"Sentiment"

By: TheGoddessofDeath

A/N: Oh good lord I was bored. Practice writing in present tense. In a Hercules kind of mood. I'm going to bed, I promise.

"I love you."

Those three words burn through her ears like a flash fire, and die before they even register. It's a frightfully quiet night, the stars numerous in the royal blue sky. All she can hear is her heart pounding loudly in her chest. Violet eyes look up to his aqua ones, and she swallows hard. "What did you say?"

A soft chuckle from the other. "I said 'I love you'."

The words sound foreign to her ears, yet so familiar. They are words of endearment; words meant to entice one into silly abandon.

She knows better.

"Do you even know what those words mean, Hercules?"

Again it is quiet, silent cheers from the city not too far from this seemingly peaceful spot seem to die on the breeze, offerings of gratitude toward the moon. He is still quiet, eyes rolling in their sockets, searching for an answer. She sighs, looking back toward him. "Well?"

He shrugs and she sighs again, shaking her head. "Those words are not something that you throw around lightly, Wonderboy."

He nods, seeming to think that one over in his head. She can't help but smile.

"How can I prove myself to you?" he asks.

"Always trying to prove yourself," she says with a smirk. "Keep doing what you're doing."

There is another long pause, and she supposes he's thinking that one over as well. Suddenly she feels his hands on her hips, and his breath tickles her earlobe.

"I still love you, Meg."

She sighs again for the infinite time that night. Throwing a playful look over her shoulder, she chuckles.

"I love you too, Hercules. And I'm starting to wonder why."

The comment is not hateful, nor scorning. She means what she says. She's had too much time to think otherwise.

He looks as if he is going to say something more but she stops him. "Don't say anything else. I can only handle one sentiment at a time."

And she will never deny enjoying his gentle laughter.