A Special Birthday
-by Hopeless Romantic-
-hope_parker@yahoo.com-
Rated: H/ NC-17
"Usagi?" Ikuko called from her bedroom.
"Hai mama," Usagi answered, walking in to her parents bedroom.
Ikuko was sitting on her bed with a large black lacquer box, with a red silk ribbon around it, in front of her.
"Usagi, please sit." Ikuko motioned, then continued. "Do you know what is in this?" she asked, patting the box.
"Iie mama. What is it?" Usagi inquired.
"This box has been passed down for many generations in our family. It has always been given to the first born daughter or to the first daughter to get married." Ikuko explained, misty-eyed.
Usagi said nothing, but nodded for her mother to continue.
"I know that you and Mamoru are going to get married," she stated, looking at Usagi.
Usagi's eyes widened and she started to protest, but was cut-off by her mother.
"Now, don't be alarmed. I see the far-off look you get in your eyes when you think of him. I was the same with your father." Ikuko comforted.
"Mama, what does this box have to do with Mamoru and me?" Usagi asked, thankful she used his full name.
"I want you to have this. Here, open it." Ikuko replied, handing the box to Usagi.
Usagi, sat on the floor and carefully untied the ribbon. She then took the lid off and opened the rice paper layer inside.
The paper parted to reveal a black and gold kimono, a matching gold obi (wide kimono belt) and antique Sado (tea ceremony) utensils.
Usagi just marveled at this gift. Finally, she let out the breath that she had been holding for so long.
"Oh, mama. It's beautiful." Usagi cried, throwing her arms around her mother in a hug.
"Now you understand why I was so insistent that you learn the Sado. It is becoming a lost art among the young." Ikuko explained, through her own tears.
Being taught the Sado was something that Usagi treasured, because it was special time that she spent with her mother. It was important to her mother that she learn and understand it. Not even the senshi or Mamoru knew that she could do this.
Usagi was deep in thought when her mother's voice interrupted her reverie.
"The kimono has gold Sakura (cherry blossoms) around the bottom and on the front is a gold Sakura tree. Everything for the kimono is there except an obi-jime (small rope like belt to hold obi). I, like your grandmother, felt that the obi-jime should be picked out by the individual that should receive this. It adds a personal touch." Ikuko explained, wiping her tears away.
"Arigato mama, I will treasure this and hold it dear to my heart." Usagi sniffed, grabbing her mother in another embrace.
Once the two re-gained control of their emotions, Usagi put the lid back on and re-tied the ribbon. She was about to leave for her room when her mother stopped her.
"Usagi, mention nothing of this to your father. I have accepted the fact you will get married and I will be gaining a son; your father only sees it as losing a daughter." Ikuko explained, and Usagi looked saddened by this.
"Give him some time. He will come around." Ikuko comforted.
Usagi nodded and walked to her room, to let all of this sink in.
Luna was asleep on the window ledge, so Usagi was careful not to wake her, knowing the Sado was something that she was not ready to talk about with anyone, except maybe Mamoru.
Usagi quietly put the box under her bed and flopped down to just think.
'I am looking forward to passing the Sado and kimono on to Chibi-Usa. I just hope that I will have time to spend with her once Mamoru and I take the throne in the future.' Usagi thought.
Eventually she fell asleep thinking about how she was going to tell Mamoru her most guarded secret.* * * * * * * * * * *
Usagi was awakened by someone patting her face.
'Either I am still asleep, or my mother has awfully hairy hands.' Usagi thought, slowly coming out of dreamland.
Then as sleep lessened its grasp on her, she realized that it was Luna pawing at her.
Slowly, Usagi opened an eye to peer at the cat.
"Usagi-chan, are you awake?" Luna asked.
Usagi nodded her head as her eyes drifted closed again.
Not going to be ignored, Luna jumped on Usagi's chest to fully awaken the girl.
Usagi sat straight up and glared at the cat, who was now on the floor.
"What, Luna?" Usagi growled.
"Usagi-chan, do you have any idea what day it is tomorrow?" Luna asked.
"Um, Saturday I think. Why?" Usagi questioned rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
"How about the date?" Luna coaxed, knowing full well Usagi had forgotten.
