Chapter 3

Weeks elapsed, Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask resumed to see one another. Without knowing each other's identities however, the curiosity was still there.

The next day was Serena's birthday. She didn't know it, but her friends had planned it at the Arcade. As she stepped inside, Serena heard a group call out.

"SURPRISE!"

"Oh, you guys!" Serena exclaimed in a cheerful cry.

She was joyous that everyone was there. Mina and Raye helped with the decorations. Amy and Andrew helped with getting everyone to come, by phoning them.

Andrew witnessed the pizza delivery man enter the venue. He went to pay for the abundant boxes of delicious flattened bread covered in sauce. Afterwards, Andrew sat the pizzas down on the fold out table.

Lita had made her a chocolate cake with white icing. In fuchsia handwriting it read, "Happy Birthday!" From across the words, there were "one" and "eight" number candles on it. Below the candles was a small outline of a pink bunny.

Serena viewed all the decorations, presents and most of all the cake. Her eyes and heart were filled with emotions that made her sobbed out the following.

"Thank you, everyone!"

"You're welcome!"

Once Serena had opened her wonderful presents, it was time for her guests to leave. With each one, she thanked them. Now, it was just Serena and Andrew, until a familiar voice spoke.

"Happy Birthday, Meatball Head!"

Serena closed her eyes and opened them.

"Of all days, couldn't you have just once stop calling me that!" Serena demanded.

Darien swayed his head "no," which made Serena growled. "Thanks, Jerk!"

Serena acknowledged that even if the so-called "Jerk" was in the same area, she still had an incredible birthday.

Few days later, the girls had commenced training. Eventually, completed for the night, the girls were in a discussion. One of the ideas was that each guardian would continue to make rounds on the weekends. The group ventilated their theories of what plans the Negaverse might have.

"What has gotten into you lately, Sailor Moon?" Sailor Mars ordered, snippy.

"Nothing. What makes you think there is?" Sailor Moon implored.

"OH COME ON!" Sailor Mars barked.

"Sailor Moon, you have been acting strange. You hardly mention Andrew, or Tuxedo Mask!?" Sailor Jupiter indicated in concern.

"So, if Andrew or Tuxedo Mask isn't your love interest anymore, then who? What's his name?" Sailor Venus inquired, in doing made Sailor Moon flushed at her lover's name.

"SPILL!" The three Scouts disclosed together, while Sailor Mercury, Luna and Artemis shook their heads in dissatisfaction.

"Guys, there's really nothing going on!" Sailor Moon alleged, in defense.

"Like, I believe that!" Sailor Mars provoked.

"You might as well tell us, instead of us finding out another way." Sailor Jupiter advised, wisely.

"I say that's enough for one night! All of us need to be serious about the situation at hand! If we are going to defeat the Negaverse! They have become fiercer than ever!" Sailor Mercury pointed out.

"I agree with Mercury," Artemis verbalized.

"Right!" The girls replied in unison.

"Sailor Moon and Sailor Jupiter, you guys will patrol tonight." Luna instructed.

Sailor Moon wanted to tell them, but not yet. She almost engaged in what Luna had commanded her to do. She couldn't tonight, because Tuxedo Mask and her had this planned. They arranged it so, neither would be patrolling.

"Um. Not tonight, Luna. I have..Er...Plans. That I can't cancel!" Sailor Moon admitted.

"Huh? Plans?" Luna questioned.

"You have plans?" Sailor Mars challenged.

"Yes, that is correct. Rain check, I promise." Sailor Moon put forward, and left.

"Scouts, is there something going on with our leader?" Artemis asked

"Did she notify any of you about her plans before tonight?" Sailor Jupiter exhorted, curiously.

The other girls and two cat companions nodded, "no."

"You don't think it's the Negaverse?" Luna quizzed.

"Could this be one of their schemes?" Sailor Mercury inquired in wonderment.

"The Negaverse are capable of anything! This isn't the Sailor Moon we know. I admit, I've noticed her becoming a courageous leader. However, Sailor Moon being so tranquil isn't like her!" Sailor Mars established.

They all compiled by a bob of their heads.

"Maybe we are pushing her to mature too fast?!" Luna mumbled, worried.

"I'll go!" Sailor Venus suggested.

"No wait, Sailor Venus! I will!" Sailor Jupiter conveyed, as she stopped Sailor Venus.

Sailor Jupiter then included. "It's my night to patrol anyways. You guys require rest for the next shift. I'll call ya if you are needed. Promise!"

With that, Sailor Jupiter took off in the same direction as Sailor Moon.

A couple steps further, Sailor Jupiter reached the corner. She was sure that Sailor Moon was at this spot. Unfortunately, Sailor Jupiter was shocked to find nobody there.

"Boy, that girl is quick!" Sailor Jupiter confessed, bemused.

Miles away, Sailor Moon stood in front of the cabin. She was waiting and also lost in her thoughts.

'I need to tell Tuxedo Mask who I really am. It's only fair to him. I will always cherish all the moments we shared. And if he still decides to rescue me, I will understand it's only for business. It's true. I am in love with him. Whatever happens, happens.'

A sudden movement caught her attention. Sailor Moon spiraled around.

"Hey." Tuxedo Mask whispered, softly.

"Hey you!"

"May we?" Tuxedo Mask quizzed.

"Sure." Sailor Moon said, as they entered the cabin.

Tuxedo Mask admired Sailor Moon's beauty, intelligence, personality and her fighting skills. He remembered when she struggled at first, even back then he adored her strength and courage. Tuxedo Mask realized that is when he started to fall for her and didn't know it.

Tuxedo Mask gave her a gentle kiss on her gloved hand and then one to her lips. He culled her body towards him. Her brightened smile abruptly changed into a frown, as she pushed herself away from him.

"What's wrong? Do the Scouts know? Is that-" Tuxedo Mask inquired, confused.

She couldn't take it anymore. Sailor Moon could no longer keep this secret from him. In her mind, she had debated whether or not to tell him. She had to be honest with him! He had been straightforward with her, telling her about the loss of his parents when he was ten years old. He had mentioned to her how he needed to find out who he really is.

Sailor Moon had informed him about her weakness, which one was him. How at times when the enemies would strike, fear would consume her body. Tuxedo Mask smiled at his guardian angel and expressed he was like that, too. Especially when the monsters attacked her. If anything happened to her, he wouldn't forgive himself. Sailor Moon revealed to him how grateful she was of him to save her, but at the same time she stressed about him. Sailor Moon recalled him saying the following, "I will be fine. As long as you are standing here besides me, there is nothing we can't overcome."

"Tuxedo Mask, we have been dating for a while now, and-"

"And?" Tuxedo Mask pressed, as he wondered where she was going with this.

"I want to show you something...Something I feel needs to be done...Something that I haven't shown you, yet."