stuttered.
"I'm waiting."
Anna just looked at him and then the other man. Sighing Trunks stood up and walked towards the door. Turning around he looked at both of them and
said, "You two have ten minutes to get dressed and leave or else…" he trailed his sentence off by blowing up the chair he just sat on and then left.
Not wanting to see what he would do they quickly pulled on their clothes and Anna packed all the clothes she could and they practically ran from the house.
Trunks went into his daughter's room and just stayed with her until he was certain they had left. He then called his parents and told them about what happened. While they were happy that Anna and Trunks had split up they felt really bad that it had to happen that way and that their granddaughter had to be brought into that.
Trunks divorced his wife and after a really messy legal battle, won custody of his daughter. He also had to pay spousal support for about six years. When everyone heard that he was available, girls would call his house and ask him on dates but he would always say no. During the next five years Trunks rarely dated and even when he did it was usually setup by his mother. He lived alone with his daughter and he took care of her. She (Did I forget to mention that he had stocks and bonds and worked for his mother? No? Oh, silly me! *smacks forehead*) was basically the one thing he lived for besides his family and
friends. He loved his daughter although he disliked her mother. When she was five years old she started school.
*****
When Chibi-Usa was three years old, Usagi, the outers and four-year-old Hotaru came back to the earth. They each had a sizeable bank account and
Setsuna had brought a house for them to live in. She also set up a small company for the four of them just before they left and now it was a fairly large firm. The company dealt with all sorts of things and there was even an art gallery and garage.
Over the next two years, Usagi and the others helped their business grow and soon it became a major corporation. When Hotaru was five they sent her to school. The following year Chibi-Usa went as well.
*****
When Anne Marie walked into the classroom she was amazed at the size and number of kids in the room and a little scared. She had never been around so many before. Turning to her dad she held onto his leg tightly.
Trunks was startled when he felt his daughter hold onto him. The teacher saw this and smiled. Walking up to them she explained to him that some of the kids did this and then explained to Anne Marie that there was nothing to be afraid of. After calming her fears she left them so that they could say goodbye to each other.
"Daddy please don't leave me." Anne Marie said.
"Its alright Annie. Don't worry. I'm sure that you will make a lot of friends today and besides school ends at two so it won't be too long before you get out. I promise that I will be here as soon as school lets out, ok?"
"Yes daddy. I love you," she said hugging him.
"I love you too. Now be good."
"I promise."
After kissing her goodbye, he left. Anne Marie tried to make friends but it just didn't work out. Soon she was playing all alone. About fifteen minutes later the door opened again. The teacher looked up to see another little girl with pink hair and ruby eyes. She was holding onto what could only be her mother's skirt. The mother was having a hard time getting her to go into the class and was currently coaxing her in. The teacher came up to her and offered her assistance. The mom was clearly relieved. After trying in vain to get her in the classroom she decided to let her mother handle it.
"Mommy, I want to go home."
"Chibi-Usa you know that there's no one at home to take care of you now. I can't leave you all alone like that. Besides you have to go to school. I'm
sure you will make a new friend today, and you will be seeing Hotaru at lunch. School is done at two so you will be home soon."
"But I want to spend the day with you."
"Oh Chibi-Usa, we'll spend time together later this afternoon. I promise that I will take you and Hotaru to the park today and buy you ice cream ok?"
"Ok. Will you come to pick me up?"
"Oh no sweetie. Haruka and Michiru will come to get you."
"Ok. Mommy I love you."
"I love you to sweetie. Be good and have fun, ok?"
"Ok."
"Bye-bye Chibi-Usa."
"Bye mommy." Usagi left Chibi-Usa in the class. Chibi-Usa looked around and noticed another little girl all alone. She
decided to make friends with her. Afterall her mother said that she had to meet new people in order to learn how to communicate well. She didn't know what that meant. but it must have been Important. Walking up to the other little girl, she held out her hand and said, "Hi! My names Catherine Usagi Tsukino, but you can call me Chibi-Usa. Everyone does."
Anne Marie looked up startled but after she saw Chibi-Usa she relaxed and said, "My names Anne Marie Briefs but you can call me Annie."
"That's a nice name Annie. Do you have a lot of friends?"
"No not really. None my age anyway. How about you?"
"Well there is Hotaru. She's about a year older than me and is really nice. You'll like her."
"Who brought you here?"
"My mom. She's really nice as well. Maybe you will meet her, but not today. She's busy at work."
"I know about that. My dad is the same way. All he does is work."
"So, Annie what's your mom like?"
"I really don't know. My parents split up when I was just eight months old."
"I know how that feels. My mom and dad split before I was born. I never knew my dad."
"Would you like to meet him?"
"No. From what I've gathered he wasn't a very nice man and he did something terrible to my mom so I don't want to meet him. If I do I might
just kick him in the shin." she said enthusiastically.
Annie laughed. Over the course of the morning they grew closer together and by lunch were virtually inseparable. At lunchtime they were waiting in
the schoolyard for Hotaru to come. They decided to play a game to pass the time. They were playing on the swings when and so wrapped up in their fun
that they didn't notice a third person had joined them. Chibi-Usa was the first to recognize the figure.
"Hotaru! You came!" Chibi-Usa exclaimed, laughing.
"Of course, you think that Usagi-mama and Michiru-mama would forgive me if I didn't?" Hotaru said with a smile.
"No I guess not. So where've you been? We've been waiting for you for ages."
"I was looking for you. It was like looking for a needle in a haystack even with your hair."
"Hotaru!"
"Just joking. So who's this?"
Chibi-Usa turned to Annie and said, "This is my new friend, Anne Marie Briefs. And this is my friend I was telling you about, Hotaru."
"Nice to meet you Anne Marie," Hotaru said shaking her hand.
"Likewise Hotaru, but you can call me Annie, everyone does." Annie said smiling. Hotaru instantly liked her.
*****
At the end of the day Annie, Chibi-Usa and Hotaru were waiting for their guardians in the schoolyard.
"So Annie what does your dad look like?"
"He's really tall and… strong looking. And… Umm… well… I don't know," she said scratching her head. Chibi-Usa laughed. "You don't know what your dad
looks like?"
"Hey! I see him every day but I don't really notice how he looks. Besides can you describe your mom?"
"Well…"
"Ha! See, 'Told ya!" Annie said laughing.
