ForevaXena's FanFic . . .

Forever

by Sarah Miller

Disclaimers: Characters belong to Renaissance pictures.

Sex: No sex, just fantasies.

Subtext: Yes

Violence: No

***
Xena walked out of the stall, looking around for Gabrielle. She scanned the crowd, finally spotting the bard near a booth. She smiled and shook her head as she made her way to her. "What useless thing are you going to buy now?"

"My purchases are never useless, Xena?" She looked up with a smile.

"Oh, well I seem to recall all those other things you said that about. If I remember right, they are all stuffed in our packs. I hardly have room for the stuff we really need."

"So what's your point."

Xena looked down at the booth they stood at, seeing all the bottles and bowels of powder. "Just what is all this, Gabrielle." She picked up a blue vile and smelled it. "Whoa." She set it down and looked at the blonde. "Well?"

"Medicines, Xena. We are out."

"Right." She turned her back, scanning the crowd for trouble.

Gabrielle saw this and poked Xena in the arm. "Will you stop doing that all the time? Do you honestly think any one would attack you. Look at these people Xena. Farmers and merchants."

"Looks can be deceiving."

"Don't I know that." She winked up at her companion.

Xena turned back to the booth to take a look. She grabbed some white powder, clear liquid, and a small packet of herbs. "How much?"

"Ten Dinars."

Gabrielle looked at what Xena was holding. "Give him five."

"Eight." The man called.

Gabrielle looked at him. "Six."

"Deal." He took the money and backed up.

Gabrielle turned to Xena. "Done?"

"Yeah, lets go." She shoved the items into the pouch at her side and followed Gabrielle. She started for the inn but was pulled to another booth. "Gabrielle!"

"What?" She turned away and let go of Xena's arm to pick up a gray shift. "How about this Xena?"

"Its fine, get it if you want."

Gabrielle laughed. "Not for me, for you." She turned to the warrior. "Well?"

"Fine Gabrielle."

"Xena do you want to leave?"

No answer.

"Xena. Xena." She pulled on the woman's arm.

"What?" She took her eyes off the crowd to look down at Gabrielle. "What did you say?"

"This shift?"

Xena looked down at it. "That is pretty." She reached out and took it from Gabrielle's hands. The cotton was soft against her skin. "Get it." She handed it back.

"And you'll wear it? I'm sick of the old white one you always wear."

"I'll wear it, can we go now?"

"Yeah, go meet me in the tavern and I'll be right there."

"No." Her eyes made their way back to the crowd.

"Xena, come on. Try to relax."

"No."

Gabrielle looked out into the crowd. "I don't see anyone that would kill us." She laughed.

"Like I said, looks........." Her hand reached up and caught the arrow right before it hit Gabrielle. "...can be deceiving." She threw it down and pulled Gabrielle behind her as she scanned the crowd.

Gabrielle felt her catch another one and bearly stopped herself from falling when Xena took off running after someone. "Xena." She laughed and turned back to the merchant. "How much?"

Xena ran past the tavern and into the alley. She stopped, listening to the sounds around her. She stepped to the side just as a figure came down from above her, landing face first in the dirt below them. She looked down at the figure who was just a boy, no older then 13-14. "Care to explain yourself?"

The boy looked up. "You're Xena right."

"Yes. Wanna tell me why?"

He stood. "I was told to."

"By who?"

"He never gave me his name."

Xena read his eyes and knew he was telling the truth. "Tell him, if you see him again, that its not that easy." She looked down at him then froze. "Gabrielle." She ran away, back to the streets. She made her way back to the booth, but there was no Gabrielle.

Just then a head popped up from below, making Xena jump. "Gabrielle."

"What?" She saw the tension fade from Xena. "What is it?"

"Nothing, I guess. Just a dumb kid." She scratched an itch on her face.

Gabrielle held up the shift. "Here."

Xena grabbed it. "Thanks." She looked at it again. "You done?"
 

***
The tavern was crowded and noisy when they entered. Looking around, Xena could see that there wasn't any seats left for them. She turned to the bartender. "No rooms?"

He shook his head.

She bit her lip and turned to Gabrielle. "Well we have three options."

"What are they?"

"One, we could sleep in the stables. Two, we could find another inn. Or three, sleep under the stars." She smiled already knowing Gabrielle's answer. "Stars?"

Gabrielle smiled. "You know me too well."

"Habit." She followed the bard out of the tavern. She looked up at the sky and sighed. "Great."

"What?" Gabrielle's eyes traveled up to the sky as well. "So, no stars?" She laughed.

"Guess not."

"Stables?"

"No, maybe we could make it to the next town." She turned around, looking at the people. "How far did the merchant say it was?"

"Twenty miles." She laughed again.

"Hmm, then I suppose we hurry before it rains."

Just at that moment, the clouds opened up, sending sheets of rain down.

"Great." Xena wiped her wet bangs away from her face and looked over at Gabrielle who was laughing. "You think this is funny, do you?"

Gabrielle could only nod. She wasn't getting wet because she was still standing in the tavern doorway.

"Oh." Xena reached and pulled Gabrielle out into the rain. "Now how to you feel?"

"Xena, that's not nice." She started to laugh again.

"No, but your right. It is funny."

Gabrielle glared at her. "Now I'm wet too."

Xena started to laugh.

"What? Did I miss something?"

"No." She turned away and grabbed Argo's reins. "Lets go."

Gabrielle grunted and followed. "So now what?"

"We walk."

"Walk?"

Xena stopped and turned around. "Unless you want to share the stables with the horses."

"That's all right."

Xena smiled and started walking again.

"Xena."

"Hmm?"

"What are going to do?"

Xena jumped on Argo. "Come on, lets go find that out." She held down a hand for the bard. She waited until Gabrielle settled herself behind her then started them in a run.
 

***
Gabrielle felt Xena slid down off of Argo and woke up. "What?" She looked down at her. "Where are we?"

"I think I found a place for us to stay."

Gabrielle rubbed her eyes. "Where?"

"There."

Gabrielle looked through the rain and trees, to see a small cabin. "Doesn't it belong to someone?"

"I don't think so." She walked in.

Gabrielle looked around them waiting for someone to come.

Xena came out. "There isn't anything in here. No furniture."

"So, its okay?"

"Yeah. Grab the packs and come on."

"What about Argo?"

"She's been in the rain before, it doesn't hurt her." She walked back into the cabin to start a fire.

Gabrielle sloshed inside and laid down the packs. "This is nice." She looked around. "They just moved out by the looks of it. Not much dust." She dug in the packs, pulling out the blankets and bedrolls. Laying them on the floor, next to the fireplace, she sat down and watched Xena make a fire. "Need any help?"

"No, I got it." At that moment, the wood caught and the fire started up. "See." She moved to the packs, digging for a shift.

Gabrielle walked to her and pulled out the gray one. "Try this one." She smiled.

Xena took in and started to unbuckle her armor. She felt small hands helping her. The metal dropped to the floor and she slid down her leathers. "Nothing worse then wet leather." She handed the things to Gabrielle. "Set them by the fire to dry." She slipped the shift over her head and slid it down. It was comfortable. She looked down. "Uh Gabrielle."

