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"Of course I did, Usa! You know that I would never forget Mamoru's birthday!" "Arigato Rei! I don't know what I'd do without you! Let me see it!" "All right, sheesh! Hold your horses!" Rei answered as she reached into her purse and pulled out a long white envelope and handed it to Usagi. "Makato had no problem getting them for you. The manager is a friend of her's, anyway. All I had to do was pick them up." Usagi opened the flap and pulled out two pieces of paper. "Yes! They're right! Did I give you enough money?" "Yep, and there was a $5.36 change. Do you want it?" "No you can keep it. Did Mako-chan tell the manager to have a private room reserved?" Rei rolled her eyes. "Of course, Odango Atama! Mako is MUCH more reliable than you are!" (*phhhht*) "Why are you so mean?" she cried. "Because you're so stupid!" Rei shouted. "SSSSHHHHHHHHH!!! Mamo-chan is still asleep. He'll hear you!" "Oh yeah, gomen nasai." "Did you tell Motoki and the others what to do?" Usagi asked. Rei sighed and replied, "Yes, Usagi-chan. I did everything you told me to do. Oh, and we need to go pick up the cake at Mako's restaurant and the girls said that they will meet you at 3:30 at the mall so we can shop for a fantastic dress." "Great! So we have everything, right? The balloons, the streamers, the plates, the forks" she said as she ticked off her fingers. "YES. Stop worrying. I told Motoki and Rika to get the cake. Tomorrow, you take Mamoru-san out and do whatever you two do, and we'll set up everything here while you're gone. Then after the party, you'll take him to the restaurant and we clean up." Rei said. "Good, it looks like you have everything prepared. Do you have the copy of the keys I gave you?" "Yup, they're right here," she patted her side pocket, "Now all you have to do is get him out of the apartment until 5 tomorrow. We'll probably be done by then." "Okay, that's good." Usagi said just as they heard a sleepy voice moan, "Usagi?" Usagi gasped, and whispered, "Hurry, Rei! Go, leave! Mamo-chan's awake! Leave before he catches you! Ja ne and thanks for everything!" and pushed her out the door. Just as she shut the door, Mamoru came into the room. "Usako? When'd you get here?" he said as he scratched his head. "About an hour ago. You were sleeping so I didn't want to wake you up. Did you have lunch yet?" "No, what time is it?" She checked her watch and announced, "It's 1:00. Why don't I make you lunch, Mamo-chan?" "Er, I don't think so, Usako. Not today," he said with a look of alarm. "Mamo-chaaan," she whined, "I'm not as clumsy as I was when I was 14." "You're right. Who knows how much clumsiness a girl can obtain over 11 years?" he said with a grin. "Mamo-chan, that was mean!" Usagi pouted and slapped her boyfriend's shoulder. But he caught her wrist and pulled her into his arms and gave her a passionate kiss. "Mmmm now that's the kind of greeting I like," she said. Mamoru picked her up into his arms and carried them over to the couch. "Why?" Mamoru said with a pretend pout. "Mamo-chaaan," she said threateningly, her voice rising on the second syllable. "All right, sheesh. All I wanted to do was show how much I love you and how much I enjoy having you in my presence." He said, shuffling his feet and looking frustrated. "Oh, you!" she said while punching him playfully. All he did was grin and run to his bedroom before he experienced real pain. Usagi smiled to herself as she walked to the kitchen, thinking about what to make for her love. "Oh Mamo-chan, it's just cheeseburgers and chocolate milk!" Usagi replied, but deep inside she was happy that he liked it. "Ah, but anything with you in it is wonderful, my sweet." He grinned. "Mamo-chan, you're so corny. Now eat!" "All right, my God! You sure are in a hurry today!" he said as he sat down. "I have to go meet the girls later at the mall. We're going on a shopping spree." She said, sitting down next to him. "That sounds fun," he answered absentmindedly. What he really was doing was admiring his girlfriend. It was strange how his beloved and naïve Odango Atama was now this beautiful goddess, so mature and loving, not that she was never loving, of course. His beautiful girlfriend, Usagi Tsukino at age 25. 