Oops, almost forgot, thank you betas Beej88, DarkenedHrt101, SailorMoon489!

So at the last minute, I had a thought, what if anime Mamoru lost his memory of giving Usagi a hard time? And then just saw her? No paper in the face, no shoe, no fussing, just Usagi? With the themes presented for Mamo Chiba week, each chapter will follow that them within this short, and hopefully sweet and cute, fic. Hope you all enjoy!

Chapter One

Forget Me Not

"All that is gold does not glitter,

Not all those who wander are lost;

The old that is strong does not wither,

Deep roots are not reached by the frost."

-J.R. Tolken

Saturday, July 27th

This is me, this is what I do. I leap from rooftop to rooftop at least once a week in a damn top hat and tails like an idiot. But that's not the part that matters, what matters is when I land.

The street lamp I always manage to perch on, conveniently placed just out of sight from the others while giving me the perfect view, allows me to watch unseen. It's as if my being is drawn to spots like this one, not making any more sense than that nor did the rest of my existence.

Below, I watched the colors dance. A rainbow, they were all there; red, green, blue, orange...and pink the most brilliant of them all. Even if she didn't always show it.

The Youma of choice this fine evening was some kind of octopus creature. Being that we were at the aquarium, it wasn't hard to guess why the shape or figure was chosen. The enemy wasn't that creative, making their creatures out of whatever was around at the moment. Purple, thick, fleshy arms swung around and around, the girls all jumping up and dodging them all while trying to get a shot off. They were doing pretty well, especially the newest addition, Venus. This was the first time I had gotten to see her in action.

But I didn't watch her for long, focusing my attention to the same color, as usual, pink.

She was doing well too, considering. Managing to jump out of the way even at the last second every time. But her tiara was all over the place, missing every time as she had to leap out of the way and lose her aim. What other choice did she have? They needed to make it stand still long enough for her to get a clear shot off.

Most of the time, I waited in the dark until I was needed; when Sailor Moon was in immediate danger. That's when I would make my appearance, jumping in at the last second before she was seriously injured or killed. But tonight, it appeared that I was needed more as a decoy.

Hitting the ground running I got as much speed as I could. The stomach flipping nausea that always hit when I was forced to fight, mixing with the continued guilt from it and I was ready to have this battle over with.

I didn't like fighting. Hated it. Hurting anyone or thing was far from what I wanted to do with my life. But seeing others hurt and knowing I could do something about it? Well, that's why I still came when I felt the pull at my heart. The one she gave me.

My feet pounded the ground and even though it wasn't that loud, not loud at all in comparison to the screeching the creature was making, she still turned to look. Big blue eyes brimming with fear and concern all for me. It just made me feel even sicker.

Taking flight, I left the ground again, pulling my knees up to 'leapfrog' over the head of the Youma, effectively gaining its full attention and speed as it chased after me.

"NOW SAILOR MOON!"

She was stunned, they all were. This was a far cry from my usual 'participation' but it would never end unless I did something.

Arms made of goo slipped and slithered all around me as it caught up. I wasn't going to make it.

Blinding hot pain ripped through my back and skull. Then my head again as it cracked on the, not so soft, ground. Sky, grass, sky, grass. That's what I saw as I rolled, stopping with the moon overhead looking down at me with a smile.

Another loud and painful shriek and the fight was over, a few tendrils of dust floating past me as I lay perfectly still save to breathe.

That is until she found me.

Tear stained cheeks, she still had more to shed her cerulean crystals filled with liquid. "Tuxedo Kamen!"

It was weird, hearing her say my name with such deeply seeded concern. I was used to her speaking to me in irritation. Which I deserved. It didn't make it any less painful but it was necessary.

As much as I wanted to comfort and be comforted, it couldn't be. Usagi could never be mine no matter how much I wanted it. "I'm fine, Sailor Moon."

It was clear she didn't believe me. Not sure I believed me either with the large crack I was sure to have in my skull.

"Thank you, Tuxedo Kamen."

I definitely didn't believe Mars, her words not reaching her eyes.

Jupiter looked far from concerned at my currently prone body. Sizing me up as I remained where I landed. "We would have taken care of it…"

"Jupiter!" Sailor Moon scolded.

I needed to get up if I was going to get them to move on. Whether they viewed me as the enemy or not, they wouldn't leave me behind. Clenching my fist against the pain, I managed to get to my feet without so much as a whimper. But the world still spun for a few long moments, Sailor Moon's golden locks becoming my anchor as I focused on her Odangoes. I had to look there because, if I looked at the pained face she wore, I would crack.

"You should all go home. Battle's over."

It was a good sign I wasn't slurring my words, but I probably had a concussion.

"Come on, Sailor Moon."

