"Did things go all right with Stafford?" Gabrielle asked as Xena walked into the apartment. Sprawled in the overstuffed leather chair, Gabrielle had been staring at the laptop computer humming quietly on the glass coffee table. After the encounter at the office, she’d found it impossible to concentrate and returned to the apartment. On the way back, she’d stopped at the hotel to get her things and check out. Upon reaching the apartment, she’d put away her clothes then opened up her laptop to work. She couldn’t really concentrate and ended up staring at the screen instead of working.

Xena’s smirk reassured her, banishing the tension left in her shoulders.

"Glad to hear it," she commented as Xena knelt in front of her, leaning against Gabrielle’s legs. Gabrielle stroked the soft dark hair with both hands then began rubbing shoulders much more tense than her own. "What’s wrong?"

"I just wish we didn’t have to deal with all this crap," Xena said, rolling her head forward.

Gabrielle waited, her fingers moving obligingly to Xena’s neck.

"I have to see the D.A. Monday to prepare for Stafford’s arraignment," Xena sighed. "I really wish Will hadn’t put me down as the officer on record. I’d have been called to testify but I wouldn’t be a major witness. At least I don’t think so. I’m not privy to the D.A.’s strategy so who knows. I am, however, going to put in for two weeks once the trial is over and done with. Then we are going away somewhere private."

Gabrielle could tell that wasn’t the whole story. "What else?"

Xena looked up at her and smiled. "I never could pull one over you, could I?"

One of Gabrielle’s hands moved from Xena’s neck to her cheek. "Nope. Never could."

"It’s Will. After I took care of Stafford I went back to the office and we met up. He started lecturing me about threatening witnesses and taking chances. Then he made a comment about you and…I punched him," Xena finished reluctantly.

Gabrielle groaned softly. "I’m sorry to hear that."

"Yeah, so am I because we’re going to have to work together in the future," Xena said. "I’m lucky I don’t get reported for hitting him."

"See, now, if you came to work for me, you wouldn’t have this problem," Gabrielle teased, planting a kiss on top of Xena’s head.

"Yeah, yeah," Xena grumbled. She turned around and planted her own kiss on Gabrielle’s lips. Playful turned passionate as Gabrielle opened her mouth to suck in Xena’s tongue. Groaning, Xena reluctantly pulled away and said, "We have somewhere to go tonight, remember?"

"Hm? Where?" Gabrielle asked, eyeing Xena’s mouth possessively.

Xena got to her feet, pulling Gabrielle up with her. Wrapping her arms around the small waist, she reminded, "Carolyn’s party. It starts in about an hour. I know that by now Janis has spread the word that I’m officially off the market and everyone will be expecting me to make an appearance with you."

Gabrielle laughed, resting her head on Xena’s shoulder and slipping her arms around Xena’s waist. "You make appearances?"

"I try not to but Janis drags me to parties whenever I don’t have the willpower to resist," Xena answered, enjoying holding Gabrielle in her arms. "And don’t forget about the cook-out tomorrow. That should be fun."

Laughing outright at Xena’s dry tone, Gabrielle pulled back enough to look up into Xena’s eyes. "It sounded to me as though you’re going to deserve whatever those people dish up for you as punishment."

"Oh please," Xena muttered.

They stood together then, as one, began moving slowly, dancing to music only they could hear. After several quiet minutes, Xena said, "We really should get ready for the party."

"You did mention to Janis that we’d only show up if we left the apartment," Gabrielle pointed out wickedly, pressing a kiss to the exposed skin of Xena’s throat. She nibbled her lover, teasing. "We haven’t left it yet."

"Gabrielle, don’t do that," Xena warned.

"Or you’ll what?" Gabrielle asked, tracing her tongue along the collarbone.

"I’ll think of something," Xena muttered. Breaking away firmly, she continued, "Get your cute butt in the shower now while I figure out what to wear."

"Oh, I like that. You’re getting descriptive in your old age," Gabrielle teased. She ducked the lazy swat Xena aimed for the back side of her head and chuckled on the way to the shower.

Xena walked to the dresser, which was set on the far side of the room, and rummaged through it for almost ten minutes before giving up. She knew that Carolyn didn’t care what women wore to her parties and, in the past, neither had Xena. Usually outfits ranged from jeans, boots and t-shirts to slinky dresses depending on the woman. Xena had dressed in the middle of the spectrum with slacks and nice shirt but tonight she chaffed at her wardrobe.

It didn’t help that she had seen the incredible dress that Gabrielle was likely to wear: a short, cream dress made of silk that would show off her body to perfection. She must have got her things while Xena was finishing up at the precinct this afternoon because they’d certainly not spent a second apart until today. She finally settled on tight black pants and a shimmery black camisole top. She heard the shower shut off while laying the outfit on the bed, which really did need to be changed, she mused silently.

"Nice," Gabrielle approved coming out of the bathroom buck-naked to stand beside her.

Xena swallowed heavily against the pulse that came roaring awake at the sight. Inhaling the fresh, clean scent of Gabrielle with pleasure, she cleared her throat and said, "What are you wearing?"

"Oh, I thought I’d wear the cream dress. Is that too fancy?" Gabrielle asked, completely aware of her effect and enjoying it immensely.

"No, nope, that should be fine. We’ll look good together," Xena said.

"We always do," Gabrielle agreed, trailing fingers down Xena’s arm. "Sure I can’t get you to change your mind about going out?"

Xena closed her eyes and prayed for strength. "I’m going to take my shower now."

"Spoilsport!" Gabrielle called after her rapidly retreating figure.

Xena tore off her clothes and threw the shower on, leaving it cold, and stepped into the icy stream of water. Shouting with the impact of the cold jet, Xena was nonetheless grateful for the distraction. Not that it would save her later because she knew Gabrielle was determined to have her way when they got home from the party. She knew that look in those mischievous green eyes all too well. Of course, there was nothing saying that they had to stay long. It was almost seven now, by the time they got to Carolyn’s it would be at least eight. They could stay for an hour to be polite and then leave.

Xena made the water warmer and washed her hair, which would take the longest to dry. Thank goodness for the invention of the hair dryer! No matter how often she’d fought with herself to cut it; it would be easier to manage, take much less time, not get in the way, she just couldn’t do it. Now she was glad that she hadn’t because she knew Gabrielle loved her hair.

Stepping out of the shower, Xena dried off quickly and wrapped her hair tightly in a towel. Wrapping herself in a warm fluffy towel, Xena left the bathroom and stopped short, eyes drinking in the sight before her. Curled up on the overstuffed chair, already dressed and set to go, Gabrielle appeared to be sleeping. Short wisps of red hair gently framed her face and a delicate gold chain and pendant rested against curving breasts.

Crossing the distance silently, Xena knelt in front of Gabrielle and her eyes pricked with tears upon discerning that the pendant was a miniature quill crossing over a sword, set in a chakram. Gabrielle must have designed it personally. She brushed her fingertips across Gabrielle’s forehead, moving aside some stray bangs. "I love you, bard."

