Disclaimer: I own nothing Sailor Moon.

Author Note: This is the second to last chapter, since I just wanted something short and decided to wing this idea. Big thanks goes out to all of the amazing people who have reviewed me. SerenityMoonGoddess, mangamania, TropicalRemix, Jenbunny, serenity11287, Brizzy, Death and Rebirth, and Crystal Saturn.

TropicalRemix: In the story, I made her dad a Ranger in the military (before he died) and you'll hear a little more about her mom in this chapter and the last chapter.

Love and War

Chapter Three

I pulled my car into the parking area and he followed me as I got out and walked. I was still in my work suit and he was in his military outfit but it didn't matter. I lead him out to the edge of the pier and dangled my legs off of the edge. Darien followed suit, mocking my motion.

"Look, I guarantee you have a boyfriend or something but I have nobody to write to. My mom basically disowned me the moment I joined the military, she really doesn't want anything to do with me. Not anymore. I know you're man is going to kill me but can we just exchange letters, as friends?" He asked, running a hand through his hair.

"Of course we can, Dare, and, just for the record, I don't have a boyfriend." I smiled wholeheartedly at him. I bit my lip and grabbed his hand, smiling up at him. "I think it would be an incredible opportunity to write to the great Darien Shields." I replied breezily.

So they went down and they sat on the pier,

He said "I bet'cha got a boyfriend but I don't care,

I got no one to send a letter to… would you mind if I sent one back here to you?"

I couldn't believe my luck as I sat with the single most gorgeous man under the sun. At the ripe age of eighteen, only two days past, he was a heart killer. It was hard to imagine he didn't have a girlfriend to write too. He could have easily been a womanizing with those looks. And, hell, I'd hate to admit it but I would have fallen into his trap either way.

"What time do you have to be back at the bus stop?" I questioned.

"One." Was his reply. It was already 9:45.

"Well we shouldn't be moping around. Why don't we have some conversation, maybe take a walk around the boardwalk? Ice cream is on me since I had a generous tipper today." I winked and he agreed.

-0-

I couldn't deny the fact that I didn't want him to leave. He smiled down at me, looking all cute and irresistible in his uniform. Swarms of army men moved in towards the bus and I sighed, knowing it was time to let go. Despite me having only known him for mere hours I felt like he had been with me ever since I was born. I stuffed the slip of paper, which held my address, into one of his many pockets and looked up at him with a sad smile.

"I'll see you when I get on leave, Serena." He promised as he lifted a hand to cup the side of my face. I leaned into it, never breaking eye contact, as the pad of his thumb gently smoothed against my skin. I felt the tears that were welling up in my eyes. Who know it could hurt this much when you've only known a person for approximately three hours – four, if you count his order and me asking if his meal was alright for the hour he ate.

"Promise you'll write every chance you get?" I asked in a whisper.

"Promise me you will?" He said back. "I've watched Dear John, Serena; I don't want to end up like that. I mean, sappy as it was, I couldn't refuse watching something that was based around the military. I don't want to end up like a monster, like in the movie Brothers, either. Since I don't really have a brother, I'm in the clear that you'll fall in love with him, but the psycho part still scares me."

"I promise, Dare." I whispered again.

"I have to go, but once I figure out where I'm going I'll write to you. I'll tell you everything that happens Serena." He whispered to me as his eyes drifted over every part of my face, like he was committing me to his memory. Every scar, every eyelash, every sparkle in my eye.

"I don't want you to go Dare." I replied truthfully.

"To be honest, I don't want to either. But I have to. I have an impact to make, remember? I'll write to you," he smiled sadly as somebody called his name to hurry him up, the boy standing near us waiting, "I have to go Serena. Promise me you'll do something great, you'll make an impact?"

"I will, Dare, I promise." I answered.

"Bye Serena." He leaned in and pressed his lips against mine. For that moment I was in a world of bliss. The world around me faded. Every noise, every person vanished into thin air as I closed my eyes. It was like Darien and I were alone, together. As soon as my Heaven started, it ended. He pulled away, gave me a sad smile before turning his back to meet up with his friend and board the bus.

"Bye Dare…" I said to the air.

I sat down on the bench as the bus pulled away, staring at the scenery before me. I was in love with a boy I had just met, wasn't I? I didn't even think that was possible. Now that he was gone I felt this feeling of emptiness within the pit of my stomach. All the loneliness that had haunted me for years after my father's death and had been absent since I started talking to Darien was back and had grown. I pulled my knees up to my chin, not caring that I was in a miniskirt, and let silent tears make rivers down my cheeks.

-0-

I walked into my house, which was totally dark except for the dim glint from the television. My mother hadn't gone anywhere except the bathroom and to eat. I picked up the groceries and cooked and cleaned. She sat in her chair, in misery, and watched TV all day. I sighed, knowing that she was awake as I looked at her profile and blinking eyes.