"Ooh, what is with all the questions, Luna? It's…" Usagi began but stopped at the realization of tomorrow's date.
"That's what I thought. You forgot, ne?" Luna asked.
"Kami, I forgot it was Mamo-chan's birthday. What am I going to get him?" Usagi trailed off going into thought about gift ideas.
"I don't know, Usagi-chan. I just thought I would remind you before I went to visit Artemis." Luna tossed over her shoulder before hopping out the window to head for Minako's.
Usagi was already thinking about a perfect gift. Then it hit her, 'bam'.
"I have a perfect idea. I remember shopping with Ami-chan and seeing that framed poem entitled 'Endymion'. That will be one gift and I will make him tea, the right way." Usagi thought aloud.
Usagi grabbed her purse and checked to see how much money she had on her.
Finding that she only had enough for the poem and some tea, she decided to ask her mother for some, so that she could purchase an obi-jime to match her obi.
Usagi bounced down the stairs and found her mother in the kitchen brewing some tea.
"Mama, I need a little extra money so that I can buy an obi-jime today while I'm out getting Mamoru a birthday gift." Usagi explained.
"Alright Usagi. There is a nice store down in the shopping district. I saw a couple of Geisha going in there before, so if they shop there that means that the store has good quality things." Ikuko replied, handing Usagi some money from her purse.
"Arigato mama." Usagi smiled as she went out the door and headed to the shopping district.
'Ok, first stop, the art gallery for Mamo-chan's framed poem and then to the tea shop. Lastly, I'll pick up my obi-jime and make my way home to plan for tomorrow..' Usagi thought as she skipped down the sidewalk.* * * * * * * * * * *
Usagi made it to the art gallery in record time. The framed poem was still in the front window. Usagi went in and picked the poem up and just studied it. She read and re-read it thinking about it.
~ Endymion ~
The rising moon has hid the stars;
Her level rays, like golden bars,
Lie on the landscape green,
With shadows brown between.
And silver white the river gleams,
As if Serenity, in her dreams
Had dropt her silver bow
Upon the meadows low.
On such a tranquil night as this,
She woke Endymion with a kiss,
When, sleeping in the grove,
He dreamed not of her love.
Like Serenity's kiss, unasked, unsought,
Love gives itself, but is not bought;
Nor voice, nor sound betrays
Its deep, impassioned gaze.
It comes,--the beautiful, the free,
The crown of all humanity,--
In silence and alone
To seek the elected one.
It lifts the boughs, whose shadows deep
Are Life's oblivion, the soul's sleep,
And kisses the closed eyes
Of him who slumbering lies.
O weary hearts! O slumbering eyes!
O drooping souls, whose destinies
Are fraught with fear and pain,
Ye shall be loved again!
No one is so accursed by fate,
No one so utterly desolate,
But some heart, though unknown,
Responds unto his own.
Responds,-- as if with unseen wings,
An angel touched its quivering strings;
And whispers, in its song,
"Where hast thou stayed so long?"'Every time I read that it reminds me of Mamo-chan in our past lives.' Usagi thought as she walked to the counter to purchase the poem.
With the framed work tucked under her arm, wrapped in plain brown paper, Usagi made her way to the tea shop.* * * * * * * * * * *
Usagi walked from the kimono shop with three packages.
'Ok, now let me make sure that I didn't forget anything. I got the poem, check, fresh green tea, check and a red and black obi-jime, check.' Usagi mentally checked off.
Once Usagi was home she began to think about how to give Mamoru his birthday gift.* * * * * * * * * * *
After what seemed like an eternity, finally it was Saturday morning.
Usagi got up early and put on the special under-garments and wound her hair up in a bun. Usagi then called to her mother for her to help her with her kimono and obi.
Ikuko was teary eyed as she helped Usagi tie her obi. She knew what Usagi had planned to do for Mamoru, and she silently prayed that all would go well and be beautiful for her daughter. Ikuko had done the same thing for Kenji and she knew what this would ultimately lead to. Ikuko thought back to her first intimate encounter with Kenji and blushed at the thought.
Usagi noticed that her mother had stopped tying, when she turned around she saw the blush that now covered her mother's face.
Ikuko looked up to Usagi and smiled, "Usagi, I am so proud of the young woman that you are becoming."