"I love you, warrior princess," Gabrielle answered, green eyes opening to lock with blue.

They stared at each other for a timeless moment then Xena said, "I should get dressed."

Gabrielle nodded. "You should."

Neither moved, continuing to gaze into each other’s eyes instead. They might have stayed that way indefinitely had the phone not rung. Shaking her head to clear it, Xena stood and walked over to the phone.

"Hello?"

"Ares?" It was Captain Rockland.

"Yeah Captain?" Xena asked. She made a face at Gabrielle who grinned, sitting up. "What’s up?"

"Stafford is dead," Rockland informed her bluntly.

Pausing a second, Xena said, "And this should upset me because...?"

"Funny. They found him stabbed in the heart."

"Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy."

"That’s not the best part," Rockland warned her.

"I’m not going to like this, am I?" Xena said flatly.

"I.A. wants to run an investigation with you as the focus. Did you threaten Stafford?" Rockland asked.

Xena groaned, knowing that her hand almost breaking through the visitor’s glass was on video. "We came to an understanding."

"Which was?"

Already thinking with the paranoia that had saved many lives, Xena answered, "You don’t want to know. When is this supposed to start?"

"Monday, bright and early," Rockland said. "You’ve got an interview with Dickenson at 9am sharp."

"I’ll look forward to it," Xena promised sourly.

"I bet. Hey, you and Gabrielle are coming tomorrow, right? Ruth is just dying to meet her," Rockland said, changing the subject.

Xena chuckled. "I don’t think Gabrielle would let me get out of it even if I begged."

"Great! See you at one," Rockland said before hanging up.

"What’s wrong?" Gabrielle asked, voice low with concern. She had walked over at the first sign that the phone call was trouble.

"Stafford’s dead. Someone stabbed him today and I.A. thinks I had a hand in it," Xena reported.

Gabrielle laughed. "I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to laugh but weren’t you in the precinct all afternoon? Doesn’t that count as an alibi? Not to mention that he was inside prison walls?"

Shaking her head ruefully, Xena said, "Doesn’t mean I couldn’t have arranged it. And if whoever killed Stafford wants me out of the way, what better way to do it than sending me to prison for murder?"

Looking thoughtful, Gabrielle said, "I suppose so. What are you going to do?"

"Tonight we dance and party. Tomorrow I get my ass handed to me in volleyball at the cookout. Sunday we laze around doing whatever. Monday I go for an interview with Dickenson in I.A. and after that, who knows?" Xena answered flippantly. "And now I really am going to get dressed."

"Brat!" Gabrielle exclaimed watching her move away with a grin.

"Always," Xena replied.

It didn’t take her long to get ready and within a half-hour they were leaving the apartment. While a little after eight, the sun was still strong and hot as it set. Xena held open the door and Gabrielle scooted into the car. She leaned across to unlock the door while Xena walked around to get in. Xena looked at her then leaned in to brush Gabrielle’s lips softly with her own. "You look beautiful."

"So do you," Gabrielle whispered back.

Another long heated look later, Xena shook her head and said, "We’ve got to stop doing that or we’ll never go anywhere!"

Chuckling, Gabrielle leaned back in her seat as Xena started the powerful engine. As Xena pulled into traffic, Gabrielle asked, "Where is this party, anyhow?"

"Arlington. We’ll just cut through the city to Rt. 2 and be there in a jiffy," Xena answered. She swore at a driver that tried to cut her off and shifted gears.

‘Xena in battle again,’ Gabrielle thought with a grin. It was how she had always looked, minus the insane part, when fighting. Blue eyes completely focused on the other cars and the road, hands moving with certainty on the steering wheel and gearshift.

"What are you thinking about?" Xena asked quietly as they zipped along the four lanes of Rt. 2.

"You," came the quiet answer.

Xena glanced over and saw Gabrielle staring at her intently. Knowing they’d be on the highway another five minutes at least, Xena took her hand off the gear and captured Gabrielle’s hand. "I’ve missed that."

"What?"

"Having someone think about me the way you do," Xena answered. "You always know what I need and when to worry, even when I don’t."

"You’re my life," Gabrielle said simply.

"And you mine," Xena echoed. She raised the hand to her lips and kissed Gabrielle’s knuckles, one by one. Reluctantly, she released Gabrielle’s hand as she turned off the exit and downshifted. Though Arlington was close to Boston, the housing improved tenfold. Large and well-kept homes replaced the multi-family units and apartment buildings of the immediate suburbs of Cambridge and Somerville.

"This is nice," Gabrielle said in surprise.

"I thought you’d been to this area before," Xena questioned.

"I have but I stay in the city for the most part," Gabrielle replied. "I’ve done the tourist thing, of course but it never covered this area. Mostly maple syrup and Walden Pond."

"Ah, then I’ve got much to show you," Xena promised.

The car pulled in front of a large, two-story chateau styled home with a big front yard and women milling about on the lawn, talking and laughing. Already heads were turning as the blue mustang parked on the side of the street. Xena looked at Gabrielle. "You ready to meet the gang?"

Grinning, Gabrielle answered, "Wouldn’t miss it for the world!"

"Figures," Xena muttered under her breath as she got out of the car. She walked around and opened the door for Gabrielle. She stopped in surprise when Gabrielle took her hand and then refused to move. "What?"

Gabrielle looked up into her eyes and ordered, "Relax. These are your friends, aren’t they?"

Biting her lip, Xena answered, "Most of them. I just want you to like them."

"If you like them warrior mine, then I will like them. Don’t worry so much," Gabrielle assured her.

Xena’s breath came out in an explosive sigh. "You’re right, of course. See what I mean about knowing me?"

Gabrielle moved closer, pressing her hips into Xena and purred, "Of course just because I like them doesn’t mean you’re going to get out of your punishment for bringing us here in the first place."

Xena swallowed heavily, heart skipping faster and drowning into a sea of green and not wanting to come up for air. "Gabrielle," she whispered.

"Xena," Gabrielle whispered back, heat surging through her body with unexpected force at the contact. She should have known better than to do that, especially in public. She too swallowed heavily.

A shriek, unmistakably belonging to Janis, rang through the air and they both looked over, reluctantly separating. Hands joined, they met Janis halfway across the yard. The other woman was dressed in tight jeans and a clingy white sweater that accentuated her rather large breasts. Her dark hair was pulled back into a braid and gray eyes were outlined in black, making them large in her pretty face.

"I can’t believe you made it!" Janis exclaimed. "I didn’t think you would. Of course, I can see that you can hardly keep your hands off each other so maybe you should’ve stayed home. I know I would have."

"See now, I told her that but she just wouldn’t listen. She insisted on dragging me out here to a party with people I don’t know. I thought a cozy little dinner and the night in bed would’ve been a lot more fun. No offense," Gabrielle finished, giving Xena a cheeky grin.

Xena groaned as Janis laughed in delight. "Now I’ve got two albatrosses."

"That’s not what you were just saying," Gabrielle said, leaning against her.