'But all of that will change soon,' he thought, 'for tomorrow, I will be proposing and she shall be my fiancée. And months after, my wife, Usagi Tsukino Chiba.' He had the ring ready for months. All he had to do was find the right time for him to ask her. He originally wanted to propose to her on her birthday but there was too much excitement going around and he wanted to keep it quiet, so he thought of the perfect solution-his birthday. She'd never suspect it. "Mamo-chan?" Usagi's voice went, snapping him out of his reverie. "What, huh? Did you say something?" he asked, puzzled. "I wanted to know if you could give me a ride to the mall, later. I left my car at home because I walked over here." "Oh, sure. Anything for my beautiful girlfriend," he said as he finished his cheeseburger. "Mamo-chan, why are you buttering me up? What do you want now?" she asked suspiciously. "Oh, nothing. Nothing at all," he said. 'All I want from you is to answer yes when I ask the big question tomorrow,' he thought. "All right, if you're sure," she answered, still looking suspicious. "So what do you want to do tomorrow? I hear it's going to be a bright and sunny day. We could always have a picnic at the park, or go to the lake. What do you prefer to do?" She was extra careful not to spill the beans about the party. 'But what about my birthday?' Mamoru thought, before answering, "I don't know. Isn't there something we have planned for tomorrow?" "Nope, not really. Unless YOU have something planned?" "Er, no. I guess not," he said disappointedly. 'I guess she really forgot my birthday.' "So what do you want to do? We can do anything you want, since I don't have anything planned." "How about just a nice and relaxing day right here?" "NO!!! I mean, no, we can't stay here!" Usagi said quickly. Mamoru, staring at Usagi's face of alarm said, "Why? You did say that tomorrow was going to be a bright and sunny day. Why not spend it here? We could stay in the air conditioner all day, maybe rent a movie and watch it." "No. No, Mamo-chan. We can't stay here." She said, shaking her head. "Why? Why not?" he demanded. "Becausewe can't waste such a beautiful day! Who knows how many there are of those left this summer? Why spend tomorrow all stuffed up here?" she blurted out quickly. "Okay, if you say so. So then what should we do on that 'beautiful day'?" "Let's go-OH NO!" she cried unexpectedly. "What? What's the matter?" He jumped up and frantically hurried to her side. "What's wrong, Usako? Tell me!" "It's already 3:00! I'm going to be soooo late! We have to get to the mall fast or the others are going to kill me!" Mamoru calmed down and sighed in relief. "Whew. Thank God there wasn't anything wrong with you. You had me scared, Usako! Don't ever do that again!" "What do you mean nothing's wrong? The girls are going to kill me again for being soo late! And you're just standing there, saying nothing's wrong?! What kind of lover are ----" She was cut off by Mamoru's lips on hers. When they finished their kiss, Usagi smiled, saying, "Hmm, maybe being a few minutes late won't matter after all," before melting into her boyfriend's arms, once again. "Ja ne," Mamoru whispered softly. Then he got back into the car and drove away. "USAGI!!!" screeched a very mad Rei. "I am SO sorry, Rei. I was trying to get Mamo-chan to give me a ride." Usagi apologized. All of the girls smirked and replied, "Sure you were." "What?! I was! Really!" Minako crossed her arms and said, "Okay, okay. Now that Usagi-chan is here, let's shop till we drop!" The other girls agreed. Usagi was getting tired from walking so much. She decided to sit down at one of the stores while Ami, Minako, Makato and Rei searched for outfits for themselves. Usagi was thinking about heading for a different mall since she couldn't find anything that really suited her. But as if on cue, her four best friends appeared with grins as wide as the Cheshire Cat's from Alice in Wonderland. Usagi was becoming very suspicious, for all of them had their hands hidden behind their back. "Guess what we have!" all of them said, in teasing voices. Usagi sighed and said, "Somehow, I get this feeling that I definitely don't want to know what you found. But since you guys are my best friends, I guess I'll take a look." Ami was the first to let her see what she was concealing. In her hands was a small shopping bag. She handed it to Usagi and said, "Go ahead, Usa-chan. Look in it," and Usagi obeyed. What she found was a big jewelry box. She opened it and in it was a diamond necklace and diamond earrings! Usagi gasped and was about to say that she couldn't take it when Ami cut her off. "You are going to keep those, Usagi, and wear them for Mamoru-san's or else I will never talk to you again. Got it?" All Usagi could do was nod as tears formed in her eyes. But before she could thank