Venus took Moon by the elbow in a forceful show of leadership, the old leader conceding to the newly proclaimed one. I found it odd that no one seemed to protest this, especially Sailor Moon. Her eyes on me even as she disappeared in the dark. But she didn't go far, a groan coming from me as the pain continued to mount. Slowly, I walked to her hiding spot and waited, her coming out like a ghost and staring.

"You should go. Not only was it an 'order' your presence is unnecessary."

"Is it?" She took a step closer, looking me over carefully and it only made me feel worse. "You are really pale."

"I'm an Asian man, of course, I'm pale."

"You've never been pale, even for an Asian."

"It's not your concern."

I winced with her but whether she caught it or not, I may never know. "You're hurt because of me. How is it not my concern?"

Fully facing her, I braced myself for the onslaught of pain that was about to hit me. And I didn't mean from my head wound. "You're right, I'm hurt because of your incompetence, but I'm used to it. Might as well, huh? You're not going to improve anytime soon. And for that, I don't need or want your 'concern.' Go home."

Her face didn't change, watching my mouth and my eyes, deep crystal pools flicking back and forth between them. A calm look on her features even as tears fell down her cheeks unchecked and I prayed, begged, for them to be the last she ever shed over me. But that prayer never seemed to get answered.

She said nothing, giving me a small, almost unnoticeable nod, before jumping away. Off to her home, I hoped, and I was off to mine. Even though leaping from rooftop to rooftop was the fastest way, and the only way, my head throbbed with each hit to the bottom of my feet, jarring my injured noggin'. By the time I got home, it throbbed all on its own.

This was the first time I had such an injury as Tux Boy. There was no way to know how long it would take to heal, but at the moment it felt like I had a train running circles over my brain. Chugga chugga, I took some pain meds. Ice worked to numb it, doing nothing for the buzzing, bees somehow getting in there with the train. I needed to think about something else besides the pain, distract myself.

Her eyes filled my mind's eye and I hit the brakes, but it was too late, her pouty lips next. It had been seven months since I'd met Usagi, her pretty much filling my existence since. The beautiful girl who turns warrior at night, I knew from the very beginning just who Usagi was. The hair was a dead giveaway. So what did I do? I put distance, mocked her, put her down, pushed and pushed and pushed. No matter how much it pained me and no matter how her eyes filled with tears, Usagi and I could never be together like I dreamed; her in a white gown and me as her knight in shining armor.

It was distraction enough, me on the battlefield with sweet Usagi right next to me. The thought of even a single hair on her head getting damaged made me cringe, pain running down my spine from the stupid movement. She shouldn't be there, in battle, it was just wrong. Was she strong? Hell yes. Powerful? Bet your ass. But Usagi was a gentle person and you could see it on her face every time she had to dust a Youma that it was not what she wanted. We had that in common.

I didn't delude myself, a girl like her, it was a shot in the dark that she could ever want me in return. And she wasn't lacking in interested parties, even though, thank GOD, she never seemed to notice or return it. The universe was not that kind to me, clearly, but if luck was on my side somehow, if she could be mine, it would be even worse fighting next to her when all I ever want to do now is take her and run.

The dream of it, being together with Usagi in a whole and safe world was still a beautiful one I liked to kid myself with nightly. If only I could...start over. To meet Usagi with a clean slate. And not be Tuxedo Kamen, conflicted with responsibilities and the world on his shoulders. I hate being that guy. What would that be like? To wake up and have it all be a distant and forgotten memory? Sounded like a fantasy to me.

oOo

Sunday, July 28th

The ringing in my head wasn't an alarm or a phone, it was inside my brain. Even sitting up slowly, it was persistent. God, I needed some pain killers. Oh...they're right here...next to me. What did I do last night? Is this what a hangover feels like?

I was never a drinker but..it could happen. It would explain the vice my head was in and the lack of any and all recollection of the night before. Maybe I finally caved to Motoki's houndings to get a life?

On my feet, but struggling, my back was on fire too. Fuck, what the hell did I do? Stumbling was an understatement as I made for my bathroom, freak out continuing when I got a look at myself in the mirror.

When was the last time I got my hair cut? It was way overdue! Shit, was that real?

Hair pulled back off my brow, I touched the bruise on the edge of my temple, a deep purple, nearly black. Maybe that was the cause of my memory loss, a lack of bump on the outside meant it was internal, probably pressing on my brain currently. It was also where the pain came from, my back must have been hit too. So...I fell. That's what happened? I mean...I'm human so...it happens but shit it is weird! How did I get in my bed then? Why am I not in a hospital? Guess it wasn't too bad, I was even in my PJs; briefs and an undershirt.