"Yeah, right," Xena muttered, enjoying the attention.

They walked across the yard and into the house, Janis and Xena waving to various women they passed. Everyone gave Gabrielle interested looks as they passed by. The inside of the house was well lit, music pouring from hidden speakers. Gabrielle looked around in approval at the tasteful decorations, many bookshelves and hardwood floors.

Xena and Janis led her through the front rooms and into the kitchen situated in the back. Gabrielle wasn’t surprised to find many couples dancing and kissing throughout the house as they walked. She thought it one of the strangest things about the 20^th century. With all the advances in technology and medicine and all the sciences, that such parochial thinking against gays still existed was just bizarre. Actually, it had been better during their days in Greece because no one really cared who was with whom as people survived the hardships of life.

Shrugging mentally, Gabrielle looked at the small circle of women who had taken over the kitchen and to whom, she assumed, she was about to be introduced. The one at the stove was tall, easily Xena’s height though slender and without the muscles, and had short blond hair. An exotic black woman with wide eyes and shaved head sat on the countertop beside the stove, handing ingredients to the cook as she asked for them. A third woman lounged in a chair at the table, she was short and plump with light brown hair and pretty brown eyes. The last woman was average height with gray-blue eyes and dark hair.

They all turned to look as Xena and Gabrielle entered with Janis. Simultaneous smiles broke out on all the women’s faces as they took in Gabrielle and nodded approval. The black woman hopped off the counter and strode over, thrusting out a hand to Gabrielle who accepted it immediately. To her surprise, the woman clasped arms with her instead of hands and Gabrielle found herself smiling in her own form of approval.

"I’m Michelle," she greeted, dark eyes warm. "You’re Gabrielle. It’s great to meet you."

"You, too," Gabrielle replied. She liked the gentle, lilting quality of Michelle’s voice though she couldn’t place the accent.

"I’m from England," Michelle supplied with a knowing grin.

"That’s it," Gabrielle said. She sat in a chair at the table, Xena standing behind her and the introductions began. The blond woman was Carolyn, a sharp woman with a biting wit but friendliness enough to keep her comments from being insulting. The short woman, Marie, was motherly and kind with a generous sense of humor that kept everyone in stitches. The forth woman was Kita, short for Nikita, and she was quiet for the most part, watching and enjoying silently in everyone else’s fun.

Xena watched as Gabrielle interacted with everyone, her needless worries evaporating right away. Of course Gabrielle fit in without even trying, charming everyone with her ready humor, kind nature and fast-talking. Gabrielle could charm a rattlesnake out of its rattle if she had a mind. Xena stifled a chuckle at the image then noticed her lover’s curious look and shrugged.

They spent most of the night in the kitchen talking, time moving fast in the good company. Xena felt as though she’d returned to the head of the Amazon Nation of so long ago, privy to the highest echelons of power and their discussions. Politics, the scorn of whom was with whom, self-deprecating laughter and earnest interchanges from the heart. Xena could see that Gabrielle was enjoying herself immensely and gave a happy sigh. If only the damned Stafford case went away, her life would be complete.

Gabrielle looked up at her, faint lines of worry creasing her forehead and Xena smiled to reassure her. "Let’s dance," Xena suggested.

Gabrielle’s face lit up and she stood, taking Xena’s hand. They excused themselves only to find the other women follow them outside to the small, impromptu dance floor where soft music played over the speakers. Long since gone was the wild music to save the ears of neighbors. Women danced together in couples to the slow music and Xena pulled Gabrielle close.

Xena’s hands rested at Gabrielle’s waist while her bard’s arms wrapped around Xena’s neck, her head laying against Xena’s shoulder. Xena rested her cheek against Gabrielle’s soft hair as they swayed in time to the soulful music. It was like being in the Elision Fields for Xena to hold Gabrielle this way, bodies pressed together.

The music turned suggestive with the next song and Xena’s blood began to heat as she took the lead. She moved Gabrielle back and looked into shadowy eyes glinting in the outdoor torches. Gabrielle gave a slight nod and Xena let loose. Moving in time to the slow, sensual music, their bodies undulated and swayed erotically, hips grinding gently, electric shocks running through both.

It didn’t stop with the next song, which was faster than the last though still quiet enough not to disturb the neighbors. Xena and Gabrielle were oblivious to the women who had stopped dancing to watch them in open-mouthed amazement. A few of the braver ones attempted to follow their moves after watching for a few minutes. The sexual charge in the air was palpable.

When the music finally came to an end, Xena and Gabrielle were breathing hard but not from exertion. Gabrielle licked her lips and Xena followed its path with her eyes. Grabbing Xena by the hair, Gabrielle pulled her down and locked their mouths together, tongue plunging into Xena’s wet mouth, sucking on it. Xena’s hands gripped Gabrielle's firm butt, pulling Gabrielle hard against her.

Wanting more, Xena pulled back and whispered, "We should go home."

Gabrielle nodded wordlessly, suddenly remembering where they were. She looked around but the other women had discreetly left the back yard. When that had happened, Gabrielle had no idea. They walked inside after somewhat regaining their composure and found their friends back in the kitchen.

"Ever get the feeling that some people don’t even know you exist?" Carolyn observed innocently.

"Nah, not around Xena and Gabrielle," Michelle quipped with a grin.

"The song, "I Only Have Eyes For You" suddenly has new meaning for me," Janis agreed, fanning herself with her hand.

"Are you finished?" Xena asked, blushing slightly. She hadn’t ever lost control like that, even when she and Gabrielle had been together in Greece. Well, not in public at least.

"Not by a long shot," Michelle assured her.

"Well we’re going home now so you can talk go ahead and about us behind our backs all you like," Xena said, mouth twisting.

"Finally! We’ve been dying for you to leave!" Carolyn exclaimed.

"Yuck it up all you want ladies, payback’s a bitch," Xena warned.

"Promises, promises," Janis teased.

Good-byes were said and hugs exchanged. Michelle pulled Xena aside in the hall for a quick second. "I’m happy for you, Xena. You and she obviously belong together," Michelle said softly. She knew how much Xena hated emotion and restrained the surge trying to break free. She and Xena had become close over the last two years when Michelle had needed someone to talk to about the horror that was her life. It had been Xena to turn Michelle and Carolyn into a couple. Well, she’d started the ball rolling at least.

"I’ve been waiting a long time to find her again and she’s the one to find me," Xena said with amazement.

"Don’t let her go again."

"There is nothing on this earth that will separate us," Xena promised.

Michelle shivered at the deadly vow in those intense blue eyes but nodded agreement. She knew a little of what had happened from various comments Xena had made over the past few years but none of the details. Janis would never betray that confidence and Michelle would never ask her too. "I guess I just wanted to say congratulations on being together again."

Unexpectedly, Xena smiled. "Thank you, Michelle, that means a lot."

They hugged and rejoined the group at the front door. Xena saw Gabrielle’s questioning glance and gave her an, "I’ll tell you later," look. Gabrielle nodded and took her hand. They walked out to the car in silence. After Xena had started the car, Gabrielle sighed and Xena looked over to see her head back and eyes closed.

