She was brushing the snow out of her hair and stomping her boots noisily.  Hurrying towards him, she pulled off her gloves, stuffed them in her pocket, and flexed her cold stiffened fingers.  "It's cold out there!" Tonya informed him rubbing her hands together.

 "It's December," he replied shortly, pushing the cart as he walked away.  "What's on the list?"

 "Milk, bread, cheerios, beer, flour, sugar, dog food," she answered pulling the paper from her pocket. "And something for supper.  What do you want?"  He shrugged and she brushed some snow from his shoulder.  "Do you have a scarf?" she asked suddenly.

 He turned down an aisle and stopped to pick up a couple loaves of bread before answering.  "No," he said finally.

 "Would you wear one if you had one?"

 Techno shrugged noncommittally as he walked on, and tossed three boxes of Cheerios in the cart.  Tonya snagged some Lucky Charms and added them to the cart.  They walked around the store picking up many more items that weren't on the list but sounded good for dinner, snacks, or whatever.  As much as they protested against it, they liked shopping together because their styles and tastes matched so well.

 They could walk quickly, make decisions with little conversation, and cover the entire menu for a month.  Between the two of them, they also knew the preferences of their housemates and could avoid foods and brands that the others wouldn't use.  The only problem was that if you sent them to the store with a list of four things, they very well might still come home with forty items.
 Tonya stopped him in front of a display of cake mixes that were on sale and began to pick and chose between the flavors, putting her choices in the cart.  Techno watched her with a rather bored expression, but looked slightly startled when she whipped to face him.

 "What kind of cake do you want for your birthday?" she asked.

 "I'd rather have snickerdoodles."

 "I could make you a pie," she said placing the last box in the cart.

 Techno rolled his eye and shook his head. "You don't even know when it is," he said, "So don't worry about it."

 "How old are you?" she asked suddenly.

 "What year is it?"

 "2002," she asked familiar with the routine after playing this game for over two years.  It had started about two days after they moved in and she had realized quickly he would never tell her the date directly.   By asking his age at specific intervals she had narrowed in down to December, but it could be another year before she figured it out.

 "27," he answered glancing at her, but she was checking out the tabloids.

 "Can we stop at the Hobby Lobby before we go home?" she asked as they loaded the groceries in the trunk.  Techno nodded, started the car, and drove to the craft store.  "Come in with me," she said glancing back at the trunk, "I doubt the groceries will melt." 

 He followed her grudgingly into the store, but quickly had to lengthen his stride to kept pace with her.  Losing her briefly, he found her down the yarn aisle looking at the different colors.

 "What do you think of this?" she asked holding up a rich royal blue.

 "Nice, but how about this?" he asked tossing a skein at her.

 "I was hoping for something besides..." she didn't finish as she read the label, "Midnight Blue." She held it up to the light and nodded to herself. "Okay," she said and scooped up four more fat skeins.

 They walked up to the check out and she dumped her load on the counter.  She started to pull out her wallet, but Techno handed the cashier a twenty before Tonya could protest.

 As they walked out the door, Tonya nudged Techno in the ribs. "I could have gotten it.  I do have money you know," she growled lightly.

 He shrugged, "Christmas spirit?"

 A week later, Techno was surprised to find a small wrapped package setting in his chair.  He smirked as he noticed the small tag with the combination Td that Tonya used to mark her projects.  Techno had a good idea what it was, but he'd thought it would take her much longer to finish.  Curious, he slowly unwrapped the package to find his hunch was right.  The scarf was midnight blue, simple in design, about six feet long, and very warm.  He set it aside and began his task of checking the grounds for intruders.

-- - - - - - - -
Tonya peeked out of her room cautiously, her ears pricked for the slightest sound.  She tiptoed out of her room and down the hall, her muscles tense and senses alert, ready to run if anyone saw her.  Clutching her boots, she slipped down the stairs and snuck towards the garage, her sneakers muffling her footsteps.  She froze as she heard Jessica's voice coming from the kitchen. 