Ami, Makato stepped forward. "And this is a gift from me, Usagi," Mako said, handing her another bag. "Open it, and before you say anything, you have to promise that you won't cry or anything. Just a simple thank you would be enough. Do you understand?" Usagi nodded. She then took out what was in the bag. It was a shoebox. She took off the cover and found glass slippers! Usagi let out a cry of surprise. The slippers were just like the ones from the story, Cinderella. "Do you like them?" Makato asked. "Yes arigato, Mako-chan," Usagi whispered. Just then, Rei stepped forward. "Usagi, now I know that this is a very big deal for you and I know that the real reason why you came to the mall today was that you wanted to buy a dress to wear when you take Mamoru-san out tomorrow. Well, I saw that while we were making our own purchases, you couldn't really find anything. But we were all walking around and I spotted this fantastic gown that would make you look absolutely stunning and well here it is," she said, stuffing the handles of a HUGE bag into Usagi's hands. "Oh, Rei-chan, I can't take it. I---" "Just like Mako-chan said, a simple thank you will be enough," Rei interrupted, "No tears, no 'I can't take this' and I definitely will not accept any excuse if you don't wear it tomorrow. Now look at it," Usagi obeyed and took out a big box. She lifted the lid and pulled out a beautiful gown, all white with golden ringlets at the bodice. It was strapless and had a remarkable resemblance to the dress Neo-Queen Serenity wore. It was made of silk and Usagi knew that it would be very comfortable. Plus, she also knew that Mamoru would like it for it would be the dress she would wear when she became queen. "Oh, Rei-chan" she said, her lip quivering. "Uh uh uh! What'd I say? NO tears!" "Thank you sooo much. Thank you all so much!" "Hey, what about me?" Minako spoke up, "I still haven't given you MY present yet!" "Oh, Minako! You didn't have to." Said Usagi. "But I wanted to. Here," she said giving Usagi, yet another jewelry box. Usagi opened it and immediately started to cry. The others all sweat dropped. Lying in the box was a crown, sparkling with diamonds and rubies and sapphires. But the crown was more like a tiara and it was also similar to the one that was always perched on top of her future self's head. "Oh guys. Thank you all." Usagi said, giving each of her friends a big hug. "Now, you have to go to the dressing room and try your new outfit on," Rei commanded. Usagi did as she was told. Ten minutes later, Usagi emerged. She looked just like Neo-Queen Serenity. She was so beautiful that Minako had started to cry. Of course, everyone else sweat dropped. "Usako!" Mamoru came thundering into the room and picked her and swung her around. He set his giggling girlfriend down and put his arms around her. "Mamo-chan, I've only been gone for a few hours," Usagi protested, still giggling. "True, but a few hours without you is like a few million years," he answered. "Hey, what time is it, Mamo-chan?" "I don't know. Maybe 7 or 8," he replied lazily. "7 or 8?! I've been out longer than I thought. I have to go home, Mamo-chan, or Luna will have a tantrum!" "Of all cats in the world, why is it that your cat is the one who can talk?" "Mamo-chan, I'll call you later when I get home, okay?" she said, prying his arms off of her. "You'd better," he growled. Usagi giggled and left. But all he did was grumble and snuggle into his blankets more. Usagi sighed. But then she threw off his covers and moved her hands to his stomach. Then she attacked, tickle attack! Mamoru screeched and shot up like a cannon. Usagi laughed at his pouty face and pulled him off the bed. "Humph, your girlfriend comes over and tickles you until you get up. How embarrassing." "Oh Mamo-chan. Come on, get dressed! We have lots of plans for today!" she said and began pulling out his drawers and yanked out his black T-shirt. Then she opened his ahem, 'personal' drawer and said, "Ewww! Underwear!" but pulled out a pair of boxer shorts nonetheless. Then she went to his closets and unhooked a pair of jeans. She tossed his clothing onto the bed, while Mamoru looked on sleepily. Then she went to his bathroom and started a shower for him. When she got back to the bedroom, Mamoru was still looking tired. She sighed and did what she usually did to get his attention. Wrapping her arms around his neck, Usagi pulled him down for a kiss. As soon as her lips met his, Mamoru's eyes opened wide. He was awake now VERY awake. "But we had a deal, remember? Look, how about this: You don't whine and complain about the bookstore and I won't whine and complain about the clothing, okay?" "Mmm.... OK!" So Usagi just tagged along as Mamoru looked at all the books. "Usako, look here! Here's an interesting book of documentaries that were written by pediatricians from all over the world!" Mamoru said as he held out a thick book. "Really? Give it!" she demanded. "Oh, wow! Here's one by Doctor Jin Wen Wang! I HAVE to get this book. I'm going to go pay for it. Are you buying anything?" "No, not really. I didn't find anything that was interesting to read," "All right, I'm heading up front, ok?" "I'll join you," said Mamoru. 