"Tired love?" Xena asked, backing out of the driveway.

"Happy. They were wonderful, Xena. I wish I could say that I had as good friends as that but to tell you the truth, I don’t really have any friends except for Hercules," Gabrielle answered.

"When did you meet up with Hercules?" Xena asked in surprise.

"Let’s see, the last time was April in Florida," Gabrielle recounted. "We rented a beautiful cottage in the Keys and swam and snorkeled and sun-bathed for almost two weeks."

Xena chuckled. "Hercules likes to sun-bathe, hm? I never would’ve guess it."

"Please. Why do you think he is always that delicious bronze color? You don’t think that’s the natural pigment of the Gods, do you? It’s a good thing he’s immortal or he’d’ve had skin cancer by now," Gabrielle exclaimed with a laugh. "Unlike me. I just gaze at the sun and burn a bright red."

"You’re cute when you’re all jealous like that," Xena teased.

"Am not!"

"Are too!"

"Am not!"

Xena broke into a fit of laughter. "Okay, okay, you’re not cute."

"Hey!"

Xena caressed Gabrielle’s cheek with the back of her hand and said, "Sorry, love, it’s Carolyn’s bad influence working. I’m always a bit sarcastic after seeing her."

"I guess," Gabrielle said. She leaned against the hand then captured it with her own. She brought the hand to her mouth and began sucking on the long, beautiful fingers. A moan from Xena brought up the fire inside her own body and Gabrielle continued to lick and kiss the hand.

"Gabrielle," Xena whispered in need. The warm mouth surrounding her fingers was driving her slowly insane. "If you don’t want us to have a major accident, you’re going to have to stop."

Gabrielle gave one more lick to the fingers in her mouth then released them. She heard Xena’s explosive breath and smiled with satisfaction. "That’s what you get for saying I’m not cute."

"Oh! You little…"

"Uh-uh-uh, watch the road!" Gabrielle interrupted as Xena glanced over at her, outraged.

Xena’s head returned to the road, bringing the car back into the lane instead of in two lanes. "Just remember, Gabrielle, payback’s a bitch."

"And so am I," Gabrielle recited with a laugh. How many times had Xena said that over the course of their lives together? She couldn’t even remember. It usually preceded a long bout of lovemaking, dominated, literally, by Xena. Though come to think of it, wasn’t that what Gabrielle had been trying to provoke?

The rest of the ride was spent in comfortable silence but as soon as they entered the apartment, all bets were off. Xena grabbed Gabrielle and shoved her against the wall, hands pulling the dress up and off. Their mouths locked together, sucking and biting as Xena ripped off Gabrielle’s lacy bra then the flimsy underpants. Dropping her own pants almost as quickly, Xena returned to Gabrielle’s mouth as fast as she could.

Her leg thrust between Gabrielle’s, pushing into Gabrielle’s center and catching the other woman hard, forcing a gasp from her. Strong hands surrounded breasts, pulling and pinching and kneading them. Gabrielle moaned with need, sensations overwhelming her as Xena plundered her mouth and body. Throwing one hand around Xena’s neck, she slipped the other into Xena’s underpants and grabbed her, pushing her fingers inside the wetness. Xena gasped at the intrusion and ground her leg harder into Gabrielle.

"Mine," Xena said fiercely, pushing harder, feeling Gabrielle press down against her leg, riding it hard.

"Yours," Gabrielle gasped, moving her fingers against Xena’s sex. Her own was throbbing and screaming for release as she pushed down against the rock hard thigh. Her muscles clenched and grasped at the steady thrusting of Xena’s leg against her. Almost unable to think, Gabrielle retained enough of herself to continue the hard and fast motion of her fingers inside Xena. They both screamed, coming intensely at the same time.

Gabrielle hung limply in Xena’s arms, felt Xena pick her up and drop her softly onto the bed. Xena climbed in behind her, spooning against her and holding her tightly. Fingers lightly traced the long lines of Gabrielle, eliciting shivers. Xena’s hand finally came to a stop at Gabrielle’s still-wet sex, cupping it gently. Gabrielle moaned in protest and need.

"Sleep love, there’s plenty of time now that we’re together again," Xena promised.

Gabrielle cuddled into Xena and fell asleep.

 

 

"Rise and shine!"

Gabrielle rose reluctantly from the depths of sleep having a sudden flashback to the day Joxer had said that phrase over and over again as the day had repeated itself. Not that she had known it at the time because only Xena had been able to remember the day. "I’ll rise but I refuse to shine," she grumbled, turning onto her stomach and pulling the pillow over her head.

Apparently her reference didn’t go unnoticed by Xena who straddled her back and pulled the pillow off her. "Oh I think you’re going to have to, bard. The morning is almost over and we’ve got a cookout to attend, remember?"

Gabrielle groaned and stayed where she was. Xena’s hands began massaging her shoulders, almost lulling her back into sleep. "If you want me up, this isn’t the way to do it," she commented at last.

"No, but I think this is," Xena murmured. She got off Gabrielle and lay beside her, dragging Gabrielle on top of her. "It’s time for you to eat properly."

Gabrielle looked at the enticing throat laid bare for her and her fangs moved automatically forward. No matter how trusting Xena was, Gabrielle could not let herself feed on her lover. "I don’t need to eat."

Xena looked at her closely. "I can see your eyes glowing, bard, you need to feed."

Gabrielle breathed shakily, feeling the blood coursing through Xena, her heart pumping the magical fuel throughout her incredible body. "I fed a little yesterday, I can wait until I find someone else."

"When did you feed?" Xena demanded. "On who?"

Realizing that she’d completely forgotten to tell Xena about her visitor, Gabrielle proceeded to do just that. Xena looked at her, obviously annoyed, then rolled out from under Gabrielle.

"What? What did I say?" Gabrielle asked in confusion.

Xena stalked to the other side of the room then paced like a trapped panther. "It’s stupid, I know. Absolutely unfounded and ridiculous."

Gabrielle moved to her knees and faced her lover. "What is wrong?"

Xena stopped in front of her and her voice was plaintive. "I wanted to be the one to feed you."

Gabrielle’s mouth dropped open in surprise at the unexpected answer. "Oh, Xena, that is…very sweet of you. But sweetheart, if I truly fed on you, I don’t think that you would survive more than a couple of months, even immortal as you are," Gabrielle said, getting off the bed and taking Xena’s hands. Xena growled and wouldn’t look her in the eyes. "Xena, listen to me carefully. I’m an old bacchai. While it’s true that I don’t need to feed as often of the younger children, when I do feed I can drain someone in less than a minute. Especially if I’m hungry."

Xena looked at her, clearly disconcerted as she soaked in the new information. "I see."

Grinning, Gabrielle said, "How about I use you as a light snack every so often? Would that help?"

Shaking her head at her own bizarre request, Xena chuckled. "Strangely enough, yes it would."