"Chibi-Usa shame on you! You don't know what Usagi-mama looks like? I tell her when we get home," Hotaru said laughing.
"Hey! Can you describe her?"
Hotaru was silent. "Thought so," she said pouting. After a few minutes they burst into fits of laughter.
They were laughing so hard that they never noticed Annie's dad come up. "What's so funny?"
Chibi-Usa, Hotaru and Annie froze for a second before turning around. "Daddy!" Annie cried jumping on him. Chibi-Usa was in shock. 'Whoa! He is
tall!' After greeting his daughter he turned his attention to Chibi-Usa. "Who are these two?"
"These are my new friends, Chibi-Usa and Hotaru. Guys, this my dad."
Although they were still in awe Chibi-Usa and Hotaru's training in etiquette sent their bodies into autopilot. "Very pleased to meet you," they said giving a small curtsy.
Trunks was a bit startled. He had never seen anyone do that before. "Same here Chibi-Usa, Hotaru."
"Hey you two! Want to go home with us? I'm sure that my dad will take you home if you come, won't you dad?" Annie said looking up at him pleadingly.
"Sure but we're not going home just yet. We have to see your grandparents today, remember. You promised that you would tell them about your first
day at school."
"I remember."
"Well," Hotaru said, "we can't today, sorry. We didn't ask our parents and they are coming to pick us up any minute now. But I'm sure that we can
tomorrow."
"Yeah mom will let us. Besides she promised that after work she would take us to the park," Chibi-Usa said.
Annie looked at her dad again. "Can they come tomorrow then? Please?"
"Sure they can." Trunks said giving in almost immediately. He never seemed to be able to say no to her when she was like that.
"Yes! So tomorrow it is. Will …"
"Chibi-Usa! Hotaru! Where are you?" someone called out interrupting her.
"Right here Michiru-mama!" Hotaru said.
From around the corner came a man and a woman. The man had short sandy brown hair and a suit and the woman had aqua hair and a blue dress in. "Chibi-Usa is that your mom?" Annie asked.
"No. That's my uncle Haruka and aunt Michiru. They've come to pick us up."
The man and woman came up to the girls. "There you two are. We have been looking for you for the past ten minutes."
"Sorry Haruka-papa, Michiru-mama. We were just talking to our new friend and her dad."
"Yeah. Meet Annie and her dad."
"Hello. My name is Kaiou Michiru and this is Ten'ou Haruka."
"My name is Anne Marie Briefs and this is my dad, Trunks."
"Pleased to meet you," Trunks said.
"We have to go. Your mom said that she was leaving the office in about thirty minutes. It was nice meeting you two and we hope to see you again."
"We have to go as well. It was nice meeting you too. Lets go Annie." Trunks said walking off.
Annie waved over his shoulder. "Bye, see you tomorrow!"
"Bye-bye Annie." Hotaru and Chibi-Usa said waving back.
"Well, shall we go ladies?" Haruka asked.
"Yes! Lets go quickly now!" Chibi-Usa chirped.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next day at school:
When Chibi-Usa came to school she found that Annie hadn't come as yet. Sighing she went to talk to some other girls. She found out that most of them were kind of snobbish and didn't want to talk to someone who wasn't as rich or as popular as they were. There were some nice ones but she found that she wasn't very comfortable talking to them. She hoped that Annie would come soon.
When Annie came in she was immediately greeted by Chibi-Usa. "Well good morning Chibi-Usa. What did your mom say?" Annie blurted out.
"She said we could come. She and my other guardians have a late meeting to go to and she was going to call a baby sitter for us but decided that we
could go. Isn't that great!"
"Yeah! So is your mom coming to pick you guys up?"
"Nope. My Aunt Setsuna is coming for us."
"Just how many aunts do you have?"
"Only two. My aunt Setsuna you will meet today and aunt Michiru you met yesterday."
"Oh, okay."
They continued talking about what they would do when they do when they got there.
*****
"So when's your dad coming, Annie?"
"Soon, Hotaru. He went to grandma's so he said he would be a little late."
"You girls are talking about me? I thought you had better things to do." Trunks said coming up behind them.
"Daddy, Don't do that! You almost gave me a heart attack!" Annie said walking up to him and raising her arms. Trunks bent down and picked her
up. "So you girls ready to go yet?"
"Yep. Lets go." Chibi-Usa chirped and she and Hotaru followed Trunksto the car.
*****
"So this is where you live?" Hotaru asked looking around the house.
"Yes. I live here all alone with my dad."
"Wow. Its so big for just two people," Chibi-Usa said.
"Well my grandma wants us to come back to live with her. She says that my dad shouldn't be here by himself. Something about too many bad memories."
Annie said.
"What bad memories?" Hotaru asked.
"I really don't know. Whenever I ask they change the subject. Or they say I'm too young to understand."
"I know how that is. Whenever I would ask about why my mom and dad split they always either change the subject or say it's none of my concern or I'm too young to understand. I hate that phrase," Chibi-Usa said.
"Lets drop the subject. What do you two want to do first?" Hotaru asked.
"Lets play snap." Annie suggested.
"How about go fish?" Chibi-Usa said.
"Lets play bridge," Hotaru said.
"Bridge? What's that?" Annie asked.
"I have no clue." Hotaru said laughing.
"Go figure." Chibi-Usa said.
They played all afternoon and when it was time to go home Chibi-Usa called Setsuna to come pick them up. When she came Annie introduced her to her
dad. Then she took the two girls home. That night Usagi, Haruka and Michiru came home just in time to put the girls to bed. Going to their room, Usagi opened the door. The girls were still awake and were up talking. "Hey there girls. How are you?"
"Mom, you're home!" Chibi-Usa said jumping off her bed and running towards her. Usagi bent down to give her a hug.
"How was your day?" She asked, leading her back to her bed.
"It was great. We went to Annie's house. It was big." Chibi-Usa said.
"Yeah. And get this. Only two people live in it. Annie and her dad."
Hotaru continued.
"Yep. We also played games and talked about all kinds of stuff."
"You know, Annie's dad is really nice. He is a workaholic just like you too." Hotaru said. Chibi-Usa started to laugh.
"Very funny, Hotaru. You know you should take you act on the road." Usagi said playfully.
