CONFESSION OF THE HEART
Neil Burns

SAILOR MOON is owned and copyrighted by Naoko Takeduchi and others. This story is inspired by Orla's tale "All The Things She Said" based on TATU's song. Raye has a confession for Serena.

It was a warm sunny day and the Scouts were having karate practice at the Hikawa Temple. The Inners Scouts were matched with the Outers, except for Raye who was sparring rather aggressively with Darien. Her eyes were narrowed as she almost seemed to act as if the future King of Crystal Tokyo was an enemy. Serena was holding her own against Amara who was not taking it easy on her Princess. Serena let out a shout as she kicked the Uranian Princess in the leg, followed by one in the groin. She followed up several times before dropping Amara with a rather graceless backflip kick, stepping on her gi pantleg and falling back on her butt. The other Scouts, except Raye, chuckled as she dropped an elbow on the chest, pinned Amara and acted like a wrestling crowd.

"Tiger Kano wins again," Lita smirked.
"Way to go, Serena," Mina smiled.
"I've been practicing that," Serena announced proudly as she helped Amara up.
"Not bad, kitten," Amara mused.
"Hey, Serena," Darien put in. "I got two tickets for next week's match."
"I'll be there," Serena purred.

Raye suddenly let out a banshee screech as she imitated Tiger Kano's signature attack, but executed it faster and more viscious. She dropped Darien with two hellacious kicks to the groin and a thrust kick to the jaw. As she stormed out, Serena immediately flew to her muffin's side and tearfully stared at the door Raye went out of. The other Scouts flocked to Serena and Darien, shocked and disgusted at the sudden unprovoked attack. Darien groaned as he rubbed his crotch and jaw.

"Someone get the liscence plate of that truck?" he groaned.
"What was that about?" Amy queried.
"Something must be bothering her," Artemis put in.
"Brilliant observation," Luna quipped sourly.
"Why did Raye do that?" Serena demanded.
"I don't know. We'll have to ask her later."

Later on at Amy's apartment, the Scouts were discussing a surprise birthday party for Dr. Anderson and also Raye's surprise attack on Darien. However, Raye was kneeling by the stereo listening to "Total Eclipse of The Heart", her expression melancholy as she glanced as Serena with an almost hidden longing. Her eyes narrowed to icy slits as Darien entered with signs and directions to the reception hall for the party. He walked over to Raye.

"I don't know what I did to offend you, Raye," he stated. "But whatever it is, I apologize."

Glaring, Raye walked over to Serena and leaned over. Before anyone could do anything, Raye held the Moon Princess' head in her hands and gently planted a long, tender kiss on her lips, elicting gasps from the other Scouts and a stunned look from Darien. She then strolled to Serena's "muffin" and dropped him with a left hook.

"You know what you did to offend me?" she growled. "You stole Serena from me, you asshole!"
"Raye!" Amy gasped. "What is the matter with you?"
"What the hell are you doing?" Amara demanded.
"What are you talking about," a confused Darien replied. "I stole Serena?"
"I love her!" Dead silence. "I have always loved her, but I can't do anything with it because she has to marry you. She has to be Queen, you have to be King and I'm stuck being the fucking hired help and it FUCKING SUCKS!"

The last word caught in her throat as she felt her eyes moisten. Raye ran out, leaving the door open, her sobs loud and clear in the hallway. She transformed into Sailor Mars on the way down the stairs and nearly broke her neck tripping on a step and losing a shoe. Cursing, she ripped off her remaining shoe and threw it and its offending twin in a corner and fled sobbing out of the apartment building and down the sidewalk, her bare feet slapping the pavement. She found herself in the park as it started to rain. The fiery Princess blasted her fire attacks in the air and around the surroundings cursing and sobbing into the rainy afternoon, not caring that the drenched hair and fuku stuck to her. A sound caught her attention and she fired a Flaming Sniper at the intruder, barely avoiding toasting a concerned and somewhat hesitant Darien. Without warning, she threw herself at Darien who was able to grab and hold her tightly as she sobbed helplessly.

