Usako_mamoru 3rd anniversary challenge 2009
Day 7: Celebration
By Natsudori Lina
Since becoming the Neo-Queen, Serenity had grown to hate her birthday. Back when she was seventeen, it had been a day all about her. She'd eaten what she wanted, gotten the presents that she'd asked for, and Mamoru had taken her wherever she wanted to go.
Now, it was all about diplomacy, Serenity thought as she woke up, and the word tasted sour in her mind. Her birthday was celebrated by people all over the world, with fireworks, with noisemakers, and with raucous parties. It was celebrated by pretty much everyone. Except her.
Instead, Serenity thought, yanking her comforter back over her head, she was forced to attend ceremonies. To cut ribbons and pose for publicity photos. To deliver strained smile after strained smile for the openings of the Crystal Monument. The Silver Millenium Memorial. The freaking Bishoujo Senshi Museum.
For Selene's sake, they were still alive!
"Usako?" Endymion entered the room. "Are you awake?"
She grunted into her pillow. "I refuse to get out of this bed."
He laughed. "It's your birthday, Usako. You have to get up if you want your presents."
"You can just bring them to me."
"I can't carry all of them."
Serenity peeked one blue eye out from under the covers. "Are these good presents?" she asked suspiciously.
"I thought I saw a first edition shoujo manga in there."
She lifted her tousled silver head and regarded him seriously. "If you're fibbing, I'm going to be very upset with you."
He raised a hand solemnly, blue eyes dancing with laughter. "Hand to God."
She sat up and folded the golden satin comforter over in front of her. "And who exactly is going to be there while I open these presents?"
Endymion shrugged. "You. Me. Chibi-Usa, Ami, Rei, Makoto, and Minako. I think Haruka and Michiru were going to try to make it in, but I'm not sure if they're here yet. And you never know when Pluto's going to pop in."
"…That's it?"
He nodded an affirmative.
"No cameras? No press? No," her cheek twitched "ribbons?"
Endymion shook his head.
A beat of silence passed before Serenity asked suspiciously, "I can go in my pajamas?"
He nodded.
"I don't have to dress up for anyone? I can leave the crown in its case?" She paused. "Okay, how did you manage this?"
He laughed. "I'm the king, Usako, I don't have to ask for permission." It was his turn to pause. "Minako said it was okay."
She lifted her arms and cheered. "Well then, what are we still waiting for Mamo-chan? I have presents to open!"
Serenity leapt from the bed in her pink flannel pajamas and donned her bunny slippers. She ran past her husband, grabbing his hand, and dragging him behind her.
This birthday thing was looking up.