"Happy Birthday Mamoru!" Motoki cried as Mamoru grumpily slouched into Crown. "I know you hate your birthday but…" Motoki placed a card on the table. "Happy Birthday."
Mamoru smiled slightly. "Thanks," he muttered as he opened his card. A handmade coupon slipped out.
"Free coffee for the birthday boy." He read aloud. "Gee Motoki, you shouldn't have."
Motoki beamed at his best friend. "Oh, and this," sliding a small oblong box onto the counter, "Is from Usagi."
Mamoru's eyes widened. He wasn't sure what shocked him more, the fact that she knew his birthday, or that she had actually gotten him something. He pulled off the ribbon gently and carefully opened the box. Inside, in black tissue paper was a white satin masquerade mask. He took it out of the box and held it in the palm of his hands. Pinned to the back was a note. To my Tuxedo, you'll always be my hero, with or without a mask. Your Odango Atama x"
"So," Motoki leaned against the counter, "What did your Lady Love get you?" Mamoru was silent. "A mask?" Motoki asked, looking into his hands. Still Mamoru was silent. With a finger, he traced the stitching. He couldn't believe it; and yet, it was the best gift anyone had ever given him.
Then, his eyes widened once more. That must mean, she was Sailor Moon! It had to be her. To Motoki's surprise, Mamoru smacked himself on the forehead for not realising it sooner. "Is she here?" he asked his bewildered friend.
"Actually," Motoki said pointing to a booth at the back, "She's just over there."
Mamoru looked at the mask again before walking over to where Usagi sat, idly stirring a melted milkshake with her straw, obviously in deep thought. Mamoru almost turned back, so as not to disturb her. But, instead, he put on the mask and crept up behind her, until his lips were level with her ear.
"Sailor Moon…" he whispered, producing a rose and handing it to her.
Usagi did not say a word. She silently reached up, and removed the mask from his midnight blue eyes. Bringing a hand to his cheek, she kissed him softly. "My hero," she whispered.
'You are my hero,' she thought, 'In ways you will never know Mamo-chan. You saved my life without even realising…'