It was early, but a Sunday which meant Motoki would be at the Crown for his usual shift. I hoped he could fill in the gaps, polo over my undershirt, I pulled on some dark jeans and grabbed my coat. My hair was shit so I gave up, running a hand through it and swearing under my breath as I hit the sidewalk. But then I was really confused, shedding my coat instantly and getting crazed looks at my winter dress.

Guess I should have checked the weather first? Some crazy Indian Summer at the end of January. Weird but not uncommon.

The place was packed, also strange for a Sunday. Half these kids should be at home, studying or doing their homework so they were ready for Monday classes. And here I was expecting an empty arcade and Motoki to myself. No such luck today, man this day was fucked.

Yet to even catch a glimpse of the blonde, I figured my best bet was to wait at the counter. Scanning the crowd for his tuff gold, I ignored the opening door, knowing my target was already inside. There was a huff and a chortle near me but I was focused.

"Toki isn't here today you know? God, do you not even know your friend's schedule?"

The light voice, pleasant and like a song, was wrong. I knew Motoki's schedule like the back of my ...holy shit.

Golden hair to her knees and longer cause her hairstyle held more of it captive, and legs for days I now had another symptom. Hallucinations; because no way this girl was real.

My jaw fell to the floor and I was pretty sure I was drooling when she looked at me. Nearly falling off the stool when her baby blues hit me, making me wish I wore my swim trunks so I could go for a swim in them. Hot damn, if this was my fractured brain then I didn't want it to be whole. Baby pink sundress that had tiny straps just begging to be popped off, and a lacy hem in the middle of her creamy thighs.

"You are such a jerk. I get it, I'm early, would you shut your mouth already? It's starting to get creepy."

My mouth popped close, having to use a hand to push it back in place. "Sorry I just...you're real right?"

Golden brows knit together in confusion. God, she was adorable. "What is that supposed to mean? Of COURSE, I'm real!"

"It's just...you've got to be the most beautiful creature I have ever seen."

Now she gaped, her eyes wide for several moments. But then her face scrunched together, her nose and forehead crinkling while tears gathered in her eyes. "And you're the cruelest person I have ever met, Mamoru."

Hopping off her stool, she tried to leave, but I grabbed her. A gentle hold on her arm that she didn't try to shake off. "We know each other?!"

A harsh tug and she got free, glaring at me through her tears. "What the hell is wrong with you? Is this some kind of new...twisted means to mess with me?!"

"I don't know what…"

"So now you're going to pretend like you don't know me? You know what? Fine! I wish I'd never met you in the first place so let's just be strangers!"

She was stomping away but I followed her like a lost puppy, confused and curious. "If we know each other, how come I don't remember you?"

"God, Mamoru you are such a prick…"

"No way I would ever forget meeting someone like you."

She spun, still glaring but her pink cheeks and glowing eyes were even more adorable. "Stop it! Okay?! I get it!"

"Get what, because I'm more confused than when I started."

She stomped a foot but I just chuckled. "Just...leave me alone!"

Spinning on her heel again was a bad choice for her, losing her bearings and tilting towards the ground. She was in my arms before either of us knew it, her eyes as wide as mine I'm sure.

"How...how did you do that?"

I shrugged, not too concerned about anything while I had an angel in my arms. "You were going to fall, I ran and caught you. It would be a sin to let a gorgeous girl like you get hurt in any way."

"What the hell, Mamoru. You hurt me all the time! Daily!"

I was shaking my head and her eyes got even wider. "That doesn't sound like me. I think you have me confused with another Mamoru. I'm Chiba Mamoru. And you are?"

Yet to pull from my hold, I felt her shiver in my arms. "Mamoru...are you feeling alright?"

It was corny, but I couldn't resist. "I am now."

I gave her a wink and she pushed me back, keeping her hands on me as if I might fall over or run or something. "Okay, now you're really freaking me out."

"Why? Is my flirting that bad?"

I'll admit, it had been a while...okay I had never really flirted but this girl was WORTH IT! Even as she cocked her head to the side and looked up at me, examining me with her gemstone colored eyes. "You don't...know who I am?"

"No, but I would LOVE to change that. Right now."

"I'm Tsukino, Usagi?" She waited, like that was supposed to ring a bell, "We met...seven months ago? And every day since?!"

I chuckled, not sure what to tell her. "Shit, I'm really sorry, Usagi-chan, but I don't remember any of that. But, I'll make it up to you? Let's go to a park or something? Days like this are rare in January, we should enjoy…"

"Wait, what did you just say?"

Her brows knit together again and I had to stop myself from kissing her silly. "I'm trying to ask you out on a date."

"Did you say it was January?!"

"Um...yeah?"

Cupping my cheeks, she looked even more intently at me and I didn't fight her in the least. Gentle fingers brushed my scalp, pushing back the strands to expose the nasty mark under them. Her gasp alerted me that she'd seen it, and I pulled away, taking her hands in mine and hoping to calm her. She looked like she was about to cry over me.

