Xena lounged in the chair, eyes closed, soaking in the sun and heat and enjoying herself immensely. Gabrielle was swimming lazily in the pool and Will was playing one-handedly with the barbecue by the house. Though mostly recovered from his injury, the gunshot was fresh enough to need a sling and he was going crazy trying to do everything right-handed. She felt so stress free that it was really incredible; she couldn’t remember being this carefree since Greece so long ago.

"Is this a private party or can anyone crash?" a voice boomed out.

Xena froze, recognizing Hercules’ voice immediately even though it had been centuries since she’d last heard it. Jumping off the chair, she shrieked in happiness and ran towards the large man filling in the doorframe. She leaped through the air, throwing her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist. He grunted under the impact then spun around, laughing and holding her tight. It occurred to her briefly that she was picking up too many of Janis’ mannerisms but she dismissed it when Gabrielle’s shout joined hers and wet arms wrapped around them both.

A few moments later, they disentangled and started talking over each other in their eagerness.

"How on earth did you find us?" Xena exclaimed.

"Where have you been? I’ve been leaving messages for you everywhere!" Gabrielle exclaimed, punching his shoulder.

Hercules rubbed the sore spot and held his hands up in mock-surrender. "Easy ladies, give a man a chance to explain!"

Xena took one arm, Gabrielle the other, and they led him to the patio, leaning on his tremendous strength as they walked. "I am so happy to see you!" Xena exclaimed as they sat around the small wicker table. "What have you been up to?"

"Yeah! I’ve been leaving voice mail and emails all over the place for you!" Gabrielle accused tartly.

"I’m sorry but I was called home unexpectedly so I’ve been out of the loop," Hercules answered. His hazel eyes twinkled tolerantly at the thoughts that mention of his family brought up and his large frame eased back in the chair. His hair was still golden brown and longish to his shoulders but he was dressed in jeans and t-shirt. "You know how demanding my family can be."

"And how aggravating," Gabrielle agreed.

Xena nodded and was about to comment when she noticed Will discreetly going inside the house. She felt like smacking herself on the forehead and stood up, waving him over. "Will, come here and meet our good friend, please."

When Will joined them, Hercules stood up and held out a hand. "Good to meet you, Will is it?"

Will stared at him silently as their hands clasped. He frowned as though trying to place something on the tip of his tongue. "I’m sorry but, do I know you?"

Hercules shrugged, shaking his head negatively but their hands remained linked as Hercules contemplated the friendly face before him. "Name’s Hercules Zusson. And I don’t think we’ve met, no."

"Hercules? As in the legendary hero?" Will asked with a grin, looking up into Hercules’ eyes. "You look more like a Herc to me."

Hercules’ mouth dropped but he recovered quickly. "My best friend used to call me that a long time ago."

"I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have…"

"No, it’s okay. It’s silly really," Hercules interrupted. He suddenly realized they were still clasping hands and let go. He pulled out a chair for the injured man. "Sit, join us."

"Thanks but I don’t want to intrude or anything," Will said. "I can go take care of the rest of the food while you three catch up."

Xena and Gabrielle met eyes as the men interacted with Hercules trying to convince Will to stay. Xena pursed her lips questioningly. Gabrielle shook her head and Xena nodded agreement. They hadn’t really discussed whether or not to tell Hercules about Will/Iolaus but Gabrielle seemed to think it not a good idea. Xena was curious as to why but would wait to ask her lover in private.

"So what happened to you?" Hercules asked after finally getting Will to sit.

"I was shot being an idiot," Will said, disparagingly.

"He was shot being a hero," Gabrielle contradicted firmly. "He saved my life by jumping in front of a man who was trying to kill me."

"Well, actually, he was trying to kill me if you recall. You jumped on me and Will tackled the guy and got shot in the process," Xena corrected.

"It was dark. If I’d seen the gun he was packing, I probably wouldn’t have." Will repeated his words from the crime scene with wink.

"I’m surrounded by heroes then," Hercules said, smiling broadly. "Why doesn’t that surprise me? Care to tell me the whole story?"

"Gabrielle? You’re the bard, why don’t you do the honors?" Xena suggested, sitting back to enjoy one of her favorite things: Gabrielle’s voice.