 

Quickly realizing everyone was in the kitchen for breakfast, Tonya darted past the door, the poked her head into view, her unbound her cascading into sight.
"I'm going to work now.  Be back later tonight.  Bye," she said quickly then vanished out the door.

Daniel passed Tonya's truck in the driveway, but thought nothing of it.  He walked into the kitchen, whistling cheerfully, and nodded to the group.  "Hey guys, what are you doing today?"

"Nothing much," Alec answered giving Poopsie an affectionate glance, "Enjoying my day off."

 

"If you're not busy, you should check out the first annual winter carnival at the fair grounds," Daniel said.

"Winter carnival?" Jessica asked.

"Didn't Tonya tell you?" he asked, and then continued, "I'm sure she's helping.  Charlene Sprinter is putting on a huge winter carnival," he answered, "There's going to be a sleigh ride, ice sculpture, ice skating, snow sculpture, technological snow ball fights, food, and a special secret grand finale."

"What are we waiting for then?" Jessica asked, "Let's go!"

Two hours later, the group had arrived at the fairgrounds and had paid their two-dollar admittance fees.  Jessica quickly herded them towards the sleigh ride on the far side of the grounds.  Several "elves" were working the craft booths and concession stands they passed and Poopsie shook her head in disgust and muttered something about being insulted in Elvish. 

They soon saw the massive sleigh built to hold up to 12 people and the two Clydesdales that pulled it.  Everything was decorated with bright reds and greens ribbons, streamers, and ornaments, right down to the braids in the horses manes and tails.  Someone was standing between the horses, adjusting the harness.  The breeze shifted towards them and Zarbon smirked.

He stepped forward and lightly hit the gate.  "Service," he called, "Service!"

The others looked at him surprised by this uncharacteristic behavior.  The worker peeked over the back of the horse slowly, although she had already recognized the voice.

"Oh shit," Tonya muttered to herself.  "They just had to show up, didn't they?" 

 Taking a deep breath, she forced a cheerful smile, and stepped around the horse.  "Good day, friends," she said stopping midway to the gate, bowing slightly, her hands clasped before her.  "It's wonderful weather for a sleigh ride.  Dancer, Prancer, and I are ready to take you for a brief journey of you wish." She cocked her head slightly, "Will you ride with us?"  She was asking the group, but her eyes were on Poopsie who was glaring at her.

There was a long pause as the group just stared at her.  She had managed to say her speech straight faced and it sounded well practiced, but it was her outfit that shocked them.  A bright green long sleeved shirt and leggings topped with a red vest, brown curled toed boots, a peter pan like hat perched on her head, and her hair it twin ponytails tied with bells made up her costume.

"Okay," Jessica said after a minute, "We'll go." She stepped forward dragging Sebastian with her.

The others looked at Poopsie worriedly, unsure how she would handle this.  Alec put a hand on her shoulder, but she just gave Tonya a "just wait tell we get home" look.  Poopsie walked forward as Tonya opened the gate, but neither broke eye contact and Tonya swallowed nervously.  She got the loading step and helped the group up into the sleigh.

Zarbon stood last in line and paused as he put a foot on the step.  "Where are you sitting?" he asked Tonya.

"Up there," she answered gesturing to the driver's seat, "I'm driving."

"May I sit with you?" he asked cocking his head slightly.

Tonya smirked and chuckled.  "Alright," she said shutting the sleigh door and moving the step.  She quickly checked the harness again before climbing up into the driver's seat.  Picking up the reins with one hand she offered Zarbon a hand up and pulled him up next to her. 

Turning in her seat to look at her passengers that were now tucked under the heavy blankets that covered the seats, Tonya smiled.  "Please remain seated until the sleigh covers to a complete stop.  Keep your hands, arms, heads, and all other body parts inside the sleigh for your personal safety.  If you need me to stop for any reason, just tell me and I will as quickly as possible.  I don't care if you snuggle and cuddle, but please refrain from any behavior you wouldn't want your mothers or young children to see as most of the trail can be seen from the fair grounds or the street.  Thank you and please enjoy the ride." 
She raised an eyebrow as Dee began to poke Techno in the side, but just shook her head and turned around.  Clucking to the horses, she gently flipped the reins and the sleigh jerked forward as they started on the trail at a slow walk, their harness bells jingling.  Zarbon clutched at her arm to keep his balance, as did most of the others in the sleigh.