'It's incredible how my Usako is actually buying a book. In fact, it's incredible how she even became a doctor! But I guess Miss Thirty-Percent is no more,' he thought. While Mamoru and Usagi were enjoying their time together, the others had ::ahem:: some "problems" setting up. As soon as Motoki, Rika, Rei, Minako, Makato, Ami, Hotaru, Haruka, Michiru, Luna and Artemis stepped into Mamoru's apartment, there was total chaos. Rei had taken charge and was yelling at everyone because the place had to be "perfect" when Usagi and Mamoru came back. Unfortunately, everyone else had his or her own idea of "perfect." Motoki and Rika were hanging up the streamers and other decorations. Makato was in charge of heating up the food she had prepared and making some refreshments. Ami was dividing all the party horns, hats, and poppers among everyone, making sure that each person had the correct amount. Hotaru was setting the dining room table with the plates, forks and napkins. Haruka was blowing up the balloons and Michiru was scattering them. Luna was helping Rei yell at everyone and Artemis was helping Minako hang up the banner in the wrong place. At the looks of it, it seems that this party will be ruined. He only shrugged and said, "It's cool." Usagi then got mad. She put her hands to her hips and said, "That's what you said to every piece of clothing I showed you. Why are you being like this?" "Hey, at least I'm not complaining or whining! At least I don't act like a baby when I follow you into every garments' store in town!" "Are you calling ME a baby?" "You're darn right!" "Well, I'd rather be a baby than be as conceited as you are!" "Is that a threat?" "YES! If I'm such a baby, then why don't you find another girlfriend, or even better, a FUTURE WIFE!" and with that, Usagi ran out of the store in tears. "Usako! Wait!" he called out to her. Okay, so Mamoru wasn't having the best of luck in getting Usagi to open the door. He was getting ready to knock the door down but knew that if he did, Usagi would be madder than she already was now. Usagi was in her room, on her bed and crying her eyes out. 'Why'd he say all of those things? I'm not a baby. I thought he loved me.' She thought, and continued to cry. When he reached Usagi's balcony, 37 floors later, he sighed of relief. He climbed onto her balcony, slid open the doors quietly and walked to Usagi's bed, de-transforming as he walked. He put a hand on her shoulder and she turned around, gasping. At the sight of him, she quickly turned around again and shrugged his hand off of her. Then she buried her face into her hands and continued to cry. Mamoru turned her around again so she was facing him. She tried to avoid his eyes, but he caught on to what she was doing. He tilted her chin upward and blue met blue. Then he whispered the three words that meant the world to her, "I love you." That made her cry even more. He put his arms around her and held her. After a few minutes of having her close to him, he released Usagi and wiped her tears away. She looked at him and asked, "Why, Mamo-chan?" He stared into her eyes and said, "Because you had forgotten," "Forgotten what?" "My birthday," he answered. "Your birthd-Oh My! What time is it?" He looked at his watch and said, "4:55," "Oh no! We have to go back to your place!!! Come on!" she cried, dragging him to the front door. It wasn't until a few blocks later that Mamoru asked, "Why are we going to my place?" "Mamo-chan, shut up and just keep running. We're late!" "Late for wha--? Whoops," he said as Usagi glared at him viciously. He then kept his mouth shut until they reached his apartment, 9 blocks later. "I don't know." The stranger whose voice seemed like Minako's answered back. "Well, I'm tired of waiting!" Makato complained into the dark. "I'm going to turn on the lights again." "Ouch!" "Watch it!" "Your foot's in my face!" "Get off