One Month
October 13
To A Man's Heart

***Mamoru's POV***

Apparently Nephrite had gotten the message Jadeite sent. Nephrite was late, but he had shown, and that was what was important. It had been tricky to send it, through a Youma. That had been strange. Tuxedo Kamen had stayed hidden the whole time as Jadeite had transported right in front of it and ordered it off to deliver his message. That had been the night before, and it was now just past four in the morning.

Tuxedo Kamen lay in the grass next to Sailor Moon and watched as the Dark General approached. Jadeite wouldn't show up of course, he was as hidden as they were. Luna and Artemis were back at the warehouse, guarding a sleeping Makoto. She had been easier to handle, having someone who could easily teleport in and out of her bedroom. Jadeite reminded Mamoru he could teleport as well, as could the girls.

Unfortunately they had never practiced the skill. The two of them had felt idiotic realizing that. It would have saved them a lot of work the night before. But there was no time now. Tuxedo Kamen let out a soft sigh.

Nephrite stepped out of the shadows close to the bench.

Sailor Moon whispered as soon as she saw Nephrite step out of the shadows. She was so quiet Tuxedo Kamen couldn't even make out the words, wouldn't have heard her at all if he hadn't been laying right next to her under the bush. They both stood as the glow enveloped the other man. Jadeite caught him before he could fall, and they reached him quickly.

Instantly they found themselves inside the warehouse. On the little bed in the middle of the floor lay Makoto. They carefully put Nephrite next to her. Releasing their henshin Mamoru and Usagi each took a side of the bed, calling to their crystals. They worked quickly together, their tasks remembered from the morning before.

Mamoru pulled the dark energy from Nephrite while Usagi repaired his memory and then his soul. They connected the link and healed over the fractures of the bond. Then, like they had with Jadeite, they connected Nephrite to not only Makoto, but to themselves, protecting him from being turned again. They would do more later, connecting all four to one another, and then to the Senshi as a group, but for now this would safeguard him.

Usagi smiled as they put the glamour over him. Only a few would know who he was. Makoto slept on, blissfully ignorant of her soulmate. They wouldn't let her wake and see him yet. It was too soon. She just wasn't ready. It would hurt her if she woke like this.

When they stood Jadeite stepped forward and picked up the tall brunette gently. He spun on his heel and was gone with her to put her comfortably back in bed. Mamoru stepped closer to the bed and moved Nephrite into the center, then used vines to bind him gently.

Jadeite returned and nodded. Makoto was safe.

Usagi didn't even transform. She simply willed Nephrite to wake with the Silver Crystal, and a few minutes later he was blinking his eyes open.

***Nephrite's POV***

He didn't know where he was. He looked up at the ceiling of what appeared to be an old warehouse. But it was an enclosed room. He turned his head. And saw Jadeite.

"What?" he asked, not sure what was going on. He tried to sit up and realized he was restrained.

"He's clean," a female voice said from the other side and he turned to look. And gasped. Serenity and Endymion stood beside him. He blinked in confusion. That wasn't right. He'd been reborn. Woke up in an orphanage when he was seven. He frowned. Jadeite and the others had been with him, and this man. Endymion. He must have been reborn too.

"Endymion? Serenity?" Nephrite's voice cracked. He let his head drop back to the pillow.

"It's okay, you can get up now," the girl said again. "I know you're probably a bit confused."

"You can say that again. Three sets of memories hitting you at once." That was Jadeite. He was moving, walking around the end of the bed to stand with the Prince and Princess.

"Do you remember being reborn?" He stared up at the prince, and then sat up, nodding his head. "We were in an orphanage. That's my first memory. You and Jed and the others were all there."

Mamoru nodded his head.

"Where am I? This isn't the Dark Kingdom. I don't feel... that... anymore."

The girl sat down. "First, my name is Usagi, and this is Mamoru. Jadeite you obviously remember. The Negaverse had you for about a year, but Mamoru was able to get the dark energy out. You are completely free of Metallia."

"Where's Makoto?" He asked, not sure how it had taken him so long to ask.

"She's safe. She doesn't have her memories back yet. We aren't giving them to the girls. Not until all four of you are free and they make the choice. It's up to them. I won't force it on them. I'm sorry we had to do it with you."

"I'm thankful for it. Don't feel bad."

Nephrite put a hand to his forehead. He had a bit of a headache. He looked down to see he was wearing the clothes of the Negaverse. That wouldn't do.

"I have clean clothing for you," Mamoru said, appearing to read his mind. "And there's a shower through there."

"We have a busy day planned, so don't take too long." Usagi added.

Nephrite stood and walked to the bathroom with the clothing Mamoru handed him. He showered quickly, his mind on Makoto. His soulmate. He was glad she was safe. Of course, the only way to keep her safe was to keep himself far away from her. He didn't know what the others had planned, but he couldn't take the chance he would be turned evil again.

