ForevaXena's FanFic . . .

In Each Others Arms

by Sarah Miller

Disclaimers: Xena, Gabrielle, Ephiny, Eponin, Solari, and Argo all belong to Renaissance Pictures. I used them for my own fun.

Violence: There is little violence in the story but its all good.

Subtext: Oh yeah. This story was written in the idea that these two women are in love and finally admit to it.

Sex: No, sorry.

ForevaXena's Note:  This is the first FF story Sarah Miller ever wrote.  Nothing has been changed from its original format, yet it's still a beautiful piece and showed the promise of all the great work to come.  We both hope you'll enjoy it!

The candle marks slowly passed by, each second seeming like an hour. Gabrielle had lost count long ago of how many times she had stood and looked out the window towards the barn. "What's taking them so long?" she sat down and waited again.

She woke up when the door opened and saw her father laying his pack down.

He turned her way and smiled. "You still up little one."

"I hate it when you call me that."

"Sorry." He walked over to her and kissed the top of her head softly. "Get some sleep daughter."

"I will." She looked out the window to see Xena leading Argo into the barn. "I just have to...

"I know. Goodnight," he said interrupting her. He walked up the stairs and was silent.

Gabrielle smiled and walked outside into the cool night air. As she entered the barn, she saw Xena with her back towards her brushing Argo. She held her breath and walked forward. "Hey."

Xena turned and gave a warm smile. "You still up."

"That's exactly what my dad said."

Xena turned back around. Gabrielle walked closer till her head rested on the back of Xena's shoulder. Xena turned till she had Gabrielle's head rested on her chest. Stroking a strand of hair behind one of Gabrielle's ears, she placed a small kiss on her head.

Gabrielle looked up. "I missed you."

"I missed you too."

"Did everything work out?"

"I guess so. I mean there's only so much you can do, right."

"Right. You look tired. Did they let you rest?"

"Wasn't any time to rest."

"I'm sorry."

"Its not your fault."

"Yes, but if I hadn't suggested that we visit my family, you wouldn't of had to go through that."

"It wasn't that bad really."

"Glad you liked it because I was miserable."

Xena gave a slight chuckle and moved from Gabrielle. She grabbed her blanket and laid it down on the ground as Gabrielle did the same. As Gabrielle laid down and covered up, she felt Xena move behind her.

"Xena."

"Hmm."

"I've had nothing to do all day but think."

"About what?"

Gabrielle took a deep breath and continued. "When you left this morning without..." she stopped.

"Go on."

"I woke up and you weren't there. I hate it when that happens. I know that I should be used to it by now but I'm not. I....I don't know. Never mind."

Xena raised up on her elbow. "If there's something on your mind, we can talk. It might help."

Gabrielle rolled over till she was facing Xena. "Its nothing."

Xena raised an eyebrow. "Uh huh."

"Can we talk about this later."

"Sure." She watched Gabrielle turn back onto her side. "You sure."

"Yes." 'absolutely' she didn't want to go too far into details of all the things she had thought about. One particular thing coming to mind and she wasn't ready to tell Xena that yet.

"Gabrielle."

"What?"

"There is something on your mind and I don't think that I can sleep till I know your okay."

"I'm fine."

"Come on Gabrielle. I know you better than you think."

Gabrielle took a deep breath. "Remember the time when you had to save that boy from the warlords."

"Yes."

"I keep thinking about it. About how I found you."

"If you hadn't of found me I don't know what would of happened."

"I just can't get that image of you locked up like that. Helpless."

Gabrielle waited for Xena to say something and when she didn't she continued. "I...what would of happened if I wasn't there. They would of killed you."

"Yes they would have."

Gabrielle turned to face Xena. "How many times are you going to go off on a mission and leave me alone. So far its been fine and you have been able to take care of yourself, but  what if you get hurt and i'm not there to help you. Even your lucks about to end someday." Xena wiped a tear from Gabrielle's cheek. Gabrielle sniffed and continued. "I don't know if I could handle that."

"You know that I'll always come back to you."

"With all the risks you take, how can you be so sure?"

"Have I ever been wrong before."

"Well..."

"Don't answer that."

Gabrielle wiped her eyes and turned from Xena. "I'm sorry. I...I'm sorry."

"For what. Talking to me."

"For crying like a baby."

"You are not a baby. It takes courage to cry."

"You never cry."

"I've learned to hold it in."

Gabrielle remained silent.

"You okay now?"

"Yeah. I'm fine. Thanks."