Tonya laughed out loud, flipped the reins again, and the horses broke into a gentle trot.  "Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way," she started singing and the others quickly joined in. 

All to soon they arrived back at the gate, but there was no one there as she pulled to a stop.  She turned to look at her passengers again.  "Well, there's no one waiting.  Shall we go again?" she asked.  They nodded in agreement, and she turned to the horses.  "And what do you two think?" she asked.

The horses turned their heads to look at her and touched noses like they were discussing it.  Suddenly they turned back to their proper positions and started off, startling Tonya, and almost knocking her from her perch.  This time the group laughed as she regained her balance.

"Thanks guys," she said to the horses, which tossed their heads and laughed.

Hours later, after enjoying many more of the winter carnival's attractions, most of the fair goers headed to the arena for the special finale as the sun set.  Tonya promised to meet her friends after the show at Paul's pizza before heading off to help take care of some last minute details.  The group found good seats quickly and settled in to wait for the finale.

They didn't have to wait long before the show began.  Jugglers, fire breathers, and acrobats wowed the audience with their skills, but no one thought this was overly spectacular.  Suddenly all the lights went out, plunging the audience into darkness, and the entertainers left the arena. 

A single spotlight flared to life, highlighting a rider less horse at the entrance gate.  The band started a slow beat, the horse slowly moved forward into the arena, and more lights brightened the arena, but still kept the stands dark.  Now the audience noticed a solitary figure dressed like a desert sheik standing in the center of the ring; the loose robes a royal blue in the bright light.  The robes were so loose that they made gender identification impossible, and the cloth covering most of the figure's face didn't help.

The horse reared, neighed, and charged the figure at a full gallop.  The audience held its breath as the horse bore down on the defenseless person, expecting him to dodge to the side or be trampled beneath the horse's hooves.  At the last second, the horse swerved around the sheik, almost brushing his shoulder as it flew by.  Running at full speed, the animal cornered sharply and came charging back.  The figure still hadn't moved and it looked like the end, but once again the horse veered off its murderous course.  But this time when it brushed past, the rider jumped astride its back with an effortless grace.  

The band kicked up the beat and the horse dropped into a canter around the arena.  The rider completed one circuit before suddenly sliding off the horse then jumping back on again, only to slide off the other side.  The talented performer started doing all the classic horseback tricks and a cowboy near Sally scoffed.

"He ain't that good," he said to his buddy next to him, "I can do all that."

"Without a saddle?" his friend asked.  "'Cos he ain't using one."

"We'll I'll be hogged tied," the cowboy said leaning forward and pushed his hat back, "He ain't is he?"

The song ended and the horse slowed, then trotted over to the band that sat opposite of the audience.  The rider took something from one of the members, then rode to the far center of the ring.  Straightening in his seat, the figure began a steady beat on the borrowed drum as the spotlight found the gate once again.  Another drum started a complicated counter beat and four Clydesdales cantered into the ring, heads held high, and manes and tails waving in the breeze.  They ran in a circle, then reared up as the beat changed, pivoted on their back legs and changed direction.  Another change in beat and the horses turned into the circle, met in the middle, before rearing, and once again changing direction.  These animals followed no commands as they danced, the beat of the drums their only guide.

At one point they slowed to a trot as they wove an intricate daisy chain, switching leads with each step.  This made it look like the huge horses were skipping and several people laughed.  Just before the last measure, the horses formed the circle again.  They stopped in a straight line, equally distanced as the ending drum role began.  Rearing once again, they pivoted to face the audience and sank down on their haunches, forefeet raised to strike.  This menacing pose was the resting position for an attack used in medieval battles to unseat another other rider or to decapitate a foot soldier.  With each of the last four beats the horse jumped forward as one, lashing out with their fore legs, their feet never touching the ground.