The next hour passed quickly as Gabrielle told the story of their reunion and the subsequent action and problems. Towards the middle, Xena got up and went to get something for them all to drink. By the end, she openly watched Hercules and Will in fascination as subconsciously they fell into their old positions. Hercules was sprawled out a foot or so from the table, legs crossed out in front. Will leaned on his good arm towards Hercules, nudging the bigger man every so often with his elbow to emphasize something. He also jumped in the narrative when he felt Gabrielle had missed something.

Gabrielle finished up with, "And that’s how we got here in the Keys. I figured that if you ever got back in touch, you’d be able to find this place again."

"I still can’t believe that I get a free vacation out of all this," Will said with a chuckle. His tone turned slightly self-deprecating. "And all I had to do was get shot."

Hercules twisted to look at him with a frown.

"What? Do I have something in my teeth?" Will asked, returning the gaze.

"Maybe we have met," Hercules said finally, brow crinkled in puzzlement. "You seem very familiar to me now."

Will stared back at him and said, "I know I know you from somewhere, I just can’t place where. Give me time, though, I have a very good memory for faces. Although you’d think I’d remember a giant named Hercules without any trouble. Right big guy?"

At that Hercules’ paled, openly staring at Will. After a shocked moment, he hastily got to his feet. "Excuse me, I-I forgot something. I’ll be right back."

Xena watched him go sympathetically. She knew what it was like to find your world turned upside-down when the impossible was not only possible, but suddenly transpired.

"Was it something I said?" Will asked, concerned gaze following Hercules inside the house.

Gabrielle leaned forward and patted his hand. "Not at all. Xena, why don’t you go check on Hercules and we’ll get supper finished."

Nodding, Xena stood and walked inside. She found Hercules in the sunroom, staring out at the aquamarine water that stretched out in all directions. Walking up behind him, she placed her hand on his arm and stood there, comforting him with her touch. She could see that he was struggling with powerful emotions and waited silently for him to take it in.

"Why…why didn’t you tell me?" he asked at last.

"How would you have liked us to do so? Send you an email saying, ‘Hey Herc, we found Iolaus. He’s reincarnated here and dodging bullets in the FBI?’ And you showed up so unexpectedly today, we didn’t know when or how to tell you," Xena said softly.

"What’s he like?" Hercules asked quietly. Brown eyes stared into blue, silently asking what his words did not.

"He’s Iolaus," Xena answered simply. "He’s warm, funny, honorable, caring and has a good luck streak with the ladies a mile long. I’ve noticed that he’s a bit more decisive and thoughtful this time around, though. And, strangely, very by the book when it comes to procedure."

"Really?" Hercules chuckled weakly. "That’s a new one."

"Well, I did say when it comes to procedure," Xena tempered with a grin. "With life, that’s another story I think."

"You think?"

"I’ve only known Will for a few months, Hercules. We crossed paths during an investigation and on occasion we’ve crossed blows, too. I didn’t even realize it was Iolaus until a couple of weeks ago," Xena explained. "This is the first chance we’ve had to spend time together outside of work."

Hercules sighed, looking back at the water. "I don’t know if I can do it, Xena. I don’t know if I can lose him again. The first time it happened, I was in so much pain. Then I was given him back, sort of, from the alternate universe, you remember, where the Sovereign ruled? But it wasn’t really Iolaus so I had to be satisfied with friendship. Then he went off with the mermaid, what was her name? I can’t even remember. I wasn’t as hard off because I knew it wasn’t really my Iolaus. When I got him back the third time, and I mean really got him back, life had meaning again.

"When he died of old age that last time, everything was empty and gray. There was no joy to living and I retreated from everything. That’s when Hercules really died. I stopped caring about helping others. By the time I recovered, the world had changed and I was out of place. There were no gods and goddesses, just the one god and mankind meaner, more ready and able to kill each other in the name of that god. Kindness was a thing of the past and survival not always desired by those crushed under the boot-heels of the powerful.

"I’ve lived life this last aeon, really lived it and helped others, made a difference again in many peoples lives. I like how I have my life now. If I let myself…I don’t think I could bear it again," Hercules finished in a whisper.

"I understand," Xena said softly. She walked in front of Hercules and wrapped her arms around his waist, pressing her face into his shoulder, breathing in his masculine scent. His strong arms locked around her and his head buried in her hair, resting on her shoulder.