He let the water wash over him. Let it cleanse his spirit as much as his body. When he was done he brushed his teeth and his long chestnut hair. He stepped out, feeling much better and overheard the tail end of a conversation.

"... same as we did for you. I know it didn't look like much, but he's completely linked to her, to us, to you. He can't be turned back any more than I can. Luna said it would be a matter of catching every single one of us. Senshi, Shitennou, and the advisor. Unless they do that it just can't happen."

"What can't happen?" he asked quietly.

Usagi turned to him. "You can't ever be turned evil again."

"That's impossible! Wouldn't it have been done before if it could have been?" Nephrite could feel himself frowning.

"You're forgetting, at that time my mother held the Silver Crystal, his father the Golden. We weren't in charge yet. If we had been we would have done this then, or something very like it, I think." Usagi said. She pushed him gently until he was sitting on the bed and sat beside him.

"So, it's safe for me to be near her?" he asked, not really daring to hope.

"Yes. You can't be turned evil unless she is too. You will never be forced to hurt her again. The piece of Metallia's spirit that was in you is gone. Forever. You're safe."

Nephrite nodded, hope beginning to fill him. "So what now?"

"We have to save Zoicite and Kunzite. We can take care of the next one tonight though. We'll do the same thing. Send a message. For now, we have a little time before school. Luna should be here with your paperwork any time. You're being listed as Chiba Nephrite, and you'll be in class with Mamoru and another friend. We're all at the same school though."

"Makoto is there," Jadeite said in a quiet voice. "Rei goes to a different school, so it was easier I guess."

"I can see her?"

"She's in class with me." Usagi admitted. "So are Ami and Minako."

Nephrite couldn't help letting out a small sigh. It was too bad he couldn't be in class with her. Of course, that might make things difficult. He wished he could spend time with her. Learn who she had become in this life.

"You have something in common in this life though," Usagi said sadly. "She's an orphan too. Her parents died in a plane crash." Nephrite's heart clenched at the thought of Makoto sad. It must have hurt her so much. Especially if she could remember them. "She's in the cooking club, and does tons of martial arts," Usagi added in a brighter tone. He couldn't help but smile at her.

"So, food." Mamoru said. "That's our first order of business. I want you to meet Motoki, too."

His prince was definitely different. "You were in the orphanage with us?" he asked, a little confused.

"Yes. I didn't even realize it until yesterday. It was as though there was a block on the memory, but as soon as Jadeite said it I could remember."

"Why weren't you taken when we were?" he asked.

"I left two days before it happened." Mamoru admitted. "I had just gotten access to part of my inheritance, and I was doing the modeling, so I could afford a place. They wouldn't let us all go together, so you were all planning to get jobs before you left. I had no clue you were missing. I just... forgot. I can't explain it."

He opened the door into a much larger room. It looked as though something was being built. Four doors stood in different sections, and the framework of smaller rooms had been put up.

"What's going on?" Nephrite asked, pointing.

"The Challenge." Jadeite said excitedly. "It's about... (AN: HA! HA! HA! DID YOU REALLY THINK I'D TELL YOU? NOPE! On to the next scene)

***Usagi's POV***

When they got to the Crown, Usagi's belly was screaming at her. She was extremely hungry. It had been a long night, and she'd used a lot of energy. Mamoru nudged her and handed her medication to her, raising an eyebrow at her.

"I was going to take it," she said, a bit annoyed. She hadn't forgotten. Not really. She just hadn't gotten around to them. She waited for her hot chocolate and took the pill as soon as she added the extra milk. She stuck her tongue out at Mamoru and he leaned in and kissed her, laughing.

Nephrite and Jadeite, sitting across from them in the booth, both smirked.

Motoki hurried up to the table. "Hey, here are the keys and the lease." He handed both to Mamoru, who quickly made them disappear.

"Neph, this is Furuhata Motoki. Motoki, meet Chiba Nephrite." The blonde leaned over the table and shook hands with the newest arrival, then pulled up a chair and sat.

"I am so glad they got you. I could tell Usagi was worried last night. Hey Jed, did you get any sleep?" Motoki smiled as he talked. He was so friendly and easy going that it was easy to get drawn in by him. She remembered she'd once had a crush on him. Over time he'd become like a big brother to her, and she was thankful. He was a good friend to have.

"Yeah, surprisingly."

"How many outfits did Usagi get you?"

"I have no clue!" Jadeite laughed. "I haven't even finished looking at all of them yet."

Usagi pretended to be hurt, letting out a gasp. None of them bought it though. She giggled too quickly. It felt strange to be at a table dominated by males. She was used to the girls and their loud chatter. The guys were quieter.