"Good. Now that we’ve got that settled, let’s get ready. I can’t wait to see you get your butt whipped at volleyball," Gabrielle teased.

 

 

Having already gone through a form of initiation at the precinct, neither Xena nor Gabrielle were very nervous as Xena stopped in front of a three level multifamily. Xena parallel parked expertly on the street leaving barely two inches both in front and back of the car. Gabrielle looked at the car and whistled. "Damn, warrior but you’re good!"

Xena laughed. "I have many skills."

Gabrielle groaned then laughed, linking arms with Xena as they walked across the street. They walked up the short path to the stairs and knocked on the door. It opened and they had to look down to see the young girl who had opened it. "Hi there, Casey, how are you?" Xena asked, picking up the seven-year-old and throwing her into the air.

Casey shrieked with laughter then ran off when Xena put her gently back on the ground.

"Ares! ‘Bout time you showed up!" Rockland roared from across the room.

"Josh, behave!" a woman’s voice scolded from another room.

Gabrielle smiled at the captain as they shook hands. "It’s good to see you again, Captain Rockland."

"Call me Josh," he corrected. "Ares, you better go help your teammates before they completely get the asses clobbered. Well, not that you’re much help. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of Gabrielle here."

Xena eyed them both suspiciously and answered, "That’s what I’m afraid of."

Gabrielle gave her a push in what she assumed to be the right direction and watched her lover disappear down the hall with a grin.

An older woman, about Rockland’s age with light brown hair and beaming hazel eyes passed Xena in the hall on her way into the living room. "Aren’t you going to introduce us, Josh?"

"Gabrielle, this is my incredible wife Ruth," Rockland introduced.

Gabrielle shook the woman’s hand and they exchanged hellos. "You’ve got a lovely home," Gabrielle complimented sincerely. It was lovely with warmth and charm in its decorations.

"Thank you, Gabrielle. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I should get back to the kitchen. Don’t keep her too long, Josh, the fun’s really starting out back," Ruth admonished.

"I won’t," he promised, kissing her cheek before she left the room. "Drink?"

"Whatever you’ve got," Gabrielle answered agreeably. She took the can of tonic from him and popped the top open. They sat on a couch in the living room that was curiously absent of people and Gabrielle waited for the inquisition.

"How long have you known Xena?" Rockland asked after a short pause.

"A long time," Gabrielle said. "We traveled together in Greece."

"That was over ten years ago," Rockland observed. "What happened?"

‘Right to the point,’ Gabrielle thought. Of course, if someone had shown up out of the blue and her best operative suddenly took a leave, she’d want an explanation too. "We lived together for many years in Greece. Traveled a lot, actually. She was my world so wherever she wanted to go, whatever she wanted to do, that’s what we did. Then…we were separated. She just disappeared off the face of the earth. I looked everywhere for her but nothing. I didn’t know it but she thought I was dead. After awhile, I thought the same thing about her and stopped looking."

"What happened to change that?" Rockland asked respectfully.

Gabrielle gave him a smile, touched by his tone. "A mutual friend of ours saw Xena last month. Told me where she was, what she was doing. I couldn’t believe it. The first week I was just in shock and didn’t do anything. Truth be told, I was scared. After all this time, I didn’t know how Xena would react to seeing me again. Maybe she’d moved on and had a life that I shouldn’t disturb. But I knew that I couldn’t stay away so I set things into motion for my company to take care of itself for however long it took to get her back. That took at least two weeks, it’s a pretty big company. Last week I flew into Logan Airport and found her. It was a shock to her, I know."

"I knew that there was something in Xena’s past that had hurt her," Rockland said seriously when it became apparent that Gabrielle wasn’t going to continue. "She’s a great detective, intuitive, incredibly intelligent and ruthless when you get down to it. Once she has her teeth in something, she doesn’t let go. I’ve been worried about her. I knew that she didn’t have…a support system so to speak. I hate these touchy-feely words but there’s no other way to describe it. Every cop needs a support system or they get burnt out. Or worse, they end up dead. I knew that she didn’t have one it worried me.

"It’s only been the last few years that I saw her lighten up a bit, make some friends. But she was still one hundred percent into her work and that wasn’t good. I was afraid that she would make a mistake at the wrong time and she, or someone else, would end up dead. She worked like a maniac and it just wasn’t healthy. We had lots of talks about it," he laughed suddenly. "Actually, they were screaming matches for the most part. I shouted at her to get a life and she’d yell back to mind my own damned business. Got some bruises in our sparring matches that took a long time to heal, lemme tell you.

"I was almost glad when FBI man showed up a few months ago. They seemed perfect for each other: dedicated to the job, young and strong, had a great working relationship. I kept waiting for something to happen but nothing did. I knew he was interested but Xena kept on as she always did, ignoring him except when it came to the job. Then I saw her leaning just a little towards him and breathed a sigh of relief. Finally Xena was going to let someone in.

"Then she makes the big bust with Stafford and leaves the scene, leaves everything to Will to wrap up. It was so not Xena that I was worried. When she called in the next day and wouldn’t tell me what was going on, I got scared. I’m sorry to confess that I went down to her apartment that very day."

Gabrielle looked at him blankly. "No one showed up that day."

A flush crept over Rockland’s face and he coughed with embarrassment. "I demanded the super let me into the apartment building, showed my badge and everything. I was determined to see what was going on. I got off the elevator, stopped in front of Xena’s apartment and was about to knock when I heard her scream out your name in such a way it left no doubt what was going on. I never beat a retreat so fast in my life, lemme tell you!"

Gabrielle laughed and touched his hand. "You’re a great friend to her, Josh. Don’t worry, it’ll be our little secret."

"What’ll be your little secret?" Xena demanded, choosing that moment to enter the living room. She was winded and sweaty, her t-shirt clinging to her. She sat on the edge of the couch beside Gabrielle.

"None of your business," Gabrielle said, grinning up at her lover. "That’s what secret means, remember?"

"Oh yeah, I think I remember something like that," Xena exclaimed. She kissed the back of Gabrielle’s neck.

"You’re all sweaty!" Gabrielle exclaimed, playfully shoving her away.

"I thought you liked it when I sweat," Xena murmured into her ear.

Gabrielle swallowed and abruptly stood, needing to be out of contact with Xena before she jumped her. There was a shout from out back for Ares to get her butt back into the game for some more ass kicking. "Go on, go join your playmates," Gabrielle ordered.

Xena placed a quick kiss on her cheek before jogging back outside.

Gabrielle watched her leave then looked back at Josh. She was startled to see his mouth agape, staring at her. "What?"

"Nothing! It’s just…I’ve never seen her like this before," Josh answered, a smile spreading across his face.

"Like what?" Gabrielle asked curiously.

"Relaxed. Completely happy," Josh said. "Gabrielle, aside from the fact that you’re in private security, I think you must be perfect."

Laughing, Gabrielle linked her arm with his and said, "Why thank you, Josh. And I won’t ask how you found out so much about me in such a short time. At least not until we know each other better."

