Naru stared out at the waves as they crashed against the shore below.  Tears were fresh in her eyes, as she thought about her best friend, Usagi.  Lately Usagi and her didn't hang out as much as they use too.  She was always busy with those new friends of hers.  Naru didn't understand what Usagi saw in them.  Usagi befriended Ami, the school brain, when she first came to Crossroads.  She was the smartest person in their school.  "But she couldn't tell me what I did wrong."  The priestess, Rei, was the next one Usagi became friends with, she was weird.  People say she could find anything that was lost, she was physic.  "Bet she couldn't tell me why Usagi left me."  Lita was a fighter.  She had been kicked out of two other schools before coming to Crossroads.  Everyone was scared of her, except Usagi.  She had become a fast friend with the girl, who now threatened anyone who picked on Usagi.  "Fighting wouldn't solve my sadness."  Why Usagi liked Mina was easy…she was Sailor V.  No one else knew but Naru did.  She saw the connection right away.  "Usagi left me for an idol.  How can I compete with that."  The five girls had been nicknamed, "Bunny's Heard" by the kids at school.  The club had a limited membership and no matter how many tried, nobody could get in.  
	Naru cried more tears.  Today was her birthday and her best friend had forgotten her.  She threw a rock in the water below and stood up, she would cry no more.  She wiped the tears from her face and headed home.  "If that's what Usagi wants, then so be it."  Naru made her way down the path and into the park, unaware of the tear filled blue eyes watching her go. 
	"Naru.  I'm so sorry." Usagi fingered the gift she held in her hand.  Tears fell down her face and she sobbed for the friend she missed so much.  Usagi collapsed to the ground and cried.  "I'm sorry I can't tell you."  She cried for her friend, for herself, and for what she has lost because of Sailor Moon.
	"Odango atama?  What are you doing on the ground?"  Mamoru asked the girl in front of him.
She turned to look at him, "Dokka ike, Mamoru."  Mamoru gasped at the look in her eyes.  They were no longer light-hearted, but sad and broken.  "Daijobu?"  He went to help her up, but she pulled away from him, "Iie, Hitorini shite, I've ruined everything."  She stood up and ran as fast as she could go.  Mamoru stared after her, "What is wrong with her?  Nani?" Mamoru spotted something laying where Usagi had been sitting.  He picked up the wrapped package and turned it over, the card read, 'To Naru, my best friend, Ai Bunny.'  Mamoru stared at the little package.  Why did she leave this behind?  Mamoru placed it in his pocket and headed for the arcade.
	
	"Konnichi Wa, Motoki." Mamoru said as he walked into the arcade.  Motoki raised his head at the mention of his name, "Konnichi Wa, Mamoru.  What brings you here today?"  Motoki asked his friend.  "Have you seen Odango?" Mamoru asked.  Motoki grinned, "Not today, you like her, ne?"  Mamoru flushed, "Nani ten no yo.  It's just that she dropped this in the park, when she ran off crying." Mamoru showed him the present.  "What did you do to her this time?" Motoki asked him.  "Damare, she was like that when I saw her.  I just want to return it."  Motoki studied the box, "Hmmm.  It must be for Naru's birthday.  Maybe you should give it to Naru, she's over there."  Motoki pointed to the redhead crying in the corner.  "If they had a fight, Usako should be the one to give it to her." Mamoru said.  Motoki grinned, "Since when do you call her Usako?"  Mamoru flushed, "Damare."  Motoki laughed as he pocketed the gift and went to talk to Naru.  
	"Tanjobi Omedeto Naru-Chan.  May I join you?" Mamoru said giving her a smile.  Naru looked up at him, "Nani?  A…Arigato, Mamoru-kun.  Sure."  Molly gestured with her hand and he sat down.  "You are having a happy day, ne?"  He asked her.  "Iie, Usagi forgot about me." Naru said sadly.  Mamoru frowned, he was sure she didn't he had the proof in his pocket.  "Odango, forget about her best friend…I don't believe that."  Naru glared at him, "Yes she did.  She never has time for me anymore.  Not since she started to hang around those girls." Another tear slid down her cheek.  Mamoru waved at Motoki and he came to the table, "Tanjobi Omedeto Naru.  What is it Mamoru?" Mamoru leaned back in the booth and folded his arms across his chest.  "Naru is under the impression that Usagi's forgotten her birthday, I told her it was silly, but what do I know.  All I ever do is pick on Usagi, but you listen to her babbling, right Motoki?" Motoki stared blankly at his friend, 'has he gone wacko?' Mamoru kicked his ankle under the table and he grunted.  Looking from Mamoru to Naru's sad face he caught on, "That's right, just the other day Usagi mentioned a surprise she was cooking up for you."  Naru's face lit up, "Really…ah COOKING?"  Motoki and Mamoru laughed, "Not in the literal sense.  But I was sworn to be secretive, so I can't say anything else."  Naru winked at him; "Right I'll be surprised." She got up to leave and turned around, "Thank you." With that she took off out the door.  Motoki turned to Mamoru, "What was that?  Why did I just lie to that girl?  And why are you concerned all of a sudden?"  Mamoru looked at his best friend, "You didn't see her eyes, they were so sad.  They should never look that way."  Motoki was confused, "Naru's?"  Mamoru sighed wistfully, "No, Usagi's."  Motoki placed a hand on his friends shoulder, "Hai.  What next?"  Mamoru smiled, "Usagi throws Naru a party…in your back room of course."  Motoki grinned, "Of course."