"I rather not get hit again, thank you," he smiled dryly.
"Fuck you!" Raye growled.
"I am already taken. Now what is the problem? What did I do to piss you off?"
"Why do you have to love her! Why do you have to have her!"
"Because I do and it's sort of destiny."
"Fuck destiny! You break her heart! You break up because of some fucking bullshit dream! You go and die on her at least twice! You put her through the ringer yet you wind up with her and rule Crystal Tokyo! I, who have always loved her and who would never hurt her have to be the fucking hired help! IT'S NOT FUCKING FAIR!"

Darien still held Raye tightly, but shifted her into a consoling embrace which the Fire Maiden fought briefly, but resigned herself to. She found herself feeling comforted and safe in Darien's muscular arms. So this is what Serena feels in his embrace. Darien looked over her shoulder and saw Amara and Michelle at a distance watching with disapproving expressions on their faces. Darien responded with one reading "This is not what it appears". As if to confirm, Raye tore herself away and aimed her Fire Sniper right at him, her teary eyes burning a mixture of hate yet confusion. Darien stood his ground with a wry smile as he took a pair of red pumps out of his leather jacket and tossed them at Raye's bare feet.

"I believe these are yours," he mused.
"Leave," Raye growled. "Before I do something that we will both regret and that Serena will hate me for the rest of our lives."
"You will find happiness you know. You're a wonderful girl and you do deserve it."
"Shut up and hit the road before I fry your ass!"

Feeling bold, or reckless, Darien placed his hands on Raye's shoulders and gently kissed her forehead chastely. He then walked toward his motorcyle, ignoring the flaming arrow that barely missed him or the choked sob behind him. As he rode off, a slight smile crease the Fire Maiden's face. Darien was right. As she stood, uncaring that she was now soaked to the bone, Raye thought of Serena. That magical wonderous child, full of love and life, that broke through the wall the priestess-in-training had put up with her naivety and innocence. Her pure sweetness. How could such a person exist? Raye had loved her since Darien left for Harvard and longed to tell her, but she feared that it would affect their friendship. Even when she and Serena were alone, she would chicken out and not say anything. Now, her encounter with Darien seemed to give her the courage. As she changed back, she was aware of an umbrella suddenly appearing and covering her. She turned and saw the two Outers regarding her silently. They said nothing, but led her to Amara's F-1 and drove her back to the temple where she took a shower and cleaned up.

"I'm coming," Irene called as she walked to the door, holding a tray with chicken soup and tea, and opened it.
"Hello, Irene," Raye answered. "Is Serena in?"
"Come in, Raye. Unfortunately, she has taken ill. I was on my way to give her some tea and chicken soup."
"Can I take it to her?"
"Sure."

Raye entered and, shaking out her umbrella, removed her flats. She was wearing a black turtleneck and denim jeans and jacket. Taking the tray, the Fire Maiden walked upstairs and into Serena's room where said occupant was sleeping. Smiling to Luna, who was perched on the windowsill, Raye padded to the bed and gently sat down on the edge, stroking the long golden tresses. She looks so innocent. Like a child. It was with that child-like innocence that Serena wormed her way into Raye's heart and befriended the priestess-in-training. Raye lowered her head to just over Serena's mouth. It was so cute. So perfectly formed. So kissable.

"Hello, Raye," Serena smiled as she opened her eyes.
"Hey, Meatball Head," Raye replied, brushing back Serena's hair. "I hear you're under the weather."
"You heard right. Why are you here?"
"I felt bad about this morning and wanted to see how you were doing."
"Darien told me you tried to fry him."
"I did warn him to leave before I did something we would both regret and you would probably hate me for."
"It's not right that you guys must sacrifice your happiness for our benefit."
"Tell me about it."

Raye made Serena sit up in bed and placed the tray on her lap. Serena started to enjoy the soup and tea as Raye watched her, her dark eyes glowing lovingly. Luna hopped onto the bed and sat near Raye who stroked her fur. A thought crossed the Moon Princess' mind as she placed the teacup onto the tray.

"Raye, how long have you loved me?"
"As a friend or sexually?"
"Sexually."
"I suppose since Darien first left for Harvard."
"Why didn't you say anything?"
"I was afraid, plus Susan and the other Outers would be bullshit."
"I'm afraid that's true," Luna interjected. "The timeline would be affected."
"The timeline." Raye smiled acidly. "That's always it. The fucking timeline. I have always loved you, Serena. And unlike Darien, I would never abandon you. Never cause you pain. I would always take care of you and love you. At times, I feel helpless that the two people I love get to rule Crystal Tokyo and I'm just a glorified bodyguard. Other times, I feel like that song 'Fade to Black'. How did you know I loved you?"