"Thank you and Thank you and Thank you. Your much too kind," Hotaru said standing on her bed and bowing.
"Now you two get into bed. You have school tomorrow and if you don't sleep you will wake up late." Usagi said pulling down Hotaru's covers and placing her in bed. Next she took Chibi-Usa and did the same. "Night you two." She said giving them a kiss each.\
"Good night, mommy."
"Good night, Usagi-mama."
*****
Over the next three months the three girls all grew closer together. They were like sisters and did everything together. They often had sleepovers at each other's house. Usagi and the Outers treated Annie like their own and Trunks treated Chibi-Usa and Hotaru in the same way. In Usagi Annie found the mom she didn't have and in Trunks the Chibi-usa found a dad. When Annie first saw Chibi-usa's mom she was a little awed. She had never seen someone so pretty in her life. She thought that Usagi was so small and fragile and graceful and very nice. Usagi was always kind to her and even let her sleep in her bedroom after she had a nightmare. And Annie thought that she made the best breakfast. Annie also discovered that strange things happened all the time in the house. Like one time when Usagi was making some lunch for them one Saturday Annie walked into the kitchen and was just in time to see a bottle of pepper float across the room and into her hand. She was a bit startled but Usagi just laughed and said that there was nothing to worry about and that it was just her doing that.
Usagi was a bit surprised at how calmly Annie took the news. After all any normal little girl would be frightened out of their wits but she just chalked it up to maturity. Usagi would have freaked out if she had known the truth. Annie also found out about Chibi-usa's tail. She accidentally saw it while playing a game.
***Flashback***
Chibi-usa and Annie were playing a game of monopoly on the bed when some of Chibi-usa's game piece fell on the floor. Leaning over the edge of the bed she reached out for it. She heard Annie gasp and came up to see what was wrong. "What's up?"
Annie pointed at the bed next to her and said "You have a tail?!"
Chibi-usa turned white. Her mom had told her never to reveal her tail to anyone. She said it only caused problems. Chibi-usa was terrified that Annie would not want to be her friend anymore. Finding her voice she cast her eyes to the bed and said, "If you don't want to be friends with me that's fine. But please don't tell anyone what you saw. My mom will be upset and we will probably have to move if you do."
Annie was a little taken back. Chibi-usa actually thought that she didn't want to be friends with her because of her tail? Annie started to laugh. Chibi-usa was a bit offended. "Why are you laughing?" she asked slightly angry.
"Because you actually thought that I might want to leave just because you have a tail. Its ok, Chibi-usa. Besides we now have more in common than you think." With that Annie lifted up her shirt and showed Chibi-usa her own tail.
"Wow. You have a tail too?" Chibi-usa asked.
"Yup. And so do you. We both have tails." Annie said.
"Yours is pretty. I like the color. I've never seen a color like that. Its brown with a purplish tint." Chibi-usa said."Yours is too. Brown with a silvery tint. It looks so cool." Annie said
"Annie, if I ask you to keep a secret will you?"
"Yes, if it is important. It is?"
"Yes very. Don't tell anyone that I have a tail. No one is supposed to know. My mom might have a heart attack if she finds out you know."
"Why? I have one and I don't have to keep it secret. Why is it so important?"
"Because its important to her. She never told me but I know that if it ever got out we will be forced to move far away from here."
"Ok, Chibi-usa, I promise."
Later that day Annie went to her grandparents' house. While having dinner with the whole family she asked a question that she had been dying to ever since she found out about Chibi-usa.
"Grandpa Vegeta? Everyone?" Annie began. Vegeta thoroughly irritated by the name didn't even answer. She continued, "What would do if you found out there was another sayian (is this how you spell it?) besides yourselves?"
Everyone just looked at her. Annie was beginning to grow uncomfortable when Chibi Trunks said, "Well I'm cool with it. I mean if there was another one out there they should know that there are others like themselves."
"Why are you asking, Annie?" Bulma asked.
"No reason. I was just wondering what it would be like if there were more."
Trunks knew his daughter better than that and was just about to ask her when Vegeta spoke up.
"I would call them liars. No one but Kakarott and myself (Again is this correct?) survived and the only sayians alive are us."
"Oh, okay. But if there were would you be willing to accept them?"
"Only if they prove themselves to be. And even then they would have to be strong enough to be kept alive." With that he got up and left the table.
***End Flashback***
Chibi-usa also saw Trunks as a parent. He was like the father she never had. He was easy going and kind. He treated her like his own and she was grateful for that. She also met the rest of their family. She liked Bulma, Chibi Trunks and three year old Bra. She and Vegeta came to an understanding. She respected him and showed it and Vegeta appreciated that.
A month after Chibi-usa started school Haruka and Michiru moved out and into a home of their own. They took Hotaru with them. Hotaru changed schools and the only time that Chibi-usa and Hotaru saw each other was on every other weekend. Setsuna stayed with them. At the time that Haruka and Michiru were moving out she brought Luna and Artemis to live with them. Chibi-usa's school was having a PTA meeting to discuss some important issues and to get to know the parents. Usagi had missed the first couple of meetings because she was busy and had to work. This time she assured the teacher that she would come after getting a note from her that it was important to come. She did say however that she would be a little late in getting there and she would come directly after work.
The night before the meeting both Chibi-usa and Annie were talking about the others parents to their parents (Did that make any sense? I think I'm confuzzled @_@).
"Dad you will really like Chibi-usa's mom." Annie said bouncing on her bed.
"Really?" He said looking at her skeptically.
"Yes. She is very smart and kind and a great cook."
"You would think about food."
"Hey!"
"Okay, what does she look like?"
"Umm…"She stopped bouncing and thought about it. "I don't know. I do know she is nice though," and started bouncing again.
"Yeah. Well that's nice. Now why don't you stop bouncing and go to sleep?"
"But I'm not sleepy," she whined.
"Tough. You have school tomorrow."
"Okay. Daddy?"
"What Annie?"
"Do you promise to be nice to her? She is very nice once you get to know her. Don't brush her off please?"
Trunks looked at his daughter. He could see her silently pleading with him. "Alright I will," he assured her.
"Yatta! Thanks dad," she chirped giving him a hug.
"Alright now. Go to sleep."
" 'Kay. Night Daddy."
"Good night, Annie."