	Mamoru headed towards the mall to buy decorations when he saw Usagi's friends heading towards them.  Rei was growling so loud that she was scaring the people she passed.  "That girl is so irresponsible.  She knew we were to meet today, and she blows us off.  What is wrong with her?"
"Did it ever occur to you that she had some place else to be?" Mamoru growled.
Rei stopped short and looked at him, "Huh?"  Mamoru glared at the four girls in front of him; "Do you even care about her feelings at all?"  Minako stepped in between Mamoru and Makoto who had balled her fist, "Mamoru that's not fair, of course we do…" Mamoru stared at the blonde, "No.  If you did you would know that today is Naru's Birthday, and for some reason, Naru is under the impression Usagi doesn't care about her."  Rei went to say something but stopped.  Mamoru continued telling them about his encounter in the park with Usagi and finished with how sad Naru was.  "Gomen, we didn't know." Rei said.  Ami sighed, "The point being, had we been better friends we would have acknowledged the problem."  Makoto straighten up, "How can we make it up to her?"  Mamoru smiled, "Usagi is throwing Naru a party at the Crown.  You can help."  Makoto grinned, "I'll bake a cake."  Minako grabbed Ami's hand; "We'll get the decorations."  Rei quietly added, "I'll work on getting Naru a present."  Mamoru smiled, "Great.  Find Usagi and get her to bring Naru."  Mamoru started to walk away when Minako shouted, "I thought Usagi was giving the party?"  Mamoru hollered back, "She is.  She just doesn't know it."  The four girls watched him leave, "He's sneaky." Makoto said.  "Remind me not to get on his bad side." Minako replied.  The girls hurried to their tasks.  
	Rei headed up the stairs to her temple when she saw Usagi coming down.  Rei looked at the forlorn face of her friend and felt wretched.  "Usagi?"  Usagi looked up and wiped her eyes.  "Rei, Gomen I was late, but I had something to do."  Rei put an arm around her friend.  "I'm sorry Usagi.  We didn't know it was Naru's Birthday.  Why don't you go spend the day with her."  Usagi sobbed, "She hates me."  Rei smiled, "No she doesn't.  Go spend time with her, and bring her by the Crown in two hours, that's an order Odango." Rei winked at her friend and Usagi hugged her.  "Arigato, Rei."  Rei watched her leave.  "You are welcome Usa."  
Rei entered the room of the sacred fire and sat down.  Her mind was in turmoil about what to do with Naru.  "Oh sacred fire, what does Naru want more than anything?" Rei watched as the flames shot into the air and an image appeared within.  "Usagi?  But she has Usagi."  Rei gasped as she thought about how much Usagi gave up since becoming Sailor Moon.  "Sacred fire, can we trust Naru with our secret?"  The flames roared to life again as Rei got her answer.  A smile came to her face, "Alright then." Rei skipped from the temple and headed towards the Crown.

