"I'm Makoto," she said softly, polite if not flat.

"Nathanial," he answered. He wasn't sure what else to say. He was vaguely aware of the flurry around them. Everyone was moving towards the tables, finding seats. Zoran took a tray that Nathanial hadn't even noticed Makoto had been holding and placed it on the table with the ones Minako and Ami had been carrying.

She gave a stiff nod. She was as aware of his name as he had been of hers. Her eyes flitted away and back, "Welcome back."

She studied him silently for a few long moments as though searching for something. Nathanial finally realized she was searching for Nephrite. He was sure that she'd heard Nephrite was still present. It was clear that nothing stayed quiet in this group for long. He wondered how she felt about that, about them both being here. Would it be easier if Nephrite was not?

Nephrite had gone suspiciously still with the realization of how human Makoto really was. Nathanial could still sense him there, just as he always could. However, Nephrite had built a wall, much like the one he had hid behind in the beginning. He was protecting himself, or Nathanial, from something.

She's Em' but she's… not, he finally said. Nephrite, too, was taking note of Makoto's curiosity, allowing it to drag him from cave.

We knew she'd be different, Nathanial told him. He felt the pain now, the grief at the loss, that Nephrite had been trying to shield.

"He's here," Nathanial finally turned his attention back to Makoto, who was still eying him closely.

She gave another tight nod before turning towards the table and joining the others.

Nathanial let out a breath. The first meeting was over. He still wasn't sure what type of person Makoto was. She was too stiff, too self-protected, for him to get a read on her. Empanda had been almost ambivalent about others, protective of her princess and comrades, motherly towards young children. She had separated herself from the general populations, partly by design. She'd never fit in amongst the humans of Earth. And, even on her home planet, she was more by position of Princess and power of Senshi. Makoto could fit in here, but he felt something similar in the way she regarded him as an outsider.

He turned towards the others at the table, glancing over the snacks provided. The group was alive with noise and laughter. Usagi hadn't wasted any time digging into the snacks provided. She paused between the latest bites to say something to Mamoru, the adoration on her face a reminder of what Nathanial had decided to return and protect. Minako and Jacob were laughing at something that had caused Rei to roll her eyes and lean closer to Makoto to say something. Zoran whispered something into Ami's ear that caused a light blush.

Integrated, Nephrite repeated.

Even the seating displayed the integration that Nephrite had noted. Minako sat next to Usagi, as her position as leader would dictate. However, Jacob sat on her other side, breaking what could have been an us-and-them seating arrangement. Rei had taken her place next to him and Makoto had sought safety between Rei and Zoran. Which, left him to sit between Mamoru and Ami.

He paused at the chair. It didn't feel right. Sure, if Kunzite was ever not present, Nephrite would take position next to Endymion as the second-in-command. But, this was different. Khaled wasn't just not present. He had denied his position. Nathanial wasn't filling in. He was taking over.

Mamoru noticed his hesitation first, "Think of it as for now."

His hands tightened on the back of the chair before he finally pulled it out and sat. His body felt stiff, uncomfortable, "What if it's not."

He felt the tension at the table increase, the proverbial elephant became the center of attention. He almost felt guilty about reminding them why they were there, what was missing from the setting. He knew it had to be faced, though. Just like he'd eventually have to face Mamoru alone. Just like he'd eventually have to face Makoto alone. These were things he came to rectify. And, while this hadn't been an obstacle he'd anticipated, they would have to face it as a group.

"For now, I guess it has to be you," Minako stated firmly.

"Don't get me wrong," Nathanial shook his head. "I'll do it. I can do it. But, like I told Ami and Zoran, I don't want to do it. Nephrite had always competed with Kunzite to show he was just as good and capable of being leader."

I wasn't, he inserted.

"He wasn't," Nathanial finished. "He understood that. Kunzite was a leader without having to try to be. His gifts aided in that. Plus, we were always meant to make a balanced team. We were chosen based on our gifts and they work in unison. Jadeite's magic, Zoisite's healing, Nephrite's foresight. And Kunzite tied it all together. We're not nearly as strong separate."

"The mistake the Dark Kingdom made," Jacob nodded, his mouth firm.

"Lucky for us all," Rei stated, setting a hand atop Jacob's and forcing eye contact. Nathanial noted the muscles in Jacob's face relax.

Forgiveness, Nephrite noted, sounding comforted, pleased.