Then they dropped to all four, becoming ordinary horse once more as the audience broke into wild applause.  The rider, still holding the drum and beater, galloped behind the line of horses towards the exit.  One by one the Clydesdales reared, pivoted, and raced to follow.

The lights came back up and an announcer thanked everyone for coming and wished them a happy holiday season.  The people exited the stands quickly.

"Whoa," Jessica breathed, "That was awesome!"

"Yeah.  Let's find Tonya," Poopsie suggested, "I think it's awfully convenient that she had to slip off to 'work'."
* * * * *
As the sheik left the arena and entered the shoot to the holding corral, she tossed the drum and beater to the waiting attendant without even slowing down.  Snatching the satchel hanging on a nail by the corral, she rode to the middle and turned to face the oncoming horses.  Tonya felt her heart hammering from the adrenaline rush and she was trembling slightly.

The horses gathered around her and she opened the bag, peering at the contents in the poor lighting.  She pulled out the various treat rewards and handed them to the proper horses except Blaze, as she was still on his back.  Prancer nudged her gently, trying to get her to get down, but Tonya was unsure if her legs would hold her.

Comet moved to stand along side Blaze and Prancer pushed her gently towards him.  Taking the hint, she swung lightly to Comet's back and handed Blaze his well deserved treat.  Sensing her weariness, the horses surrounded her and Comet, watching to make sure she didn't fall.  Tonya slumped in her seat, praying and hoping that no one else had noticed just how close she had come to screwing up tonight.

She felt slightly ill knowing that if she had fallen, not only could she have been seriously injured, it could have blown the cover of the entire group.  And by now, the others had probably figured out just who the mysterious sheik was.  One way or another, she was going to catch it when she got home.

Vixen snorted and pawed the ground, looking towards the gate clearly agitated.  The rest of the horses and Tonya pricked their ears trying to spot what had alarmed their friend.  Tonya groaned inwardly as nine familiar figures entered the ring.

"That was bloody brilliant!" Alec called as they stopped in front of the horses.  Poopsie just grinned like an idiot at his comment.

Tonya drew herself up regally in her seat and glared at them.  Pitching her voice much lower than normal she said with a slight accent, "Thank you, but why have you entered my private domain.  Leave before I call security."

"That was perfect!" Jessica said, "These horses have been trained very well.  You were great, too."

"You tell me things me things that I am already aware of," Tonya said trying to sound arrogant, "But your flattery will not work.  If you do not leave, I with become angry and call the guards."

"Cut the crap, Tonya," Dee said, "We know it's you."

Tonya sighed heavily and dropped her head defeated.  She had known bluffing them won't work, but she'd just had to try.  Her only consolation was that Daniel was with them so they couldn't really rip her one here and now.  She looked at Techno without raising her head, and closed her eyes against the dark glare he was giving her.

Zarbon moved forward but was blocked by the horses.  They flatten their ears and bared their teeth, just daring the stranger to come closer.  Sensing that Tonya's distress had increased when these people had arrived, the horses were prepared to chase off the intruders and protect their friend.

"It's okay, guys," Tonya said stroking Comet's neck, "Let him through."

Grudgingly, Vixen and Dancer moved to allow Zarbon to past, but Blaze stepped forward to snap at his face.  Zarbon blinked in surprise, but didn't flinch.  He didn't need Jessica to tell him the horse was clearly warning him to be careful and that he could hurt him easily.  Slowly moving around to Comet's side, Zarbon reached up to help her down.  She slide off the horse into his arms and he pulled her close as her knees buckled.

Tonya held him tightly, laying her head on his shoulder, and wished she could just go home to bed.  He gently nuzzled her cheek, then pretended to nibble her ear.

"<Just one question, love," Zarbon whispered in Japanese, "<Did you slip on purpose or...>"  He didn't finish the question because she had immediately tensed at the word slip.  She pulled back, her eyes wide and fearful, scared the others had noticed as well.  "<They didn't see it,>" he answered before she could ask, "<And I wasn't ever sure.  It was barely noticeable.>"

She relaxed against him and closed her eyes, not wanting to move out of the protective circle of horses or the warm arms of her beloved.  Dancer snuffled in Zarbon's face and Prancer lipped his hair.  Blaze came behind Tonya and butted her back lightly.  Twisting in Zarbon's embrace, she leaned back against him and looked at Blaze curiously.