	Usagi raised a hand to knock on Naru's door.  'I hope this works.' She thought.  Naru opened the door and stifled a scream when Usagi attacked her with a hug.  "Usagi?  What…Could I maybe breathe for a moment?"  Usagi released her grip on her friend, "Gomen Naru.  I just didn't want you to think I forgot about you.  I had a present but I can't seam to find it right now…but I will I promise I will."  Naru laughed, "It's alright Usagi, really."  Usagi brightened, "You and I are going to spend all day together."  Naru smiled, "That's the best present you could give me, Usa."  Naru hugged her friend.  "Then lets go." Usagi and Naru left her house and headed towards the mall.  
	From his hiding spot on the window ledge, Mamoru smiled, "I thought they would never leave." Silently he opened the window and entered Naru's room.  "Now to get to work."  Mamoru transformed into Tuxedo Kamen and started to make some roses.  Twenty minutes, two dozen and lots of petals later Naru's room looked and smelled like a rose garden.  Tuxedo Kamen looked at his handy work and smiled, "I should rent myself out.  Can't forget this."  He placed the gift from Usagi on Naru's bed.  Finished he leapt out the window to the ally below.  Mamoru walked down the street towards the Crown with a huge grin on his face.

	Rei meet up with the other girls about a block from the Crown.  Minako and Ami were overloaded with decorations, and Rei grabbed some bags before they fell.  "Did you guys leave any decorations in Tokyo?" Minako giggled, "They're shipping more from Beijing." Rei stared at her and Ami sighed, "She's kidding.  So Rei, did you find a good present?" Rei frowned, "I think so, but we all have to agree in order to give it to her." Makoto was carrying a large box with a cake in it, "What is it?" Rei took a gulp of air; "We let Usagi tell her." The three girls stopped walking and Rei reached out to steady the cake.  Minako frowned, "Are you sure that's wise?"  Makoto nodded, "Yeah, can we trust her?"  Ami was characteristically silent.  Rei smiled, "I asked the sacred fire, it said she could be trusted.  All Naru wants is Usagi back, and I think it would be good for Usagi as well.  But we all have to agree because it affects all of us."  Ami spoke up then, "I believe it's a marvelous present.  It would give Usagi an outside individual to talk to.  She's not as content about being a senshi as the rest of us."  Minako grinned, "Ok, I'm in."  They turned to look at Makoto; "Does this mean I can tell Ken?  (Laughing) Alright, I'm game."  Rei nodded, "Good.  But she's not allowed at the meetings!"  The girls laughed and walked into the Crown. 
	They spent the next ˝ hour decorating the staff room, arguing only once about the placement of the banner.  Finally Mamoru put it where he thought it should go and was promptly attacked with four pillows.  Motoki rapped on the door to quiet them down when Usagi and Naru entered the Crown.
"Hey Motoki.  How are you?" Usagi asked with a smile.  Motoki smiled back, "Usagi, Naru what a pleasant surprise.  I'm fine.  What can I get for two beautiful girls today?" While Usagi and Naru giggled Mamoru made a gagging noise.  Rei and Makoto tackled him to shut him up, while Minako smiled evilly.  Mamoru gulped.  Motoki groaned, quiet they were not.   "Tanjobi Omedeto Naru."  Umino said coming up behind the two girls.  Naru blushed, "Thanks Umino.  What are you doing here?"  Umino smiled at her while Usagi rolled her eyes, "I just came for a Vanilla and prune shake."  Motoki made a face, "Coming right up…uh, I'm out of prunes.  Could the three of you check the back room for me, it's kind of busy here?"  Usagi looked around at the three people at a booth in the corner, "Nani?"  Motoki smiled, "Onegai?"  Usagi shrugged, "Sure."  As they entered the darkened room, Usagi turned on the light and screamed as people jumped out at them.  "HAPPY BIRTHDAY NARU."  Umino hit the floor with a thunk.
