Standard Disclaimer: Yep you guessed it! I don’t own Sailor Moon, but I am borrowing them for a short time. * * = thoughts

The light crept underneath the sheer pink curtains to fall upon the sleeping form of one Serena Usagi Tunisko. She groaned and rolled over.

"Serena, Wake-up! You promised the senshi you would go shopping of Rini today! You have to meet everybody remember?"

"Luna," she whined, "this is an ungodly hour. Can’t we wait until later! Please!?!?"

Luna jumped up on the bed and placed her claws directly over Serena’s face and continued. "Serena you are 18 going on 19. You will be starting college in the fall, for crying out loud can’t you even get out of bed on time? GET! UP!"

"Fine, Fine, I am up." She slowly crawled out of bed and started stretching. Just about that time the phone rang but Serena choose to ignore it.

*It’s probably just Rei calling to yell at me. You think she could just give me a break it is my birthday too after all. Oh well, it seems as though every one is just thinking about the little spore but she is turning 13 and that is a big deal. I mean I am glad she came back and all to train cause I have missed her and I admit the past two weeks have been more fun with her around even though she follows me and Darien every where.*

Her mother yelling at her broke her reverie. "Serena, honey! Darien’s on the phone. You up?"

"Yep Mom! I got it, thanks." She leaned over the bed to pick up her phone and lay back on the bed.

"Morning Muffin. What’s up?"

"Morning to you to Usako. I wanted to know if you wanted to go shopping with me this afternoon? I was going to get Rini a birthday present and I thought that maybe the two of us could get it for her. What do you say?"

"Sure, that sounds great. I am getting ready to meet the girls to go get Rini presents from the senshi. I could meet you around 3 p.m. after we get done with lunch. Is that O.K.?" *I wish he had at least wished me a happy birthday. Oh well, last year when I turned 18 they did throw me a huge party so I guess it’s just a little different with Rini here. I mean she is turning 13 and it’s a big deal and all.*

"That sounds great Usa. How ‘bout I just pick you up at the restaurant? You guys going to the "Rose Gardens" ?"

"Don’t you know it!" she responded happily. *At least they did pick my favorite restaurant.*

"O.K. see you then Usa! Love you."

"Love you to muffin. See you at 3 then."

With that she hung up the phone and wandered into her closet.

*I need to find something nice for the ‘Rose Gardens’ and seeing Darien but comfortable enough to shop in to. Oh I know!*

Last night Serena and her mom had gone shopping and her mom had bought Serena a cute summer outfit for her birthday. Not only had she bought the white skirt fashioned after a straight tennis skirt with three small pleats in the side and the blue halter top tied around the neck and had a back to it, she also bough Serena the matching blue purse, new silver earrings, bracelet, and necklace that all went well with the shirt. Serena was completely floored when her mom suggested that they also buy the white leather sandals to match.

of the house. You know he gets mad if I ever wear anything around Darien that doesn’t fall to my knees and this certainly doesn’t. Although I do love it," and with a shy smile, "and I hope Darien will as well."

Sure Darien will love this. Besides you only turn 19 once and I am going to make sure you have a good time. I will handle your father dear. You just have a good time tomorrow," she smiled knowingly. "But remember Rini’s Party is at 7 p.m. at ‘The Palace’ restaurant down town. I am still a little surprised that she just wanted dinner with you guys and Hotaru to stay the night but it’s her party. Well lets get going."

{Door flies open and the senshi’s mouths drop}

Setsuna was the first to speak up, after she laughed at the expressions of the other’s. "Princess you look wonderful, you ready to go?"

Get it and how did you get out of the house in it?," laughed Mina. They all knew how Serena’s dad could be slightly over protective of his little girl.

All of my clothes from here on out. So he kind of muttered under his breath and went along with it. So who’s driving?"

mother?"

It was really starting to get out of hand when there was a whistle and a loud but pleading "QUIET!!!" from the smallest of them all. Now when Hotaru yelled every one immediately shut up. Some how this small but powerful Senshi of Saturn intimidated every one somewhat. "Why don’t I just divide us up. Some how this small but powerful Senshi of Saturn intimidated every one somewhat. "In fact why don’t I just divide us up so we can go get Chibi-Usa’s birthday presents and go to lunch?"

The others just nodded still slightly taken aback by the small girl’s outburst.

