Disclaimers: None of the characters are mine, etc, etc.....
Adult matters: If you're young, you know your rules....
Spoilers: Takes place after the final episode in the 3rd season.
Comments would be greatly appreciated.
Xena looked at her blonde friend for the hundredth time as she casually walked along side her companion. She still couldn't believe that
Gabrielle was with her once again. It would definitely take more than just a few candlemarks to get over the shock of seeing Gabrielle just appear out of nowhere. It didn't even compare to everything else she had gone through. Xena had been completely devastated when she had seen Gabrielle disappear over the ledge. That was a moment she would never forget nor the despair she felt at her inability to do anything about it.
As if sensing her friend's turmoil, Gabrielle turned and looked at Xena.
"So...now that we've no one to battle for awhile, where are we going now?"
"I actually don't know. I'm too stunned to think." Xena answered with a smile.
She reached over and put her arm around Gabrielle's shoulder. "You have made me
the happiest woman alive today. Do you know that?"
Gabrielle smiled and leaned her head on Xena's shoulder as she snaked her arm around the leathered waist. "Are you getting mushy on me?"
"I think I want to relax for a day and do nothing but enjoy your company, what do you say to that.?" Blithely ignored her comment.
"I love it, just you and me and...well, whatever else there is where ever we end up."
Xena hugged her tighter and sighed a contented sigh. Life was good again. Right.
She pulled to the side of the road, the memory of a past coming to life, to the brook that
she knew would be quite a ways in, far from possible intrusion.
"Something tells me you know where you're going now?"
"I just remembered this spot that I used on several occasions to meditate and regroup. I think you might like it. It's out of the way so no one should disturb us. As a matter of fact," Xena said in an animated tone. "How about we vacation here for a few days."
"Vacation!" Gabrielle exclaimed. And she bounded a few steps to the front and turned around to walk backwards. "You must have really missed me." The blond said smugly.
Xena quickly pounced on Gabrielle, picked her up in a bear hug, and spun her around. "By the gods, Gabrielle, it was beyond merely missing you." She slowly put her down and leaned her forehead on Gabrielle's. "You are my life, Gabrielle. I felt so lost without you."
Both women stayed that way for several moments, neither one ready to let go. Eyes were closed, each savoring the contact, erasing remembered anguish.
"Gabrielle, I...think we need to...talk." Xena said quietly, never breaking her embrace.
"I know." Gabrielle whispered. She felt like her feelings were running rampant.
Both women separated with a sigh and continued walking, Gabrielle shyly taking the warrior's hand.
Half a candlemark later, Gabrielle gasped. "Xena, is this it? This is so beautiful!"
The sound they had been hearing get louder was a little bubbling brook leading to a small lake. It cascaded down a little slope about four feet high, looking like a mini waterfall.
Gabrielle could see a small ledge at the foot of the falls and thought how perfect it would be to sit there with the warrior by her side and let the falling water rush over them. The mental picture of a wet leaning Xena filled her with much anticipation.
Xena pointed to a spot further down, "a little further down, it deepens considerably, enough to bathe, swim, and do whatever else you like, Gabrielle." She said quietly, soaking in the tranquility of the place. Something that was she was only capable of doing with Gabrielle at her side.
"It even has a place for sunbathing! Gabrielle said, looking at the large flat rocks and boulders that seemed like the perfect body size for them.
"Come on, let's get started. That water is calling out my name."
Xena said.
The ladies quickly set up camp in the slowly waning light but it was filled with a lot of playfulness and laughter. Admist the fun, the food was finally cooked and ready to be served.
Xena sat on the ground and leaned up against a conveniently placed log. On nights like tonight, she wanted just wanted to lean back and relax a bit.
Gabrielle brought her stuff over too and quite comfortably leaned against Xena.
"Gabrielle," Gathering up her courage, Xena began quietly. "What you did for me, no one has ever done before. I know they wouldn't have even considered it in a passing moment."
Xena paused, unsure...words were not her strong point.
Gabrielle waited patiently. She knew that as much as her friend appreciated the gesture, she would find it undeserving.
"I'm not worth dying for, Gabrielle." She finally said. "I've dedicated my life to making up for my past, but now...it's also dedicated to you, your safety, and your happiness."