They stood like that until an awkward, "I’m sorry. I’ll come back."

Xena looked up, pulling away from Hercules. "No Will, it’s all right. We were just talking about an old friend and things got emotional. What did you need?"

"Gabrielle sent me in to fetch you for dinner. Everything’s ready," Will answered, still obviously uncomfortable.

"We’ll be right out," Xena promised. She watched him leave then returned her gaze to Hercules. "It’s up to you how far you take Iolaus into your heart again, Hercules, or if you do so at all. It’s your heart. Personally speaking, before Gabrielle showed up again, I thought I had a grip on life. I was lying to myself. Life has no real meaning without love, without the other half of my soul. Now that we’re together again, I will never let her go. If Iolaus was that to you, you owe yourself and him another chance at that kind of happiness."

Stony-faced, Hercules nodded and said, "Give me a minute. I’ll join you when I can."

She caressed the side of his face. "I love you Hercules, and so does Gabrielle. We’re here if you need us."

Xena walked out of the house, rejoining Gabrielle and taking the small hand with a gentle smile. "He’ll be out shortly. He just needs to compose himself."

"That must’ve been some friend," Will commented.

"He was," Xena agreed. She looked to Gabrielle and brought the hand up to her lips, kissing the knuckles.

"Did he…die?" Will asked hesitantly.

Nodding, Gabrielle answered, "It was a long time ago but he was very special to all of us."

"I hope you all don’t mind but I have to see to some business," Hercules said upon returning to the table. "I really just came here to check in with you."

"You just got here!" Gabrielle protested. "You can’t leave so soon."

"Hercules, stay for a couple of days. Please?" Xena asked. She could see the pain in his eyes and knew he was lying about the business appointment.

Will stood, clasping Hercules’ arm and added, "It’s a beautiful beach, the weather is perfect for lazing around, Herc. Relax here with us for a while."

Lips tightening, Hercules looked away then his eyes settled back on Will’s face. "Okay. I guess it can wait a day or two."

"Great! Let’s eat because I’m starving!" Will exclaimed, sitting back down, rubbing his hands together eagerly.

"You always are," Hercules commented ruefully with a shake of the head.

"Huh?"

"Sorry, I just meant that you seem the type to be…have a hollow leg," Hercules saved.

"Like Gabrielle," Xena said, diverting Will’s attention.

Gabrielle joined in with, "Hey! It’s not my fault that I have an efficient metabolism!"

"Oh is that what they call it these days?" Xena teased.

Comment forgotten, Will ordered, "All right, everyone, dig in."

 

 

"I love private beaches," Xena sighed as Gabrielle rubbed lotion on her back, hands moving long and soothing over her muscles. It was at least 95 degrees Fahrenheit with the sun beating merciless on them from a crystal blue sky. A few days after Hercules’ arrival, Will had finally been given the okay to remove the sling. So now Hercules and Will were fishing a ways down the shore from them. Or at least Hercules was trying to show Will how to fish. Will hadn’t looked too thrilled at the prospect of actually catching something.

"Some things never change," Gabrielle observed, eyes resting on the two men.

"Some things never should change, you mean," Xena said.

"No, I said what I meant. Look at them, Xena. They’ve totally fallen back into the buddy role we first knew them in. I didn’t realize Will had such a sense of humor when I first met him at the police station," Gabrielle said.

"Well, you didn’t exactly meet under auspicious circumstance," Xena pointed out. She felt Gabrielle chuckle then lay on her, breasts crushing into her back and her lips at Xena’s ear.

"The first time I met Iolaus, it was the other way around. You and Iolaus, and Hercules come to think of it, had been lovers and I was an awestruck girl. Things have changed but they’ve definitely stayed the same," Gabrielle said. She licked Xena’s ear suggestively then nibbled on it.

Xena shuddered at the erotic caress and gasped, "Gabrielle, please don’t do that right now."

"And why not? We could run inside and take advantage of the fact that if Hercules has a fishing pole in his hands, he’ll be gone for hours," Gabrielle breathed the last word.

Xena swallowed heavily then flipped over, pinning Gabrielle beneath her. "Is that so bard? And what would we do during those hours?"

Gabrielle twined her fingers through Xena’s hair and pulled her down for a long, wet kiss. Tongues played and circled each other. "I’m sure we could find something to do," she murmured against Xena’s lips.