They walked to the back porch by way of the kitchen and Gabrielle was astounded to find a tiny back yard, maybe fifteen feet by fifteen feet, set up with volleyball net and jumping, laughing and swearing police officers. Xena was in the back and Gabrielle watched as she deliberately missed the ball, letting it slam off her shoulder instead and go out of bounds.

"Ares!" her teammates shouted at her in obvious aggravation.

"How can they not tell that she’s faking it?’ Gabrielle wondered in amazement. She sat on the picnic table to watch, drawing her feet up under her. Josh introduced her to the wives and husbands not participating in the volleyball contest and Gabrielle was warmed by their immediate acceptance. Apparently if she was good enough for Xena, she was good enough.

"For all the fact that she’s a great cop, Ares has no coordination when it comes to sports," Josh observed with a laugh. "Ever since we started these games. And you’d think that after a few years she might actually improve but nope, not Ares."

Gabrielle laughed with him and wanted to tell him not to get into a sword fight with Xena. Or a chariot race, or a javelin contest or any other number of sports that Xena excelled at. Including, as it was obvious to Gabrielle, volleyball. For whatever reason, Xena had decided to fake being inept at sports to her coworkers. She caught Xena’s eyes and laughed uproariously when the ball really did bounce off her head.

Xena rubbed her head and glared at her teammates who just laughed harder.

"Food’s ready!" Ruth called after another hour. The net was taken down and chairs brought out to make room for people to eat.

Sporting a towel to soak up the sweat dripping from her shoulders, Xena sat next to Gabrielle, straddling the bench so that their bodies touched. "Enjoy the game?"

"Oh absolutely. Klutz," Gabrielle teased, rewarding Xena with a french fry.

"You know better than that," Xena reproved.

Eyes twinkling, Gabrielle said innocently, "Know better than what, oh warrior of mine? All I saw out there was you getting bonked on the head. More than once, I might add."

Growling, Xena put her arms around Gabrielle’s waist and answered, "That was your fault. You distracted me."

"All four times?" Gabrielle asked, feeding her another french fry.

"Absolutely," Xena agreed, nipping Gabrielle’s fingers lightly with her teeth.

"Watch it!" Gabrielle exclaimed.

"That’s what happens when you tease," Xena murmured into her ear.

"Oh really?" Gabrielle murmured back.

"Spare me from honeymooners," someone groaned.

"Shut up, Alvarez," Xena said lazily without even looking.

"At least try to keep it PG-13," Rockland said pointedly. "There are children around after all."

Even after spending almost twenty years in the United States, Xena was slapped with culture shock. Sex and showing physical love between partners had been a part of life growing up. Granted it hadn’t been in her own household since she’d killed her father at a fairly young age, but she’d seen it all around her in the village. Here in the United States, though, children were kept from such things for as long as possible. She moved slightly back from Gabrielle and swung her leg over the bench to face the table. She murmured, "Sorry," before attacking her hamburger.

"If I have to tell you to behave one more time, you’re sleeping on the couch," Ruth exclaimed slapping her husband sharply upside the head, obviously annoyed. "Xena, don’t worry about the prude over here, you and Gabrielle just go on ahead and be yourselves."

Xena was warmed by the support but didn’t take her up on the offer, at least not so obviously. She did move so that her leg touched Gabrielle’s, but remained facing the table.

"So when’s the wedding?" came the unexpected question from Sasha.

Gabrielle and Xena both looked at her blankly for a moment before succumbing to blushes.

"Yeah, Gabrielle, are you going to make an honest woman out of our Detective Ares, or what?" Suz agreed with a grin.

"Uh, we hadn’t really talked about it," Gabrielle stammered.

"Don’t even listen to them, Gabrielle, they’re just trying to make trouble," Xena said, rolling her eyes.

"Xena, we love you! We would never do anything to make you uncomfortable," Sasha promised sweetly.

"Yeah, right," Xena said. She threw a pickle at Sasha who ducked it neatly.

Unfortunately, it landed splat in the center of Will’s shirt who had just walked onto the porch. There was a tense moment as he and Xena looked at each other. Everyone knew what had happened the day before and waited to see what would happen. Gabrielle gripped Xena’s thigh in warning and Xena consciously relaxed at the touch. Xena stood and walked over to Will then held out her hand. It was another tense moment before Will accepted it and everyone breathed silent sighs of relief.

"C’mon, you’re missing the food and Ruth’s cooking is to be enjoyed at every opportunity," Xena said quietly.

Will nodded awkwardly and followed her to the picnic table. "Hey, thanks for the invite, Captain."

Rockland nodded and said, "No problem. Eat up, boy, you’re too skinny."

Smiling more naturally, Will answered, "You sound like my aunt."

The ice was broken and things went back to normal.

 

 

When twilight settled over the city like a mantle, the dancing began. Quite a few of the detectives were newly married or about to be so shortly. The music alternated between fast and hard to slow and sensual. Xena and Gabrielle kept the dance moves more sedate than the previous night, imitating those around them. Even the briefest of touches set their bodies aflame with desire.

When the sweet torture became too much, Xena stopped dancing and pulled Gabrielle even closer. "I need you."

Gabrielle looked up into hot blue eyes and nodded, taking Xena’s hand and leading her back to the porch.

"Leaving so soon?" Rockland asked with a grin.

"Xena’s taking me sight-seeing tomorrow and we need to get an early start," Gabrielle lied easily.

"Yeah right," he laughed.

"I’m not telling you again, Josh," Ruth exclaimed, slapping him on the back.

"Ow! Watch it, woman!" Rockland growled.

"You girls have a nice night. It was lovely to meet you, Gabrielle," Ruth said, enfolding her into a hug. "Thanks for rescuing our fair damsel, here."

Touched by the sentiment, Gabrielle returned the hug and answered, "It was great to meet you, Ruth. I’ll see you again."

"Count on it," Ruth promised. Looking up at Xena, she declared, "You take care of this woman, Xena or I’ll tan your hide."

Saluting, Xena answered, "Yes ma’am!"

"Smart-ass," Ruth insulted fondly.

"I love you too, Ruth," Xena said, hugging her.

There were called out good-byes and waves, which both women returned as they left the house. Fortunately, the drive back to the apartment wasn’t long and they were back inside within a half-hour. Once there, Gabrielle held off Xena’s advances and ordered, "Strip, warrior, because tonight you’re all mine."

Tensing at the unexpected command, Xena pulled off her clothes and stood in the center of the room while Gabrielle inspected her. Licking her lips, Xena ached to grab Gabrielle but didn’t.

"You’re perfect," Gabrielle whispered, circling Xena. "Perfect body, perfect hair, perfect muscles, perfect proportions. Everything about you is perfect. No, stay there."

Xena halted her movement before she’d gone a step. "Gabrielle."

"What warrior? Did you want something?" Gabrielle teased, eyes smoldering as they drank in the sight of the nude warrior.

"I need you," Xena whispered.

"I still haven’t paid you back for making me go out last night," Gabrielle said suddenly. "I think I’m going to take my time and play with you. We haven’t done that in a very, very long time."