She didn't ask where I had been, even though it was 11:37, and she didn't ask me how my day was. I hated her for that. She didn't have a personality ever since my father died. His death plagued her. When Dad died I didn't just lose one parent, I lost two. She wasn't the same woman who gave birth to me, who treated me back to health when I was sick, who went to all my cheerleading practices and games.

I swallowed the lump in my throat and stomped back to my room. Fury was burning inside my stomach, trying to desperately replace the emptiness. I hit my bed and sobbed horridly into my cloud-like pillows. The one person who made me feel so good had just left my life. He made me feel so different. Now, he was gone and I was alone again.

My cell phone rang and I picked it up. On the other end of the line was Raye. "Hey, Serena, what's up? How'd things go with that cute military boy? It's a shame he had to leave already, since you guys just met and all."

Sore subject. "Everything was great, he was great. I've never felt so lovesick over anybody, ever Raye. I mean, I never thought I could even fall in love but, right now, I have no doubt in my mind that I'm in love with this boy. He's perfect."

"Serena… honey, he's way too old for you. He's a soldier. I mean, sure you're sixteen but eighteen is an adult and I just think you should date somebody slightly younger. Besides, you're too young to be dating somebody in the military. You shouldn't have to worry about somebody like that."

"You can't exactly pick who you fall in love with Raye." I snapped.

"How do you even know you're in love?" Raye spat back. "Maybe it's admiration?"

"You wouldn't understand Raye, I need a bath anyway." I said. "Bye."

I hung up before she even had the chance to say goodbye. I didn't want to catch Hell from my best friend. I wasn't in the mood for arguing with somebody and there was no reason she had to say that kind of stuff. She was my best friend, she was supposed to be supporting me. How did I know I was in love, though? That much, I wasn't sure of but I knew it. It wasn't something I could explain or reason with, I just was.

I cried, never gonna hold the hand of another guy,

Too young for him they told her,

Waitin' for the love of a travelin' soldier,

Our love will never end,

Waitin' for the soldier to come back again,

Nevermore to be alone when the letter says, the soldiers coming home…

Darien

Two days after my arrival I was thrown right into a mission and hadn't gotten the chance to write to Serena yet. I sucked in my breath and held it for a moment. I wasn't sure what I was feeling for the girl but it was completely different than anything I had even known. In the hot desert sun, I marched across the barren sand land with my M16 right by my side, my new right-hand man, that was stacked with a scope that had a tracer.

A small group of men lingered, slightly behind me, and fearful. It was understandable, since this was the first mission for all of us and it was so sudden, but there was no time for second-guessing. We had jobs to do and it wouldn't get done if we took haven in our fears. The world wasn't a safe place and this wasn't a safe job, but they had made a decision already.

A bullet that couldn't even be seen whizzed across the dry land and a guy let out a pained scream as he hit the ground. Doing complicated math in my head I swung my gun around and pulled the trigger without thinking. My reaction was within seconds and I had a headshot on the target. I heard the man crying out and kicking around, now on the ground, but I looked around to make sure there weren't any other attackers. Our higher-up slapped me on the shoulder. "Extremely well done, Shields."

"Thank you, sir." I nodded respectfully.

Serena,

I shot my first man today. I didn't think I had it in but I guess I did. It feels like I'm releasing a monster inside of me. I don't want to be a killer but that's all I feel like right now. I'm supposed to be a hero, so why do I feel like I should be locked up behind a jail. He shot my one squad member. I didn't think twice before I loaded a shell or so into him. For all I know, the guy had children and a wife. What if I just took the father away from some innocent kids? And, a single mother in today's world can't be good, no matter what the location is. I'm sorry I couldn't write to you sooner and I hope this letter gets back to you within reasonable time. Please write back to me, as quickly as possible.

Darien

Darien,

I hope this letter catches up to you, fast. School's keeping me occupied, along with my job. You are a hero and you can't feel that guilt you're experiencing because it will tear you apart. Don't think of yourself as killing an innocent man. That man was the killer, he took the first shot. You're a savior. He could have harmed, or even killed, more squad members if you're reaction hadn't been so accurate and quick. I think of you everyday, I think you might be making me go a little crazy. It's okay, though, I like it. It's a good crazy. Keep me updated. I sent a picture, so you wouldn't forget what I looked like. Be safe.

Serena

"You sound pretty serious over this girl, Darien." My squad member, Jed, pointed out to me. "You always seem to talk about her."

We were on a mission, currently, but we were talking to kill some time. The thick Vietnamese jungle was taking everything the two of us had but we were pushing through. Jed as suggested a break but I refused. We had ground to cover and we weren't going to get there by resting. I shrugged. "Maybe I am pretty serious, the girl's different than any other."

"And you write to her every single chance that you get?" Jed questioned.