"What?" She walked over to where Xena stood. "What?"

Xena pointed down.

Gabrielle looked down at Xena's thighs and laughed. The shift bearly covered them. "Sorry." She laughed.

"I'll still wear it. Since someone threw away my other one." She raised a brow.

"Sorry." She grabbed her shift and turned to unlace her shirt. "I got tired of seeing it."

"Does that give me permission to do the same?"

"What?"

Xena reached down and grabbed the shirt from the floor. "This green thing, gotta go."

"Hey." She slipped the shift over her head and turned to Xena. "That's my favorite shirt."

"Yes, and that was my favorite shift." She leaned forward. "Very comfortable."

"Yes, and so is my shirt."

"Sorry."

"Xena."

"Gabrielle." She walked to the fire.

"You wouldn't."

"Sure about that?" She threw it in. "Ooops."

"Xena! I can't believe you did that."

"Believe it." She laughed.

Gabrielle slid her skirt off. "Well leave this alone."

"I will.....for now."

"That's not funny."

"Good, cause it wasn't supposed to be."

"I swear, you are getting too playful." She sat down on her bedroll.

"I thought you wanted me to."

"Not this much. Burning my shirt, was so unfair."

"Now you sound like Aphrodite."

"Don't go there."

Xena laughed and sat down next to her. "Mad at me?"

"No."

"Then look at me."

"I don't want to."

"Why?"

"Because I'm mad at you."

Xena laughed and looked at the fire. "I guess I should go get something for us to eat."

"Would be good oh warrior mine." She laughed at what she just said. She turned to Xena.  "Warrior mine." She fell backwards and started laughing again.

"Gabrielle."

"What?"

"Did you have anything to drink at the last village?"

"No. Why?"

"Your a little strange."

Gabrielle sat up. "I'm strange, this coming from a woman who burns shirts."

"Yeah." She stood up. "I'll be right back."

"Just wait till it stops raining. We have plenty of food in our packs." She laid back down, closing her eyes.

Xena looked down at her and smiled as the familiar warmth spread through her. She bent and grabbed the food from their packs. "Okay, here." She set it down next to her. "Dried meat, cheese, and bread."

"See. There is enough." She grabbed some and handed some to Xena.

Xena shook her head. "No, I'm not hungry."

"Sure?"

"Yeah, I think I'll just get some rest, long day."

"All we did was go shopping."

"Like I said, long day." She laid down and closed her eyes.

"Warriors."

Xena opened her eyes. "What was that?"

"Nothing." She smiled down sweetly at Xena. "Your hearing things. You should get your hearing checked, that's a sign of old age."

"Old age?" She grabbed Gabrielle and pushed her onto her back. "I'll show you old age." She started ticking the bard.

"Stop.....(laugh).....I..(laugh)...mean....(laugh)...it..." She moved around to get out of Xena's grasp but couldn't. "Xena." She laughed so hard that tears were starting to fall from her eyes.

Xena stopped. "That'll teach you to call me old."

Gabrielle sat up and wiped her face. "I didn't call you old, I said you were getting old." She thought for a moment. "Although."

Xena glared.

"Kidding."

Xena laid back down and closed her eyes.

Gabrielle moved the food away and laid down as well. She bit her lip and slid closer to Xena, laying her head down on her shoulder.

Xena looked over at her. "What am I a pillow?"

"Yes." She smiled and closed her eyes as she got comfortable against her warrior.

Xena shook her head and closed her eyes as well.
 

***
Xena opened her eyes and looked around. The fire had gone out so she couldn't see much. She tried to move to start it again but found that she was held down. She looked down and saw Gabrielle's head laying on her chest. She moved a leg and found that the bard had her own thrown over Xena's. She had wrapped an arm around her waist too. "Didn't want me going anywhere did you?" She smiled and kissed the top of Gabrielle's head.

Gabrielle stirred, blowing warm breath down on Xena's chest.

Xena shuddered and closed her eyes. She pulled herself away from Gabrielle's grasp and stood up to start the fire again. She heard Gabrielle move and looked down to see the bard snuggled on her pillow, her own far away.

Soon the fire was blazing bright and Xena sat back to watch it. Gabrielle had found her and wrapped her limbs around her once again. "I am a pillow." She laughed lightly.

She found her hand stroking Gabrielle's blonde locks, trailing down her neck and running her fingers over the soft skin on her back. She sighed at how soft she was. She pulled her hand away and rolled Gabrielle over. She smiled as the bard found her in her sleep and curled up to her side.

Xena looked over at her and saw her face glow in the fire light. "I love you." She bent forward and gently touched Gabrielle's lips with her own. She closed her eyes once again and fell asleep.
 

***
The next morning, Gabrielle woke up to find Xena gone. Not unusual. She sat up and looked around the cabin which was a lot bigger in the days light. She could see Xena's leathers and armor lying down on the table, along with her weapons, so she knew the warrior wasn't far away. She stood and  walked outside. The sun was shining bright and the breeze carried a soft flower smell to it. She saw Argo munching on some grass and heard a splash.

She walked through the trees, till she came to the water. It was a small pond, but it looked clean.  She sat down on the grass and waited till Xena came.

A head popped up out from the water and Xena smiled when she saw Gabrielle. "How did you find me?"

"Lucky guess."

"Oh. Come on in, its great." She dove under again.

"No." She saw Xena emerge from the water and walk towards her. The water dripped down her body, and the sun shone down on her, making her shine. She swallowed the lump in her throat and put a smile on her face as Xena dressed and sat down next to her. "Hi."

Xena smiled. "Hi. You're aware you slept till noon right?"

Gabrielle looked up at the sky. "Yeah, I'm aware of it. Why did you let me sleep?"

"You looked like you could use it and I'm in no hurry."

"How long are we staying?"

"Don't know. No where to be right now."

"Good cause I like it here. So peaceful."

"Gabrielle we camp out all the time."

"I meant the cabin, Xena."

"Oh." She walked past Gabrielle and headed towards the cabin.
 

***
The rain came back as the night settled in. Once again, Xena was caught in it, when she went to get dinner. She walked into the cabin, dripping wet and angry.

"Its coming down hard out there."

"Yes I know."

Gabrielle turned to Xena and started laughing.

"Its not funny."

"Oh yes it is."

Xena glared and set down the rabbit. "Oh yeah." She grabbed the bard and threw her over her shoulder.

Gabrielle grabbed the doorway and held on tight. "No."

"Let go."

"No."

"Now."

"No."

Xena started tickling her making her let go, but lost her balance and they both fell into the muddy puddles. "Oh gross." Xena wiped the mud from her face, only making it worse.

"See Xena. This is your fault."

Xena pushed her back into the mud. "Shut up." She stood and left.

Gabrielle ran to follow. "Wait for me." She reached the pond and caught a shift that was thrown at her. "Hey, watch it." She saw Xena slip under the water and undressed herself. She slipped in and let out a gasp. The water was freezing.

Xena surfaced and looked at Gabrielle's face. "What?"

"This....water...is.......freezing." Her teeth chattered at every word.

"So? Either get in the cold water, or stay in the mud. You're choice." She slipped down under the water again.