Usagi didn't know what to say, she just threw her arms around her mother and hugged her.
They shared a tender moment until Ikuko stepped back to admire the kimono on Usagi.
"You look lovely," Ikuko smiled.
"Arigato mama" Usagi smiled and bowed.
"Now, don't forget your things, and tell Rei and the girls hi for me." Ikuko smiled and winked at Usagi, for she knew where her daughter would be staying tonight.
Usagi gathered up everything and slipped on her Zori sandals and headed out the door, for Mamoru's apartment.
'I am very happy for her. She will find the tiny items I slipped into the front of her obi, when Mamoru gets all of his presents.' Ikuko thought, as she watched Usagi walk gracefully down the street toward Mamoru's apartment.* * * * * * * * * * *
It took Usagi less time than what she thought it would to get to Mamoru's apartment. She let herself in with her key and began to set up what she needed.
First, she moved the low table out of the way and opened the drapes to let in the sunlight. Second, she put on a rain drop CD that she had gotten before. Then she set up Mamoru's kettle that he had for tea and arranged all her Sado utensils. Soon Mamoru would be back from his morning classes.* * * * * * * * * * *
Mamoru opened the door to his apartment and was met with a beautiful sight. There on the floor before him was Usagi in the most stunning kimono that he had ever seen. Faintly in the background he could hear the sound of gentle raindrops.
"Usako?" Mamoru questioned, barely above a whisper.
"Hai Mamo-chan. Happy birthday, I have many presents for you." Usagi replied quietly, as she bowed.
Mamoru returned the bow and hastily removed his shoes, and followed Usagi into the living room.
"Please get comfortable, I will be waiting." Usagi smiled as she sat down by the kettle and a tray of Sado items to wait.
Mamoru quickly went into his bedroom to change his clothes.
'This calls for something nicer than ordinary clothes,' Mamoru thought to himself as he reach to the very back of his closet.
Finding his treasure, he laid the items on his bed and began to undress.
In a short time, Mamoru walked out of his bedroom dressed in black hakama (pleated kimono pants) with black and gray haori (short jacket).
Usagi looked up and her breath caught in her throat as Mamoru silently walked over to her. He sat down on the floor and faced Usagi's right, as per tradition, and bowed to her. Usagi gratefully returned the bow and began the preparations for tea.
Mamoru was in awe at the skill of Usagi when it came to Sado, but out of tradition and respect he remained silent and appreciated the entire act.
Usagi went through the steps that she had infused into her mind and body. She went through the process step by step. First she took the bamboo ladle and poured water into the tea bowl. She put the ladle atop of the kettle, with the bowl end first and she let the handle slide through her thumb and index finger of her left hand. A simple act, but a very erotic one. She then proceeded with cleansing of the bowl and the bamboo whisk. She then purified the tea scoop and tea container with a red silk cloth, that she later tucked into her obi. Usagi next put the tea into the bowl and mixed it up. Once the tea was ready, she gracefully took the bowl into her hand and turned it so the front faced Mamoru. Usagi set the bowl before Mamoru and he gave an appreciative bow, then ceremonially turned the bowl so that the front was facing Usagi, then took a sip. Mamoru then placed the bowl before Usagi and she turned the bowl so as to not drink from the front and sipped.
Finished with the tea, Usagi cleansed the bowl and whisk with hot water and shared a final bow with Mamoru; indicating that the ceremony was finished.
Mamoru was thankful for that, for he couldn't wait to wrap his arms around Usagi.
"That was amazing, Usako." Mamoru smiled, as he helped her pick up the items used.
"Thank you, Mamo-chan. It has taken me many years to learn that." Usagi smiled, and blushed.
"You never cease to amaze me." Mamoru whispered, as he kissed her neck.
"Now, now, you have another gift to open." Usagi pointed to the brown paper wrapped package.
"Is that the only gift that I get to open or are there more?" Mamoru cooed as he sat on the couch by the package.
"Now if I would have mentioned something like that you would have told me that I was a minx." Usagi pointed out as she sat in front of him.
"Well, are there?" Mamoru questioned as he began to unwrap the package.
"Perhaps," Usagi purred.