Mamoru's hand slid up and down her back. He'd taken the pill bottle again. She wondered when. She hadn't even noticed. The waitress brought their orders and all of them fell to eating. Usagi was a bit tired and when she was done eating, she let herself doze on Mamoru's shoulder.

***Motoki's POV***

"Does she seem more tired than normal, or is that just me?" He found himself asking, when Mamoru had pulled his sleeping girlfriend into his lap.

"We've done some powerful magic the past few days. And she hasn't had much sleep." Mamoru blushed then and Motoki winked at him. "I considered calling her parents and asking them to let me call her in sick, but she'd probably fight me a bit. She's got enough make up work as it is. We've got to take a bit of time tomorrow. Her mom is going to watch over us when we do our tests."

"Oh man! Tests on a Sunday!" Motoki groaned, but Mamoru was smiling. He checked the time. They still had time before they had to leave. He stood and went to the break room to change into his school uniform. He didn't care for them. The boy's uniforms were navy blue with light blue trim. At least the girls had more color, though he'd noticed their skirts were shorter than they had been the year before. The skirts were the same navy blue, with light bluish white shirts that had blue trim, and red bows.

He grinned as he thought about the way Reika looked in her uniform. He missed her. Thankfully she would be home for a week in November. He seemed to live for those brief breaks. Of course, she would be back for the second half of the school year, but it seemed a long time away.

He hurried back out to the others. Usagi was still sleeping and as Mamoru slid out of the bench he simply lifted her high and carried them as they walked toward the high school. (AN: Did you know high schools in Japan are only three years, like middle schools? And people don't come of age until they're 20.) They probably made a strange sight, four high school boys, one of them carrying a sleeping high school girl. He hoped no one assumed they'd hurt her.

And then, as though his thought had made it come to pass, Makoto was racing down the street towards them, almost screaming in her concern. "What's wrong with Usagi?"

"She's fine," Mamoru called as Usagi stirred in his arms. The tiny blonde mumbled, lifted her head and looked around, then tried to climb down. Mamoru was having none of it of course. He just held her more tightly and ordered "rest. You still have time." She lay back and closed her eyes again. Motoki sighed. Reika would never do that if he'd asked. She'd have gotten up just because he tried to tell her not to.

Makoto was panting, still visibly upset, and tried to rush to her friend when Nephrite grabbed her gently by the arm. He stooped over her, bent down and said, "I promise, she's just tired. Fell asleep after breakfast."

Makoto looked up at the older boy and her eyes widened. Motoki saw her mouth open, just a fraction of an inch, as though she had to force herself not to let her jaw hang open. He hid a smile. It wouldn't do to have her angry with him. He'd seen her carry Mamoru from the boat to the little cave on the beach and not break a sweat after all. He knew she was strong.

"He's right Makoto. She's just tired. Had a busy night," and he winked to let his words sink in. Of course, that wasn't all of it. He didn't know exactly what was going on, but Usagi was somehow saving the men who were showing up, and those men were somehow linked to the girls.

She caught his words and a blush rose on her cheeks. Nephrite's hand was still wrapped around her arm, his eyes on hers. She didn't look at Motoki, couldn't seem to tear her eyes away from the blue orbs staring at her. Finally, she nodded and he released her, gently turning her so that she walked beside him, then put his hand in the small of her back as though he'd been doing so for years. Makoto was still blushing.

But it wasn't what she didn't say that made Motoki take notice. She didn't mention her old sempai, no words about the old boyfriend who broke her heart. She didn't speak at all, but simply walked next to him, occasionally stealing glances up at him. Motoki realized he was witnessing something beautiful. He turned his head and saw that Usagi was awake, sitting and watching from Mamoru's arms. He too was looking. Both seemed happy with what was happening.

Makoto was meeting her soulmate.

***Makoto's POV***

She couldn't focus. She knew Haruna-sensei was talking. She just didn't hear a word. Her mind had flown back to that morning, and the feeling of his hand on her arm. They'd called him Neph. She'd never heard a name like that before. It wasn't Japanese. But he was. That much was obvious in spite of his chestnut hair and blue eyes. After all she had cinnamon hair and green eyes and she was Japanese. Perhaps there was some western blood in her line somewhere...

Her mind circled. Chiba. Another cousin. He was in Mamoru's class. She wondered if they would come and sit with the girls at lunch. She hadn't seen him holding a bento box. If he didn't have food, maybe she could share some of hers. She'd seen something in his eyes. Something elusive, but wonderful.

Her head came up as the bell rang. Usagi moved towards her and dragged her out of her seat. Jadeite was on her heels, as was Naru. Ami was still gathering her lunch and Umino was carrying his and Naru's. Before she could do more than grab hers and Usagi's bento boxes she was being dragged from the classroom. Minako, leading the way, was chattering about something, but she couldn't make herself focus.