"Take it inside!" a playful shout from Will drifted downwind.

Laughing against Xena’s lips, Gabrielle pushed her away and said, "Well that was subtle."

"Very," Xena agreed with a chuckle of her own. Standing, she helped Gabrielle up then waved to the men who she knew were both grinning ear to ear. As they walked the short distance back the house, Gabrielle turned to face Xena, walking backwards and taking Xena’s hands in hers. "Yes, bard of mine? Was there something you wanted?" Xena asked as they reached the patio.

Stopping suddenly, Gabrielle put her hands on Xena’s waist and looked up at her lover. "Just you, Xena."

"That can definitely be arranged," Xena replied huskily. Leaning down, her mouth gently covered Gabrielle’s, soft and demanding against the full lips. Gabrielle’s mouth parted, allowing Xena’s tongue entry, and fire flickered within Xena’s loins. A needy moan from Gabrielle and it burst into a bonfire, overwhelming her yet again.

No longer thinking, Xena put her hands under Gabrielle and lifted. Instantly understanding, Gabrielle put her arms around Xena’s neck and pulled herself up, wrapping her legs around Xena’s hips. Xena walked inside the house, briefly thankful that the door pushed open, and to the guest bedroom on the first floor. She dropped Gabrielle carefully onto her back and knelt on the giving mattress, between Gabrielle’s legs, to look down at her lover with a half-smile.

"What?" Gabrielle asked, eyes humid with passion. Her hands roamed up to tug unsuccessfully at the swimsuit Xena wore.

"I can’t believe we’re really back together," Xena answered. "I keep expecting to see Ares with a big "April Fools" sign and for you to vanish. Or to wake up and find the same."

Pushing up on her palms, Gabrielle stared into the hesitant blue eyes and whispered, "I’m real, Xena. I’m real and here and I will never leave you again. Ares has no power over us any more; neither do any of the other Gods and they know it. We are together and forever is looking better and better to me."

"Promise?" Xena’s voice shook with unaccustomed insecurity.

"I promise. Trust me?" Gabrielle turned the question on Xena, her love shining out like a beacon.

Releasing her doubts with a long sigh, Xena nodded and answered, "I trust you."

Gabrielle reached up and tucked her hand under Xena’s hair to bring her down in a kiss, sealing the vow with their love. Her need rising up, Xena pushed Gabrielle down again then stood, slowly pulling off her swimsuit in a tease, hands roaming over her own breasts and down a muscled abdomen to a flat navel and finally revealing dark hair between her legs.

Tossing her black suit away, Xena returned to Gabrielle and inched the blue suit off her exquisite body; it landed in a tiny heap next to her own without a glance. Xena’s hands traveled longingly over Gabrielle’s body then she straddled Gabrielle’s hips for better access. The heat gathered as shimmering sweat in beads across Gabrielle’s pale skin. Xena bent down to lick the salty water all the way from Gabrielle’s throat to the hollow between her breasts and then down to her belly button.

"I knew there was a reason I didn’t want air conditioning," Gabrielle gasped as Xena’s tongue caressed her.

Smiling, Xena pressed kisses into the soft skin as an answer. She moved back up and took a nipple into her mouth, sucking it and rolling her tongue over and around the hardened bud. Not to be forgotten, her hand squeezed and rolled the other breast while her mouth played, wringing moans from Gabrielle.

"Xena, please, oh gods!" Gabrielle exclaimed when teeth bit into her nipple. Electricity shot through her and her hands grabbed Xena’s head, pressing it harder into her.

Xena moved, switching mouth and hand to opposite breasts. When Gabrielle’s hips jerked in response to her teeth, Xena felt her own clit throb in sympathy. The hands twined in her hair tightened involuntarily as Xena played and teased her lover into whimpering need. Legs wrapped around Xena’s hips, begging along with wordless cries.

Answering both the heat in the woman below her and the heat within herself, Xena finally touched their mounds together, rubbing slowly. Swollen and hardened, the contact wrung gasps from both women just before Xena captured Gabrielle’s mouth with her own in a devastating kiss. Gabrielle’s hands released her hair only to wind around Xena’s back as she ground their centers hard together in an overwhelming motion.