	After Usagi calmed down and Umino came too, Naru thanked Usagi for the party.  Usagi stared blankly at her, "Nani?" Mamoru slid up beside her, "Come on Odango, come clean.  Naru knows about how you planned this party and invited all of us to come." He stared into her eyes and for one second forgot where he was.  Usagi smiled up at him, and whispered, "Arigato."  Umino frowned, "No one told me." Minako spoke up, "That's cause everyone knows you can't keep a secret."  Umino smiled, "Oh."  Minako rubbed her hands together; "Alright guys line up."  The three guys looked at her blankly, "For what?" Motoki asked.  Ami smiled, "Well we appear to outnumber you 2 to 1.  I am sure Minako requisition you to promenade."  The guys looked at her blankly, Ami sighed; "We want you to dance."  Motoki grimaced, "We got that, but us…dance?"  Makoto smiled, "Yup!  Naru gets first choice, `cause it's her birthday."  Naru smiled shyly at the tall girl then asked Umino to dance.  Umino almost passed out again, but agreed.  Rei stared at the two sweating guys left, "That makes you two for us five."  Mamoru swallowed, "Sharks!  They look like sharks coming in for the kill."  Motoki glared at him, "This was your idea, it's only fitting that you go first." And he pushed Mamoru into the circle of girls.  "MOTOKI!" Mamoru shouted.  Minako grabbed Motoki as Rei grabbed Mamoru.  Usagi looked at her friends, "Thank you for this.  You are the greatest friends ever."  Ami looked at her, "Don't thank us, Mamoru arranged it all."  Makoto grinned, "Yeah complete with guilt trips for not knowing how important this day was to you."  Usagi stared at them, "Mamoru?  The tall guy that calls me names, that Mamoru?" Ami and Makoto smile.  
	The song ends and the guys switch partners, Usagi ends up dancing with Mamoru.  She looked up at him; "You did all this?" Mamoru smiled, "Yup!" Usagi stared wide-eyed at him, "Why?" Mamoru returned her gaze, "Because you were so sad this morning.  It wasn't right."  "And you guilted my friends?"  Mamoru smiled, "Yup!"  Usagi blinked, "Can you teach me how to do that?" Mamoru laughed as they danced into each other's arms.  Naru felt a hand on her shoulder, "Rei, hi."  Rei sat down beside the girl, "Naru, Tanjobi Omedeto.  Here this is our present for you." She hands her a card.  Naru went to open it, but Rei put a hand on hers.  "Give it to Usagi when she walks you home.  It's instructions for her, she'll do the rest." Naru smiled and put it in her pocket.  "Thank you for letting us share Usagi with you." Naru smiled and hugged the raven-haired priestess.  The party went on for awhile, until everyone had to leave, Usagi stopped dancing with Mamoru and gave him a hug.  "Arigato.  This almost makes up for loosing Naru's present." Mamoru winked at her, "I think you'll find it."  Naru pulled on Usagi's sleeve, "Usagi can we go home now?" Usagi smiled, "Sure." They waved bye to everyone and left them to clean the mess.  Rei growled, "Tomorrow she's sweeping the Temple." 
	Usagi stopped outside of Naru's house and hugged her friend.  Naru handed a card to her.  "What's this?" Usagi asked.  "Rei said to give it to you." Naru answered.  Usagi opened the card and read:



Odango,
We didn't know what to get Naru so I asked the Sacred Fire what she wanted, turns out all she wants is you.  So we talked it over amongst ourselves (no cats!) and decided on her present.  Our gift to her is her best friend…Usagi 'Sailor Moon' Tsukino.  Tell her!  
Your Friends,
LOVE, THUNDER, WATER AND FIRE.
P.S.  Don't stay transformed for long that Tuxedo Kamen is like a bloodhound!