*****
"Mom! You finally get to meet Annie's dad. Aren't you excited?" Chibi-usa said lying on her mom's bed while her mom got ready for bed.
"No. Should I be?"
"Yes! You'll really like him. He's so nice. And funny."
"Really, now."
"Yes. Now promise you won't brush him off mom. You have a habit of doing that to any guy that comes near you."
This startled Usagi. She knew that she did it but didn't think that it was so obvious. "Ok. I will. Now off to bed with you," she said lifting her up.
"Can I stay with you tonight, please mommy?"
"Of course. Now lets go to sleep. Goodnight Chibi-usa."
"Night Mommy."
*****
The next afternoon found Chibi-usa and Annie in their classroom. Trunks was already there and only a few parents remained to arrive. Setsuna couldn't make it because she was out of the country. After waiting 5 more minutes the teacher started the meeting. Chibi-usa sat with Annie and Trunks during the meeting.
About ten minutes later footsteps were heard coming down the hall. They were heading towards their classroom. The door opened and in walked easily the most beautiful woman Trunks had ever seen. She was wearing a silver shirt and a black pants suit. She had on black high heels and her hair was French braided with the ends encased in a black silk ribbon. Her eyes were so blue you felt like you could drown in them. She looked so small and fragile and delicate. She appeared to be over twenty and but not by much. Entering the room she said, "Sorry I'm late."
"That's quite alright Miss Tsukino, you don't have to explain. Please have a seat next to your daughter over by Mr. Briefs." She said pointing towards the back.
Usagi walked towards them. Mr. Briefs she noted was very handsome. He had long lavender hair, which she recognized as the same color as his daughter. He was very muscular and had the most captivating set of ice blue eyes she had ever seen. She sat in the seat next to them and immediately Chibi-usa sat on her.
"You came. I thought you would have called to say you weren't." Chibi-usa said leaning on her mom and placing her head on her chest.
"I wouldn't do that. I know how important this is for you. Besides Setsuna isn't here to take my place." Usagi said pulling her close and brushing her hair with her hands. Turning towards Annie she was about to greet them but the teacher cut her off, "Ok, lets continue…"
During the course of the meeting Chibi-usa fell asleep on Usagi. At the end of it Usagi was pretty much stuck to the chair. "Chibi-usa wake up."
She said shaking her gently. Chibi-usa groaned slightly but didn't wake up.
"Come on, sweetie. Wake up." Usagi said trying again.
Meanwhile Annie and her dad were trying hard not to laugh. Coming up to her, Annie said, "Maybe I can help out."
"If you think you can, go ahead. She sleeps like a rock, although she doesn't act like one. "
Annie giggled. "Ok." Leaning over Chibi-usa she whispered something that not ever Usagi could hear. Immediately she woke up and jumped off of her mother. Usagi was stunned. She had never seen her get up so fast.
"See it worked." Annie said smiling widely.
"I see it has. Now I would like to know what you said to her. Anything that can get her up like that would be invaluable."
"Its my secret. Now let me introduce you two. Dad, this is Chibi-usa's mom, Usagi Tsukino," she began.
"And mom this is Annie's dad, Trunks Briefs." Chibi-usa finished.
Usagi got up. Extending out her hand she smiled and said, "it's a pleasure to finally meet you. Chibi-usa and Annie have just talked about constantly, so it's nice to be able to put a name to a face."
"Likewise. They constantly talk about you."
"All nice things I hope."
"Of course"
For the rest of the evening they both talked and got to know each other. Chibi-usa and Annie were delighted that their parents got along so well. They had hoped that they would get along and were surprised at what they got. Their parents made arrangements to see each other that weekend with a lot of coaxing from their kids.
That night Chibi-usa and Annie reviewed with their respective parents the day.
"So mom, what do you think about Annie's dad. Did you like him?"
"He's very nice, Chibi-usa." Usagi said taking off her jewelry.
"I know that, but what do you think about him?"
"I think," she paused and then continued, "That he is … very……nice."
"Ugh!" Chibi-usa said falling on the bed. "I don't mean it like that!"
"Well what ever do you mean?" Usagi said teasingly.
"You know what I mean. Do you like him?"
"Well, maybe. It's too soon to tell. Besides it seems to me that you might be setting me up."
"No I'm not," she said then mischievously added, "But if you two do get married I won't object."
"What! Oh no. Now I see where this is going."
"Why mother, whatever do you mean?" she said fawning innocence and imitating her mom.
"I can't believe that you of all people would play matchmaker."
"I'm not, I just think that you two look great together."
"Well thanks for the observation. Now go to sleep. Its almost 9:00pm."
"Alright. Night mommy."
"Good night sweetie."
~~~~~
"So Dad, what do you think about Usagi?"
"She's nice." He said inattentively, helping her with her nightgown.
"Nice! That's it?! She's more than nice. She's sweet and kind and pretty and such a wonderful person. Do you agree?"
"Yeah," he said distractedly obviously not hearing a word. Annie noticed this and decided to get his attention.
"Dad, I think that she would make me a great mother. Will you marry her? When you do, can you have a baby? I want a new sister."
"Uh-huh." He said and then realized what she just said. "WHAT?!"
Giggling she said "Just kidding. So you were listening to me. That's a change. So as I was saying do you like Usagi?"
"She's a nice person. She's funny and has a nice personality. I wouldn't mind seeing her again.'
"Great. So you do like her. I'm so relieved. Maybe there is a chance for you yet."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing, nothing at all. Good night daddy."
Shaking his head he leaned over and kissed her on the head. "Night, Annie."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A few months later
Mirai Trunks (I will just call Mirai Trunks, Trunks and Trunks of that time Chibi trunks /*he's 13*/for simplicity sake) and his wife Anna were having some serious problems. They were living on their own and since they moved in together, their relationship moved from bad to worse. Anna accused Trunks of having no time for her and even went so far as to say that he was having an affaire. This was pure bull of course but it worked for her.
One day Trunks came home from work a little earlier than usual. He found the house strangely empty. Going into his daughter's room he found her sleeping soundly. He admired her for a while. She was small with lavender hair and light blue eyes. Everyone said that she looked like her dad. Leaving her room he went to search the rest of the house. Anna was a stay at home mother by choice so it was strange for her not to be there and Anne Marie to be alone. After finding the house empty he gave up and went to his bedroom to relax. When he opened the door he found his wife.