"Khaled has to be aware of that as well," Zoran broke in, drumming his fingers on the table.

"What did he talk about with you?" Minako asked. She had assumed the air of a leader, back straight and all hints of the vibrant personality buried. Nathanial found himself wondering which side was the façade, which side was truly Minako.

Nathanial considered his answer for a moment, "He just said he didn't want to return to any of… it. He spoke of atoning for all the mistakes that Kunzite had made. That he had made. He told me that he wasn't necessary and that the Prince had the Princess's guard."

"Zoisite had thought that Khaled was attempting to take responsibility for past. That he was martyring himself as payment for all our, their, mistakes," Zoran shared. "He seemed to have believed us finding forgiveness and center would help Khaled. But, during their conversation there was always something else. He spoke as though never knowing any of this would have been better. I can't imagine feeling as empty as I did my entire life."

Nathanial had to agree. While remembering the past had been painful, shaming, and terrifying, it had been immensely harder going through life without meaning. Even as much as he attempted to find meaning, nothing ever fit. Never feeling the hole. Nothing felt as right as sitting at the table with Mamoru and the others.

"Regardless of the reason," Minako interrupted, "he has chosen not to engage. He won't even meet Mamoru. I'm not sure forcing him to would help, either. Kunzite had never allowed himself to be backed into a corner. I feel that Khaled would take it about as well."

"She had been able to back him into a corner," Nathanial responded.

"Well, I definitely don't help matters," Minako responded, the stiffness returning.

"We're talking World War Three every time they're in the same room," Zoran responded. "Plus, he seems particularly reluctant when the relationships are discussed…"

"Well, I guess that's his choice," Minako's armed crossed.

"That's the thing," Jacob interjected, looking thoughtful. "He doesn't seem to think any of us have a choice."

"Regardless, we can't force him to do anything. I believe he'll come around at some point," Mamoru spoke with confidence. Kunzite had been Endymion's closest thing to a friend. Mamoru appeared to hold onto that as sufficient evidence that Khaled would come around. "Until then, Nathanial, you'll just have to sit on my left."

Nathanial nodded. He didn't like the idea, but he didn't have a lot of choices at the moment. Plus, Mamoru and the others were relying on him in the event that Khaled didn't deal with whatever was happening with him.

"Are you really here to stay?" the question took the group by surprise. Makoto had remained silent throughout the discussion regarding Khaled.

Nathanial leaned forward and met Makoto's eyes for the first time since they'd joined the table. There was a steely glint he didn't quite understand. She was expecting something. For him not to stay? Why would he come all this way if he was just going to run away again?

"Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"

She shrugged and sat back in her chair, "It was just a big change."

I wonder what news report did make it this far, Nephrite voiced and Nathanial finally realized that they could be thinking anything about him based off of rumors. He'd have to talk with one of them about it at some point.

Before the conversation could continue, the bell above the door rang. Zoran and Makoto stood, saying something about the afternoon rush, and left the table. Rei and Jacob mentioned needing to return to the shrine. Usagi and Minako stood, discussing some course work from one of their classes and waved as they headed for the door.

"We'll get it figured out. Call if you need anything, okay?" Mamoru gave his shoulder a pat before he followed his girlfriend out of the bakery.

"Should we walk together?" Ami asked. "Typically, I spend my days here. But, I didn't bring my textbooks."

Nathanial glanced back towards the kitchen, torn on what to do. He wanted to stay. He wanted to explore what type of person Makoto had become. He wanted to know what made her so resistant to him. Besides, of course, him causing her death and the downfall of multiple kingdoms.

Maybe we shouldn't dwell on that, Nephrite interrupted the thought.

"Give her some time," Ami voiced, pulling him from his thoughts even better than Nephrite had. "She was coming to terms with you having a life in America. It threw her off when you showed up here."

Nathanial sighed and stood, "I feel like all I'm doing is giving people time."

-x-

"What are your powers of foresight?" Ami broke the comfortable silence they had allowed as they settled across from one another at the chess table in Ami's apartment. It was her turn to make a move, but her distraction was clear as she crossed her arms on the table and looked at him instead of the board. "Is it like Rei's ability to read the fire? Precognition?"

"Nothing so extraordinary," he answered. "It's mostly helpful in physical combat. Everyone has tells before they make a move. I was always able to see them a little more clearly. I can play a scenario through in my head, like with chess. They do this, then I can do that. I can usually tell what they've chosen before they do it. It's more of an intuition than seeing the future."