Xena’s breath hissed sharply between her teeth. She didn’t think she could take that sort of punishment, not in the aroused state she was in.

"Oh you can take it, warrior, and you will take it or suffer my wrath," Gabrielle promised. She had correctly deduced what Xena was thinking at the moment from the desperate need in her blue eyes. "Go and lay on the bed, face down, and wait for me there."

Gabrielle watched as Xena obeyed her, growing hotter in anticipation of the pleasure to come. She was going to make Xena scream and beg for mercy until she couldn’t even think. Then she was going to do it again, and again, and again. It was going to be a long night for her warrior but it was something she deserved, something that she needed. Gabrielle knew it as surely as she knew the sky was blue.

Slipping out of her own clothes, Gabrielle left them in a pile on the floor and walked over to the bed. Josh’s confession suddenly echoed through her head and she grinned thinking that maybe they would have to sound proof the apartment. It was for certain that Xena’s neighbors wouldn’t appreciate the screaming. Although, maybe she would gag Xena, that always released the few inhibitions she had. Gabrielle wasn’t sure why, maybe it gave Xena permission to scream without the worry of anyone hearing.

She climbed onto the bed and straddled Xena’s waist, sitting there a long moment, letting Xena feel the wetness seeping from her to dampen Xena’s backside. Artemis but she was already hotter than she could remember and they hadn’t even started. First she rubbed Xena’s neck and back, massaging tense muscles and kissing the small bruises that had come from that afternoon’s volleyball match.

"I love the feel of your skin, so smooth and soft," Gabrielle whispered, continuing to move her hands over the muscled back and shoulders. A soft noise came from Xena but she lay still under Gabrielle’s touch. "I missed everything about you all these long years. Your eyes, your hair, your muscles, your tickle spots."

"Gabrielle!" Xena protested the sudden tickle attack, convulsing in laughter.

"Sorry, couldn’t resist," Gabrielle said unrepentant, moving her hands back to Xena’s shoulders. For long moments, she simply kneaded the flesh there, running her hands firmly into the muscle, squeezing and rolling it. Her hands roamed back down the length of Xena, coming to stop at the base of her spine. She rolled forward, laying flush against Xena, her check to Xena’s shoulder.

"I think I missed this most of all. Being with you, feeling your weight, your presence beside me, under me, on me," Gabrielle whispered. Pressing her lips into the hot skin, Gabrielle first nibbled then breathed on the red spot she had just created. Xena shuddered beneath her and a sensual pout crossed Gabrielle’s full lips. Moving slightly, Gabrielle against pressed her lips to the other shoulder blade and repeated the process. Another shudder.

"Oh my. So responsive," Gabrielle murmured. "It’s only been, what, less than a day since we made love?"

Xena moved restlessly under Gabrielle who smiled, her pout broadening. "My sweet
Warrior Princess, what am I going to do with you? I think I’ve been too lenient with you these last few days. There is a lot to make up for, after all, aeons upon aeons of need and wanting you under my touch, under my…control." Gabrielle breathed the last word, making it into a physical caress. She was rewarded with Xena’s whimper.

"Tell me, Warrior Princess, where do you keep your…whip?" Gabrielle breathed. "I know you would never give that up."

"Closet, top shelf," Xena gasped as Gabrielle raked her nails down her sides.

"Don’t move," Gabrielle said unnecessarily. She bounced off the bed, more thrilled than she could remember, humming on her way to the closet. They actually hadn’t played at these games the last few years she and Xena had been together. Gabrielle opened the door and reached up, feeling blindly for the leather bullwhip. Her hand grasped it at last, in the back corner, and she pulled it down.

Gabrielle thought briefly about Xena’s original whip with a smile. She remembered being aggravated with Xena for ruining their only good cooking pan and had traded Xena’s whip to an awestruck woman, Minia, as a form of payback. Although really, she had been more furious with Xena for using part of her scroll as toilet paper than ruining the pan.

As she hefted the whip in her hand, Gabrielle remembered almost the same weight and pattern against her palm the last time she had used Xena’s whip. Amazing that she could remember that far back. Her breathing caught as she truly remembered the encounter and she swallowed. Maybe not so amazing after all: it had been a spectacular morning after all.

"All right, Warrior Princess, let me see if I can remember how to use this thing," Gabrielle said, returning to stand beside the bed. Her hand snapped out, the whip cracking against the inch-wide fabric holding up the netting. The band disintegrated, allowing the netting to fall down. "I guess I do remember after all. I seem to recall someone in need of punishment for making me leave this warm haven to go out to a party last night. Get up."

Xena rolled over and then off the bed, standing and waiting for Gabrielle’s next command.

"How about you grab each bedpost, they don’t look too far apart for those incredible arms of yours," Gabrielle teased. She bit her lip at the grin Xena flashed her way and chuckled warmly. "Don’t be impudent."

"Never, my bard," Xena vowed fervently. She had to stretch to hold a bedpost in each hand but did manage it.

Gabrielle moved close, rolling up the whip then dragging it down the length of Xena’s back. "Feel this, Warrior Princess? You’re going to be begging for more very shortly."

Xena moaned and her head rolled forward.

"That’s right, my sweet Warrior, anticipate what I’m going to do to you," Gabrielle promised, running the leather over and around Xena’s buttocks. Looking around, Gabrielle found the fabric that had held up the netting and wrapped it twice around Xena’s mouth. "It isn’t much, but it’s the best I can do under the circumstances," Gabrielle apologized. "We’ll have to pick up some…toys…later."

Xena moaned through the gag.

Gabrielle stood back and cracked the whip to the both sides of Xena, causing the warrior to jump, startled. "Surprise," Gabrielle murmured. Another crack, this time marking Xena’s back, reddening the flesh immediately. Not waiting, Gabrielle dealt several more and licked her lips as Xena cried out in ecstatic pain. "Is that good, Warrior Princess? Would you like more?"

Nodding, Xena grasped the bedposts tighter.

"I thought you might," Gabrielle said. This round she took her time with, casting forth one at a time, spacing them out so that Xena couldn’t anticipate the blows. Xena’s cries were taking on a desperate tone and Gabrielle paused to get close. She licked her way up and down each of the long welts while Xena shuddered and groaned under her.

"You taste so good," Gabrielle breathed. She fell to her knees, dropping the whip to the floor and clutching Xena’s buttocks. "Face me."

Xena turned, leaning against the bed for its very needed support. Her head lolled back when Gabrielle roughly shoved her legs apart. Her knowing and skilled mouth tasted deep between Xena’s legs and fire shot through her loins as Gabrielle’s tongue rolled around her clit. Small fingers thrust inside Xena and she thought that she would die with the sensation. Between the tongue and hand, the hot ache on her back and buttocks, Xena was overwhelmed and screamed out as the orgasm exploded from deep within.