"Anytime." She laid down and had just closed her eyes when she felt Gabrielle turn and rest her head on her shoulder. Xena laughed and smoothed the hair back from Gabrielle's face. "Get some sleep."
 

Gabrielle opened her eyes and saw the sky above her. The stars shone brightly overhead. She turned on her side and saw Xena in a deep sleep. She smiled at the peaceful calmness in her features as she slept. A lock of hair slid and now lay across Xena's shoulder. She reached a hand out to touch a strand. She gently lifted it and let it slide across her fingers.

Xena shifted and turned onto her side, giving Gabrielle a good view.

Gabrielle let out a breath and threw the blankets off of herself. She turned onto her side. "Xena."

Silence.

"Xena, please wake up."

"What is it Gabrielle?"

Going blank she said the first thing that came to her mind. "I woke up before you."

"You woke me up to say that?"

"Yes."

Xena opened her eyes and smiled. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

Xena sat up. "Tell me."

Gabrielle opened her mouth to speak but stopped. She stood and started gathering up her bedroll.

"Gabrielle." Xena crawled over to her friend. "Your not answering me."

"I'm sorry I woke you."

Xena grabbed her hand and held it. "Something's wrong."

"I'm fine."

Xena arched an eyebrow.

Gabrielle made no move to tell her what was wrong. Xena sighed and moved back. Gabrielle swallowed and closed her eyes when she felt a soft hand slide across her cheek. She opened her eyes to the most amazing blue.

"You feeling okay?"

"Fine."

"Sure. You look pale."

"Maybe I am a little sick." She moved away from Xena and sat down on her bedroll. Soon Xena laid down on hers and covered up. As she was drifting off, she felt an arm go around her waist.
 

"I'm up." Gabrielle sat up and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. When she opened them she discovered that it wasn't yet light out. "Xena, why are we up this early?"

"To get to Serrebes by noon. Don't complain. Remember who it was that wanted to come with me." She arched an eyebrow.

"I remember." She stood and started to fold up her bedroll. "I suppose breakfast is out of the question." She looked up to meet Xena's gaze.

"On the log next to the fire."

Gabrielle handed Xena her blankets and ate while Xena finished packing up.

With a whole two candle marks of safe traveling, a bunch of thugs stepped out onto the path. "Well well well. What do we have here?" asked a big man looked the two up and down.

"Suppose we could have a little fun with um, eh." called a man from behind him.

"Thinks that's wise?"

"Sure do miss."

"Do you have any idea who this is?" asked Gabrielle. she was not in the mood for a fight this early in the morning.

"No, who?"

"This is Xena."

The name had an effect on the man and for a moment he seemed worried, then a smile came to his face along with a laugh. "Xena huh. Melos has a huge price on your head you know."

"Wasn't aware of it."

The man unsheathed his sword. "This should be fun."

A man from the group stepped up. "That's not Xena. I met Xena and she doesn't look nothing like her."

"But she is Xena." called Gabrielle.

"Yeah, and I'm Hercules."

"No, I've met Hercules and he is much bigger." she said.

"Wise little brat. After we take care of her, we should have a little fun with you before we sell ya."

Gabrielle moved till she was closer to Xena. "You had better win." She shivered at the thought.

Xena unsheathed her sword while Gabrielle readied her staff.

Three came at Xena leaving two for Gabrielle. With a hard kick to the face one was down. Xena knocked out another one leaving the only one with a sword.

"Still want to continue this."

"Yes, unless your surrendering."

Xena laughed and shook her head as she parried back and forth. Gabrielle sent one man flying hitting the road a few ways behind them. The last came at her fast. He moved his hand left to distract her, then moved his other hand letting it come in contact with the side of her face. She shook it off and knocked him down for the count. She rubbed her jaw and turned to see Xena finished off the last one with a kick to the stomach.

Xena turned her way and saw her rubbing her jaw. "You okay."

"Yeah. Just got a little hit that's all."

Gabrielle looked around at the men sprawled all over the ground. "They never learn. Don't mess with Xena."

Xena laughed. "That's why their bandits Gabrielle. Another meaning for dumb men without jobs. Come on." She put back her sword and climbed onto Argo. "Wanna ride?"

"No I'll walk."

"Suit yourself."
 

They soon neared a fork in the road. Without a thought, Xena kept in the direction of left.

"Xena, I thought we were going to Serrebs?"

"No, changed my mind."

"Then where are we going?"

"Gabrielle, would you mind if we visited the Amazons?"

"Are you kidding. I'd love to. Thank you."

Xena smiled and shook her head as they continued down the path.
 