"Grump."

Xena raised her head from the water. "I heard that."

"So?"

"Don't get me started today Gabrielle."

"Aw why not. You gonna hurt me." She stepped back a few feet. "Hmmm?"

"No." Xena turned and quickly turned back, grabbing Gabrielle and throwing her up in the air. She watched as she hit the water with a splash.

"Xena." She wiped her face. "That wasn't fair." She dunked under the water.

"Gabrielle, nothing is fair." She felt herself being pulled under the water.

"Your right." She watched Xena surface. "And what do you think now?"

Xena lowered her head. "I think I need to teach a certain bard a thing or two." She stepped towards her.

"Oh no." Gabrielle took off out of the water at a full run, but didn't get far when she was tackled and rolled over. "I hate it when you do that?"

"Get used to it." She held Gabrielle's hands over her head and smiled. "Now what are you going to do my bard."

"What can I do?" 'Did she just call me her bard?'

Xena looked down at her and fought the urge to kiss those sweet lips. She rose off of her and walked towards the cabin.

Gabrielle watched her leave then closed her eyes.
 

***
The two women entered the warm cabin, sopping wet. Xena threw her shift down by the fire and wrapped a blanket over herself.

Gabrielle set hers next to Xena's and also wrapped a blanket over her. "I'm sorry."

"Bout what?"

"Getting us in the mud. It was my fault."

Xena laughed lightly. "No, it wasn't Gabrielle." She was silent, saying no more.

Gabrielle turned to her and saw her looking into the fire, with a look of concentration on her face.  She opened her mouth to say something, but stopped, not wanting to disturb the warrior's train of thought. Instead, she looked out the window to her left, across the room. The rain was coming down harder now.

"The shift might be ruined."

Gabrielle turned and looked at Xena. "What?"

"The shift." She turned towards her. "The mud might of ruined it."

"That's okay, I'll get you another one."

Xena nodded and looked back at the fire again.

Gabrielle bit her lip as she studied her face. "Xena."

"Hmm?"

"Its okay, really."

She was silent.

Gabrielle moved so that she was sitting next to the warrior. "Tell me what's wrong?"

Xena turned her head and looked at the young woman. Her hair shone like fire from the flames, and her skin glowed from the warmth. She took a breath and leaned down towards her face.

Gabrielle saw her lean and felt her heart start beating fast. She closed her eyes as she leaned forward.

(CRACK)

They jumped back and looked outside.

Xena looked back at Gabrielle. "Thunder."

"Sounds like it."

"Its late, we had better get some sleep. We'll leave in the morning."

"Okay." She watched Xena laid down and rearranged the blankets then was still. She sighed and laid down herself. She watched the rain outside and closed her eyes as she whispered, "So close."
 

***
Gabrielle woke to a hand poking her in the side. She opened an eyes and looked up at Xena.  "No." She raised the blankets and covered her head with them.

Xena shook her head and grabbed a hold of the blankets, pulling them off of her. She had forgotten that Gabrielle wore nothing to bed and had to force herself to look away. She grabbed the woman's shift and threw it to her. "Here."

"Thanks." She glared up at her and dressed. "Why do we always have to wake up so early?"

"I've been up for two hours bard."

"Oh well so sorry warrior."

They smiled a bit and Gabrielle rolled up her bedroll. "Eat on the road?"

"Eat on the road, yes." She grabbed the blankets out of Gabrielle's hands and walked outside.

Gabrielle rubbed her eyes and followed. She looked around the cabin one more time then walked out.

"We'll reach the next town by noon, we'll get some supplies there." She jumped up on Argo.  "Wanna ride?"

Gabrielle looked up at her. "Sure." She offered her hand and was pulled right up behind her friend.  She wrapped her arms around her waist and laid her head down on the soft leather covered back and closed her eyes.

Xena took a few breaths and they were off.

Gabrielle slipped a bit and Xena grabbed her to hold her on, but she was still slipping. "Gabrielle."

No answer.

She stopped Argo and turned around. "Gabrielle." She poked her.

"What?"

"You wanna fall asleep, then get in front. I can't hold you otherwise."

Gabrielle nodded and they rearranged their seating. Once she was settled, she fell asleep once again, leaned back against Xena's chest. The armor wasn't worn today, so she had no trouble getting comfortable.

Xena looked down at the blonde head and shook hers. "Come on Argo, lets go." They were off once again.
 

***
When Gabrielle opened her eyes again, she saw the ceiling above her. She sat up and looked around the room. She could see Xena's armor and their bags, next to the chair by the window.  She heard the door open and turned to see Xena enter. "Did you carry me in here?"

"Yes."

"Oh." She rubbed her eyes. "How long have I been asleep?"

Xena sat down. "Not long."

"What is it?"

"What?"

"Something on your mind?"

"Yes."

"Care to tell me?"

"No."

"Why?"

Xena stood up and turned around, walking to the door. "There is a festival tonight." She mumbled.

Gabrielle was off the bed and standing next to Xena in less then two seconds. "What!?"

"Festival."

"Can we go?"

"I was planning on leaving tonight." She looked at the bard's face, she really wanted to go. "All right. We can stay."

Gabrielle pulled her into a big hug. "Thank you thank you." She laughed. "What is the festival about?"

"Don't know. Harvest, Spring, who knows what people celebrate. Look at the Amazons."

"Yes, there's an example. They celebrate if the moon comes out." She laughed. "How much money do we have?"

"Twenty dinars. Why?"

"We have got to buy you another shift."

"I can wear this Gabrielle." She pointed at her leathers.

"Yes you can, but honestly Xena, can you dance in that?"

"I'm not dancing."

"Oh yes you are." She smiled and grabbed at Xena's pouch.

"Hey."

"Shh." She drew a few coins out and headed out the door.

Xena shook her head and closed up her pouch before following the bard out.
 

***
The festival was in full swing by that night, just as the sun went down.

Xena watched the bard twirl around the ground, accepting dances from men here and there. Xena kept an eye on her but made sure not to stare, to seem obvious. She waited in the shadows, till Gabrielle was done.

Gabrielle laughed as a man spun her around. The music ended and she looked over at Xena. She smiled at the man and pointed to Xena. "I need to go see my friend. Thanks for the dance."

"No, thank you." He bowed and kissed her hand.

She laughed and walked to Xena. "Hey you. What are you doing all over here by yourself?"

"Enjoying the peace and quit."

"Oh I see. Boy, do you look like you are having fun."

"I am." She took another drink from her mug.

Gabrielle snatched it once it was on the table and took a drink herself. "Mmm, this is good, what is it?"

"Not for you."

"Never heard of that before." She laughed.

"You've had some already didn't you?"

"Well not like that but yes."

"Gabrielle, I told you not to drink."

"Oh, Xena. Come on, I'm a big girl now. What can happen when I have the worlds best warrior watching out for me?" She leaned down and kissed Xena on the cheek. "I'm going to go dance some more. Wanna come?"

"No, you go ahead." She watched Gabrielle wobble towards the dancers. 'She starts to slur and she's off to bed.' She sat back and watched the bard.
 