 He pointed with his nose to the horse trailer, then looked pointedly at Tonya.  She blinked and cocked her head.  Vixen nipped at Blaze pushing him and the other horses away from the couple.  She gave Tonya a wink, then looked at the other horses and shook her head as if to say, "Stallions!"

 Tonya laughed and smiled.  The smile turned into a smirk and she stepped away from Zarbon. "Would you like a ride?" she called to her friends.
 "In the sleigh?" Daniel asked.

 Tonya shook her head and patted Vixen's neck.  "On a horse."

 "Okay!" Alec said volunteering immediately.  He had hoped she would offers; they were such beautiful animals.  He turned to Poopsie.  "Coming, Blue eyes?" She nodded and took his hand.

 "Have you ridden before?" Tonya asked Alec.  She knew Poopsie hadn't since she was very little, but Vixen could carry them both.

 "Yes," he said with a smirk, "I'm a fairly good rider."

 The cloth hid Tonya's smirk, but you could see it in her eyes.  "Well, I don't have a bridle or saddle..." she said with a shrug, pushing away her other thought.

 "That's okay," Alec, said rubbing Vixen's nose, "I'll just need a boost."

  Tonya nodded and Alec gracefully mounted the horse.  He leaned down to offer Poopsie a hand up and with a boost from Tonya, she was sitting behind him.

 Tonya's eyes widened as Poopsie slipped her arms around his waist and laid her cheek against his back. *Poopsie* she thought trying to catch her attention. *Poopsie!*

 Poopsie raised an eyebrow and hesitantly touched her friend's mind.  Tonya closed her eyes and concentrated on her mental picture of Alec in chain mail, Poopsie in a beautiful dress, and Vixen with a royal bridle and saddle.  Then she let Poopsie "see" it.  Poopsie's eyes widened and smiled; she hadn't expected that.  She brushed Alec's mind and let him "see" the picture.  He smiled and gently squeezed his knees together and clucked to his mount.  Just using leg pressure he guided the horse around the ring.

 Tonya managed to convince everyone to get up on a horse for at least a little bit before she decided it was time to return the horses.  She promised again to meet them at Paul's and got in the Park's truck and started it up.  Zarbon decided to join her and the others head for the van.

 Forty-five minutes later, the teal ranger pulled into the lot and Sally noticed Zarbon was driving.  She couldn't see Tonya at first, but then Zarbon moved and she realized Tonya had been slumped against him.  They came in and the group was relieved to see Tonya wasn't wearing the elf suit or sheik robes, just her normal outfit.

 It was fairly late when they arrived back at the mansion and Daniel wished them a good might before heading home.  As the group headed inside, Techno lengthen his stride to catch up with Tonya who was trying to get to her room as quickly as possible.  Zarbon put a hand on his shoulder and the men exchanged glances.  Techno nodded once before hurrying to catch the girl.

She had reached the main stair and was starting up when he caught her.  "Tonya," he said, his voice quiet but firm.  She froze, hung her head, and came back down.  Following him to the study, she acted like she was going to her execution not just a lecture, a fact not missed by Techno. He shut the door and pointed to a chair.  "Sit," he commanded.  She sat and Techno just looked at her for a minute.  She looks like someone already ripped her one, he thought as she studied her lap waiting for him to begin.

"What possessed you to pull such a stupid stunt?" he asked his voice sounding harsher than he had intended.  "What would have happened if you had fallen?  Did you even think about that?" Techno paused and took and deep breath to calm himself.

"I'm sorry," she said softly, holding back her tears by will alone.