Gabrielle put her plate aside and turned to face the warrior. "I love you Xena, I love you more than I've ever loved anyone, more than I knew I was capable of. I too have dedicated my life to you, to make you happy. Don't ask that of me, I have no regrets. I would do it all over again if I had to."
Xena remained quiet. She let Gabrielle take her plate away, as she stared at the flames of their campfire. So much emotion! She dropped her head to her up raised knee. Sometimes the intensity of her feelings for the bard made her heart ache. It was beyond any of her experiences, a purity that filled her completely.
She looked up to see Gabrielle sitting next to her once again. Small hands reached for her larger ones. Xena looked down at their entwined hands, not quite comprehending why it felt so right.
She felt gentle fingers guide her head around. Xena stared back at beautiful green eyes that sparkled with unshed tears. She softly brushed the hair away from the bard's face. "You are so beautiful Gabrielle, you take my breath away."
True unspoken feelings surfaced. The ones they had shied away from, unsure of the possibilities, afraid of it's intensity.
Even though they never spoke about it, they both were aware those feelings were there and had been for a very long time.
Soft lips met in the middle for a magic moment.
The kiss was soft, hesitant, and very sweet. Yet inside, emotions raged fiercely, a storm slowly being created.
Xena raised her hands to cup Gabrielle's face to draw her closer. Enjoying the warm breath on her face.
Each was lost in the sweetest of contacts, a gourmet of new flavors and textures.
The kiss ended, and once again, they let their foreheads touch.
"Wow!" Gabrielle gasped.
"Wow indeed!" Xena answered, breathless herself.
They both embraced long and hard. That first line had been finally crossed and it felt wonderful.
"Come on, race ya to the water!" Xena suddenly yelled. She tweaked Gabrielle's nose and ran off.
"Hey, you warrior brute. Not fair!" Gabrielle scrambled to her feet. She heard Xena laughing. 'Gods, I can't believe she's laughing. And all it took was a kiss! We should have done that a long time ago.'
When Gabrielle, got to the edge, she saw Xena's body slice through the water neatly. Not waiting any longer, she quickly undressed and jumped in after her.
Feeling playful and wanting to keep Xena in a good mood, she started things off with a splash. As a matter of fact, several good splashes at the warrior. Settling down a bit after all the play fighting, both made their way to sit on the ledge by the rushing water.
The water flowed over their bodies in a graceful cadence. Each leaned back, relishing the sensations the rippling water wrecked on their bodies.
"Xena, I don't think it gets any better than this." Gabrielle said, her eyes closed, her body enjoying the contrast between Xena's body heat and the cool water.
Gabrielle whimpered, when warm soft lips met hers. Once again, she felt herself get lost in the gentle pleasure.
"Well, that was definitely a nice way to be proven wrong." She choked out breathlessly.
Xena tilted her head back and laughed that musical laugh that Gabrielle always ached to hear.
She turned to look at her warrior, head tilted back, creamy white neck exposed, looking like a goddess in the fading sun's rays. "I love listening to you laugh." She said softly.
Xena lifted her head. "Gabrielle, you do more than that. You make my heart smile."
Gabrielle sat there, once again stunned. This day was one she was never going to forget. "You know Xe, for a silent unbardic warrior, you know how to say the most romantic things."
Xena leaned in again to reaffirm. It was a gentle exploration. Subtle biting, soft sucking, an exchange of pure love.
"Why did we wait so long?"
"I don't know Gabrielle, I don't know."
They slowly made their way back to camp, hand in hand, quietly talking with an occasional giggle coming from Gabrielle.
When they reached their blankets, Xena suddenly swooped Gabrielle off her feet. Gabrielle yelped in surprise and laughed like a school girl.
"By the gods Xena, you sure are fun when you're in love." Gabrielle smiled broadly.
"What! Are you trying to say I wasn't any fun before? Well, I guess I'm going to have to find another sidekick and start all over again." Xena huffed in a mock growl.
"Oh no you don't, you are 'my' warrior. You aren't getting away that easily."
"Gabrielle, I'll always be your warrior." Xena sealed her promise with a loving kiss. She slowly set the bard back on her feet.