"Good. Now, Haruka, Michiru, Serena, Mina, and Lita in one car. And Setsuna, Me, Rei, and Ami in the other. Now let’s get going it’s already 9:00 am and our reservation is at 12:30 p.m.!"

"I can’t believe we each found something different for Rini and that she will like," exclaimed Mina.

"Well now that that’s all done let’s eat!," chimed in Serena!

"S.E.R.E.N.A.! Is that all you ever think about is food. Honestly for a princess you are so narrow minded!"

"Rei!," admonished Setsuna, "leave Serenity alone. It’s her birthday too."

"Setsuna please. I know you do it out of respect of position but Serena is fine, Really!"

"Yes Princess."

"Setsuna!," warned Serena.

"Sorry but it is such a habit and I have to laugh cause his highness Edymion never does care either way but it always did, still, and will make you uncomfortable. It’s just funny is all!"

"Serena where is Darien any way?," questioned Michiru as their food arrived.

"I am not sure to tell the truth. He didn’t tell me what he was doing this morning but he is picking me up at 3:00p.m. and we are going shopping together for Rini."

The others all shared amused looks with eachother, all except for Ami who turned Red. Serena caught Ami’s flush and asked what was going on.

"Well, you see,…, It’s just that,… Owww!" Ami winced as Rei poked her in the side and gave her a look. Ami continued, "it’s just funny to see you and Darien acting so much like a married couple is all!" Ami covered.

"Very funny," said Serena, although she could tell something was going on but she just let it go for now.

"Well how about dessert Sere?" asked Lita.

"Sure, that sounds great," she laughed. "What are we getting?"

"Well since I work her I had the chef make something special. How does strawberry chocolate cheese cake sound to you all?!"

"Oh Lita that sounds wonderful!" exclaimed Serena. Lita nodded to their waiter who came back momentarily with nine pieces of the delicious creation. The small talk and laughter continued until quarter t three when Lita asked for the bill. Every one quickly said they’d take it but the waiter just looked at them sheepishly and said, "The bill has already been picked up." He set it on the table and the girls looked at him and said in unison, "Bye who?"

"The gentleman waiting by the door."

*They will throw a fit cause they wanted to take Usa out to lunch but I had to thank them some how for keeping my little rabbit busy all morning and so I could go pick up Setsuna’s stuff. Now it’s my turn to continue the surprises and keep her busy for them. Wow! I wonder if she knows how beautiful she looks walking over her. I knew her mom took her shopping yesterdays but I am surprised her dad let her out of the house looking that good, especially after we talked last week. Or maybe it is because we talked that he is no freaking out now. He trusts me now I hope. Well, here comes the onslaught led by non other than than than Haruka.*

"Darien Chiba!," admonished Haruka in a low voice so Serena who was still making her way over there would not hear her, "lunch was supposed to be on us. Now let us pay you back or you are going to get it from 8 angry senshi!"

"Haruka it’s nothing. Consider it my thank you O.K.? Now quiet or Sere will here you."

"Well one more thing. Did you get it?"

"Yep sure did! That and more, " I laughed.

"Great well we’re going to get our gifts after you two make your exit."

Serena walked up and threw her arms around her love and he kissed her on the forehead. "Hello muffin. How was your morning?"

"Afternoon love. It was fine, just busy, for some reason a lot of people at the hospital this morning. Are you ready to go?"

The other senshi were taking in this scene trying desperately not to interrupt but also wanting to leave at the same time to run their errands. "Ahem, your majesties could we continue this at a more private time?," asked Setsuna in a low voice. Darien nodded to her and dropped his arms from around Serena and took her hand. Serena looked at Setsuna and shook her head. "Setsuna I am not even going to say again."

"Told ya," Setsuna laughed to Hotaru who just smiled.

As they all turned to go Serena turned back to the others, "Thank you guys so much for a great morning. Don’t forget dinner at 7:00 p.m. I got Rini that dress and are we all wearing colors?"

The group chorused yeps and yesses back at eachother as they departed. Darien and Serena also left as Darien took the bags from Serena’s arm.

"Darien that’s O.K. I got it really."

"Usa it’s no problem, I want to." He leaned down and kissed her on the cheek as she surrendered the bags. As they walked out the doors Serena stopped short and looked at Darien. "Honey where is your car?"

Darien led Serena to a super stretch white limo {pluto-san smiles at memory of prom two years ago} parked in front of the doors. The chauffeur opened the door as Darien helped his princess in.

"Darien Chiba! What on Earth is all of this for?"

