Title: Heart's Desire.

Author: A.M. Glass aka Leapr

E-Mail: glasswrks@yahoo.com

Copyright: March, 1998.

Revised Copyright: May 28th, 2002.

Disclaimer: Althought I do not mention Xena or Gabrielle by name, I believe that you can tell I'm writing about them, so to make it legal, Robert Tapert, UNIVERSAL/MCA and RENAISSANCE PICTURES et al, have something to do with "Xena: Warrior Princess". No copyright infringement is intended or inferred. The story along with any/all original characters are the sole property of the author and can not be used without expressed permission first.

Author's Note: A couple of months ago (see original copyright date) I read an artice on "Whoosh", by S. Johnson. It described the relationship between Xena and Gabrielle more along the lines of "Romantic Friendship." I have had the opportunity to read a few stories that follow the same principle. I haven't written any stories, and this may be my only attempt I'll make. I usually write prose, but this story for lack of a better word, came to me while I caught myself staring into a Xena poster, couldn't take my eyes off it. I hope you'll like my attempt. Thanks.

Second Author's Note: (5-28-2002) I still haven't written many Xena stories. I can't seem to get a handle on their characters. There are so many author's that have and continue to do so, and they have my heartfelt respect.

I stare into the face that holds me prisoner.

With a single gesture, it could become impassive... cold as ice. Deadly, unforgiving and yet, in a blink of an eye... it could hold all you've ever wanted from another person.

Warmth, humor, love, tenderness... so many other emotions.

When did I first realize that this one person... who is so much more than just a friend, cared for me as much as I did?

It wasn't a single act that I can recall.

It was many things.

Small gestures that kept adding up, until one day it hit me smack in the face.

I have and still do, gaze on worldly perfection.

The scars do not take away from the beauty I see before me, rather they enhance it.

I love the way a candle or a simple campfire, highlights the bronze colored skin.

How the eyes sparkle, as if some God on Olympus had plucked stars out from the skies and placed them in this mortal version of the Elysian Fields on earth.

I think my thoughts betray me at times...

For as if by magic, I can feel those eyes on me.

Watching the watcher.

I hide my head, to keep the blush that is surely covering my face and neck from showing.

I must do better at hiding my feelings. I couldn't stand the thought of having to leave because of some misplaced gaze or word.

I feel Morpheus beckoning me and I fight off the waves of sleep that threaten to take me away; if only for a few hours, from my friend.

I need to be in their presence as much as a man dying from thirst would stumble to a mirage, if just for that brief second of fulfillment.

The fire crackles and the air is sweet with the perfume of lilacs. I can make out the scent of my friend with the slight breeze that makes its way across the campsite. Soap and a tiny hint of cinnamon, the combination that makes me inhale deeply, so that flows inside my body.

If only it was the air I needed to survive, for I would inhale it gladly.

Alas, the object of my heart's desire is on the opposite side of me and I don't move, lest I break the spell of this perfect night.

So, I think back to the brief touches and caresses we've shared. They are more than I can ever hope for, let alone dream of.

The words we speak for only each other... they touch the deepest part of my heart.

But, there are moments when no words can express how much we feel for one another.

When those times descend upon us, we share one gesture that conveys everything...

A kiss.

Bound with all the emotions that can be poured into it, a meeting of two souls becoming one.

I have been discovered again...

I have a feeling it was the sigh.

I smile shyly.

I gaze into those eyes, hoping that my love for this person shines through.

My heart flutters as the smile I receive in return finds itself buried deep into my soul.

After an encouraging word, I take my things and move closer. A sigh escapes me, as I am surrounded by loving arms. I feel the warmth of lips on my forehead.

A smile graces my face.

"Go to sleep", I hear.

I nod, Morpheus weaves his magic and I don't resist this time. I send a silent prayer to Apolo, in hopes that he will not begin his ride across the sky too hastily and take me away from the cocoon of love I am immersed in.

"Good night", I whisper, as I drift off, smiling.

The End.