They laid down side by side, hand holding their heads, facing each other.
Xena reached out with her finger and slowly drew a line, starting from Gabrielle's forehead, down her nose to trace the outline of her lips. She leaned in and with her tongue, followed the path her finger had just made on the bard's lips.
"I have never enjoyed kissing anyone as much as I enjoy kissing you." Xena breathed huskily. "Your breath is so sweet, your little tongue like velvet, your lips softer than silk"
"By the gods, Xena, you are putting my poetic talents to shame!" Came a barely audible whisper.
Xena chuckled softly. "I can't help it, love. You are my inspiration." She reached over and embraced her, trying to convey all that her words could not. "Go to sleep sweet one, we have tomorrow to look forward to."
Gabrielle woke up slowly. She smiled as she became more aware of herself and a flood of thoughts came rushing in. 'Life will never be the same' she thought. We should have given in sooner, she thought, but it never seemed to be the right time. There was always something hovering over their heads that prevented a carefree release of feelings. She smiled when she heard the warrior's return.
"Hmmmm, my bard is not awake yet? What a shame, I guess I'll have to eat all of these berries by myself. Would have been really nice though, to share them. Oh well."
"You are such a tease, you know I'm awake. Now, get over here and greet me the proper way."
Xena arched an eyebrow. "Proper way?" Xena looked behind her, then to both sides. "I know you're not talking to me. 'Cause if you are......." Xena pounced on the bard and proceeded to tickle her 'til Gabrielle screamed for mercy. "Don't think I stopped because you begged," Xena whispered seductively in Gabrielle's ear. "I only stopped because I have better things to do."
Gabrielle shivered and closed her eyes at the change in sensations. Xena's warm breath was wrecking havoc on her senses as it swept in sensitive places. No wonder everyone everyone she touched fell for her, she knew how to render people senseless.
Gabrielle felt something brush across her lips.
"Open wide, Gabrielle. Xena said huskily.
Trusting Xena and without opening her eyes, Gabrielle willingly opened her mouth.
Her first bite of the berry was an explosion of flavor, berry mixed with Xena. "Gods, Xena, these are terrific. How do you always know which ones to choose?" Not to mention how much sweeter you make 'em, she thought, as she opened her eyes to her love.
Xena chuckled. "I have many skills."
Gabrielle swatted her. "Yeah, yeah, I've heard it all before. Tell me something new."
"I love you."
Gabrielle stopped all movement and looked seriously into the most beautiful eyes she has ever seen. The intensity of those words showed right through blues. She was speechless. That was definitely new.
Xena lowered herself to seal her words on the bard's lips. As she felt petite arms encircle her neck, drawing her down, Xena knew she could never love anyone else again.
She ended the kiss with smaller ones and buried her head in Gabrielle's neck. She breathed in deeply, enjoying the delicious scent amd felt strong arms hug her tighter.
"You feel so good to hold, Xena. I don't think I could ever get over this feeling. Gabrielle said in a voice choked up with emotions. She felt Xena's arms tighten even more. 'This is what life is all about' she thought.
Xena raised herself and moved over to lie next to Gabrielle, her head propped up on a hand. "Would her majesty like to accompany me to dinner tonight in town?" Xena said with a twinkle in her eyes.
Gabrielle smiled brightly. "Ooh, I would love to have dinner with you, Warrior Princess."
"We are not too far away from a little town which I personally happen to know has all the favorite foods of queens and bards." She said in a gallant voice.
"Very well, I shall look forward to our date. Carry on." Gabrielle finished it off with a snooty look Vidalis would have approved of, and turned her back on Xena.
All that got her was another tickle fight and another plea for mercy. They spent the day swimming, playing, and sunbathing. It really felt like a vacation.
Having asked the innkeeper to let them each borrow a room to get ready,
Xena looked at herself in the mirror, wondering why she all of a sudden cared what she looked like. Damn, she felt nervous like an innocent maiden. Then she laughed at the thought. Ha! Yet? Now she found herself wanting to make a good impression to someone who has seen her at her absolute worst. Once again she looked at her image. Slowly a grin worked it's way in. 'Xena, who you kidding.' Satisfied, she walked out of the room, anxious to pick up her date.