In bed with another man.
To say he was shocked would be an understatement.
Was he mad?
Hell yeah.
Would he get even?
Oh yeah.
Anna and her lover were very deeply involved in the moment when she though she heard the door open. Ignoring it she didn't bring it to the attention of the other man. Then she heard the distinct sound of someone clearing their throat and they froze. Almost afraid to look she peered over her lover's back. What she saw shocked her beyond belief. There was her husband standing by the door with his hands folded over his chest. Struggling to get up she put on a smile to try to calm her obviously upset husband. "Now Trunks dear, this is not what it looks like."
"You absolutely sure about that, because it looks like you are screwing around with this man in my bed, under my roof."
"I know that's what it looks like but listen I can explain."
"Then explain," He said, sitting on the chair in their his room.
"Well… I …umm," she stuttered.
"I'm waiting."
Anna just looked at him and then the other man. Sighing Trunks stood up and walked towards the door. Turning around he looked at both of them and
said, "You two have ten minutes to get dressed and leave or else…" he trailed his sentence off by blowing up the chair he just sat on and then left.
Not wanting to see what he would do they quickly pulled on their clothes and Anna packed all the clothes she could and they practically ran from the house.
Trunks went into his daughter's room and just stayed with her until he was certain they had left. He then called his parents and told them about what happened. While they were happy that Anna and Trunks had split up they felt really bad that it had to happen that way and that their granddaughter had to be brought into that.
Trunks divorced his wife and after a really messy legal battle, won custody of his daughter. He also had to pay spousal support for about six years. When everyone heard that he was available, girls would call his house and ask him on dates but he would always say no. During the next five years Trunks rarely dated and even when he did it was usually setup by his mother. He lived alone with his daughter and he took care of her. She (Did I forget to mention that he had stocks and bonds and worked for his mother? No? Oh, silly me! *smacks forehead*) was basically the one thing he lived for besides his family and
friends. He loved his daughter although he disliked her mother. When she was five years old she started school.
*****
When Chibi-Usa was three years old, Usagi, the outers and four-year-old Hotaru came back to the earth. They each had a sizeable bank account and
Setsuna had brought a house for them to live in. She also set up a small company for the four of them just before they left and now it was a fairly large firm. The company dealt with all sorts of things and there was even an art gallery and garage.
Over the next two years, Usagi and the others helped their business grow and soon it became a major corporation. When Hotaru was five they sent her to school. The following year Chibi-Usa went as well.
*****
When Anne Marie walked into the classroom she was amazed at the size and number of kids in the room and a little scared. She had never been around so many before. Turning to her dad she held onto his leg tightly.
Trunks was startled when he felt his daughter hold onto him. The teacher saw this and smiled. Walking up to them she explained to him that some of the kids did this and then explained to Anne Marie that there was nothing to be afraid of. After calming her fears she left them so that they could say goodbye to each other.
"Daddy please don't leave me." Anne Marie said.
"Its alright Annie. Don't worry. I'm sure that you will make a lot of friends today and besides school ends at two so it won't be too long before you get out. I promise that I will be here as soon as school lets out, ok?"
"Yes daddy. I love you," she said hugging him.
"I love you too. Now be good."
"I promise."
After kissing her goodbye, he left. Anne Marie tried to make friends but it just didn't work out. Soon she was playing all alone. About fifteen minutes later the door opened again. The teacher looked up to see another little girl with pink hair and ruby eyes. She was holding onto what could only be her mother's skirt. The mother was having a hard time getting her to go into the class and was currently coaxing her in. The teacher came up to her and offered her assistance. The mom was clearly relieved. After trying in vain to get her in the classroom she decided to let her mother handle it.
"Mommy, I want to go home."
"Chibi-Usa you know that there's no one at home to take care of you now. I can't leave you all alone like that. Besides you have to go to school. I'm
sure you will make a new friend today, and you will be seeing Hotaru at lunch. School is done at two so you will be home soon."
"But I want to spend the day with you."
"Oh Chibi-Usa, we'll spend time together later this afternoon. I promise that I will take you and Hotaru to the park today and buy you ice cream ok?"
"Ok. Will you come to pick me up?"
"Oh no sweetie. Haruka and Michiru will come to get you."
"Ok. Mommy I love you."
"I love you to sweetie. Be good and have fun, ok?"
"Ok."
"Bye-bye Chibi-Usa."
"Bye mommy." Usagi left Chibi-Usa in the class. Chibi-Usa looked around and noticed another little girl all alone. She
decided to make friends with her. Afterall her mother said that she had to meet new people in order to learn how to communicate well. She didn't know what that meant. but it must have been Important. Walking up to the other little girl, she held out her hand and said, "Hi! My names Catherine Usagi Tsukino, but you can call me Chibi-Usa. Everyone does."
Anne Marie looked up startled but after she saw Chibi-Usa she relaxed and said, "My names Anne Marie Briefs but you can call me Annie."
"That's a nice name Annie. Do you have a lot of friends?"
"No not really. None my age anyway. How about you?"
"Well there is Hotaru. She's about a year older than me and is really nice. You'll like her."
"Who brought you here?"
"My mom. She's really nice as well. Maybe you will meet her, but not today. She's busy at work."
"I know about that. My dad is the same way. All he does is work."
"So, Annie what's your mom like?"
"I really don't know. My parents split up when I was just eight months old."
"I know how that feels. My mom and dad split before I was born. I never knew my dad."
"Would you like to meet him?"
"No. From what I've gathered he wasn't a very nice man and he did something terrible to my mom so I don't want to meet him. If I do I might
just kick him in the shin." she said enthusiastically.
Annie laughed. Over the course of the morning they grew closer together and by lunch were virtually inseparable. At lunchtime they were waiting in
the schoolyard for Hotaru to come. They decided to play a game to pass the time. They were playing on the swings when and so wrapped up in their fun
that they didn't notice a third person had joined them. Chibi-Usa was the first to recognize the figure.
"Hotaru! You came!" Chibi-Usa exclaimed, laughing.
"Of course, you think that Usagi-mama and Michiru-mama would forgive me if I didn't?" Hotaru said with a smile.
"No I guess not. So where've you been? We've been waiting for you for ages."
"I was looking for you. It was like looking for a needle in a haystack even with your hair."
"Hotaru!"