***
Gabrielle looked over at Xena and felt a warmth spread through her body. She set down her mug and walked to her. "Xena."

Xena looked up. "What?"

"I'm getting a bit.......wobubly...wobobbly....I'm getting....."

"Wobbly?"

"Yeah that's it, wow you're good." She laughed at herself.

"Mmm hmm. And you my bard are off to bed."

"No."

"Excuse me."

"I'm not tired."

"Okay, but you'll regret tonight tomorrow. You put away a few gallons of that wine." She laughed, feeling the effects of the wine herself.

"Oh Xeda....Xera...." She leaned forward. "You know your name." She pointed a finger out at her.

"Xena."

"That's it. Xenda.....forget it. The point is, that I'm going to....to..." She looked up and spied the waitress walking towards a table. "Follow her." She took off.

Xena sat stunned at Gabrielle as she made her way to the woman. She watched as Gabrielle leaned forward and whispered something in her ear. The woman laughed and nodded her head. Gabrielle smirked and ran a finger down the woman's arm. Xena's mouth dropped, Gabrielle was flirting with.....with...a woman. She stood up and walked to Gabrielle. "May I have a word with you?" She grabbed her arm and led her back to their table. "What do you think you were doing?"

"Having a conversation."

"I saw that. What did you whisper in her ear?"

"Oh that." She smiled. "I told her that I want to...." She looked around and leaned forward to whisper the rest in Xena's ear.

"Gabrielle!"

"Xena." She laughed. "I got it. Wahoo. I know your name." She laughed again.

"That's great Gabs but ah, you might want to tell that woman that you aren't going anywhere with her."

"Ah Xena, you jealous?"

"No."

"Then why does you care." She shook her head, something about that sentence wasn't right.

"I just do." She sat down, dragging Gabrielle down as well. "Not go tell her."

"I'll go tell her all right. I'll tell her to meet me in five minutes." She started off.

Xena grabbed her arm. "I don't think so."

"Xena, you aren't my boss. Let go."

"No."

"Xena, now." She yanked her arm away. "I want to go have sex with that waistress, then so be it.  Why should you care?"

"So you are saying that you like women?"

Gabrielle thought for a minute. "I guess I do. So what?" She stared at Xena. "I guess its a new thing for me. Will you let me go now?"

"No."

"Xena, please."

"She'll be working all night, you can wait."

"What if I can't."

"Sit." She pushed her down into the seat. "Stay."

"What am I a pet now?"

"No, but you will stay."

"Make me." She rose again and caught the look shot at her from Xena. She sat back down.

"Good girl."

Gabrielle glared at her. "You are no fun."

"Oh I'm lots of fun, Gabrielle, just wait."

Gabrielle looked up at her. "Oh yeah. And how fun are you?" She leaned forward.

Xena leaned forward. "Depends on what area you want to talk about. Remember I have many skills."

Gabrielle felt a shudder run through her. Was Xena flirting with her? "Are you coming on to me?"

"What if I was?"

Gabrielle's eyes went wide. "Are you?"

"Yes."

"Hmm, then I'd think that was....great." She leaned more and caught Xena's lips with her own. She wasn't prepared for the spark that shot through her.

"I never expected this from you."

"Well guess what, Xena. There may be a lot about me that you don't yet know. I may just surprise you."

"I'd believe it." She pulled Gabrielle back to her and claimed those soft lips.

"Xena."

"Hmm?"

"Meet me in my room in one minute."

Xena turned to the waitress. "And what about her?"

Gabrielle turned. "If I get a chance to be with you, then screw her."

"I thought you wanted to."

"I'm serious, Xena."

"So am I."

"I'll go tell her something came up."

"You do that."

"Will you go to the room?"

"After you talk to her."

"K." She rose and walked to the woman.

Xena stood and leaned against a tree. Gabrielle walked over to her. "Well?"

"She took it well. Said something about not wanting to get killed."

"Hmm?"

"I don't know. Maybe she was scared of you."

"I see." She grabbed Gabrielle around the waist. "Ready?"

"More then you know."

They walked to the Inn.

Xena closed the door and pulled Gabrielle to her in a kiss. She raised a hand and grabbed Gabrielle's arms, holding them behind her back. "Try to get away now my bard."

"Why would I want to?"

They backed up against a wall and Xena pushed her against it. Xena swayed a bit.

"You okay?"

"Yeah? Just a little drunk."

Gabrielle laughed. "So am I." She laughed again. She leaned forward against Xena.

Xena moved a bit out of the way to grab something and heard a thunk. She turned her head and saw Gabrielle lying on the floor. "Gabrielle." She knelt down next to her. "Hey." She felt her pulse and let out a breath when she noticed that the bard had passed out. "Perfect timing my love." She picked her up and laid her on the bed, placing her head down on the pillow. "You are going to have an awful headache in the morning." She fingered the new forming bruise on her cheek. "And one sore face but sleep now."

She laid down next to her and held her before she too passed out.
 

***
Gabrielle opened her eyes and instantly closed them again, when the sun rays shone in her eyes.  She held her head as she slowly sat up. She looked around the room with narrowed eyes and saw that she was alone in the room.

She pulled herself up and walked out the door as she ran her fingers through her hair. Walking down the hall, she heard lots of laughter coming from the room in front of her. She walked through and saw lots of people eating and laughing as well. She looked around, not recognizing any of them. She walked on past and headed outside.

A hand hit her on the back. "You wake up?"

"Shh not so loud." Gabrielle covered her ears and head.

"That bad huh?"

Gabrielle turned to see a woman she didn't know. "Do I know you?"

"You should. We met last night."

Gabrielle could swear she saw a hint of a smile to those lips and shook her head only to grab it in pain. "I need to go find my friend." She walked off.

The woman watched her walk off then walked into the tavern.

Gabrielle saw Xena sitting on a bench across town, by the other tavern, and made her way to her.  "Morning."

Xena looked up. "What's so good about it?"

"You too?"

Xena held up her mug. "Here."

Gabrielle drank it, recognizing the herbs immediately. "Is it working?"

"No."

Gabrielle looked around the town. "How did the festival go last night?" She looked down. "Xena."

"What?"

"How was the festival?"

"You went."

"So did you. I can't remember much."

Xena stood. "Well don't look to me for answers. I had too much to drink last night."

"How long have you been up?"

"Awhile."

The woman from before came up to them. "Can I get you anything?"

Gabrielle looked at her. "What is your name?"

"Cossette."

"Hmm?"

"Something the matter?"

"No, I'm just a little tired. I'm not hungry."

The woman turned to Xena. "And you?"

Xena shook her head and laid her head on her hand.

"Okay." The woman walked away.

"Xena." Gabrielle sat down next to her. "Who is that?"

"She told you her name?"

"Yes I know, but she looks familiar." She noticed the look on Xena's face. "What?"

Xena laughed. "Oh, no."

"Tell me now."

"Or what?"

Gabrielle tried to look fierce but ended up laughing. "Or you are cooking for yourself."

Xena looked away. "You really don't remember, do you?"

"I wouldn't ask if I did."

"You met her at the party. She was the waitress, or as you called her waistress."

"Waistress?"