"I hit my head last night. Hard enough not to remember doing it."

"Mamoru...I think you should sit down."

I smirked, threading my fingers in the hands I still held. "Only if you sit with me."

"No, Mamoru, I mean...you're not well…"

Twisting her arms, I planted both our hands in the small of her back. Gorgeous girl continuously talking to me and showing buckets of concern for my well being? Like hell, I wasn't going to go all in.

"I feel fantastic. Why ruin it?"

Tilting her head back, she looked over my face, searching. "Because Mamoru, you lost more than a night of memories. You lost seven months."

oOo

"Your CT scans are all clean. There's a little bruising and swelling but nothing that would cause memory loss. But, as I'm sure you know Chiba, the brain is a strange organ. With a little time and patience, you will get your missing time back."

Usagi stood next to me as I pulled my shirt back over my head, not missing the many times her eyes flicked from me to the doctor and back. "Are you sure? He isn't just missing time. He isn't acting like himself!"

"Our memories shape who we are, Tsukino-san. It could be an event that shaped his attitude, of late, happened seven months ago."

Dr. Hero, a man I supposedly met six months ago when I started taking his course, smiled and gave me a wink. "Thank you, doctor."

The Doctor was packing up but Usagi wasn't finished. "Wait...that's it?!"

"What more do you want, Usa? They tested my brain and looked at it thoroughly. If there was a real concern, Dr. Hero would have seen it."

"Chiba-san is right, Usagi, you have nothing to worry about." Dr. Hero leaned back to look at me with a smirk, "and here I thought you didn't have a special someone when you have a very special one. Hold on to this one, Mamoru. She's a keeper."

Usagi looked like she wanted to protest, Dr. Hero already halfway out the door. "Will do, Doctor!" She was glaring at me, finding me completely humorless. "What? You're not a keeper?"

Rolling her eyes, she nearly left me behind, the hospital stirring with people but I still kept a lock on her. It was like I was drawn to her, never knowing I was even looking. But now that I found her there was a string attached and I didn't want to know what happened if the string snapped.

Making it back to the street, she tried to leave me behind. Still pissed at me for either not denying our relationship or for shit I didn't even remember. "Usagi-chan, wait!" Freezing, people split around her like the parting of the sea and I came around to stand before her. "Are you going to ditch me now?"

"Yeah."

"But, I'm injured." I stuck my bottom lip out for emphasis.

Usagi was unphased, "the Doctor says you're fine."

"Hmmmm...and what do you think, Usa? Do you think I'm fine?"

Rolling her eyes again, she tried to go around me, but I just couldn't let her go. Grabbing an arm, I pulled her back to my side. "Mamoru, this isn't funny. You may not remember the hell you put me through, but I do…"

"I know. I have a lot to atone for. But I want to. I want to make you see the real Mamoru, not the dumbass one." She tried and lost to fight the grin from forming on her lips, "Seriously, that Mamoru, seven months ago Mamoru, was a real asshat for treating you with anything other than complete admiration."

"Seven months ago Mamoru knew me, you know nothing."

"I know that you are kind, taking a man you swear you hate to the hospital and staying by his side the whole time. And strong as well as brave, ready to take on that entire nursing staff if they didn't see to me properly," not liking the distance anymore, I took a step so she had to crane her neck to hold my stare, "and you're beautiful. Still, the most gorgeous thing I have ever seen in my entire life. Now I know that your beauty isn't skin deep."

"You don't think it's weird?" She was grimacing while I was flicking a thick strand of gold behind her shoulder, "Seven months of your life is just..gone!"

I watched her eyes as the color fluxed, a hint of green mixing in them and I wanted more than anything to figure out what that meant about her. "Maybe seven months ago, it would have bothered me. But now, right now, all I can think about is how a head injury I could have and probably should have died from, hit the reset button on my biggest mistake. You. Because the only time I'm missing is where I pushed you away. And I don't want to do that, not this time. So you're right, it's weird, but hardly my biggest concern at the moment."

She shook her head and tried to pull away. I didn't blame her, the little bit she'd filled me on made me want to punch myself in the face. God, I was a dick! But I couldn't let her go, even if I wanted to. Something inside me forcing my hand to hold onto her still.

A rueful sigh and she stopped fighting faster than I expected, based off of what little I knew of her, she was a fighter. "Fine. Give me your phone."

I was a fighter too. Except when it came to her, apparently. "What are you doing?"

"Giving you my number. For emergencies only!"

I could think of a few emergencies right now that I needed her to attend to. But I would give her some space and some time. It had to be weird, going from asshole to Romeo at the drop of a hat to her. To me? Nothing made more sense than to do my damnedest to get her to fall for me. Because I already was.