me!" "OWW!" "Why you little...." "Stop it!" "SHHH! I hear voices! Everybody hide!" Hotaru whispered. Everyone scrambled back to where they were before. Suddenly, the sound of a door opening and the shine of the light made everyone jump up and yell, "SURPRISE!" Mamoru, with balloons in front of him and confetti falling on him, had a look of shock on his face. He looked all around the room, seeing the streamers, the banner and a dining table decorated. Everyone looked at him, waiting for him to stammer but what he did next had everybody bamboozled. He whirled around to look at Usagi. He stared at her as she stared back, with a smile on her face. Then, she whispered, "Happy Birthday." He put his arms around her and kissed her, right there in front of everyone. Haruka whistled and everybody else cheered. Rei announced, "All right, you two love birds. Let's party!" Usagi and Mamoru smiled as Rei led them to the living room. And so they partied. It was around 7:30 p.m. when Usagi's beeper went off. She excused herself and went into the kitchen. She used Mamoru's phone to call the hospital, who had beeped her. When she got off the phone, she took a notepad she found in the one of the drawers and wrote a note to Mamoru. Then she ripped it off the pad and got an envelope. She stuck the note in along with his reservation ticket. She sealed it and went back into the living room. "Minna, I'm sorry. There's an emergency at the hospital and I have to be there," Usagi said. "But you're on vacation. You can't work on vacation," Mamoru protested. "I know, Mamo-chan but I have to leave. I'm sorry everyone. Enjoy the rest of the party," she said, heading for the door. But before she left, she handed Rei the envelope and told her to give it to Mamoru after the party. "We didn't," Rika admitted, "Usagi was the one who reminded all of us." "And Usagi-chan was the one who thought of the party," Hotaru spoke up. "Speaking of Usagi, I'm getting worried. Don't you think she should be back by now?" Mamoru said nervously. "Don't worry about her," Rei said, waving her hand, "She's a woman and women can take care of themselves. Besides, she is also a doctor, as you are, and doctors have to take care of emergencies, even if they're on vacation." "I know it's just that" he trailed off. "You're worried about her?" Michiru said for him. "Yeah," he answered absentmindedly. "Oh, and before I forget, Usagi told me to give you this," Rei said, handing him the envelope. "Oh, thanks," he said. As he ripped open the envelope, everybody crowded around him, curious to see what it was. But Mamoru saw what they were planning and said, "A little space, please?" Everyone immediately backed off and pretended to clean up. He opened the letter: Your Usako "No way, we're cleaning up. We have strict orders from Usagi. If we don't obey them, she'll have our heads on a shining platter. She may look weak, but boy, is she strong!" Haruka said. "Yeah, Mamoru. Go ahead. We'll let ourselves out when we're done here," Ami agreed. "Well all right, if you're sure." "We're sure," everyone said. "Okay bye and thanks for the party!" and he left. "So we've done our part. Let's hope that Usagi-chan does hers." Rei said to the others. "Ah, I see. Come right this way," a man in a fancy suit led him to the back of the restaurant. Then he made a sharp turn up a narrow staircase and Mamoru followed suit. The man then opened a door and behind it was a big room with a table set up in a corner. But best of all, there was a beautiful skylight and instead of walls, there were huge glass windows. Mamoru turned around to talk to the waiter, but he had disappeared. Shrugging his shoulders, he sat down at the table. In front of him was a thornless rose and a piece of folded paper. He unfolded the paper and saw that it was one of the papers from Usagi's stationary. It had her trademark crescent moon at the top and at the bottom was a note. He read it: How can I explain how much I love you? No one could ever explain love. 