"Yep. As I recall you two hit it off right away."

Gabrielle looked at Xena. "What did I do?"

"You hit on her."

"WHAT?"

"You heard me."

"Why would I do that?"

She turned to Gabrielle. "I don't know, why?"

Gabrielle bit her lip and looked over at Cossette. "Hmm? Well maybe I had a good reason, I was drunk after all."

"She isn't the only one you hit on." Xena thought as she stood up. "I'll go check on Argo." She walked away.

Gabrielle stood up and walked into the shade, and sat down, leaned up against a tree. She felt the breeze on her face and closed her eyes.

Xena looked up. "What?"

"I'm getting a bit.......wobubly...wobobbly....I'm getting....."

"Wobbly?"

"Yeah that's it, wow you're good." She laughed at herself.

--

"Oh Xeda....Xera...." She leaned forward. "You know your name." She pointed a finger out at her.

"Xena."

"That's it. Xenda.....forget it. The point is, that I'm going to....to..." She looked up and spied the waitress walking towards a table. "Follow her." She took off.

Gabrielle started to laugh. "I guess I was drunk." She looked over just in time to see Xena walked across the street, toward the inn. She found herself watching her and wondered why. The way she moved as she walked, the head raised in power, the way she held the look of the warrior. She heard herself sigh and tore her eyes away from Xena. "What am I doing? This is Xena we are talking about." She looked up again to see Xena look over at her and smiled. Gabrielle smiled back and looked away. "I am not doing this." She closed her eyes and tired to calm herself.

Xena watched the bard close her eyes and almost walked over to her, when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned to see Cossette. "What?"

"I was told that this belonged to you." She held out an object.

Xena looked down and saw her breast dagger. "Thanks." She took it and put it back where it went, between her breasts. She saw the woman follow the movement of the dagger before turning and walking away. She shook her head and looked back at Gabrielle who was not there. She looked around, but didn't see her anywhere. She shrugged and sat down at a bench.

"Gabrielle!"

"Xena." She laughed. "I got it. Wahoo. I know your name." She laughed again.

"That's great Gabs but ah, you might want to tell that woman that you aren't going anywhere with her."

"Ah Xena, you jealous?"

"No."

"Then why does you care."

"I just do." She sat down, dragging Gabrielle down as well. "Not go tell her."

"I'll go tell her all right. I'll tell her to meet me in five minutes." She started off.

Xena grabbed her arm. "I don't think so."

"Xena, you aren't my boss. Let go."

"No."

"Xena, now." She yanked her arm away. "I want to go have sex with that waistress, then so be it. Why should you care?"

"So you are saying that you like women?"

Gabrielle thought for a minute. "I guess I do. So what?" She stared at Xena. "I guess its a new thing for me. Will you let me go now?"

"No."

"Xena, please."

"She'll be working all night, you can wait."

"What if I can't."
 

***
Gabrielle laid back onto the bed and stared up at the ceiling. "Why did she have her breast dagger? Why do I care? I know why I care." She sat up. "Gabs, you are talking to yourself." She hid her head in her hands and let out a breath. "I've lost it now. Yep." She looked down at the bed and grabbed a pillow. She brought it up to her nose and took in the scent it held. She brought it away and smiled. "I don't need to worry, she was here last night." She put the pillow back and smiled as she looked around the small room.

As she stood and backed against the wall, an scene played in her head. She closed her eyes and focused on it.

"Try to get away now my bard."

"Why would I want to?"

They backed up against a wall and Xena pushed her against it. Xena swayed a bit.

"You okay?"

"Yeah? Just a little drunk."

Gabrielle laughed. "So am I." She laughed again as she leaned forward against Xena.

Gabrielle opened her eyes and looked around the room. "She was here. With me." She closed her eyes to perhaps get more of the scenic but no more came. She bit her lip and left the room.
 

***
Xena looked up to see Gabrielle standing in the doorway of the inn. She motioned for her to come to her when she looked over.

Gabrielle walked to her. "Xena."

Xena saw Gabrielle's face was a bit flushed. "What is it?"

"I was upstairs and I....well that is we....." She turned away.

"What is it Gabrielle. Tell me."

"Xena, did we sleep together?"

Xena started to laugh.

"This isn't funny. I was in the room and I remembered being in our room with you." She blushed.

"No."

She turned to her. "What?"

"No. We didn't, you are safe." She saw Gabrielle relax slightly. "Feel better?"

"Yes. You knew this all along?"

"Yes."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"What would I say? Oh by the way Gabrielle, we almost had sex last night, but you passed out."

"Exactly." She turned away then turned back to Xena. "I passed out?"

"Yes."

"So we would of if I hadn't?"

"I think so." She looked up. "Does that bother you?"

"No."

Xena looked away. She heard Gabrielle whisper something and raised her head. "What?"

"I didn't say anything."

Silence.

"Now I know that its possible."

"What is?"

"Us."

"Wait a minute, Gabrielle."

"You saying you were just drunk and weren't thinking."

"Yes. That's right."

"Xena."

"What?"

Gabrielle studied the face in front of her. "You're serious."

"Yes."

Gabrielle backed up. "Okay, I guess I was wrong." She turned and walked away.

Xena watched her walk away and closed her eyes. "What is wrong with me?"

"Sit." She pushed her down into the seat. "Stay."

"What am I a pet now?"

"No, but you will stay."

"Make me." She rose again and caught the look shot at her from Xena. She sat back down.

"Good girl."

Gabrielle glared at her. "You are no fun."

"Oh I'm lots of fun, Gabrielle, just wait."

Gabrielle looked up at her. "Oh yeah. And how fun are you?" She leaned forward.

Xena leaned forward. "Depends on what area you want to talk about. Remember I have many skills."

Gabrielle felt a shudder run through her. Was Xena flirting with her? "Are you coming on to me?"

"What if I was?"

Gabrielle's eyes went wide. "Are you?"

"Yes."

Xena stood and walked towards the inn.
 

***
Gabrielle heard the door open but did not move from her place at the window. She heard the footsteps coming closer and closed her eyes as she breathed in the scent of her warrior. "What now Xena?"

"How...."

"I know your scent." She turned and looked at her. "What do you want to talk about now? Let me guess, you want us to go our separate ways."

"No. I wasn't thinking that at all."

"Well I was." She turned back around.

"Gabrielle."

"Just don't Xena. I'm hurt enough okay."

"I didn't mean to hurt you."

Silence.

Xena walked closer and pressed her frame into Gabrielle's back. She took in the scent of the woman before her and shuddered. "Gabrielle." Her voice lowered.

Gabrielle felt the shudder run through Xena and closed her eyes. "What?"

"I think it could be possible."

Gabrielle turned around. "No, it couldn't."

"Why?"

"Because... I don't know."

Xena backed up. "I know I hurt you just now outside, but I didn't mean what I said. I....maybe part of me did." She sat down on the bed. "I don't know what to do."

"Not a difficult decision, Xena."

"Yes it is."

"No. You want your space, I'll leave."

Xena looked up. "I don't want you to leave."

"Then tell me how you feel."

Xena looked away.

"So that's it then."

Silence.