When the sun had fallen over the hills covering the land with darkness, they had reached the edge of the Amazon territory. Hearing a owl, they held up their hands in a sign of peace. Five amazons dropped from the trees and walked toward them. Raising her mask Ephiny smiled at her two friends.

"Welcome back my queen, and Xena its glad to see you as well."

Xena locked arms with the amazon and backed up.

"So, how long can we expect you to stay this time."

Gabrielle turned to Xena then back to Ephiny. "A few days."

"Good. Your just in time for the summer festival."

"Festival for what?"

"To celebrate a great hunt and fight."

They walked on to the village.
 

Sitting in the food hut, while Gabrielle tore at the food, Xena sat in the corner in a chair keeping to herself.

"Not hungry?"

She looked up to see Ephiny. "No."

"The festival will begin soon. When she's done meet us outside."

Xena nodded and watched the Amazon till she was out of the hut. "You done yet?"

"Yeah." she stood and wiped her face with her hands. "That was good."

They walked out of the tent and looked around to see everyone getting ready for the festival.

"Gabrielle."

"Solari." she pulled her into her arms for a hug. "Nice to see you."

"You too. Come we must get you dressed."

"Do I always have to wear that leather...thing."

"Its the proper dress for the queen."

"Okay. I'll be right back Xena." She was pulled away by Solari.

Xena sat down on the nearest bench and waited for the festivities to begin.
 

The drums were soon beating and soon the festival was well underway.

Xena had not seen Gabrielle since she was dragged off by Solari and stood up to go and look for her when she spotted Solari.  "Solari, where's Gabrielle?"

"I think she's in the food hut."

"Thanks." she walked into the food hut and was amazed at what she saw. Gabrielle was sitting at a table along with Ephiny and Eponin. They were laughed hard about something. Not wanting to ruin anything, Xena snuck back out of the tent and moved along the outside till she was behind them and could hear every word.

Eph: "I can't believe you haven't yet?"

G: "Well, its not as if I haven't tried. You know her."

Epo: "So. If you don't get together soon, I'll try myself."

G: "Don't you dare."

Eph: "Well she has a point Eponin. Give her a little longer and then try it."

G: "Ephiny!"

Eph: "What?"

Epo: " I don't know what I like more. Her hair or her eyes."

Eph: "Don't forget the leather."

Epo: "How could I?"

G: "I like her smile."

Eph & Epo: "Smile! What smile?"

G: "She smiles sometimes. It melts my heart when she does."

They sat in silence thinking about the warrior princess. Until Xena couldn't handle it anymore and walked into the hut.

"Xena!"

"Gabrielle how much have you had?"

"Just a little." Gabrielle brought two fingers together but lost her balance and toppled over backwards hitting a chair. "Oww!" She lifted herself up and walked shakily over to Xena. "See I'm fine." She hiccupped and laughed. Sending Ephiny and Eponin into fits of laughter too.

Xena lifted Gabrielle into her arms. "I'll talk to you two later." She walked out and carried Gabrielle to her hut. She laid her on the bed and began to unlace her boots, when Gabrielle bent down to help.

"Gabrielle I'll do it."

"I'll help you."

Xena pushed Gabrielle back onto the bed. "No."

"Xena the world is spinning."

Xena finished with Gabrielle's boots and sat down on the bed.

"Xena."

"What?"

Gabrielle sat up and moved behind Xena. Laying her head on Xena's shoulder, she kissed it softly.

"Gabrielle what are you doing?"

"It should be obvious what I'm doing."

Xena moved away.

"Hey," called Gabrielle as she fell forward.

"Your drunk. This isn't a good idea now."

Gabrielle stood and walked to Xena, who was heading out the door. "Where do you think your going?"

"Your not thinking clearly now."

"Xena." It came in almost a hurt tone.

"What?" She stayed turned around.

"I was wrong?"

"About what?"

"You don't want me."

"That's not it. I do....its just...well."

"Look at me." She was right behind her and Xena could feel Gabrielle's warm breath on her neck.
She shivered when a small kiss was placed at her neck. She turned around. "Not now. Not like this." It was almost a plea."

"Then just kiss me." She leaned forward.

Xena tried to move back but she was against the door. She closed her eyes as she felt warm breath on her face. When she felt warm lips touch her own, she trembled. Forgetting the situation she let another kiss through. As Gabrielle's tongue swept across Xena's upper lip, Xena couldn't help but open. As tongue touched tongue, it became a battle. Out of breath Gabrielle pulled back. "Wow."