"Just joking. So who's this?"
Chibi-Usa turned to Annie and said, "This is my new friend, Anne Marie Briefs. And this is my friend I was telling you about, Hotaru."
"Nice to meet you Anne Marie," Hotaru said shaking her hand.
"Likewise Hotaru, but you can call me Annie, everyone does." Annie said smiling. Hotaru instantly liked her.
*****
At the end of the day Annie, Chibi-Usa and Hotaru were waiting for their guardians in the schoolyard.
"So Annie what does your dad look like?"
"He's really tall and… strong looking. And… Umm… well… I don't know," she said scratching her head. Chibi-Usa laughed. "You don't know what your dad
looks like?"
"Hey! I see him every day but I don't really notice how he looks. Besides can you describe your mom?"
"Well…"
"Ha! See, 'Told ya!" Annie said laughing.
"Chibi-Usa shame on you! You don't know what Usagi-mama looks like? I tell her when we get home," Hotaru said laughing.
"Hey! Can you describe her?"
Hotaru was silent. "Thought so," she said pouting. After a few minutes they burst into fits of laughter.
They were laughing so hard that they never noticed Annie's dad come up. "What's so funny?"
Chibi-Usa, Hotaru and Annie froze for a second before turning around. "Daddy!" Annie cried jumping on him. Chibi-Usa was in shock. 'Whoa! He is
tall!' After greeting his daughter he turned his attention to Chibi-Usa. "Who are these two?"
"These are my new friends, Chibi-Usa and Hotaru. Guys, this my dad."
Although they were still in awe Chibi-Usa and Hotaru's training in etiquette sent their bodies into autopilot. "Very pleased to meet you," they said giving a small curtsy.
Trunks was a bit startled. He had never seen anyone do that before. "Same here Chibi-Usa, Hotaru."
"Hey you two! Want to go home with us? I'm sure that my dad will take you home if you come, won't you dad?" Annie said looking up at him pleadingly.
"Sure but we're not going home just yet. We have to see your grandparents today, remember. You promised that you would tell them about your first
day at school."
"I remember."
"Well," Hotaru said, "we can't today, sorry. We didn't ask our parents and they are coming to pick us up any minute now. But I'm sure that we can
tomorrow."
"Yeah mom will let us. Besides she promised that after work she would take us to the park," Chibi-Usa said.
Annie looked at her dad again. "Can they come tomorrow then? Please?"
"Sure they can." Trunks said giving in almost immediately. He never seemed to be able to say no to her when she was like that.
"Yes! So tomorrow it is. Will …"
"Chibi-Usa! Hotaru! Where are you?" someone called out interrupting her.
"Right here Michiru-mama!" Hotaru said.
From around the corner came a man and a woman. The man had short sandy brown hair and a suit and the woman had aqua hair and a blue dress in. "Chibi-Usa is that your mom?" Annie asked.
"No. That's my uncle Haruka and aunt Michiru. They've come to pick us up."
The man and woman came up to the girls. "There you two are. We have been looking for you for the past ten minutes."
"Sorry Haruka-papa, Michiru-mama. We were just talking to our new friend and her dad."
"Yeah. Meet Annie and her dad."
"Hello. My name is Kaiou Michiru and this is Ten'ou Haruka."
"My name is Anne Marie Briefs and this is my dad, Trunks."
"Pleased to meet you," Trunks said.
"We have to go. Your mom said that she was leaving the office in about thirty minutes. It was nice meeting you two and we hope to see you again."
"We have to go as well. It was nice meeting you too. Lets go Annie." Trunks said walking off.
Annie waved over his shoulder. "Bye, see you tomorrow!"
"Bye-bye Annie." Hotaru and Chibi-Usa said waving back.
"Well, shall we go ladies?" Haruka asked.
"Yes! Lets go quickly now!" Chibi-Usa chirped.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next day at school:
When Chibi-Usa came to school she found that Annie hadn't come as yet. Sighing she went to talk to some other girls. She found out that most of them were kind of snobbish and didn't want to talk to someone who wasn't as rich or as popular as they were. There were some nice ones but she found that she wasn't very comfortable talking to them. She hoped that Annie would come soon.
When Annie came in she was immediately greeted by Chibi-Usa. "Well good morning Chibi-Usa. What did your mom say?" Annie blurted out.
"She said we could come. She and my other guardians have a late meeting to go to and she was going to call a baby sitter for us but decided that we
could go. Isn't that great!"
"Yeah! So is your mom coming to pick you guys up?"
"Nope. My Aunt Setsuna is coming for us."
"Just how many aunts do you have?"
"Only two. My aunt Setsuna you will meet today and aunt Michiru you met yesterday."
"Oh, okay."
They continued talking about what they would do when they do when they got there.
*****
"So when's your dad coming, Annie?"
"Soon, Hotaru. He went to grandma's so he said he would be a little late."
"You girls are talking about me? I thought you had better things to do." Trunks said coming up behind them.
"Daddy, Don't do that! You almost gave me a heart attack!" Annie said walking up to him and raising her arms. Trunks bent down and picked her
up. "So you girls ready to go yet?"
"Yep. Lets go." Chibi-Usa chirped and she and Hotaru followed Trunksto the car.
*****
"So this is where you live?" Hotaru asked looking around the house.
"Yes. I live here all alone with my dad."
"Wow. Its so big for just two people," Chibi-Usa said.
"Well my grandma wants us to come back to live with her. She says that my dad shouldn't be here by himself. Something about too many bad memories."
Annie said.
"What bad memories?" Hotaru asked.
"I really don't know. Whenever I ask they change the subject. Or they say I'm too young to understand."
"I know how that is. Whenever I would ask about why my mom and dad split they always either change the subject or say it's none of my concern or I'm too young to understand. I hate that phrase," Chibi-Usa said.
"Lets drop the subject. What do you two want to do first?" Hotaru asked.
"Lets play snap." Annie suggested.
"How about go fish?" Chibi-Usa said.
"Lets play bridge," Hotaru said.
"Bridge? What's that?" Annie asked.
"I have no clue." Hotaru said laughing.
"Go figure." Chibi-Usa said.