Mamoru tore the paper off of his gift with the enthusiasm of a child. Finally freeing the gift from its wrapping, he studied what it was.
For the first time in a long time, Mamoru started to cry.
"Mamo-chan, what's wrong? Don't you like it?" Usagi panicked.
"No, no Usako. I love it. It really means a lot to me." Mamoru smiled, wiping away the tears, as he hugged Usagi.
"I thought that you would like it." Usagi smiled, as she held him.
"There's another gift that I am very anxious to unwrap." Mamoru seductively cooed in Usagi's ear.
"Well, I think that it is time for you to do just that. But not here. Let's get someplace more comfortable." Usagi purred as she dragged Mamoru into his bedroom.
Once inside, Mamoru pulled Usagi to him and devoured her lips. Finally breaking for air he began to undo his own clothes, knowing it would take longer to remove Usagi's kimono.
After moments, Mamoru stood before Usagi completely naked with a smile on his lips.
"Kind sir, are you having dishonorable thoughts toward me?" Usagi questioned, jokingly, as she unbound her hair and let it cascade down her back.
"No my lady, only the purest, most honorable and very pleasurable thoughts." Mamoru smiled as he bowed before Usagi.
Usagi smiled and started to undo the ties on the belts that were holding her obi and kimono in place; until Mamoru grabbed her hands.
"No, allow me." Mamoru smiled and began to untie the obi-jime and removed it.
Usagi smiled a mischievous smile. 'That will have a use later,' she thought as Mamoru began to undo the tie on the back of her obi.
Slowly Mamoru began to unwrap the many overlaps of the ornate obi around Usagi's waist.
Unexpectedly, when Mamoru unwrapped a lower layer, two tiny foil packets fell to the floor. Usagi was shocked and surprised when Mamoru retrieved them from the floor.
"Well, you planned ahead, ne?" Mamoru questioned.
"No, I didn't… Oh my god! My mother must have put them there." Usagi screeched as the realization dawned on her.
"Are you sure?" Mamoru asked.
"Yes. That's why she winked at me when she told me to tell the girls hi. She knew I was staying here. What if…" Usagi panicked but was silenced by Mamoru.
"Don't start to get upset, Usako. I think your mother knows you are not a little girl any more." Mamoru reasoned in a calming voice.
"I think you are right. She mentioned something about knowing we were going to get married; and not to mention certain things to father." Usagi thought out loud.
"There you see. Now, where were we?" Mamoru questioned as he unwrapped the final layer and placed the obi over a chair, knowing not to crease it.
Piece by piece, Usagi's kimono and under garments were removed until she stood before Mamoru in all her natural beauty.
"Amazing." Mamoru purred as he eased Usagi down to the bed.
Slowly, Mamoru trailed kisses down Usagi's neck until he came to her erect nipples. He gently caressed and licked at the one with his tongue as his thumb did the same to the other.
This produced little gasps and moans from Usagi's throat.
Mamoru gave the other the same attention that he had the first. Usagi wanted something else. She ran her hands through Mamoru's hair as she pushed him down to where she needed him most.
Taking the hint, Mamoru trailed kisses down her stomach until he reach her mound. He was happily surprised when he got there. To his surprise, Usagi had shaved her womanhood and only left a small tuft of golden curls.
"Mmmm, we are full of surprises today, aren't we?" Mamoru moaned as he parted her nether lips and lightly kissed inside her lips.
"Ooh, you… have no idea" Usagi gasped, as Mamoru stuck his tongue deep into her.
"Oh… Mammmohh…" Usagi moaned, as she ran her hands through Mamoru's hair, urging him on further.
Mamoru pulled his tongue from inside her and began to lick and suck at her swollen jewel.
Usagi's breathing had become more labored and shallow.
Sensing that she was approaching her peak, Mamoru inserted a finger into her velvety canal. He skillfully timed pushing it in and out with his sucking on her jewel.
"Oh gods Mamo-chan…yes…like that…oooh godddss." Usagi inhaled sharply, as her body locked up in a wondrous orgasm.
Mamoru paused in his assault on her little jewel until the spasms passed. Then he cleaned up all of her honey and he kissed a trail back up to her awaiting lips. He claimed them in a soul searing kiss.
Usagi could feel his hardened manhood pressing against her thigh.