Gabrielle turned and looked out the window again. She felt Xena come up behind her and felt her strong around circle around her waist. "Don't do this for my benefit."

"I just want to hold you." She laid her head down on Gabrielle's.

Gabrielle placed her hands on the ones at her waist. She pulled them away. "I can't do this. You don't want this fine. Don't tease my heart." She walked out of the room.

Xena sighed and looked out the window to see the bard walk across the street. "How do I tell you how I feel? I can't take the risk again." She sat down on the bed. "I can't lose you too." She closed her eyes.

Gabrielle came back to the room as the sky was darkening. She slowly closed the door trying not to make a sound and could see that Xena was laying in the bed. She slipped into her shift and slid into the bed. She turned on her side, away from Xena and closed her eyes.
 

***
The next morning, before the sky had lightened, Gabrielle awoke. She didn't know why and couldn't figure out a thing that was wrong. She didn't hear any noise that might have woke her up but yet she was. She looked around the room and shook her head. It was when she focused on herself that she noticed the weight that was on her.

Xena had somehow wrapped herself around the bard in her sleep. Her leg was thrown over Gabrielle's and her arm was hanging onto her waist. She had her head down on her chest, the dark locks spread out.

Gabrielle smiled and set an arm over Xena's. "Why can't you tell me how you feel?" She closed her eyes and listened to the light breathing of Xena's. "I love you."
 

***
Xena opened her eyes and looked around. She raised her head and an eyebrow, when she saw how she was laying. She had her limbs wrapped around Gabrielle's form. She had somehow done it in her sleep. She removed her arm and leg from Gabrielle and moved back a bit to her own pillow.

She walked toward the bed and laid down behind Gabrielle. She placed a hand on Gabrielle's waist while hiding her head in Gabrielle's blonde locks. She kisses the soft neck and moved her hand higher. Her thumb grazed the soft flesh of Gabrielle's breast. She heard a gasp and lowered her hand to Gabrielle's sex, rubbing slowly. Gabrielle moaned softly.

Xena raised her head and looked across the room at the bed. Walking away from the door she grabbed a pillow from the bed and blanket from a table, then settled into the rocking chair by the window. She closed her eyes and fell asleep.

The morning came slowly. Xena walked into the room to see Gabrielle curled up against the pillow Xena had used last night. She smiled and laid down the food tray. Walking toward the bed, she laid down and watched as Gabrielle turned from the pillow, throwing an arm around Xena's waist. Her face was hidden in Xena's chest and she fell asleep again.  Or so it seemed.

Xena laughed and stroked Gabrielle's hair. She was pushed onto her back and smiled as Gabrielle laid her head down on her chest, an arm still around her waist. She laughed again and closed her eyes.

"I'm in love with you."

Her eyes flew open. "What?" She looked down at Gabrielle. "Gabrielle." Silence. "Oh no, you can't just say something like that and expect to end it."

Gabrielle raised her head and looking into Xena's eyes. "I said I'm in love with you." She covered Xena's lips with a soft kiss.

Xena opened her eyes and looked over at Gabrielle who was still sleeping. She sat up and ran her fingers through her dark locks. "I'm not doing this." She looked back at Gabrielle. "No.  Impossible." She stood and walked out the door.

When Xena walked back into the room, she saw that Gabrielle was still asleep. Her eyes closed as she drifted off into fantasy.

She felt a hand on her arm and opened her eyes to see Gabrielle.

"I'm sorry I got mad at you. Its just that you never talk to me. I never know what is bothering you, what's on your mind."

"I know. I'm sorry."

"So, tell me now."

"I can't."

"Xena, how can we go on if you don't trust me."

"I do trust you."

"Then tell me. Tell me what you are thinking about."

"No."

Gabrielle put her hand on Xena's arm and felt the small tremor that ran through her. She looked up at Xena's eyes and removed her hand.

Xena stepped back against the door. She turned to it when she felt it against her back.

Gabrielle stepped closer. "You won't talk to me."

"Nothing is wrong, Gabrielle."

Gabrielle was now in front of Xena. She pressed her frame against the woman and felt her heat, her scent.

Xena's breath increased, as well as her heart. She felt her arms come up and wrap themselves around Gabrielle. She pulled her closer.

"Xena, I think I know what has been bothering you."

"Yeah."

"I do." She pulled Xena's lips down to her own.

Xena jumped and looked around her. She was still in her room, standing by the window.  She turned to the bed where Gabrielle was still asleep. She found her feet walking closer.  She stopped and just stared at her while she slept.

She pulled her shift over her head and climbed in the bed, curling up next to Gabrielle. She felt her warmth and let out a small sigh.

Gabrielle stirred and pressed her back against Xena's frame.

Xena grabbed onto Gabrielle's hip and squeezed. "Gabrielle."

No answer.

She nuzzled the soft neck. "Gabrielle."

No answer.

She slipped her hand up under Gabrielle's shift and slowly slid it higher. She moaned softly when she felt the soft skin at her thigh, hip, waist. She pressed herself closer against her frame and rocked her hips against her butt. "Gabrielle, wake up. Please." She squeezed her breast and felt the nipple harden.

Gabrielle moaned and was still again.

"Gabrielle." Xena slid the shift up until Gabrielle's back was exposed. "Oh, you feel so good." She pressed her nipples against the soft skin.

"Mmm." Gabrielle leaned back. "Oh, yes." She turned in Xena's arms and jumped when she saw Xena. "Xena. What um..."

Xena smiled and pressed her lips against Gabrielle's. She pulled Gabrielle against her.  "Take this off." She reached down and slid the shift up over Gabrielle's head. "There, that's better." She moved her mouth to her neck.

Xena opened her eyes and looked around. She wiped the sweat from her face and jumped as she heard Gabrielle stir. She reached and grabbed the saddlebags from the floor, then walked out.
 

***
Gabrielle woke up to see that she was still alone. "Xena." She looked around the room and her eyes came to the spot their saddlebags used to be. They weren't there anymore. She stood up, thinking Xena had loaded them up and they were leaving. A feeling of dread came and hit her in the stomach, making her run out the door.

She walked into the stable to see Argo there. She wasn't saddled and that somehow made Gabrielle calm down a bit.

The doors slammed shut with a loud bang, making her jump and turn around. "Xena."

"What are you doing here?"

"I was..uh..well."

"I'm waiting."

Gabrielle gave up trying to come up with a reason. "I thought you left." She lowered her head.

"Why would you think that?"

Gabrielle pointed at the bags. "You took the saddlebags, Xena. Never mind." She made her way past Xena but was grabbed by the arm.

"You okay?"

"Fine." She pulled her arm away.

"You know you can talk to me about anything."

"Can I?"

Xena looked down at her. "I'm trying to help here."

"Yeah, I know. Don't help because you really don't at all--."

Xena watched her walk to the door. "Gabrielle."

"What?"

"Talk to me." She stepped forward. "Please."

Gabrielle turned around. "What do you want me to say?"

"Tell me what's on your mind."

"You don't want to know."

"I do."

"Okay. Right now I would.....no." She stopped.

"What?"

"Xena, about earlier. Can you answer me now?"

"What was the question?"

"I asked you how you felt."