Serena smiled as she patted her friend's cheek.

"I could tell. You always had this look like you wanted to tell me something, but you didn't know how or you might regret it."
"Amazing. You may be a ditz, but you aren't stupid."
"I'll take that as a compliment. Sort of."
"I'm also worried about Darien. I also loved him, but he sees me merely as a friend or a kid sister."
"Well, Chad loves you."
"I don't know why. I'm such a bitch to him."
"You're a bitch, period." Serena giggled. "Doesn't stop me from being your friend."
"You're amazing, you know that?"
"Darien tells me so."

Raye playfully whacked Serena with the pillow and Serena, laughing, returned the volley as Luna removed herself for fear of getting belted. Miraculously, the tray stayed intact. Ray suddenly kissed Serena on the lips again, but the Moon Princess made no resistance as the Fire Maiden turned her head.

"I'm sorry," she gasped. "I shouldn't have done that."
"It's OK," Serena smiled as she patted Raye's hand. "I don't mind."
"You don't? What about Darien?"
"Darien is my future husband and my soulmate and that won't change. You are my sister, my friend and my strength. I love you as well."
"But not like Darien."
"Hey, you were being honest. You probably have erotic dreams about me and wish you could enact them."
"And it kills me every night I can't."
"You are a strong, caring person, Raye. You love in your own way. I know you will find someone to make you happy. If not Chad, then somebody else can."

Raye beamed as she embraced her Meatball Head Princess, a weight off her shoulders. The next day at around noon, Darien was sitting at the CROWN waiting to order. Elizabeth walked up with a tray and placed it on the table. The tray had double-cheeseburger with everything, onion rings, a double fudge sundae and a ginger ale.

"I didn't order this," Darien protested.
"I know," Elizabeth smiled. "Courtesy of the lady."
"What lady?"
"Her."

Elizabeth pointed to Raye sitting at the counter, smiling. The Fire Maiden walked over and kissed Darien on the cheek before she sat down. Amara and Michelle watched from a few tables away.

"Why, thank you, Raye," Darien mused. "Pyschic?"
"Well," Raye quipped. "I am a miko. Mind-reading is part of the job."
"You aren't here to kill me?"
"No. I was a jealous bitch to you and I wanted to apologize."
"I don't hold it against you."
"Thanks. How do you feel about my kissing your future Queen?"
"To be honest," Darien smiled, winking. "I was actually turned on."
"Oh?" Raye's eyebrows arched. "Thinking of a threesome, are we?"
"Well. If I wanted one, you'd be the first I'd ask." He smiled toward Michelle. "Of course, I could ask Michelle."
"You're sweet," Michelle smiled sweetly.
"Not in your wettest dream, buddy," Amara put in less sweetly.

Darien shrugged as he started eating his lunch. Raye smiled as she sat, arm propped on her fist, regarding the future King and man who she loved before it was revealed that Serena was his bondmate. It was unfair. She loved Darien and Serena, but fate decreed that she could not act on her love, but instead protect them and even sacrifice herself for them if need be. Darien put down his burger and waved his hand in front of Raye's eyes.

"Hello?" he called. "What's up?"
"Nothing," Raye replied. "I was just wondering where Serena came from?"
"What do you mean?"
"Where does an innocent child so full of love and acceptance for others, no matter what their faults, like that come from?"
"Heaven, I guess."
"I lived my life with a wall around me. Never letting anyone in. Never letting anyone get close. Even when I was in love with you, I had that wall up."
"You were afraid I would hurt you. Pretty smart, considering I was notorious for one-night stands."
"Yet, here's Meatball Head. All sweetness and ditziness. Without any effort, she worms her way into my heart and I fall for her."
"Pretty much the way I did."
"You are predestined to be with her, though. I can only be her guardian."
"Well," Darien quipped. "Anytime you want some 'quality time' with Serena, be my guest. As long as I can watch or join in."
"I'll see what I can do."

Both laughed as they tore into Darien's lunch satisfied that the incident was over and that Raye was finally accepting of her role and comfortable with her being in love with Serena and being her protector.

THE END