Oh, geez,  he thought rolling his eye, Don't start crying.  I'm not yelling at you.  He sighed.  "Look just warn me next time, Okay?" Techno said, giving her the finger.  "I don't like surprises."  Tonya nodded meekly and sniffled.  "Oh, and one more thing." Tonya stiffened.  "If you ever to neglect to mention something like your spectacular finale tonight again..." Techno just let it hang, but his glare could wither paint.

Tonya slowly stood and wrapped her arms around Techno, leaning against him for support and blinking back her tears.  He just sighed and she stepped back.  Techno opened the door and headed Poopsie off as Tonya once again headed for her room.

"Catch her in the morning," Techno told Poopsie in a "Don't argue" tone. 

Poopsie frowned but nodded and they headed to the cave for the meeting.
- - - - - -
Zarbon paused outside Tonya's door and slipped off his shoes.  She had gone to bed over an hour ago, but he doubted she was asleep.  Opening the door, he peeked into the room and saw the sliver green reflection of her eyes.  He slipped inside, shut the door quietly, and approached her bed.

"What are you doing in my room at this time of night?" she asked softly trying to make a joke.  Tonya knew that several of the others wanted to "talk" to her about the finale, but Zarbon had actually seen her slip.

"Just checking on you," he replied sitting on the edge of the bed.

She rolled over on to her other side and pretended to go to sleep.  Zarbon smiled softly and stretched out behind her, leaning on his elbow.  He gently ran his fingertips down her arm and along her side.

"Koi," he said softly, running his hand back up to lightly grip her upper arm, "Koi, I'm not mad at you."

"I don't see why not," she whispered fiercely glaring at the wall, "It was a stupid stunt to pull."

"I thought it was quiet incredible," he said stroking her shoulder, but she didn't reply.  Zarbon picked up one of her braids and tickled her neck, throat, and cheek.  He felt her shiver and let the braid slide back to its previous position.  Dropping a kiss on her shoulder, he wrapped his arm around her mid section and pulled her closer. 

He kissed her neck, then began to nibble on her ear, but she still didn't respond.  Frowning, he blew softly on her ear and she stiffened, so he did it again.  Her eyes started to close then she squirmed and resumed glaring at the wall.  Resting his head on her arm, he relaxed and sighed, staring at the wall.
"What's so interesting over there?" he asked finally.

She turned her head to look at him.  "What?" she asked, then blinked, and looked back at the wall, "Nothing."

"Mmm," he hummed, "But it's still more interesting than me, hmm?"

Tonya smirked and shifted to her back.  "What do you want?" she asked.

He smirked and his eyes half closed.  "Just to talk," he said.

"I'll bet," she said plainly not believing it.

"A kiss?" he asked leaning closer.

She raised her hand to brush back a stray lock of his hair, and laced her fingers into his hair, pulling him closer. "Okay," she whispered against his lips before closing the distance with a soul-searing kiss.

This continued for a few minutes before Zarbon pulled back and pushed her over onto her stomach.  She squeaked in surprise and tried to get up but he straddled her waist pinning her to the bed.  He put his hands on her shoulders and leaned forward slightly. 

"There is one more thing, koi," he said pressing harder on her back and she whimpered, "If you don't tell me the next time you're involved in something like this, I'm going to tie you to your bed for a week."  She whimpered again and he pressed harder.  He was rewarded with a pop and Tonya relaxed with a sigh.  "Are you listening?" he asked.
"Mmmhmm."

His hands glowed with energy, and he began knead her muscles, working out all the tension and knots he could find.  She fell asleep quickly, still purring and Zarbon covered her with the blanket.  He watched her for a while before kissing her cheek and returning to the cave.
- - - - - - - - -
It was Monday the 23 of December, two days before Christmas and everyone was ready for it to be over already.  The local stores had put their displays out the day after Halloween, and the annoying crowds were even getting on Sally's nerves with their rudeness.

Techno came up to the kitchen for his coffee and Tonya handed him his favorite mug.  He looked at her for a minute, sipping his coffee, and then said, "It's Monday."

She blinked for a second, then her eyes widened fractionally in surprise.  He nodded and turned to sit down.