Gabrielle pulled and tucked imaginary flaws. She was so excited, she didn't know what to do. She had a stomach full of butterflies. 'I wonder if Xena feels just as nervous?' She thought. I better hurry before she starts a brawl waiting for me.
Xena stopped breathing as her eyes fell on Gabrielle. Even though she was dressed with the same clothes she wore everyday, Xena knew there wasn't a more beautiful woman anywhere. She slowly walked toward her, and placed her hands around a tiny but muscled waist. Moved beyond words and helpless to do much about it, she did the only thing that dominated her mind. She leaned down and gently kissed luscious lips. She felt Gabrielle's hands go around her neck and bury themselves in her hair. The feeling was exquisite. A soft moan escaped. Gods!
They slowly drew apart. A quick look around showed no one was paying much attention to them.
"Xena, is it always going to be this way? Am I always going to feel like I'm dreaming?" The blond shut her eyes. "I think I feel like I just melted into a puddle." Gabrielle leaned forward against Xena's chest. She felt strong arms come around her and hug her tight.
"Gabrielle," Xena whispered. You have no idea the things you do to me."
"Come on, let's go. I don't know how much longer I will be able to keep my hands off you." Xena purred in Gabrielle's ear. She was answered with a moan.
"I'm not so sure I want dinner anymore."
Xena gasped out in a hoarse voice. Gabrielle was driving her senses into overload. She heard soft laughter.
"Come on warrior, right now you have a bard to feed, we'll see about 'that' once you've fed me properly."
Xena gave out a low growl. "You will pay for that, my sweet one."
She finished off by tickling her 'sweet one' suddenly.
Dinner was an amazing event. Gabrielle couldn't believe how charming Xena really was when she wanted to be. The warrior was full of humor, laughter, and affection. They traded jokes, fed each other, and acted like true lovebirds. Gabrielle knew, she would never forget this night. She knew without a doubt that this was the way love was supposed to feel like.
After dinner , holding hands, they strolled through the town.
They weren't talking anymore, they walked in a comfortable silence, content to bask in each other's company.
Their walk finally took them back to their room. Gabrielle walked out to the balcony while Xena stayed inside lighting up the room. Soon strong arms encircled her and she felt Xena's warm body press up behind her.
"You smell so good, Gabrielle." Xena whispered in her ear.
Gabrielle felt goose bumps break out as the voice caressed her.
"I bet you smell good *all over*". Xena whispered on the other side, running her hands slowly down the sides of the small body.
Gabrielle closed her eyes. A sensual wave starting to gently lap at her body. A barely audible moan escaped from her. She then felt Xena bury her head in her hair, and a soft caress on her neck. Her whole body was tingling.
"I think we should wait."
Gabrielle floated in her haze for a little while longer before Xena's words registered. What! "Why?" she managed to choke out, struggling to come back to her senses. Stepped forward away from Xena's warmth.
Xena sighed deeply. "It's only been a couple days since we've started this new side to our relationship. Don't you think we should take it slow, you know, get used to this?" She brought her arms around the small waist again.
Gabrielle stayed quiet, thinking about what Xena said. It made sense, but at the same time, she felt they had waited long enough. After all, hadn't it been building for quite some time now? Would they have taken it further if they hadn't been ready?
Gabrielle turned around, making sure Xena's arms stayed around her. She looked up into blue eyes, loving the warmth and love she saw was just for her.
"Xena, I'm not going to ask if you regret this after the incredible night you've given me."
Xena broke out into a huge smile.
"But, what are you scared of? Are the feelings too much?"
Xena closed her eyes and leaned her forehead against Gabrielle's.
"Gabrielle, all my life, I've never done anything right. I am afraid of how strong my feelings are and I'm also afraid of doing anything to mess this up. I don't want you to feel overwhelmed." She answered quietly. "We aren't used to this."
Gabrielle wrapped her arms around her neck and drew her in for a long kiss and finished it with a hard hug. They stayed there, tight in their embrace, relishing the closeness.
"Come on, warrior, it's time to sleep and have pleasant dreams."
They did their usual nightly ritual and settled down for the night. Their bodies entwined, words of love were murmured and gentle kisses ended the night.
Part 2
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