"Yeah, why?" I shrugged. Come to think of it… it had been two weeks since I was able to write to her. Over three months had passed since the day I had properly met Serena. Actually, it was only a few days short of four months and we'd only exchanged a couple of letters. Of course I had only gotten her know her better and, hearing about her average life made me feel human. She made me feel human, not like the monster I kept feeling and appearing like.

"You're in love, Darien, and I hate to be the doctor to diagnose that disease." Jed let out a whistle and smiled. One whistle was all it took for us to be located and have bullets flying our way. I growled and pulled Jed into a hollow of a tree trunk with me. Clinging to my gun, I thought about the position the bullets had shot from. Jumping out I fired the gun towards where I expected the targets to be. I was right.

Two men dropped like birds from a tree. Next, I threw myself to the ground and got on one knee, shooting out three more that were on the jungle floor. Jed stumbled out of the tree, with his eyes wide open. I simply said, "You should be more careful."

"Darien, you killed all those men in under a minute." Jed was in awe.

"I know… now help me check the bodies for anything valuable."

Dear Serena,

You wouldn't believe everything I've been through in the past two weeks. They keep bumping me up in missions, in placement. Apparently I'm pretty good and they want me up in a place that will be fit for me, since these jobs are obviously too easy. They think I should expand my knowledge and advance to harder missions that I'm capable of. I've killed eleven men, just within these two weeks. I'm dangerous… I've only ever wounded some in an attempt to collect information. You asked me if my mother was worried about me? No, my real mother is dead. I live with a foster mother, who I call mom just so I can feel like I have somebody around. She doesn't care about me. It doesn't matter though; she was only ever my foster mother. She only wanted the money that she was collecting from the government. As for you, you look more beautiful than ever and it scares me. I've never known love Serena, I was too young when my parents died to feel it, but I do think I'm in love with you. I'm always thinking of the first day we met, it makes my days a little bit easier… I need to catch some sleep; I hope I didn't scare you away.

Love, Darien

Serena

It was good to know that he was still alive, still doing well. Every letter made me feel that much better and inspired me even more. I let a blissful sigh escape my lips as I began to peel the letter open. I unfolded it and began to read to boy-ish handwriting that was before my face. I had to read it again, my mouth hanging wide open and my eyes large.

"He loves me!" I shouted out giddily as I jumped up and down on my bed. I couldn't help but giggle. I wanted to run all over the place. Grabbing a notebook and a pen I stuffed it in a bag and went outside. Mom didn't say anything or question, just sat on her chair like she wasn't even alive. For once, it didn't bother me. I got in my car and drove to a parking lot. Getting out, I walked to the pier and sat down at the edge, my legs hanging over.

Darien,

I almost had a heart attack when you said you think you're in love with me. It's not because I'm scared or not interested. It's the complete opposite. I've been so in love with you, ever since the first day we actually met each other. I'm sorry about your parents, Darien, but I'll always be here for you. I can relate, kind of. I mean, not completely but a little bit. My dad died when I was fourteen and my mom hasn't been the same ever since. She turned into this shell of a person. She wasn't my mom anymore. I'm down here at the pier right now. I wish you were with me and, part of me feels like you are. Be safe.

Love, Serena.

Darien

"Darien, you've got another letter from Serena!" Jed called out as he delivered me my mail. It was just a single letter but it was doing wonders to my mind. I felt anxious as my fingers brushed against the envelope, nervous to hear what her response would be to my claim of love.

My combat boots were on dry, cracked ground right now. Soldiers were migrating leisurely around me. Some where working out, others were talking, the rest were playing games or resting. A sergeant walked over to me with a stern look on his face. "We have a new mission upon us, Corporal. It may take a while before you're able to exchange letters again."

"Thank you, Sergeant." I acknowledged with the nod of my head. Ah, so I was famous around here for my letter writing then? The lovey-dovey upgraded Private was quite the little letter-writer.

Dear Serena,

I can't wait to see your pretty smile in person again, I see it every time I close my eyes but it's just not the same. I'm sorry this letter is short. I'm about to go on a new mission and our meeting should be soon. I'm not sure if I like the jungle or the desert more… I hate them both by now. It's hard to appreciate everlasting beauty in nature when people are trying to kill you. Don't worry about me; just know that I won't be able to write for a while. Stay sweet.

Love, Darien

I looked at the letter for a little while before slipping it in an envelope and writing the address on it. I ran a hand through my hair and handed it to Jed, asking if he could drop it off for me. He agreed, not questioning the thoughtful expression on my face. Don't worry about me… I had written that in my letter. Yet, there was something inside me that didn't feel right. I felt like something was about to go seriously wrong. Who was I to go on gut instinct though? I was only a corporal.

So the letters came from an army camp in California then Vietnam,

And he told of his heart, it might be love and all of the things he was so scared of.

Says when it's gettin' kindda rough over here, I think of that day sittin' down my the pier,

And I close my eyes and see your pretty smile… Don't worry but I won't be able to write for a while.