"Usagi, come on we have to leave now!" She heard Minako call from down stairs, but she didn't move. She sat in her chair staring at her reflection. She felt different. She couldn't explain it really. Her hair looked shinier, her eyes had more depth, and she really couldn't bring herself to think about the cake that was hers tonight. Something was defiantly changing in her.

Moving from her mirror she finally left her room and began to descend the staircase to leave with her friends. She could see them from the top of the stairs. They all looked so beautiful.

Minako was in a light yellow and orange dress that clung to her hips and dipper low on her chest, Ami was in a simple royal blue dress that hiked up on her left thigh and a thick chocker, Makoto had a hunter green dress with peasant sleeves and small pink flowers embroidered around it, and Rei was dressed in a deep red halter styled dress that hung closely to her body.

Their soft conversations turned silent once they saw Usagi on the stairs; Her hair was neat and tight in their odangos, small pearl clips were placed just inches from the buns. The dress she wore resembled that of her mother's, the Queen Serenity's in style. It was white and sleeveless with a tight light pink bow on the center of her chest, and a light pink train in the back, and a white chocker that had a large crescent moon dangling from it.

"Oh Usagi..." They said in soft gasps.

"Alright...We can leave now." She said smiling calmly at her friends.

The party was a huge success, the hall they had rented was packed with party guests all dancing and laughing. Guests kept arriving way into the night, but there was one person still missing. Mamoru.

Usagi had danced and danced with many different people from the time she was led into the hall, her feet ached and so did her heart. She excused herself from the group of people who had begged a conversation with her, and went to rest out on the balcony.

It was a rather large space, and thankfully no one else had noticed it yet. She leaned her elbows on the cool stone edge and looked up at the moon, her source of serenity.

"Isn't customary for the birthday girl to actually be at her party?"

Usagi turned around to see Seiya standing behind her, a long stemmed pink rose in his hand. "Seiya! When did you get here?" She said and immediately gave him a hug.

"A few minutes ago, in just enough time to see you escape out here. Here, this are for you, if you hadn't guessed." He said smiling down at the blonde as he handed her the flower.

She took the pink rose in her hands delicately and noticed the very center the petals were pearl white, "Seiya it's beautiful. Thank you." She said sincerely. She could still see him singing to her earlier that afternoon. She had been so emotional; she finally was able to see them all again, this time for a happier occasion.

"It's strange isn't it?" He said snapping her out of her thoughts; she looked over at him as he walked to the edge of the balcony. "To meet like this so casually. When we were all together..." He said, letting his voice travel away.

"I know, I was thinking the same thing, but I'm very happy we have the chance." She said coming up next to him.

"You seem different somehow, I'd figured you'd be plowing into your cake like old times, but your not." He said looking over at her with a contemplative smile.

"I grew up on you Seiya." She said giving him a playful smile.

"Yeah I guess you have." He said and looked around a bit, "So how long before lover boy comes to sweep you away for a midnight dance?" He said tongue in cheek.

Usagi's eyes darkened considerably, as she turned back to look over the edge, flower in hand. "He's not here..."

"Oh...is he still in America?" He asked, concerned for the precious girl.

"No...he's just busy." She said more like she was trying to convince herself of it.

Seiya stood stern, looking serious for a moment then lightened up and took hold of her hand. "Well, the birthday girl should have the very last dance. If you'll let me, I would be honored to share it with you." He said smiling genuinely down at her. With a blush she let him lead her back inside.

It was her party, she should be able to have fun after all.

Coming home a couple hours later after saying her goodbyes, she trudged up the stairs with a happy smile on her face. Luna followed, not looking all too happy.

"Usagi--" She began but was cut off when Usagi pushed the button on her answering machine.

"Message one..." The recording said.

"Hey Usagi, I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday once more before you go to sleep. I hope we can spend some more time together before I have to go back, it's been a pleasure to see you again. Good night." Seiya said hanging up. Usagi smiled again, and Luna began to remind her not to get too involved when she was cut off yet again.

"Message two..." it said again.

This one was filled with noise, laughter and music in the background. "Usa-ko? Oh well, I just wanted to say I'm sorry I wasn't able to make your party. We got caught up in the conference and decided to just stay in a hotel near the convention center. I'm sure I'll see you before I go back to school, Happy Birthday..." Mamoru said before a voice called him, the phone clicking silently after that.

She couldn't believe it...He really hadn't bothered to even show up. What was all that noise in the background anyway? It sounded like he was at his own party. Tears slowly filled her eyes, and she ducked her head, Luna just looking on- not knowing what to say.