Though she tried to hold back, tried to prolong the intense pleasure, Xena couldn’t stand it any more and her pace quickened. Hips thrusting and pumping against Gabrielle, Xena kept their mouths locked, plundering the treasure so willingly offered up to her. Wetness slipped between them, mingling and filling the room with the scent of their sex. Gabrielle’s hips and mouth returned the pressure, legs tightening around Xena, hands clasping and releasing muscled shoulders, urging her on.

"Come with me, Gabrielle," Xena moaned.

Gabrielle gasped, eyes closing in defense from too many sensations.

"Come with me, Gabrielle," Xena pleaded desperately, her body wracking with orgasm, seed spilling on and into Gabrielle.

Gabrielle shouted, body stiffening in orgasm almost the exact moment Xena cried out. Xena collapsed on top of her, breathing heavily and Gabrielle wrapped her arms lovingly around her shoulders, kissing her warrior’s cheek tenderly. "I love you Xena."

"I love you, Gabrielle."

 

 

"I envy them," Will said, watching the women saunter back towards the house. "I would give anything for that kind of love. I don’t think I’ve ever felt it before, no, I know I haven’t. They would die for each other."

Hercules glanced at him, squinting against the sun.

"There’s that look again," Will exclaimed, catching Hercules’ stare. "Is there a huge defect on my face that I’m not aware of?"

Looking away, clearly embarrassed, Hercules apologized, "I’m sorry, Will."

"That’s the fourth time you’ve apologized to me today. What exactly are you sorry about? And why do you keep staring at me like that?" Will demanded. He stabbed the fishing pole into the sand and faced the larger man, arms crossed belligerently.

"Calm down, Io-Will. That friend that Xena and I were talking about the other day? Well you remind me a lot of him," Hercules explained, holding up a placating hand. He took a deep breath and plunged on. "So much. His name was Iolaus and he was my best friend. I loved him and when he died, well, I was shattered. I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable by staring but sometimes you catch me off-guard, saying or doing something that Iolaus would do all the time. And that’s why I’m apologizing."

Will looked at him thoughtfully for a long moment then said, "You aren’t making me uncomfortable. As a matter of fact, and this is going to sound very weird, but it’s…oh I don’t know…comforting in a way. I can’t explain why but having you around feels good to me."

As though he’d made himself uncomfortable with that revelation, Will punched Hercules on the shoulder and said, "Anyways, I think this fishing thing is a bust. I’m going to catch some waves. Coming, Herc?"

Shaking his head, Hercules answered, "You go on, I’m going to stay dry."

"Wimp," Will called, pulling off his shirt to run into the water.

"Another touching reunion."

Hercules didn’t even bother to respond to his half-brother’s scathing insult. "What do you want, Ares?"

"Oh nothing. Just came to check in on my favorite daughter only to find her in the arms of a woman. Shocking things going on these days, don’t you agree?" Ares answered. "But while I’m here, let me give you a tip. He doesn’t dig guys this time around, least of all you."

This time, Hercules snarled and spun to face Ares. "What do you want, Ares?" he repeated angrily, moving closer threateningly.

"Hey, I try to do my brother a favor and what do I get? Rudeness," Ares said, stepping back a little from the fury. Dark eyes narrowed as he faced Hercules. "The Fates have it in for Iolaus. He’s not long for this world, if you get my meaning. They aren’t too thrilled with how you stepped on their collective toes last time. Just as well you don’t get too attached to him."

Hands reaching out for Ares throat, he grasped only air as Ares disappeared in a shower of blue sparks, and ground his teeth in frustration. Why would Ares warn him? If the Fates were going to cut Iolaus’ life-thread, why not just let it happen? Eyes skimming out over the water, his heart jumped when he didn’t see Iolaus. Unless Ares hadn’t been warning him but distracting him instead!

Without thinking, Hercules ran to the water, diving in towards the last place he’d seen Iolaus before Ares’ visit. "Iolaus! Will!" he shouted, mentally kicking himself for the slip. Scanning the clear water, Hercules saw a dark shape several meters away and immediately swam in that direction. Long, powerful arms ate up the distance in seconds and Hercules pulled Iolaus out of the water and swam towards shore.

Picking up the limp form, Hercules walked out of the water then set Iolaus on the sand and started CPR.

"C’mon, Iolaus, don’t die on me again! Breathe, damn it!"