"I don't know. I want to take that next step with you but I can't."

"Why?"

"I've lost so many people that I loved. I don't want to lose you as well."

"You will never lose me."

"You can't promise that. What is it doesn't work out? What then?"

"I can't, but I can promise that I will always love you."

"Is it enough?"

"Yes."

"I can't take that risk and lose you."

"If you don't, you lose me anyway. I can't live without you, but I can't stay here and continue to love you when you don't love me."

"How do you know that?"

"If you would you would follow your heart and........ Never mind. Do what you will." She looked up at Xena. "Will you promise me one thing?"

"Yes."

"Promise me that you won't leave me until you figure out how you feel."

"I promise."

Gabrielle walked out the door.

Xena turned and walked to a bench. She lowered her eyes to the ground and sighed. "I can't."

Gabrielle stood outside the door and leaned against it. "What can I do?" She looked back at the barn, then walked away.
 

***
When night came, they still hadn't talked. Xena kept herself out of the village most of the time while Gabrielle made sure she just steered clear of the warrior.

Gabrielle took a seat across from the inn, to keep an eye out for Xena. She was seated in the shadows, far from eyes. She looked up just in time to see Xena walk into town. She took a breath and sat back, watching her walk past.

Xena stopped and turned towards Gabrielle. "Are you hiding?"

"Yes."

"From me?"

"Yes."

Xena smiled and walked into the shadows and took a seat on the bench. "Why?"

"I would think that it would be quite obvious."

"Why don't you just tell me? Save me from a guessing game."

"I'm hiding from you because I don't want to have to deal with you."

"Excuse me."

"Sorry, Xena but I don't want t......."

Xena stood and started to walk away when Gabrielle grabbed her arm and made her sit again.

"I'm sorry. I'm just....in a bad mood."

Xena smiled. "Don't worry. I've taken my moods out on you before."

"No, you didn't deserve it."

"Yes I did."

"How?"

Xena lowered her head and looked Gabrielle in the eyes. "You know that answer."

"Yes I do but I still don't think th....." Xena put a finger to Gabrielle's mouth to silence her.

"I promised that I would stay here. Lets forget the past few days and get something to eat.  Together."

"Okay." She smiled and stood.

They silently walked to the tavern.
 

***
The next day was a bit easier. Because of the time they spent just eating together, their usual closeness was starting to return.

Xena walked from the stables after a long ride with Argo and spotted Gabrielle walking towards her. "Uh oh."

"You better think uh oh." She laughed. "No, you're not in trouble. I was thinking though."

Xena laughed and shut up instantly when Gabrielle glared at her. "What were you thinking or do I not want to know." Her smile was still intact.

"Can we leave here? You know what they say about new surroundings."

"No, what?"

"Xena seriously, can we?"

"Yeah. I take it you already have our things packed."

"You know me well." She turned and walked to the inn.

Xena shook her head and walked back inside the stables.
 

***
They stopped next to a lake for lunch.

Xena unloaded their food while Gabrielle gathered wood.

"Xena."

"Hmm?"

"Can we stay here tonight?"

"Why?"

Gabrielle looked around. "I don't know. Its just got a look to it. Very calm, comfortable, silent..."

"Romantic?"

"I wasn't going to say that."

"Admit it. It was the next word on your tongue."

"I wasn't."

"Okay." Xena smiled and sat down. "Well I suppose we can stay here for the night. Water, shelter, out of danger." She shrugged.

"I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"For acting the way I did. I was wrong."

"You were just fighting for what you wanted. Everyone does."

"Yes, but it wasn't fair to you. You took me under your wing, taught me how to fight, became my best friend. I guess I just got greedy. I wanted more then I could have and I'm sorry."

"Your welcome."

"I find it hard to believe all the things we have been through."

"At least we stayed together."

"Xena."

"Hmm?"

"I'll travel with you until you get tired of me."

"Never." She smiled.

Gabrielle looked away. "I still love you."

"And I love you."

Gabrielle looked at the ground and nodded.

Xena sighed. Gabrielle looked so sad. She wanted to do something to cheer her up. She smiled as she laid down the supplies and walked to her. "Lets go take a swim."

"Yeah."

"Yeah. Maybe wash up. You wash my back I wash yours. You know how it works."

"I do." She stood up and followed Xena.
 

***
The cool water felt good against their skin. They could feel the last few days of tension drain from their body.

Xena grabbed the soap and turned Gabrielle around while she worked up a lather in her hands.  She ran her hands down the soft skin and closed her eyes. This was getting harder and harder with each day. Her mind wasn't ready for this, but her body screamed for it to happen. Xena calmed her nerves and started again.

Gabrielle caught the small pause and bit her lip. Could it be that Xena wanted her as much as she wanted her. She closed her eyes and concentrated on the hands running along her back. She shuddered as a finger was ran down her spine. "Xena."

"Hmm?"

"Don't do that."

"Why?" She did it again.

"Because." She closed her eyes as another jolt ran down her body.

Xena felt it and smiled as she threw the soap onto the shore and ran her fingernails down Gabrielle's back, slow and gentle.

"Xena stop please."

"I thought you wanted this?"

Gabrielle's eyes shot open. "Are you saying that...."

"I want you, yes." She brought her hands around Gabrielle and cupped a breast in each hand. "I want this, I just don't know if I should. But I will." She squeezed.

"Oh gods." She turned. "But you said that....."

Xena placed a finger over Gabrielle's lips. "I know what I said." She stared at Gabrielle's mouth.  "It doesn't mean a thing. I've said lots of things before." She looked Gabrielle in the eyes. "I just decided that I need to stop fearing that everyone is out to get me."

Gabrielle couldn't say a thing. Here was the woman of her dreams, telling her that she wanted her.  She could barely breathe let alone think enough to speak.

"Do you still want this? Me?"

"Yes."

With that one word, Xena moved her finger and replaced it with her mouth. She couldn't believe how soft that mouth was. She let a groan slip past her lips and held on tighter to Gabrielle.  "Gabrielle."

"Yes."

"Gabrielle."

"Yes."

"GABRIELLE!"

"Huh?" Gabrielle opened her eyes and looked around. She could see Xena out in the water.  "What?"

"I said throw me the soap, please."

Gabrielle picked it up and threw it to her.

"Thanks."

"Welcome. It was all a dream?"

"What?"

"Nothing." She laid back against the grass and looked up at the blue sky. "Figures."

Xena looked over at the shore at Gabrielle. "Is she okay?" She shrugged and finished cleaning herself then walked out of the water to stand above Gabrielle. "You okay?"

Gabrielle looked up to see Xena. She felt a jolt run through her body when she did. The warrior wore nothing but a frown and the water dripped off her body. Gabrielle licked her lips and closed her eyes. "Gods Xena. Why do you have to do that?"

"What?"

Gabrielle stood and grabbed a towel, wrapping it around the wet warrior. "Cover up."

Xena smirked. "Okay." She wrapped it around her tighter. "You okay?"

"I'll be fine if you stop doing that?"

"What?"

"Going nude."

"I just took a dip, Gabrielle."

"Yeah, well....." She couldn't figure out how to finish the sentence.