	Usagi hugged the note to her chest.  "Naru is your mother at home?" Naru looked at her, "No, she won't be home until later, Why?"  Usagi smiled, "Let's go to your room, I have something to show you."
	Naru opened the door to her room and fell against Usagi.  Usagi peeked around her friend and gasped, "What the heck happened here?  It looks like a garden threw up."  All around the room were rose petals and on Naru's bed were 24 long stemmed roses, placed around a small package.  Naru picked up the object and read the card;  To Naru my best friend, Ai Bunny.  Naru hugged her friend, "You're the best.  How did you do all this?"  Usagi stared at her friend, "Nani?"  Naru held the present up for her to see.  Usagi gasped.  'How did that get…' then she remembered what Mamoru had said.  She looked around the room again and smiled.  "A friend helped me with it.  Go on, open it."  Naru slowly opened the gift in her hand and choked back a sob.  In the box was a bracelet made from the most exquisite metal she had ever seen (An: and her mom owns a jewelry store!) with a crystalline jewel set in the center.  "It's beautiful.  How could you afford it?"  Usagi smiled, "I dreaded that question, because I didn't know how to answer it.  But thanks to the present Rei, Ami, Makoto and Minako said to give you, I can.  I got it on the Moon."
Naru looked at her friend, "Are you feeling ok?"  Usagi sat on Naru's bed and motioned for her to do the same.  "Naru, Promise you won't tell the others?  (Naru nodded) Well I didn't know what to get you so I took a trip to a place from my past.  While I was there I looked through my old room and found that.  I brought it back and cleaned it up.  It's very old Naru.  Over a thousand years, in fact."  Naru fingered the bracelet; "I can't accept this, Usagi.  It most likely means a lot to your family."  Usagi placed the bracelet on Naru's wrist.  "I am all that's left of this family, and I want you to have it.  It belonged to me when I lived on the Moon."  Naru stared at her friend, "What?"  Usagi placed her hand on her locket and shouted, "MOON PRISIM POWER, MAKE UP!" Naru watched in amazement as her friend was replaced with the champion of love and justice…Sailor Moon.  "Tada!" Sailor Moon said.  Naru gaped at her, "You?"  Usagi powered down and sat beside her friend, "Yup.  Tuxedo Kamen has this knack for knowing when I transform, and our identities are not known to each other yet."  Naru smiled, "I should have guessed.  So those girls you hang out with…" Usagi smiled, "Rei is Sailor Mars, Ami is Mercury, Makoto is Jupiter and Minako is Venus or Sailor V.  They are also my personal guards, but their memories of that have not returned yet.  I am the Princess of the Moon, which they also don't remember yet, please don't tell them."  Naru hugged her; "All your secrets are safe with me."  Usagi spent the rest of the day filling Naru on her life then and now.  Naru listened, as a friend should, joyous that she had her friend back.

The next day at the Crown…
	Naru sat in a booth talking with Umino and sharing a Vanilla shake (no prunes).  Motoki was sweeping the sidewalk in front of the Crown.  "So Naru, what was the best gift you received yesterday?"
Suddenly a noise came from outside, Naru smiled as the Sailor Senshi ran past the window.  She turned to Umino, "My friend."

					THE END (or is it?)



I always thought Naru was left out a lot.  It seamed like a good idea to have her find out as a birthday present.  The fact that it was Rei's idea shows how much she truly loves Usagi as a friend.  I also thought Mamoru could be really sneaky if he wanted to.  I have an idea for a continuation that explores the friendship of Motoki and Mamoru but I must have feed back if I am to go on.  I would like to thank my best friend, Christina, who is the only friend I have with the same passion for Sailor Moon.  Arigato, tomodachi.
Now the translations:
You should know the names by now, but if not here they are:
Usagi…Serena (Bunny)
Mamoru…Darien
Ami…as herself
Rei…as herself
Makoto…Lita
Minako…Mina.
Naru…Molly
Umino…Melvin 
Motoki…Andrew
I used Ken in reference because I couldn't remember his name in Japanese.

Hai-yes
Iie-no
Daijobu-are you ok?
Nani-what!?
Nani ten no yo-what, are you crazy?
Damare-shut up
Ne-'eh'
Onegai-please
Hitorini Shite-leave me alone
Dokka Ike-go away
Tanjobi Omedeto-Happy Birthday
Odango Atama- meatball head
Konnichi Wa- Hello (formal) 
Ai-love
Arigato-thank you
Tomodachi-friend
Gomen-sorry

**I don't own Sailor Moon or any of the other characters.  They belong to the wonderfully talented NAOKO TAKEUCHI.  If you like Sailor Moon, and who wouldn't, I suggest you read 'The Cherry Project' it is phenomenal.  The idea for the story is mine, anything else is not.  Any resemblance to persons and situations of actual events is purely coincidental.  So please don't sue me!!