As though in answer to his prayer, just after Hercules’ started mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, water bubbled up out of Iolaus’ mouth and into Hercules’. Startled at the blue eyes finding their mouths together, Hercules pulled away and helped Iolaus sit. "Are you all right?" he asked quickly. "I thought I lost you. Xena and Gabrielle would’ve killed me, that’s for sure."

Once he’d stopped coughing, Will nodded and eyed him curiously for a long moment. "It was the strangest thing. I noticed you talking to that man and then a woman appeared out of nowhere; long dark hair, pretty in a cruel sort of way. She dragged me down into the water. I couldn’t get rid of her and believe me, I tried. Next thing I know, I’m here and you’re bringing me back from the dead."

"Discord!" Hercules muttered furiously.

"Well, I would’ve called it attempted murder, but okay," Will said, eyebrow raised.

Why was Ares so bound and determined to kill Iolaus? Hercules racked his mind but couldn’t come up with anything. "But you’re okay," Hercules repeated.

"I’m fine, Herc. Better than a dead-man should feel anyhow," Will answered. He accepted Hercules’ hand up and they started walking back towards the poles. "I think I’m going to take a break though. Hey, who was that guy, anyhow?"

"Just some jerk who shouldn’t have been here," Hercules said. His mind was still in turmoil, his emotions more shaken than he realized. Even though they’d only been friends a few days in this lifetime, Hercules knew that he was coming to depend on Iolaus being there again. Cursing the whole situation, immersed in his thoughts, Hercules didn’t see Will’s intent gaze as the other man went to lay on his towel.

Will watched as Hercules cast his line over and over, the large man obviously not paying attention to what he was doing. Why did all his actions seem so familiar? That smile triggered memories he could feel but not remember and it was driving Will crazy. He knew that he had never met Hercules because there was no way Will would forget him, even if it had been decades ago.

Shaking his head in frustration, Will closed his eyes and drifted into an uneasy doze, soaking in the heat. He heard the whizzing of the wire as Hercules continued to cast his line and the gentle lapping of water against the shore. It was hypnotic and sleep firmed its grasp, pulling him down into darkness and the depths of Morpheus’ realm.

A knife hurtled through the air towards the beautiful black woman and Will threw himself in its path. Pain sliced through him as the blade found a different target in his breast and heart instead of hers. He heard Hercules’ roar of despair and denial tear through the room as Will staggered back into the woman’s arms. She was crying as she lay him down, cradling him in her arms. Then Hercules was there, kneeling beside him, pain etched into every line on his face. He called to Iolaus but blackness claimed Will before he could answer.

Everything shifted and Will was dead again and yet not; his second death and, as before, Hercules was there. Pained emotion clouded Hercules’ face, more pain than even a deep friendship would warrant. Will caught a glimpse of his reflection and was startled to find he was blonde and a good deal shorter, coming only to Hercules’ shoulder. Something warm enveloped his body and he told Hercules not to be afraid, that it was wonderful and they would meet again.

The worlds collided and yet again Will found himself dying, this time the natural death of an old man. For the third and final death, Hercules was there yet again. He sat on the bed, youthful and formidable as he had been all sixty-odd years of Iolaus’ life. With a strong yet gentle grip, Hercules’ clasped Iolaus’ frail hands in his own. Tears hovered in Hercules’ eyes and that same hopeless pain was etched into his handsome face. Death this time was like falling asleep but when he heard Hercules’ anguish, Will tried not to descend into the darkness.

Opening his eyes, Will couldn’t tell who he was for a long moment, time and place warring with each other. Resting his eyes on Hercules’ back, solidity returned and things settled into place. Including the memories that came flooding back. Traveling with his best friend through ancient Greece, fighting warlords and monsters and Gods. Hercules’ marriage and then his family’s deaths, his own marriage. Meeting Xena and then Gabrielle, more traveling, always moving but feeling centered because Hercules was there with him.

Hercules had gone into the land of the dead twice for him. Fought and moved heaven and earth to get him back but inevitably, had been forced to accede to the laws of the universe. It had been Iolaus to return, sneaking out of heaven for one last battle against the Four Horsemen that had rendered him mortal again. Mortal and again with Hercules.

As though feeling his stare, Hercules turned around in mid-cast. Their eyes met and the fishing pole dropped from a lax hand. Moving as though in a dream, Hercules walked over to him and asked hesitantly, "Iolaus?"