Slowly, she eased from the kiss and motioned for Mamoru to lay on the bed.
Usagi retrieved one of her mother's 'gifts' and put it on the night-table. She then grabbed the obi-jime and tied Mamoru's hands loosely to the headboard.
"Usako, what are you up to?" Mamoru inquired with a raised eyebrow.
"Well, I am going to pleasure you. Not to worry, it is very loose. I would never hold you against your will. I just want to try something new." Usagi explained.
Just the thought of Usagi taking advantage of him sent shivers up his spine.
Usagi began by nibbling on Mamoru's very sensitive ears. She then kissed her way to his nipples and sucked on them as her one hand stroked his manhood.
This produced a low animalistic growl from Mamoru's throat.
This encouraged Usagi to continue her trek down to her ultimate goal.
Usagi kissed around Mamoru's navel and then kissed the tip of his erect member; causing it to twitch.
Smiling, Usagi looked up to Mamoru's passion contorted face. He looked gorgeous with his eyes closed and his mouth partially open. Fighting the urge to just mount him then and there she continued to lick and suck his manhood.
"Oh Usako…please" Mamoru moaned, gasping.
"What do you want me to do? Tell me." Usagi cooed.
"I want to be in you." Mamoru pleaded.
Not wanting to wait any longer, Usagi reach over and grabbed the necessary precaution and hurriedly unrolled it on him.
Mamoru couldn't stand it any longer. He wormed his hands free from their bindings and grasped her pert breasts.
Usagi impaled herself on his entire length, and began an easy rhythm until Mamoru had other plans.
Wanting them both to peak at the same time, Mamoru sped up the pace and drew Usagi to his chest, so he could thrust deeper and harder into her.
It was the combination of her shaved womanhood and the erotic sensation of being tied up and pleasured, that caused him to lose the restraint on his carnal desires.
Harder and harder Mamoru thrust into Usagi's velvety channel. Usagi tried to meet each one with one of her own, but Mamoru was going to quickly for her to keep up. So Usagi just enjoyed the ride on her beautiful lover.
Soon Usagi could feel the pressure of his swelling manhood spreading her insides wider. This caused her to soar to a wonderful second orgasm.
The spasming of Usagi's womanhood dragged him over the edge into his own climax.
Wonderfully spent, they lay together, still intimately connected. Realizing the need to dispose of their precaution, Mamoru eased his dozing love off to the side.
Having disposed of it, Mamoru snuggled up to Usagi and settled in for a nap.
"This has been the best birthday ever. I love you Usako." Mamoru whispered into Usagi's ear.
"I love you too, my love." Usagi sleepily replied.
The two lovers fell asleep in each others arms.* * * * * * * * * * *
Crystal Tokyo
Neo-King Endymion stood in his office admiring the framed work that hung behind his desk. So engrossed in it, Endymion did not notice his small pink haired daughter walk up to him.
"Papa" Chibi-Usa questioned, as she took his hand.
Neo-King Endymion jumped slightly at the surprise. Then he smiled down at his beaming daughter.
'So much like your mother.' He thought before answering.
"Hai, Small Lady?"
"Papa, what is that?" Chibi-Usa asked, pointing at the picture he was previously staring at.
"That is a very special gift that your mother gave me many years ago." Neo-King Endymion smiled.
"How can a picture of words mean anything?" Chibi-Usa questioned, not understanding.
"Even the smallest thing means a lot when it comes from someone who you truly love and who truly loves you." Neo-King Endymion answered sitting down and pulling Chibi-Usa into his lap.
The next hour he spent explaining about the poem and some edited circumstances about that birthday when he was given it.
Unknown to him a teary-eyed Neo-Queen Serenity was just outside the cracked door, listening to the story and remembering.* * * * * * * * * * *
Note: The poem 'Endymion' is written by H. W. Longfellow. I have modified it to suit the Sailor Moon story line. The inspiration for this story has come from my own experience in studying the Japanese tea ceremony (Sado). This started off as two separate stories and I just liked it better combining them.As always, thanks to my wonderful husband, the Yarnspinner, for his encouragement and belief in me.
The characters of Sailor Moon do not belong to me, I just borrow them from time to time to expand on the romance between the characters.