"If it bothers you, I'll try to stop okay."

"Thank you."

"It never used to bother you."

"I know." She sat down. "I'm sorry again." She laughed. "You wouldn't believe what I just..." She stopped.

Xena sat down next to her. "What did you do?"

"Nothing." She turned and held her breath, Xena was so close. "This is going to take some getting used to."

"We'll get through it."

"I hope so, cause right now..." She stopped again.

"I know." She laid a hand down to cover Gabrielle's. Their fingers laced together.

"Why can't I just stop thinking about it?"

"As in it you mean....?"

"Yes." She smiled and looked away.

"I'm sorry. I'll just have to try and make this easier for you. Perhaps you should go visit your family, or the amazons, for awhile. Just until you think you can handle being around me." She smirked.

"I'll handle it. I'm not going anywhere."

"You sure?"

"No, but what choice have I got." She looked over at Xena. "Do you have any problems?"

"Meaning?"

"With me."

Xena smiled. "Why?"

"I would just like to know I'm not the only one going through this."

Xena laughed. "Yes."

"Really?"

"Yes. My head is saying no, while my heart and......"

"Go on."

Xena smiled. "While my heart and body scream yes."

"Then what's the problem?"

"I don't want to lose you."

"And I told you that you wouldn't."

"You think its hard now? How hard do you think it would be if we did take the next step and figure out afterwards that we don't want to continue?"

"Never happen." She smiled. "Could it?"

"I can't take that chance."

Gabrielle's shoulders sagged. "I understand." She started to get up when Xena pulled her back down. "What?"

Xena started to say something but stopped and let go of Gabrielle's arm. She cleared her throat and stood. "Nothing."

"Xena."

"I'm going back to camp."

Gabrielle watched her leave and bit her lip.
 

***
As they sat around the fire, neither said a word to the other. Each lost in her own thoughts.

Finally Gabrielle had to speak. "Xena."

Xena looked up.

Gabrielle didn't know what to say.

"What Gabrielle."

Gabrielle shook her head and looked away.

Xena set down her sword and walked to Gabrielle, squatting in front of her. "What?"

Gabrielle was silent and wouldn't look at her.

Xena brought her fingers to Gabrielle's chin and made her face her. "What is it?" She looked into those green eyes and saw nothing but love and confusion. She didn't know what to do but had to do something that would make the woman's sadness go away. She did the only thing she could think of. She leaned in and kissed those lips. Pulling away she heard Gabrielle start to cry. "Tell me. Please."

Gabrielle pushed Xena's hand away and stood up. "Why did you do that?"

"I don't know."

"Maybe I should go."

"Sounds good. When do you want me to come and get you?"

"No, I mean go, for good."

Xena's eyes widened. "What?"

"I can't deal with this. I want nothing more then to hold you and love you but that will never be and then you kissed me......Xena that didn't help."

"Sorry."

"Its not your fault. This is mine."

Xena lowered her eyes and looked at the ground. Warriors never lowered their heads to anyone or admitted defeat. They never gave into pain, but this was killing her.

"Xena."

Xena looked up. "Don't go."

"I have to."

Xena stood and walked to her. "I can make it right."

"No, you wouldn't be doing anything that you wanted. You would be doing everything because of me and I don't think that I......." She was shut up when Xena grabbed her and pulled her into a kiss. She tried to pull away but Xena's arms held her tight while her lips held her close.

Xena pushed her tongue through and fully captured the bards mouth. Her mind was telling her how crazy she was but every sense in her body was telling her how right this was.  She pulled back. "Now, do you honestly think I did that just for you?"

Gabrielle opened her eyes and held on to Xena. "No."

Xena smiled. "Good."

"So does...."

"Yes." She backed up and pushed Gabrielle against a tree, pulling her arms behind her. "Now where were we?" She covered those lips again.

"Xena."

"Yes."

"Xena."

"Yes."

"XENA!"

Xena jumped and looked up to see Gabrielle standing over her. "What?"

"You okay?"

"Yeah, why?" She took a breath.

"I kept calling you and you kept saying yes. That's a bit odd don't you think?"

"Yes, I mean no. I was just....."

"Out of it."

"Yeah." She stood and started to cook the meat.
 

***
Gabrielle woke up the next morning to find Xena still asleep. She slipped past her and grabbed a towel, then headed off to the lake.

Xena felt someone move around the camp and looked up to catch a glimpse of Gabrielle leaving the camp. She threw off her covers and followed.

Gabrielle stripped down to nothing and slowly walked into the cool water. It made her skin jump as the coolness hit each nerve. It was wonderful. She emerged completely and surfaced.  Smoothing the hair away from her face, she closed her eyes and took in the breeze on her face.  She felt so relaxed, as if the last few days hadn't even happened.

She opened her eyes as the breeze brought her a new scent. She smiled and turned around. "You know its rude to stare." She smiled as Xena came out of hiding.

"I wasn't staring."

"Oh and what were you doing?"

"I was....." She thought and smiled. "Sight seeing."

"Cute."

"I know."

Gabrielle walked closer. "How long have you been up?"

"I woke up when you snuck off."

"I didn't sneak Xena."

"Did too."

Gabrielle shook her head. "Great, so your in a playful mood today."

"Yes."

"Good." She smiled as she walked closer to shore. "Hand me my towel will you?"

Xena grabbed and and held out her hands to give it to the bard. "Here."

"Just a little closer."

Xena stepped into the water and held out the towel again.

Gabrielle smiled and grabbed for the towel, but moved to the other hand and pulled Xena forward.

Xena hit the water with a loud splash.

Gabrielle broke out into a laugh, and waited till Xena resurfaced. "I couldn't help myself."

"Oh? And neither can I."

Gabrielle tried to get out but was grabbed and thrown backwards. She hit the water with a loud splash. "That was not fair."

"Yeah, neither was pulling me in. Your lucky I wasn't wearing my leathers."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, then I'd have to hurt you."

"You wouldn't."

"Oh? Can you be so sure of that?"

"Yes."

"Your right."

"Sorry, Xena. I couldn't help it."

"I know. Well there is a good thing for it."

"What is that?"

"It woke me up." She smiled.

"Oh."

"You see Gabrielle, we can still be close without being close. You know what I mean?"

"Yes."

Xena brought a hand up to touch Gabrielle's cheek. More like caress. She moved closer and slipped, falling against Gabrielle.

Gabrielle put her hands out to stop Xena from hitting her and found her hands over a breast. She could feel Xena's heart beat and found that it was beating fast. "Xena."

"Shh." She tilted her head and kissed Gabrielle. Slow at first but then they let their passion flow to the surface and the kiss soon deepened.

When they pulled back, Gabrielle had her eyes closed. Xena kissed each eyelid and then kissed that cute nose she loved. "I love you."

"I love you." She opened her eyes. "Thank you."

"For that?"

"Yes."

Xena shook her head. "Don't thank me yet."

"Why?"

Xena bent and picked up Gabrielle, carrying her out of the water. "Because I'm not done yet."

"I guess you are answering my question then."

"Yes I am." She laid Gabrielle down on the soft grass. "And the answer is forever."

THE END

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