"It’s me," Iolaus confirmed. Obviously shocked and unable to take in the revelation, Hercules just stood there, staring in disbelief. Not relinquishing Hercules’ eyes, Iolaus stood and took a firm hold on his wrist. "It’s me, Hercules. I remember everything."

Hercules’ mouth opened but nothing came out.

Grinning suddenly, Iolaus said, "What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue?"

"Iolaus!" Hercules shouted grabbing him in a bear hug.

"Hercules! Hercules!" Iolaus gasped, pounding him on the back.

"What?"

"You’re crushing me!"

"Sorry, got a little carried away," Hercules apologized, letting go and stepping back a little. "What, exactly, do you remember?"

Looking into Hercules’ brown eyes, Iolaus was enveloped by their familiar, intense warmth. "Everything. Traveling Greece, Xena and Gabrielle, all of my deaths. I remember our life together."

As Iolaus finished his statement, Hercules reached out, placing his hands on Iolaus’ shoulders to slowly draw him closer. "I missed you."

"I missed you."

 

 

Dinner was a boisterous affair that night. Laughter and drink flowed equally as the four friends talked and talked. Xena and Gabrielle were thrilled to discover Iolaus back among them, memories intact, and gave him delighted hugs and kisses upon the announcement. The air was filled with gentle warmth and tropical flowers shared their light fragrance with the friends. Stars began winking out of a darkening sky and torchlight took over for the sun.

"So now what?" Xena asked as Gabrielle leaned against her shoulder. Their fingers played together under the table. "What are you two going to do?"

Iolaus looked over at Hercules and shrugged. "We haven’t thought that far ahead. I think I’ll take a leave of absence to start with and then we’ll figure things out."

"We’ve got a lot to catch up on," Hercules confirmed.

"Did you ever figure out why Ares was trying to kill Iolaus?" Gabrielle asked suddenly.

"Actually, the Fates let is slip during my little brush with death," Iolaus said with a grin. "I didn’t remember it right away with everything else coming out of my head but the younger Fate said, ‘Surrounded by love, War will fail.’"

"Which I figured out to mean that if Iolaus and I were reunited, we’d be fighting Ares like we did before and Ares, of course, wouldn’t want that. Especially not with the two of you together again, too," Hercules explained. "Not that you can ever really figure out what the Fates say to you. It’s like talking with the Oracle only not as clear."

"It makes as much sense as anything else," Gabrielle commented. Pursing her lips thoughtfully, she repeated, "Surrounded by love, War will fail. I like that. It sounds like the title of a good book."

"Uh-oh, watch out everyone, the Bard is at work again," Xena teased with a smile.

"Maybe it’s time to redefine my life," Gabrielle pondered aloud. "I haven’t written anything in too long. Rob’s certainly capable enough to handle the operation. If I were writing again, it wouldn’t matter where we were living and you could stick with the department."

"Don’t forget that the FBI is always looking for good recruits," Iolaus recommended. Staring into Hercules’ eyes for a long moment, he continued, "You aren’t the only ones who needs to think about what comes next."

Xena pressed her lips to the soft skin below Gabrielle’s ear then rested her cheek in the same place. There were so many possibilities now that the scope was almost frightening. The four of them reunited would be virtually impossible to defeat. No wonder Ares had been so hot to kill Iolaus before he regained his memories and/or met up with Hercules again. Iolaus’ suggestion lingered, tantalizing her with its potential.

"The FBI, hm?" she murmured at last.

Gabrielle looked up into brilliant blue eyes and a smile crossed her face. "It sounds like you’ve made a decision, warrior princess."

"I guess I have, bard," Xena confirmed, soaking in Gabrielle’s emerald depths as electricity filled the air.

Hercules cleared his throat. "I think it’s time we retired, Iolaus."

"Good idea," Iolaus agreed.

The women barely noticed their departure, so wrapped up were they in each other. "Have I told you how glad I am that you found me?"

Gabrielle nodded and murmured, "You may have mentioned something like that recently."

Xena turned and pulled Gabrielle onto her lap so they were facing each other. "It doesn’t really matter what I do, Gabrielle, as long as we’re together."

Cupping Xena’s face, Gabrielle said, "Same here."

Leaning forward simultaneously, their lips met, renewing their vow of forever.