"For you of course Usa!," he laughed and then leaned over and kissed her like he wanted to all afternoon. "Now shall we go shop for Rini’s birthday. Then we’ll go back to my place and get ready to go to our daughter’s first formal party."

Serena laughed and nodded her head. "But my dress is still at home and I have Rini’s."

"Don’t worry about it. It’s all taken care of Usako, just leave it to me," he assured her.

"Sere you can shower first if you like. Your clothes and things are on my bed. I have to press my things first anyway.

{pluto-san- yes I know most guys don’t even know how to turn on the iron let alone use or own one but we all know that Mamo-chan is special so get over it!}

"Darien we still have to …

"I already have the wrapping paper out, don’t worry about it. Just go get ready.

Dear Princess, (please excuse my use of you title on this special occasion.)

This is my birthday gift to you. Small Lady also wanted me to include hers with it as well. You will find it on the dining room table after you are finished getting dressed. I will be over presently to do you hair.

Love Always,

Your Senshi and friend

Serena folded the card and placed it back in the envelope and slipped it in the white purse next to her shoes that she had failed to notice before. She showered and dressed. Thirty minuets later as she slipped on her shoes she heard a knock on the door.

"Yes?"

"Serena, Setsuna is her to help you. Do you want her to come in or…"

"Prince if you don’t mind it might be easier if Serenity came out here to the dining room so I would have more room and you could get ready," suggested Setsuna, although Serena had to admit that it sounded more like a command than a suggestion.

"Coming Setsuna-san!," Serena called through the door. She walked out the door as gracefully as any princess. Darien sucked in his breath and whispered in her ear, "Usa you look more stunning than normal." She blushed and ducked her head. He gently placed his hand under her chin and lifted her eyes to meet his and kissed her. Just as the kiss started to deepen they broke apart as both of them heard the normal composed senshi of time mutter under her breath, "Oye vey why me? I get to deal with the young lovers all the time," as she turned on her heels and threw her hands in the air and left going into the dining room.

"Do you think she knows something we don’t Usa?," laughed Darien.

"When do we ever know half of what she knows?"

"To true, to true. Well you had better go before she threatens me and bodily hulls you in there."

Serena walked into the dining room and looked at Setsuna. "Setsuna-san how many times have I asked you to call me Serena?"

"Do you want the number from the past, present, or future your highness?" she questioned seriously.

Serena just laughed at her friend, "Oh never mind. Now what are you doing to my hair? I was just going to leave it as normal."

"Well you see your highness, small Lady requested that we do something different so it will work for her gift to you."

Setsuna indicated the silver colored box on the table. Serena walked over to it and opened. For the second time this evening she was left stunned.

"But Setsuna how is this?"

"Princess trust me she does not know. Her and I just thought it was fitting with you attire tonight and the theme at the Moonlight Eclipse Restaurant** this evening just seemed to fit.

"What theme?"

"A Walk Back to Royalty- The Moon Kingdom.’ You know the whole inside is decorated from the legends of the goddess Selene and the mystical Moon Kingdom they think of as fantasy.?"

"Really? I just thought Rini wanted a formal Party? Do my parents know this?"

"Yes you mother and father loved the idea of the theme and the ball afterwards. I provided them with the appropriate attire. Now let’s tackle this hair of yours."

Twenty minuets later, on the dot, Setsuna stood back to admire her work. She had French twisted Serena’s hair, securing it with about 100 bobbie pins and then placing the crystal clips at the base of the twist so they could be seen. The rest of Serena’s hair lay cascading down her back in a sea of blonde curls. Setsuna had then pinned a small pile of curls on the top of Serena’s head and placed Rini’s gift on as well. The platinum tiara shined and glittered in the light. There were small diamonds intricately placed throughout the lace woven design. Serena truly looked like a queen.

"Setsuna I was just wondering how did Rini pay for this? I mean her allowance would not cover this if she has been saving it for a year. This must have cost a fortune."

"Well actually it was about two grand not including tax. And as to the money she had a little help from a certain designer."

"Setsuna you shouldn’t have."

"Well I bought simpler ones for all of the princess like the one I have one but I thought yours should be different Serenity. Besides you know how I love to accessorize and it just went perfect I was surprised that I did not think of if myself," she laughed. "Besides what do I really need with all the money I make?"

"Good point but still…"

"That’s enough lets get going, we will be late."