'Tis a strange thing love is, For it's a bunch of emotions packed into one. You can feel happiness, bliss and ecstasy, Yet you can also feel anger, annoyance and exasperation at the same time. But love is a good thing. Strange, but good. And love is the way I feel about you. Happy Birthday, my love. Then she took his hand and led him to the glass wall. "Like the view?" Usagi asked him. "Yeah, it's beautiful," he answered, looking straight at her. "I know. The city looks great in the evening." "No, I wasn't talking about the view being beautiful." He said. "Then what WERE you talking about?" she asked. "I was talking about YOU being beautiful," he said. "Oh," Usagi blushed and looked down. But Mamoru put his hand to her chin and tilted it so she was staring straight into his eyes. "You ARE beautiful," he said. She smiled. Then, he bowed to her and said, "May I have this dance, beautiful lady?" She replied by placing her hand into his and he led her to the open space. As if on cue, soft music started to blare from who knows where. Mamoru put an arm around her waist and she placed her hand on his back. Both of them had one hand in each other's. And they danced What you've done for me, What your faith in me Has done for my soul. You'll never know The gift you've given me. I'll carry it with me. Through the days ahead, I think of days before, When you made me hope for something better And made me reach for something more. You taught me to fly, Helped me to free the me inside. Helped me hear the music of my heart. Helped me hear the music of my heart. You opened my eyes, You opened the door To something I've never known before. And your love is the music of my heart. Always on my side, Always standing by, Seeing me through. You were the song That always made me sing. I'm singing this for you. Everywhere I go, I think of where I've been And of the one who knew me better Then anyone ever will again. You taught me to fly, Helped me to free the me inside. Helped me hear the music of my heart. Helped me hear the music of my heart. You opened my eyes, You opened the door To something I've never known before. And your love is the music of my heart. Only your love could ever teach me. You got through where no one could reach me before. Cuz you always saw in me All the best that I could be. It was you who set me free. You taught me to fly, Helped me to free the me inside. Helped me hear the music of my heart. Helped me hear the music of my heart. You opened my eyes, You opened the door To something I've never known before. And your love is the music of my heart. Is the music of my heart. Usagi laughed and said, "Well, I'm glad you enjoyed it." "Do you know what's even more enjoying than the dinner?" "What?" "You," he said simply. Usagi blushed and replied, "I wish you'd stop saying that." "How can I stop telling the truth?" Mamoru said with a silly grin. Usagi ignored what he said. "Well, Mamo-chan. It seems that I don't have any more surprises for you. The dinner was the last one," "Ah, but I have a surprise for YOU," he said in a mischievous voice. "You do?" "Yup, come on," and pulled her to her feet. He led her down the stairs. "What is it?" she asked. Mamoru just smiled as he continued to drag her out the restaurant. He finally stopped when they go to the park. "Why are we here, Mamo-chan?" "You'll see," he said mysteriously. He led her into the gardens and kept on going. Then they turned right and Usagi saw the most beautiful place in the world. It was a small rose garden with a fountain in the center. She turned around to face Mamoru. "Oh Mamo-chan! It's so beautiful!" "I know. That's why I took you here." "It's a wonderful surprise! Thank you!" "Ah, but this is only half of the surprise," "What's the other half?" Usagi asked curiously. "If you sit down, I'll give it to you," he said in the mysterious tone again. "All right," and she said down at the edge of the flowing fountain. "Well? What is it?" "Did I ever tell you how beautiful you are?" "MAMO-CHAN! CUT THE COMMENTS!" "All right, all right. Sheesh." "Men, so stupid, yet you can't live without them," Usagi sighed and shook her head. Mamoru grinned and said, "Usako, we've known each other for a very long time, right?" "Well, yeah." "And you know that I love you more than anything in the world, right?" "Yeah" Usagi said, getting a little bit frustrated. "And you know that you're the most beautiful woman in the---" "MAMO-CHAN! WHAT'S YOUR POINT?!" "My point is," he said, as he got on one knee, "will you marry me, Usako?" He took out a velvet box and opened it. Inside it was a simple diamond ring. Tears filled Usagi's eyes as she bent down to touch Mamoru's cheek. "Yes, of course I will." "WHOOHOO! She said yes! She said yes!" Mamoru shouted, as he picked her up and swung her round and round. She laughed and put her hands on his shoulders as he stopped. He set her down and she released her hold. Mamoru slid the ring onto her ring finger as she looked at him. Then they both looked into each others eyes until Mamoru broke the silence. "I love you." And they kissed under the full moon. |