They played all afternoon and when it was time to go home Chibi-Usa called Setsuna to come pick them up. When she came Annie introduced her to her
dad. Then she took the two girls home. That night Usagi, Haruka and Michiru came home just in time to put the girls to bed. Going to their room, Usagi opened the door. The girls were still awake and were up talking. "Hey there girls. How are you?"
"Mom, you're home!" Chibi-Usa said jumping off her bed and running towards her. Usagi bent down to give her a hug.
"How was your day?" She asked, leading her back to her bed.
"It was great. We went to Annie's house. It was big." Chibi-Usa said.
"Yeah. And get this. Only two people live in it. Annie and her dad."
Hotaru continued.
"Yep. We also played games and talked about all kinds of stuff."
"You know, Annie's dad is really nice. He is a workaholic just like you too." Hotaru said. Chibi-Usa started to laugh.
"Very funny, Hotaru. You know you should take you act on the road." Usagi said playfully.
"Thank you and Thank you and Thank you. Your much too kind," Hotaru said standing on her bed and bowing.
"Now you two get into bed. You have school tomorrow and if you don't sleep you will wake up late." Usagi said pulling down Hotaru's covers and placing her in bed. Next she took Chibi-Usa and did the same. "Night you two." She said giving them a kiss each.\
"Good night, mommy."
"Good night, Usagi-mama."
*****
Over the next three months the three girls all grew closer together. They were like sisters and did everything together. They often had sleepovers at each other's house. Usagi and the Outers treated Annie like their own and Trunks treated Chibi-Usa and Hotaru in the same way. In Usagi Annie found the mom she didn't have and in Trunks the Chibi-usa found a dad. When Annie first saw Chibi-usa's mom she was a little awed. She had never seen someone so pretty in her life. She thought that Usagi was so small and fragile and graceful and very nice. Usagi was always kind to her and even let her sleep in her bedroom after she had a nightmare. And Annie thought that she made the best breakfast. Annie also discovered that strange things happened all the time in the house. Like one time when Usagi was making some lunch for them one Saturday Annie walked into the kitchen and was just in time to see a bottle of pepper float across the room and into her hand. She was a bit startled but Usagi just laughed and said that there was nothing to worry about and that it was just her doing that.
Usagi was a bit surprised at how calmly Annie took the news. After all any normal little girl would be frightened out of their wits but she just chalked it up to maturity. Usagi would have freaked out if she had known the truth. Annie also found out about Chibi-usa's tail. She accidentally saw it while playing a game.
***Flashback***
Chibi-usa and Annie were playing a game of monopoly on the bed when some of Chibi-usa's game piece fell on the floor. Leaning over the edge of the bed she reached out for it. She heard Annie gasp and came up to see what was wrong. "What's up?"
Annie pointed at the bed next to her and said "You have a tail?!"
Chibi-usa turned white. Her mom had told her never to reveal her tail to anyone. She said it only caused problems. Chibi-usa was terrified that Annie would not want to be her friend anymore. Finding her voice she cast her eyes to the bed and said, "If you don't want to be friends with me that's fine. But please don't tell anyone what you saw. My mom will be upset and we will probably have to move if you do."
Annie was a little taken back. Chibi-usa actually thought that she didn't want to be friends with her because of her tail? Annie started to laugh. Chibi-usa was a bit offended. "Why are you laughing?" she asked slightly angry.
"Because you actually thought that I might want to leave just because you have a tail. Its ok, Chibi-usa. Besides we now have more in common than you think." With that Annie lifted up her shirt and showed Chibi-usa her own tail.
"Wow. You have a tail too?" Chibi-usa asked.
"Yup. And so do you. We both have tails." Annie said.
"Yours is pretty. I like the color. I've never seen a color like that. Its brown with a purplish tint." Chibi-usa said."Yours is too. Brown with a silvery tint. It looks so cool." Annie said
"Annie, if I ask you to keep a secret will you?"
"Yes, if it is important. It is?"
"Yes very. Don't tell anyone that I have a tail. No one is supposed to know. My mom might have a heart attack if she finds out you know."
"Why? I have one and I don't have to keep it secret. Why is it so important?"
"Because its important to her. She never told me but I know that if it ever got out we will be forced to move far away from here."
"Ok, Chibi-usa, I promise."
Later that day Annie went to her grandparents' house. While having dinner with the whole family she asked a question that she had been dying to ever since she found out about Chibi-usa.
"Grandpa Vegeta? Everyone?" Annie began. Vegeta thoroughly irritated by the name didn't even answer. She continued, "What would do if you found out there was another sayian (is this how you spell it?) besides yourselves?"
Everyone just looked at her. Annie was beginning to grow uncomfortable when Chibi Trunks said, "Well I'm cool with it. I mean if there was another one out there they should know that there are others like themselves."
"Why are you asking, Annie?" Bulma asked.
"No reason. I was just wondering what it would be like if there were more."
Trunks knew his daughter better than that and was just about to ask her when Vegeta spoke up.
"I would call them liars. No one but Kakarott and myself (Again is this correct?) survived and the only sayians alive are us."
"Oh, okay. But if there were would you be willing to accept them?"
"Only if they prove themselves to be. And even then they would have to be strong enough to be kept alive." With that he got up and left the table.
***End Flashback***
Chibi-usa also saw Trunks as a parent. He was like the father she never had. He was easy going and kind. He treated her like his own and she was grateful for that. She also met the rest of their family. She liked Bulma, Chibi Trunks and three year old Bra. She and Vegeta came to an understanding. She respected him and showed it and Vegeta appreciated that.
A month after Chibi-usa started school Haruka and Michiru moved out and into a home of their own. They took Hotaru with them. Hotaru changed schools and the only time that Chibi-usa and Hotaru saw each other was on every other weekend. Setsuna stayed with them. At the time that Haruka and Michiru were moving out she brought Luna and Artemis to live with them. Chibi-usa's school was having a PTA meeting to discuss some important issues and to get to know the parents. Usagi had missed the first couple of meetings because she was busy and had to work. This time she assured the teacher that she would come after getting a note from her that it was important to come. She did say however that she would be a little late in getting there and she would come directly after work.
The night before the meeting both Chibi-usa and Annie were talking about the others parents to their parents (Did that make any sense? I think I'm confuzzled @_@).
"Dad you will really like Chibi-usa's mom." Annie said bouncing on her bed.
"Really?" He said looking at her skeptically.
"Yes. She is very smart and kind and a great cook."