At that point Darien walked out of the bedroom in a black tux and cap. Serena gasps in mock amusement the laughed, "Sir I believer you have forgotten you mask and hat."

Darien laughed with her, "You know Usa I have to say it does feel as though I am missing something."

Darien then walked up to Setsuna and gave a small half bow and said thank you.

"It was my pleasure to help any way I can sir," she said giving a deep curtsy to both Edymion and Serenity.

"Setsuna please?" Darien turned to Serena, gave a small half bow and offered his arm.
"Princess I believe we must be going now." For some reason unknown to her, Serena gave a graceful sweeping curtsy and took his arm. Setsuna smiled at the gesture and knew that their customs were returning once more.

"Wow!," exclaimed Mina, "This is beautiful and it looks just like all the pictures I have seen of the mystical palace."

The senshi present understood what she meant but Mrs. Tunisko asked, "Mina are you familiar with the legends of Selene and the moon?"

"Well actually Mrs. Tunisko we all took mythology together in high school," covered Lita.

"I for one firmly believe that it all happened," asserted Haruka. "I mean don’t we all wish something this beautiful could take shaped for real?"

"Well Rini this is quite lovely but what I want to know is, Where did you all get such similar dresses in different colors? I mean they are beautiful but I have to say they look as though they were made for you. And those little tiaras that correspond to your dress colors. I have to say that it looks as though you girls belong here."

"Well actually Setsuna presented each of us with the dresses and tiaras," explained Michiru.

"Although I would have preferred a suite myself," mumbled Haruka.

"Trust me it’s not much better," chimed in Sammy.

"But it would be better than a dress, heels, and jewelry," countered Haruka. Every one at the table laughed.

"Oh look at that!" exclaimed Hotaru in awe.

Every one turned in their seats to see three people walk in the door, a small angle in white, her dark prince, and a seeming guardian behind them. A hush fell over the room as every one turned to look at the elegant couple. Serena blushed slightly as Darien checked in her coat. Setsuna leaned over and whispered to him, "I found them and I have to say that the two of you have made quite and entrance."

As they proceeded acres the room every one slowly came back to life. Serena heard one person comment, "She must be a foreign princess because she is so beautiful and elegant. It almost an unearthly beauty at that." Serena blushed again and Darien leaned over and said in her ear, "Usa if only they knew how true they were." The couple laughed and Setsuna smiled. As they drew to the table every one stood. Serena’s mom and dad walked up to her with tears in their eyes and hugged her. Her father whispered in her ear, "Happy Birthday honey. You look so grown up!" He then turned and nodded to Darien and gave him a look that Darien read as, "you had better no hurt my little girl." Her mom just smiled at her because she knew if she tried talking she would just cry. Serena then walked up to Rini, who had gotten out of her chair, and hugged her.

"Rini you look so beautiful, your parents would be so proud of you just as Darien and I are right now. But there seems to be something missing." Serena looked at her future daughter, her dress was similar to hers only instead of being sleeveless it had small cap sleeves. The only thing missing was the crown. Serena and Darien handed her a gold colored box. They both smiled back at her in anticipation waiting to see what she thought. Rini sat back down in her chair to open the present. As she lifted the tiara out she suddenly also had tears in her eyes. It was just like the one Serena wore but instead of just being platinum the lace design also had gold woven into it as well. Serena took the delicate tiara out of her future daughter’s hands and placed it on her head. The two hugged once more and Serena and whispered in her hair, "I love you so much Chibi-Usa."

"I love you too mama," responded a tearful Rini. Serena didn’t know what to say. That Rini actually thought of her as her mother was overwhelming for her and she too started to cry. The two released and stepped back and Darien hugged her as well and kissed her on the forehead. "Rini you make us both so proud of you and we love you so much you have no idea. I love you so much!" Every one around the table was wiping the tears out of their eyes witnessing the scene though only the senshi understood.

Laughter and small talk continued while the waiter came and took their drink orders. The Serena happened to glance at the door and suddenly stood up. Darien and the others followed her gaze to where it rested. Quickly Darien, Rini, and all the other Senshi stood up and bowed. Standing at the entryway of the room was a woman who commanded respect by just looking at her. In all her beauty, glory, and royalty stood Queen Serenity of the Moon and the Silver Millennium. Behind her stood Yaten, Taiki, and Seiya in generals’ uniforms. The room grew deathly quiet as the others started to notice the woman’s presence. The Queen and the Princess’s eyes locked, both filled with a sea of rising emotions….