AN:  *peeks into closet* Nothing in there but moths and fire engine red house shoes.

Where Do We Sparkle

            Between the two of them, Makoto and Heero managed to gather enough dry driftwood to burn the city of Troy down twice over.  It was when the third tower of wood fell over that Makoto realized that they had kept on working beyond the need to because while they were struggling with firewood, they were too occupied to talk.  "Looks like we're out of a job," she said by way of small talk.  "What can we do now?"    Lapis eyes seemed to twinkle as an idea occurred to Heero.

            "Why not what you always do," he said with what passed for humor in his voice.  "Zero power in the house means no electric stove or microwave.  Ever cook by campfire, Miss Cookie?"   A sharp retort died on Makoto's lips as her mind realized that, no, she hadn't any idea how to make a meal using raw fire.

            Gods have mercy.  There's something Heero can teach me about cooking.  A change in the constant buzzing in Makoto's head startled her, but Heero failed to notice it as he guided her to the bungalow.  The flutter in the bond was so brief that by the time Heero had stuffed all of his cooking utensils into her arms, Makoto had decided that it had been a fluke.  Back on the beach, Heero spread a blanket for the supplies to lie on and then motioned towards the pile of firewood he intended to use.

            "Would you do the honors?  I have to transform to use my powers and with that cool sea breeze, I'm not tempted to expose my hide even for a few seconds."  Bemused, the Princess of Jupiter unleashed a quick lightening bolt from her fingertips to start a cheerful blaze.  More humor from the Great Stone Visage?  Makoto grimaced at the nickname Duo had introduced a few weeks earlier.  Heero wasn't made of stone.  Determined, maybe cold at times, but Makoto had seen the heart that beat so strongly in Heero's being.

            I just wish that he'd let me see that part of him more often.  Makoto sighed as she watched Heero bury the foil wrapped potatoes he'd washed in the kitchen.  Her exhale brought his eyes to hers.  He seemed to consider her face before he came and sat next to her in the sand.  "It works both ways."  Caught off guard, Makoto could only blink.  "You can't feel me because I won't let you . . .but I can feel you.  You are constantly in my head.  Every loving thought you feel when you touch a child, a friend . . .me, I feel it all."  Heero brought his hand up to capture Makoto's chin.  "From being systematically stripped of all emotions to being connected to the most loving woman to grace the Earth and all of her colonies…I'm not a coward, but if you see me…if I open myself…" Heero's halting speech slammed home his meaning better than words ever could.  Makoto touched his cheek as understanding filled her mind.  Not satisfied to let him read her feelings alone, she spoke.

            "You are worthy of receiving love, Heero.  Showing your flaws won't make me change my feelings for you."   Something in their bond seemed to shimmer, then sparkle like summer lightening.  "There you are," she said before her lips found his, "I've been waiting for you."  Overhead, the sky began to turn pink with the first touches of sunset.

AN:  I hope that I haven't made this too sweet to swallow.  What can I say?  I'm a big softie when it comes down to it.  Please review and give me your opinions.  Thanks!