"I think we're going to have to start paying captain obvious for all his appearances," Poopsie said pouring milk on her cereal.
- - - - - - -
An hour later, Tonya was in her room trying to figure out watch to get Techno for his birthday.  It had to be something he could use and something he would possible buy for himself.  She didn't want to tell the others, so she couldn't just give it to him or wrap it really fancy, either.  What the hell do you buy a man who has all he wants and the money to buy anything he needs?

She hissed through her teeth and flopped back on the bed.  "Having trouble, Koi?" Zarbon asked coming into the room.

"Yes."

"Can I help?"

"No."

"Well, you've still got a week to figure out what to get him."

Tonya stiffened and looked at her lover.  "Get who what?" she asked slowly.

"Techno his birthday present," Zarbon answered quietly.

She sat up and glared at him.  "You know when it is?" she asked, her voice deadly.

Zarbon sat on the bed and smiled smugly.  "Yes," he said, "He told me a long time ago."

"And you didn't tell me?"

"You didn't ask?" he asked with a shrug.

Tonya growled. "And if I had?"

Zarbon smiled and shook his head.  "He's out of beer."

Tonya blinked and shook her head.  "There's two cases in the fridge."

"I mean that imported stuff he likes," Zarbon answered.

Tonya chewed her lip, thinking. "All right," she said and pulled out her wallet, "You get the beer and I'll work out my other plan."
- - - - - - - -
Techno woke on the morning of the 30th feeling no different than he had the last 365 days of the year.  The fact that it was his birthday didn't matter; it was just other day except that he could say he was 28 instead of 27 now.  He had told Tonya just to finally end the game and he didn't expect anything to happen.  She wouldn't betray his secret, so she couldn't plan a party or get him a fancy, showy gift.

He yawned and stretched, reaching for his eye patch on the nightstand.  Flicking on the light, he sat up and combed his fingers through his hair trying to work out the tangles.  Techno could hear the soft strains of the classical music Zarbon liked through the door and smirked to himself.  Tonya was like the sun; showy and bright, but Zarbon was the moon; quiet and reserved.  Well, at least that's how they acted normally, but together they seemed to balance each other out.  He still couldn't believe how two people who at first glance were so different could be so perfect for each other.

Pondering the mysteries of love, he got dressed and headed for the door to relieve Zarbon of monitor duty.  Then he noticed the case of beer and cake carrier just inside his door.  A tiny tag marked the case with the symbolic Td and he cautiously opened the carrier, unsure of what might be inside.  His eye widened and his jaw dropped.  Shaking his head, Techno chuckled in disbelief and stood to open the door.

 Zarbon glanced over and smiled, "G'day Techno."

 Still smirking, Techno nodded.  "Did she show you my 'cake'?" he asked.

 Zarbon shook his head and rose when Techno waved him over.  Techno shut the door and took the lid off the carrier again.  Zarbon blinked and started to laugh, shaking his head at the latest trick his lover had played.

 "I don't believe it," Zarbon said, "She has way too much imagination."

 "Well, I did tell her I didn't want a cake," Techno answered eying the carrier's contents with a grin.

 The object of their amusement was a round stack of snickerdoodles layered to form a "cake" about three inches thick.  In the cracks between the top layer of cookies sat 28 candles.  On top of these candles sat a giant sugar cookie.  It had been frosted yellow and Tonya had drawn a smiley face with a patch.

 "You know," Techno said to Zarbon, "Only Tonya would go to all this trouble when only two other people might see it."

  "Yeah," Zarbon sighed, "Bit of a shame really."
- - - - - - - - -
 Tygeress tugged on her boot and stamped her foot to make sure it was on.  She walked out of the locker room, fasting her belt as she walked, and prepared to fly out of the cave.

 "Ty."

 She turned to look at Techno expectantly, awaiting a comment about keeping out of trouble or a suggestion to keep an eye on something.

 "Thanks," he said simply.

 Her eyebrow arched gracefully as she cocked her head trying to figure out why he was thanking her.  She smiled as she remembered, gave him a wink, and nodded.  Flashing her parting salute, she heading for the city.