"Is it what made Nephrite such a successful strategist?" Ami asked with a tilt of her head.

"Yes and no. Nephrite was a far better tactician than strategist. Nephrite reacted well given known information in that moment. Kunzite was always the long-term strategist. They worked well together. Like I said in the meeting, there was always meant to be balance," Nathanial answered. "Nephrite came up with the immediate plans. Kunzite determined whether they fit the long-term goals. The pros and cons were debated. The group came to a conclusion together."

"Was that Kunzite's gifts? The ones that make him such a powerful leader?" Ami asked and Nathanial saw the curiosity peak.

Zoran must not talk about it much. Secrecy was always a tenet of the brotherhood, Nephrite voiced.

Nathanial understood. He wouldn't have shared anyway. Kunzite had been much more protective over his gifts than the others had been. Jadeite's and Zoisite's were hard to hide. Nephrite didn't openly discuss his often, but he wasn't opposed to people knowing. Kunzite had held his close to his chest. Nathanial wasn't even sure Kunzite had shared it with Aglaea.

Nathanial gave her a small smile, "It helped, but no. His gifts are his business to share, should he decide to do so."

Ami smiled, "Of course. Sometimes, I forget that they were as close as we are."

"It was always more than duty," Nathanial agreed. They may have disagreed on occasion, and competed often, but at the core they were friends, brothers. "Can I ask you something?"

"It's only fair," Ami answered as she finally picked up a piece and moved it.

"What did you hear about me?"

She glanced up, studying him for a moment, "What was the news report?"

He nodded.

"They said that the prodigal son had returned."

His head fell back, "Please say they didn't actually say prodigal."

"Oh, they did. They assumed you'd been on a 4-year bender, I suppose. Didn't seem real remorseful when it came out you were in some accident and in a coma for most of that time," she seemed somewhat entertained by publicity. "I read some of the older articles. It seems you gave them good reason."

"Of course, you did. And Makoto did as well?" he asked.

"She saw the original new report. She didn't seem interested in learning much more after that. They said you had returned, that you planned to take over your father's business, and marry your on-again-off-again girlfriend," she finished. "I think it took Makoto by surprise."

"Ah, that," Nathanial sighed. "So, that's what you meant by her adjusting to my life in America."

Ami nodded, "I have to admit, after reading about some of your... history… I was a little put off."

Nathanial clicked him tongue, "You found Usagi when you were young. I'm not saying that was easy, but you knew what you were looking for. I was just older than you are now before Beryl found me. Can you imagine missing that piece of yourself for this long? I was extravagant and spoiled, don't get me wrong. I can take responsibility for that. But, I also recognize that I was lost."

"Of course," Ami nodded. "Zoran mentioned something similar. And, it's true. I can't imagine not having found Usagi and the others. Not knowing what my purpose is."

"Anyway, I never really dated Maggie. Everyone just expected me to because of our families' connection. Khaled wants to talk about not having a choice," Nathanial shuddered. "The families announced they were hopeful for an engagement but neither of us agreed. Before I left, her and my sister finally came out to our families, so I'd expect an actual engagement announcement when they figure out how to control the scandal of her leaving me for my sister the media is sure to whip up. Damn vultures."

"And the business?"

"My sister was always the better choice to take over that as well. I barely made it through one year of school. She was getting her MBA when I disappeared. Please, can you picture me wearing a stiff suit in business meetings that aren't about world peace," Nathanial shuddered again and Ami laughed. "So, that's why Makoto thinks I'm going to leave? For my fiancé and business?"

Ami shrugged, "I think it hurt to think you were engaged. I know I was… uncomfortable finding out Zoran had a serious relationship before Beryl had found him. What if he wanted to return? What if… I didn't compare."

"That's ridiculous," Nathanial answered. Zoran was so obviously smitten it was almost sickening.

"What if I didn't compare to Melite," she finished.

This caused Nathanial to pause and Nephrite grow discomforted. Nephrite's disappointment at the difference between Makoto and Empanda had been heavy, unable to be contained by Nephrite's walls and defenses. Nathanial had always considered it a possibility that Makoto would find him lacking or that the relationship wouldn't be what memories hinted at. He had never considered that Makoto might have similar fears.

"I should probably tell her I'm not engaged," Nathanial stated.

"I don't know if I would expect that to fix everything, but yes. It might be a decent start," Ami responded.