Mamoru met them in the hall, Motoki and Neph beside him. He grabbed Usagi's hand the moment she passed the door. Makoto smiled when she saw that. He would move heaven and earth to be close to her. That kind of love was beautiful.

***Mamoru's POV***

Being dragged around from store to store wasn't something Mamoru would have believed he'd enjoy. But he enjoyed it immensely. When Usagi got excited about something she would jump and squeal, pointing and urging the others to move where she wanted. Being pushed around by a 4'11 pixie of a girl was the greatest feeling.

For someone who had always been quiet, a bit reserved, studious, and calm, it was an experience. He mostly stood back and watched her, occasionally rolling his eyes as she imposed her will on the other two. It was adorable. Jadeite seemed to get into the spirit of things quickly. Of course he wanted pillows that were a tacky orange and yellow with silver thread flowers made of silk, couches that were green leather, and some of the strangest hula lamps Mamoru had ever seen.

Usagi had to put her foot down. She pointed out cotton pillows that were solid colors, and mostly dark. Black, blue, green, and red. Mamoru thought they were a better fit. He was surprised she hadn't found everything in pink, but he was happy she seemed to be so good at this. The couches she talked Mamoru into were a soft cotton in navy blue. Not likely to show stains, she reminded him. She let Jadeite pick one lamp only, for his bedroom. Of course he went for one of the hula girls.

Strange man.

The beds Usagi chose and refused to listen to anyone. She knew what she was doing, she explained. Nephrite tried to insist he would be happy with a futon on the floor. She'd glared at him. Each was a set. A matching dresser, desk, and chair went with them. Under the bed were additional drawers.

The table she chose was rectangular, and much bigger than four men needed. Mamoru had balked at it, until she'd turned to him and said sweetly, "I see, you'd rather the girl bring the guys to your apartment to hang out then. In that case..."

He hadn't let her finish the sentence.

Things he hadn't even considered were purchased. She directed everything. It was like watching a general move into battle. When Jadeite tried to run off into a pottery store, she'd caught him by the collar of his school uniform and dragged him back, insisting decorations could wait until he had himself a job.

Mamoru laughed. She really was incredible. Everything was done in less than three hours. It would have taken him a week. Most of it was a matter of handing the excited sales clerk a magazine, corners folded down. She'd asked for those items, or the closest thing to them to be found and delivered. Towels, dishes, silverware, toiletry items, bedding, and so many other things he forgot them all. She was a force of nature.

Then she had to push and shove a very unwilling Nephrite into a clothing store and force him to try on an outfit he liked. Mamoru laughed at the look on his face. Jadeite shoved him into the changing room and offered to help him if he didn't get a move on. After Usagi was satisfied she had the right sizes and colors for him, she let them go grab a snack for her while she finished.

They went to the car, fully loaded with bags, and there was so much that everyone had to hold items on their laps. More would be delivered to the apartment the following day.

Mamoru's bank account hadn't taken a hit so hard since he'd bought his car. It was worth it.

***Nephrite's POV***

He was exhausted. He and Jadeite had gone out to send a message to Zoicite. By the time they'd returned it was nearing ten in the evening. The meeting was set for three in the morning. They needed sleep. Jadeite unlocked the door and pointed to the guest room, offering to take the couch for the night.

Mamoru was at Usagi's house, and would meet them at 3:15. He'd taken Usagi before the two of them left, insisting she get some sleep. Now he made his way to the guest room and threw his school uniform onto a chair, before falling into the bed in only his boxers.

His mind wandered to Makoto. Somehow she was different in this lifetime. Softer, not as aggressive. She seemed sweeter as well. And much quieter. He recalled the first time they'd met in their previous life she'd challenged him to a quick match and had hit him so hard he'd flown across the room. He was sure she was still just as strong, but it was tempered, he thought. Perhaps with sorrow, or with the care of Usagi, who seemed much happier than she really was.

He'd seen the shadows under her eyes. He'd noticed the sadness, the occasional fear if she couldn't see Mamoru, or if she felt trapped. It had been more than obvious at the shopping center. He had to make sure to ask what had happened to her. Or them.

His mind wandered back to Makoto. She had been so kind to him, giving him part of her lunch, making sure he and Jadeite and Mamoru all had food of their own. And she'd offered to make lunch for him again the following school week. He was happy about that. It meant she cared.

Thankfully it would be a short week, as there was a bit of a break. Monday and Tuesday there would be school, but the rest of the week was for teachers only. That was one thing he hadn't missed when he was in the Negaverse. Six days of school with only one rest day. Of course, in the orphanage that rest day had meant cleaning.

Now he deliberately turned his mind back to the girl with the intense green eyes, cinnamon hair, and luscious pink lips. He sighed and turned his head on the pillow, his hair falling to cover his eyes. And fell asleep, thinking about the feeling of her skin under his hand.