Xena opened her eyes. Panic seized her and she opened the door and was gone.

Gabrielle moved back to the bed and laid down. She brought her hands up to her face and cried. "What have I done."

Ephiny and Eponin were just getting into a conversation, when a very angry warrior walked into the tent.

"What do you think you were doing?"

"Having a drink."

"With Gabrielle."

"She's a big girl now," started Ephiny. "Perhaps someday you'll see that."

Xena took a deep breath. "Just leave her alone. No drinking. She can't take it."

"What's wrong Xena. Can't control a drunk bard?"

"Ephiny, you are lucky that we are friends."

Ephiny swallowed. "You won't hurt me will ya Xena."

"No."

"Oh, why not?"

Xena was stunned.

Ephiny stood and shakily walked over to Xena. "You know if you and her don't work, I'm available." She exited the hut.

Xena turned to Eponin. "Well."

"Don't look at me."

Xena left the hut and walked to her hut.
 

The next morning Gabrielle crawled out of bed. She had huge headache. "Xena." She moved out of the hut and shielded her eyes form the sun.

She spotted Xena over on a bench and walked to her.

"Good morning."

"What's so good about it?"

"Bit of a hangover?"

"That's an understatement. It feels as if someone is hitting my head with a hammer."

"Next time maybe you'll listen to me then hmm."

"Yeah, I know your right. Your always right."

Xena smiled and shook her head. "Drink this. It'll help."

Gabrielle took it and sniffed. "Eww. What is it? It smells like a pile of..."

"Just drink it."

She did as she was told and finished the whole glass without gagging. "How long till it works?"

"Few minutes. Perhaps you should sit down." She turned to see Ephiny walking towards them. "And what do you want?"

"I wanted to apologize for last night. I had too much to drink."

"I'd say just a little."

"But I was right about..." she looked at Gabrielle. "Well you know who."

"I do."

"Bye. Oh and Xena. I wasn't kidding about what I said." She bent till she could whisper in Xena's ear. "I am available." She walked off.

"What was that about?"

"Nothing. I'm going to go check on Argo." She stood and walked to the stables.

Gabrielle sat down and was just beginning to feel better when she realized what happened last night. "I made a move on Xena. Oh no." She covered her head with her hands and let out a groan. "Wait a
minute. I made a move on her and she didn't resist me that much. Can she.. Nah."

She stood and walked to the barn. She stepped in and noticed that there was no one around except the horses of course. She moved down a path till she saw Xena.

She was about to say something when Xena started to speak.

"I don't know what to do. I heard her last night but she was drunk and couldn't of meant those things. But in the room. I should talk to her but every time I start to say something I go blank. I've never dealt with this before. I've never been in love before. I've used and manipulated people to get what I want but its different with her."

Argo snorted.

"At least I know that I can talk to you without you talking back."

"You can talk to me too."

Xena spun around to see Gabrielle.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't of eavesdropped but I couldn't interrupt. Is it true? Do you love me?"

Xena looked away. "Yes."

Gabrielle walked to her and stood besides her. "Look at me, please."

Xena slowly raised her head to meet the emerald and saw nothing but love and understanding shining back. "I should of told you sooner."

"We were both chickens. But maybe it was a good thing that I came in here." She took a breath. "Xena, I'm sorry about last night. I shouldn't..."

"Its okay."

"It is."

"Yeah. I mean nothing would of happened."

"I know I can trust you." Gabrielle looked away then back. "What do you mean nothing would of happened?"

"I mean that I would never take advantage of you."

Gabrielle moved closer. "And if I wasn't drunk?"

Xena looked at her not knowing what to say to that. "I....." She cleared her throat. "I would never rush you."

"You wouldn't be." She moved a hand behind Xena's neck and pulled her down for a kiss. She never imagined she could feel light headed with a single kiss. "If that's what a small kiss does, I can't wait for more."

Xena pulled her closer till their lips touched again. Feeling Gabrielle's tongue shyly touch her bottom lip, she opened to let it in. The touch of their tongue sent shocks through them both. Their tongues
moved against each other like a dance till Xena pulled away breathless.

"Can't believe I didn't do that sooner."

Gabrielle nodded and leaned on Xena. Listening to the sound of her heart, she felt more relaxed then she had ever felt. "Xena."

"Hmm."

"Would you stay with me tonight? I just want to be safe in your arms all night. Nothing more."

"I will." She laid her head on Gabrielle's and they started moving in a slow dance. Neither knowing what would happen tomorrow and neither caring. They both knew that they were where they belonged, in each others arms.

THE END

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