"You would think about food."
"Hey!"
"Okay, what does she look like?"
"Umm…"She stopped bouncing and thought about it. "I don't know. I do know she is nice though," and started bouncing again.
"Yeah. Well that's nice. Now why don't you stop bouncing and go to sleep?"
"But I'm not sleepy," she whined.
"Tough. You have school tomorrow."
"Okay. Daddy?"
"What Annie?"
"Do you promise to be nice to her? She is very nice once you get to know her. Don't brush her off please?"
Trunks looked at his daughter. He could see her silently pleading with him. "Alright I will," he assured her.
"Yatta! Thanks dad," she chirped giving him a hug.
"Alright now. Go to sleep."
" 'Kay. Night Daddy."
"Good night, Annie."
*****
"Mom! You finally get to meet Annie's dad. Aren't you excited?" Chibi-usa said lying on her mom's bed while her mom got ready for bed.
"No. Should I be?"
"Yes! You'll really like him. He's so nice. And funny."
"Really, now."
"Yes. Now promise you won't brush him off mom. You have a habit of doing that to any guy that comes near you."
This startled Usagi. She knew that she did it but didn't think that it was so obvious. "Ok. I will. Now off to bed with you," she said lifting her up.
"Can I stay with you tonight, please mommy?"
"Of course. Now lets go to sleep. Goodnight Chibi-usa."
"Night Mommy."
*****
The next afternoon found Chibi-usa and Annie in their classroom. Trunks was already there and only a few parents remained to arrive. Setsuna couldn't make it because she was out of the country. After waiting 5 more minutes the teacher started the meeting. Chibi-usa sat with Annie and Trunks during the meeting.
About ten minutes later footsteps were heard coming down the hall. They were heading towards their classroom. The door opened and in walked easily the most beautiful woman Trunks had ever seen. She was wearing a silver shirt and a black pants suit. She had on black high heels and her hair was French braided with the ends encased in a black silk ribbon. Her eyes were so blue you felt like you could drown in them. She looked so small and fragile and delicate. She appeared to be over twenty and but not by much. Entering the room she said, "Sorry I'm late."
"That's quite alright Miss Tsukino, you don't have to explain. Please have a seat next to your daughter over by Mr. Briefs." She said pointing towards the back.
Usagi walked towards them. Mr. Briefs she noted was very handsome. He had long lavender hair, which she recognized as the same color as his daughter. He was very muscular and had the most captivating set of ice blue eyes she had ever seen. She sat in the seat next to them and immediately Chibi-usa sat on her.
"You came. I thought you would have called to say you weren't." Chibi-usa said leaning on her mom and placing her head on her chest.
"I wouldn't do that. I know how important this is for you. Besides Setsuna isn't here to take my place." Usagi said pulling her close and brushing her hair with her hands. Turning towards Annie she was about to greet them but the teacher cut her off, "Ok, lets continue…"
During the course of the meeting Chibi-usa fell asleep on Usagi. At the end of it Usagi was pretty much stuck to the chair. "Chibi-usa wake up."
She said shaking her gently. Chibi-usa groaned slightly but didn't wake up.
"Come on, sweetie. Wake up." Usagi said trying again.
Meanwhile Annie and her dad were trying hard not to laugh. Coming up to her, Annie said, "Maybe I can help out."
"If you think you can, go ahead. She sleeps like a rock, although she doesn't act like one. "
Annie giggled. "Ok." Leaning over Chibi-usa she whispered something that not ever Usagi could hear. Immediately she woke up and jumped off of her mother. Usagi was stunned. She had never seen her get up so fast.
"See it worked." Annie said smiling widely.
"I see it has. Now I would like to know what you said to her. Anything that can get her up like that would be invaluable."
"Its my secret. Now let me introduce you two. Dad, this is Chibi-usa's mom, Usagi Tsukino," she began.
"And mom this is Annie's dad, Trunks Briefs." Chibi-usa finished.
Usagi got up. Extending out her hand she smiled and said, "it's a pleasure to finally meet you. Chibi-usa and Annie have just talked about constantly, so it's nice to be able to put a name to a face."
"Likewise. They constantly talk about you."
"All nice things I hope."
"Of course"
For the rest of the evening they both talked and got to know each other. Chibi-usa and Annie were delighted that their parents got along so well. They had hoped that they would get along and were surprised at what they got. Their parents made arrangements to see each other that weekend with a lot of coaxing from their kids.
That night Chibi-usa and Annie reviewed with their respective parents the day.
"So mom, what do you think about Annie's dad. Did you like him?"
"He's very nice, Chibi-usa." Usagi said taking off her jewelry.
"I know that, but what do you think about him?"
"I think," she paused and then continued, "That he is … very……nice."
"Ugh!" Chibi-usa said falling on the bed. "I don't mean it like that!"
"Well what ever do you mean?" Usagi said teasingly.
"You know what I mean. Do you like him?"
"Well, maybe. It's too soon to tell. Besides it seems to me that you might be setting me up."
"No I'm not," she said then mischievously added, "But if you two do get married I won't object."
"What! Oh no. Now I see where this is going."
"Why mother, whatever do you mean?" she said fawning innocence and imitating her mom.
"I can't believe that you of all people would play matchmaker."
"I'm not, I just think that you two look great together."
"Well thanks for the observation. Now go to sleep. Its almost 9:00pm."
"Alright. Night mommy."
"Good night sweetie."
~~~~~
"So Dad, what do you think about Usagi?"
"She's nice." He said inattentively, helping her with her nightgown.
"Nice! That's it?! She's more than nice. She's sweet and kind and pretty and such a wonderful person. Do you agree?"
"Yeah," he said distractedly obviously not hearing a word. Annie noticed this and decided to get his attention.
"Dad, I think that she would make me a great mother. Will you marry her? When you do, can you have a baby? I want a new sister."
"Uh-huh." He said and then realized what she just said. "WHAT?!"
Giggling she said "Just kidding. So you were listening to me. That's a change. So as I was saying do you like Usagi?"
"She's a nice person. She's funny and has a nice personality. I wouldn't mind seeing her again.'
"Great. So you do like her. I'm so relieved. Maybe there is a chance for you yet."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing, nothing at all. Good night daddy."
Shaking his head he leaned over and kissed her on the head. "Night, Annie."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~