Gabrielle listened to the scream with pleasure, closing her eyes as her tongue went even deeper, her own sex throbbing with desperate need. Her thighs clamped together, squeezing and bringing her close but she didn’t allow herself the orgasm. Taking her face out from between Xena’s legs, Gabrielle stood and grabbed Xena around the waist, pulling the weak woman hard against her.

"We’re not done yet, Warrior," Gabrielle promised, looking up into unfocused eyes. It took several seconds but the eyes did focus, resting on Gabrielle’s determined face. The eyes were compelling in their pleading but Gabrielle only smiled. "I’m not done having my way with you, Xena. Sit."

The command was gentle and Xena fell gratefully back onto the bed, wincing slightly at the scratching of welts on the quilt.

Gabrielle knelt on the bed, facing Xena, straddling the warrior’s legs, their sexes molding together. Knowing how erotic Xena found her bites, Gabrielle leaned close and breathed in the smell of flesh and blood, closing her eyes to concentrate on it more fully. Her fangs extended, breaking through the roof of her mouth with familiar pain to trap her tongue if she wasn’t careful. Bacchai had many powers, one of them hypnotic suggestion, much like a snake with its prey. Gabrielle never used that power, relying instead on her words and quick thinking unless circumstances were dire.

Another power was heightened erotic pleasure, both giving and receiving. It was a survival technique, Gabrielle knew. Without the pleasure of having blood taken, the victim would fight and perhaps escape to leave the Bacchai without sustenance. Running her lips over Xena’s throat, Gabrielle found the faintest mark her teeth had left from her last "snack" on Xena. "How about that little bite you promised me?" Gabrielle whispered hotly into Xena’s ear.

Xena’s hands surrounded her, grabbing her buttocks and pulling her even closer.

Chuckling softly, Gabrielle licked Xena’s ear and murmured, "I’ll take that for a yes."

Xena’s throat beckoned and Gabrielle answered the call eagerly, her fangs unerringly finding the vein hidden not so deeply under the skin. She was careful not to tear the skin, using her expertise to simply puncture the skin and suck the blood into her mouth. They both moaned in pleasure this time, Gabrielle feeling her sex swell and her hunger reduce just a little. After only a few seconds, she stopped, withdrawing as Xena shuddered against her.

Lips beckoning this time, Gabrielle tore the gag from Xena’s mouth and pressed their lips together, letting Xena taste her own blood. As they kissed, Xena’s hands roamed freely on Gabrielle’s backside, her fingers tracing lightly into Gabrielle’s crack. Gabrielle was the one to shudder this time as Xena’s finger bore into her from behind. Gasping, Gabrielle’s head fell back and Xena’s mouth latched onto her throat, reversing their positions.

Gabrielle fought it and shoved Xena back onto the bed, grabbing the other woman’s hands and holding them over Xena’s head. Bacchai and half-goddess fought for control, wrestling on the bed, limbs flying and grunting with effort. The force of the struggle landed them on the floor with a heavy thud, Xena on top, using her brute strength to pin Gabrielle under her, her legs thrust between Gabrielle’s.

"Is this what you want, bard?" Xena whispered, her face a mere inch from Gabrielle’s.

Green eyes bore into blue as Gabrielle licked her lips, forcing her fangs back into their place of dormancy. "Take me," she whispered, closing her eyes.

Immediately, Xena’s mouth plundered hers and her hands grabbed under Gabrielle to jerk their mounds together. Gabrielle’s legs wrapped around Xena’s, her sex thrusting up to meet Xena’s. Inside a hurricane of feeling and need, both women ravaged each other, passion and darkness meeting in each drive and plunge together. Their mouths were locked together when the shattering climax arrived, sending them both out of themselves.

When Gabrielle returned to her senses, she stretched until bones cracked, even under Xena’s weight. She was completely relaxed and satiated though she knew it wouldn’t take much to get her going again. Gods above when had she become so horny? Not to mention so lasting! The only thing that had even remotely come close to being with Xena over the empty years had been the blood. Now she knew even that didn’t compare.

Kissing Xena’s sweaty cheek, she whispered, "I love you."

Not even cracking an eye, Xena replied, "I love you."

"How about we move to the bed, it’s getting a bit drafty down here," Gabrielle suggested with a yawn.

"Can’t move," Xena muttered, snuggling closer.

‘Of course not,’ Gabrielle thought with a grin. ‘You’re on top of comfy me and I’m on the floor.’

Pursing her lips, Gabrielle wondered how she might accomplish this. She carefully turned over, cradling Xena in her arms, which didn’t wake her. Gabrielle gently picked her up and walked the short distance to the bed. Climbing into bed next to her lover, Gabrielle pulled the covers up over them and snuggled against Xena’s long, hot form.

 

 

Gabrielle gasped as her stomach stabbed with painful hunger. Except for the blood-need, she was pleasantly sore everywhere. Xena was still unconscious to the world, sprawled a few inches away on her stomach. Xena’s back was a lovely array of fading welts. The hunger burned through her, Xena’s throat beckoned enticingly, the memory of her earlier feeding exacerbating the problem. She glanced at the window and saw it was still dark, the clock confirmed it as being only 3:17 am.

A groan of denial sliced through Gabrielle. No matter what Xena offered, Gabrielle would never be able to feed off her when hungry, there was too much risk that she would lose herself and take too much blood. Even as old as she was, when the blood hunger called, Gabrielle was as much a slave to it as any newborn Bacchai.

She knew that it was past time to feed, truly feed, unlike the mere pint she’d taken from the would-be extortionist in her office or the tiny bit from Xena only a short time before. That had probably been a mistake. Gabrielle might’ve been able to last another day or so without, had she not teased herself. She moved carefully off the bed and pulled on some clothes. With any luck at all, Gabrielle would return before Xena woke. After pulling on her sneakers, Gabrielle grabbed her keys and locked the door behind her.

Making a beeline for the red-light district, Gabrielle walked swiftly in the darkness. It was there that she found her food and didn’t feel guilty: not as much at least. Preying on those who preyed on others was a bonus in Gabrielle’s mind. She had long since come to grips with the fact that she was a predator and while she tried not to kill those she took from, sometimes the need was just too great and she lost herself in the blood.

Of course it was for more than one reason that she tried not to kill. Besides a lingering belief in the sacristy of human life, no matter how depraved and evil, leaving a trail of bloodless corpses would bring unwelcome attention to the existence of the Bacchai as a whole. Stopping in a dark ally, Gabrielle waited patiently for her food to come to her.

It wasn’t long before a man dragged a woman into the ally, slapping her as they walked. The woman was screaming at him to stop, that she was sorry, but the man continued to deal out the blows. Gabrielle stepped forward and said, "You should stop that before something bad happens to you."

The man spun towards her, snarling at the interruption. He blanched upon seeing her face, releasing the woman who immediately ran off. Lightening fast, Gabrielle closed the distance between them and easily pulled his struggling form to her. Her jaw clamped onto the artery in his throat with deadly accuracy and intoxicating blood flowed into her mouth.

To anyone looking, it would have appeared as though they were caught up in a lover’s rendezvous.