Author's Note: Again, I am going to apologize that this wasn't up sooner. The wedding took over my life yet again, and then ffnet decided that it wasn't going to post my story, no matter how many times I uploaded it. Hopefully this will work this time!

General Disclaimer: I don't own it, so don't sue!

Small Changes

The next few days the two avoided each other…but it seemed to be more of an unconscious decision than something deliberate. Makoto was wrapped up in her birthday celebration plans, trying to make sure that everything was set. Nephrite, however, was working twice as hard to make sure that there were no interruptions at this gathering. He was working every soldier in the area to the point of breaking, including himself. Working himself until exhaustion was a great way to make sure that he didn't have too much time to think about the past few days. Still confused about everything, he didn't want to dwell on it too much.

Rei knocked on Makoto's door. "Mako, are you ready?"

Makoto raced to open the door for her friend. "Not yet, but you can wait in here." Dragging her friend over to her bed, Makoto fussed about her room trying to make sure everything was perfect for her 'reveal'.

"Ugh, Rei, I'm sooo nervous. What if this doesn't work? We haven't said more than two words to each other since…" Makoto suddenly blushed bright red.

Rei couldn't help but laugh. "Since what, Mako?"

"Nothing."

"Liar! Come on, spill it. I told you my story, now you have to tell me yours."

Makoto decided that she would put on her makeup to help distract her from Rei's stare. "Well, he was having a nightmare, so I had to wake him up."

"…And?"

"And I think he was too sleepy or too shocked to understand what he was doing. So he kissed me again."

Rei knew that wasn't all that had happened. Just a kiss wouldn't have produced such a blush on her best friend. "And something else happened that has your face turning into a red tomato."

Makoto pretended to be innocent, looking for her favorite lipstick in her makeup bag. "Uh, something like that…"

"Alright, I'll stop torturing you. Even if it makes you turn the most colorful shades of red!"

Makoto looked up relieved. "Rei, I seriously don't know if this is going to work."

"Of course it will. Here, stand up."

Makoto stood up slowly.

"Okay, now turn around slowly." Makoto obeyed so that Rei could see the small transformation. Makoto's hair was on top of her head in elegant curls, she had some makeup on, and she was a knockout in her ball gown.

"I think you look wonderful. If he isn't drooling when he sees you the guy is dead from the neck down. And then he's not worth the trouble anyway."

"Thanks Rei. I don't know why I'm so nervous."

"Because you want to make sure you're perfect for him. And you want to make sure he thinks you're perfect." Rei grinned. "I went through the same thing at Usagi's ball a couple of weeks ago."

"Ah, so that's why you were so dolled up."

"Hey, had to make sure I still had Jadeite's attention," Rei replied with a wink.

"No need to ask if it worked."

"Mmhmm…like a charm," Rei said smugly.

The other three girls were banging on the door as Rei and Makoto were getting ready to head down. "Wow you guys," Makoto exclaimed. "You all look great!" The other girls took turns complimenting each other as Rei snickered. They had all dressed up to impress…and all for a man from Earth!

"Alright ladies," Rei said as she called a halt to their chatter. "Shall we?" Gathering up their purses, the group headed downstairs.

Endymion had called an informal meeting with his generals in a corner of the ballroom while they waited for the princesses to arrive. "Nephrite, you've checked over security here?"

Nephrite just nodded his head.

"Good. I don't want any more surprises like the one a couple of weeks ago. I have no idea if the target is the Moon Kingdom, the Royal Family, or someone else. But we need to all be on our toes until we figure it out. Jadeite, what have you learned…"

Prince Endymion stopped mid-sentence as he watched his fiancé walk down the staircase toward him. To him, she was the most beautiful girl in the whole place. Hard to believe that 3 years ago she was a shy teenager who could barely talk to him. In fact, she was a terrible klutz whenever he was around. How she had matured over time…

After Usagi came each of the princesses. First Ami, who was met at the steps by Zoicite, then came Rei, who was met by Jadeite. Next came Minako, who was met by Kunzite. As music started to play, down the steps came Makoto, who was a nervous wreck with all the attention that was being given to her as everyone sang happy birthday. She could barely hear the words, however, as she was staring at one person in the room.

Nephrite couldn't get a word out, he was so shocked. She looked so…mature. And beautiful. And the look she was giving him right now showed him that she only had eyes for him. He wasn't quite sure how he felt about that.

Feeling Kunzite give him a small nudge, he went to the base of the steps to escort Makoto to the floor. She smiled at him, then turned to greet guests who wished her a happy birthday.

"Will you excuse me, Princess" Makoto nodded and watched as he left her side.

She wasn't given much time to wonder where he had gone to before she was swept up into the arms of a friend and onto the dance floor. Laughing, she tried to keep up with the pace of the music.

Nephrite watched from a corner as she twirled around the dance floor. Yes, this is how he had envisioned her. Young and flirtatious. But this Makoto didn't fit the image of the girl he'd come to know. Wait, the woman. She was nineteen now. Still…she was so young…

Makoto watched as he turned his back and headed out the door of the ballroom. Excusing herself from her dancing partner, she quietly followed suit, saying hello to the many guests who called greetings along the way.

She watched as he headed out the palace doors. Probably going out into the garden again. He did seem to spend a lot of time there lately. Torn between following him and staying with her guests, she decided that she would follow him. Hopefully no one would notice her absence for a few minutes.

"Nephrite," she softly called out to him. He turned toward her, just watching her as she approached.

"What's wrong?"

He didn't answer her for a minute. "Makoto, have you ever looked at the stars? I mean really looked at the stars?" She shook her head no.

"Princess, let me teach you…"

Required Reading: Memoir of an Orphaned Thunder Goddess by Lady-Dragonguardian

Athena Kyle – Okay, so I didn't quite get this finished as I had planned. Oh well. Hope you like the new chapter!

sailorjupiter316 – So glad that you like the story! And no killing Nephrite:)

Elara – I can't believe that that happened to you once! How wild! I hope that you like the rest of the story…and that it doesn't mirror your life too much!

Lady D – What can I say? Thanks for reading, and I can't wait for you to update yours soon!

EL – Glad that you like it! Hope that you continue reading! (And reviewing, because let's face it – I'm a review whore!)