Disclaimer: Read former chapters

Thanks to everyone who review this chapter!! I finally got a new one typed up. I had to stop for a bit because pre-cal was killing me and I needed more time.

I would personally thank you all, but I want to write as many chapters as I can while I have the time so we'll have to see what happens, Next time I promise to personally answer everyone though! I want to at least get this one out.

I even tried to make this longer and add more flashbacks!!

Now on with the chapter:

Jupiter

Makoto walked the halls of the Jupiter palace, her brown ponytail brushing her neck as she looked down thoughtfully, her emerald eyes studying the ground at her soft-slippered feet intently.

The council was coming up and soon, and everyone hoped it would end all of this, the needless fighting, the heartache, want, and anguish.

But, sometimes it seemed all of that would never be mended. Too much had been said and done over the years, and already it was as though an eternity had passed rather than the few years that had compared to a life time.

Surely a friendship that survived over two lifetimes could withstand this test, couldn't it?

Of course it could, it had too.

She looked before her again as the soft smell of baking touched her nose, watery tears stinging at her eyes.

So many memories from so long ago…

Flashback

Makoto smiled as her hands touched the raw cookie dough she was forming into small balls before she crushed them into shape with a cup. Today was the big day; Serena was to be crowned as Neo Queen Serenity.

This ball was supposed to be one of the biggest known to the kingdom, though she found that hard to believe.

She remembered all to well the wedding when Serena married King Endymion.

She shook her head. She still hadn't got over that, Mamoru, a king. His coronation had been something to, Endymion the King of Earth, almost unreal followed soon enough by that magical, fairy-tale wedding.

Well, aside. Now she was bringing fresh backed goodies for this. She knew of course there was no nee, Serena had plenty of willing servants who were happily preparing the feast of feasts, but it just didn't seem like a get together without her famous treats.

End Flashback

She stared emptily into the kitchen, unaware she was even doing it as she felt longing rise to her heart. I had been such a long time since she had gone into the kitchens just to bake, such a long time since she had even cooked.

She snapped back suddenly, and nearly jumped out of her skin when she felt a large hand gently fall onto her shoulder.

She whirl around, body tense in old instinct to defend until she recognized the concerned face of her lover, Nephrite.

"Makoto, darling, you seen worried." His soft voice spoke, underling his apprehension for her.

"I'm sorry, love, I was just thinking of the past and well…"

He silenced her with a finger on her lips. "I understand, I wondered when it would finally get to you." He confessed, reaching over and using his thumb to whip away the tears she hadn't even realized had fallen. "Everything will work out, in the end it always finds away."

"But can you be so sure?" She asked almost like a small child in her hopelessness towards this, towards her fear.

"There is a way to learn." He said logically, letting one arm fall around her waist as he led her out into one of the outside walks of the palace.

They both gazed in companionable silence at the stars above them, Nephrite's trained and knowing eyes studying them intently.

"It's written in the stars, the universe will be at peace again, that much is of a guarantee though the when is uncertain."

"But peace will come?"

He nodded with a soft smile, some of his dark, chocolate brown waves of hair falling over his shoulder. "In time, yes, there will again be peace, my Star." He promised, using a nickname he had long ago given her.

Makoto rested her body against his chest, smile finally gracing her lips and lighting her beautiful face slightly under the eternal glow of the night sky, just struggling to remember the happier times, and fill her heart with hope as she remembered when they were reunited.

Flashback

Makoto had been wearing a charming green dress that fit her frame nicely. It was simple and decorated only with a matching chocker and earrings, the simplicity of it making her loveliness stand out all the more.

She was laughing along with the rest, everything perfect. Especially when Minako fell into Kunzites arms, and Jaedite found his way to Rei, it was no time at all until she recognized the all too familiar back with a head full of wavy brown hair falling over it.

"I beg your pardon sir, but I do believe I am owed certain attention myself," she said in happy play, knowing from the other two's reactions he was bound to know her.

Nephrite turned around, that voice music to his hears. A large smile framed his lips as he faced her, arms finding her hands as he pulled her into a dance before she could even object.

"I have missed you so, my Star."

"And I you."

End Flashback

It would be alright, he promised, somehow, it would be alright; even if it did take a few more years to settle.

Well, I hope that was enough for now!! Merry Christmas all and remember, please review!!