ForevaXena's FanFic . . .

Just Friends:  Into The Starlight

by Batgyrl

Disclaimer (and some other stuff):  Story’s mine, characters are not  If you don’t like this kind of story, go read something else. 

In light of recent events, I’ve decided to finish this series and put it behind me  Coming out was easy enough, but the aftershocks weren’t quite what I expected  My best friend of three years (almost four) took it well (or so I thought).  Now, I can’t talk about it with her.  She doesn’t believe I should bring children into a relationship "like this."  I can’t even discuss my crushes with her because it makes her sick. 

I’m not letting this drag me down!  I’ve met a lot of great friends online and they’re there for me.  I am the happiest that I have ever been in a long time!  Now, I would like to take this time to thank my readers (you know who you are! *G*) and all my friends: FX, DuckyA, MomBard, Amazon Prince, LOL, and Ciamsi.  (If I’ve missed anyone, my apologies in advance!)  Fan mail can be sent to:  batgyrl_79@hotmail.com.

Dusk arrived and I awoke with much difficulty.  I shook away the grogginess  and reflected on the events of the day.  Waking up in the arms of a naked Amazon and Gabrielle barging in.  I shook my head again and got up.  I put on my shift and made my way to the communal bathhouse.

The village was serene, except for a few gossiping Amazons that hushed their idle chitchat as I passed.  They were discussing the rumors of my alleged one-night stand with Ephiny.  I had no time to quell their guessing and assuming; I needed to relax and think.

As I entered the bathhouse, I noted that someone else had decided that it would be the perfect time for a bath:  Gabrielle.  I sighed, not sure how she’d react to my presence.  I decided to make myself known. 

"Hey, Gabrielle."

She turned her eyes toward me.  I saw something there that I thought I would never see, complete and utter disgust.

"Xena, I’m sorry, but you’re the LAST person I want to talk to right now.  When I saw you and Ephiny earlier," she paused to shudder, "it made me sick to my stomach.  Ephiny tried to explain what really happened, but I didn’t want to hear about it."

Before I even had a chance to respond, she stormed out of the bathhouse and slammed the door.  I disrobed and sank into the tub.  Tears had already begun their trek down my cheeks.

I never thought that someone I loved could just rip my heart and soul in half like that.  She had brought joy and love into my life, but now

After a few moments, my crying ceased.  I sat there a bit longer before deciding to finish my bath and return to the hut. 

I paced around the room before coming to a decision.  I thought it would be best to leave the village.  To give things a chance to cool downand give Gabrielle time to come around.  As for Ephiny, well, in my heart of hearts, I knew she hadn’t taken advantage of me in my inebriated state.  I’ve known her too long for that. 

I packed my meager belongings and headed toward the stables.  I saddled up Argo and was about mount up when I heard someone walk up behind me.  It was Ephiny.

"Where are you headed, Xena?"

"Not sure, but I thought it would be best if I left for a while."

"Sounds like a plan  Want some company?"

"I suppose it wouldn’t hurt, considering half the Amazon nation thinks we’re lovers anyway."

"But nothing happened!!  I always sleep in the nude, but you decided it was time for a strip tease!"

I laughed.  "Calm down, Ephiny!  You’ll wake up the entire populace of Greece!"

"Oh, so the mighty warrior princess thinks that I have a loud mouth!"

I snorted, "No, I know that you have a loud mouth!"

"Xena, take that back or I’ll kick your ass!"

"Just you try and make me!"

She rushed at me, with every intention of tackling me.  I stood there until the last second; I sidestepped her attack and sent her face-first into the hay.  I couldn’t help but laugh.

"Ephiny, if you had wanted a roll in the hay, why didn’t you just say so?"

She got to her feet and brushed the hay off her front.  She turned to me and glared, but I could see the humor glinting in her eyes.

"Oh, very funny, Xena: Warrior Comedienne!"

"I thought so.  That’s enough horsing around.  I think we should get going."

"I agree.  Let’s go."

I climbed aboard Argo and helped Ephiny up as well.  I looked back at her and grinned.  She smiled back and wrapped her arms about my waist.  I nudged Argo and we rode off into the starlight, with no destination and no well-laid plan, just us and the open road

THE END

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I hope you enjoyed this story.  (It’s been a long time coming!!)  I thought that parts 1-3 were kind of depressing/angst-y, so I added the humor.

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