And Baby Makes Three -- by Marista
DISCLAIMER: Xena, Gabrielle, Joxer and Amarice are property of Universal Studios/MCA. This is a subtext story that takes place after the Season 5 episode ‘Animal Attraction’ and references ‘Chakram’.
Sex: None
Violence: None
Subtext: Yes.
Feedback and constructive criticism are welcome. I hope you enjoy the story.
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Xena looked up from the campfire. It’s a clear night, and the air was crisp. Joxer had gone to the river to clean his gear since he would be departing from the group in the morning. Amarice wanted to hunt alone for a while and consider her experiences with Armand. ‘Finally, a peaceful moment alone together, even if just for a few moments’.
"Gabrielle, what’s wrong".
"Nothing." The bard now turned warrior just sat staring into the campfire with the oddest look on her face.
"Gabrielle, I know something’s bothering you."
"Forget about it Xena. I’ll be fine in the morning."
"Gabrielle don’t forget that I care deeply about you."
"As much as you care about the baby’s father?"
Xena’s eyes went wide as she realized just what was bothering her soul mate. "Gabrielle, I told you…"
Gabrielle cut her off mid sentence. "I know what you told me. You don’t know who the baby’s father is" and in a softer voice she added "or just don’t want to tell me. Doesn’t matter the result is the same; you are carrying someone’s child. And it sure isn’t mine."
"Gabrielle, believe me I’ve been faithful to you. I would never jeopardize what we have."
"Yeah, that’s why you flirt with every man or woman that you find appealing."
"Why are we talking about this again? I thought you understood that I like to flirt. You said it didn’t bother you."
"We’ll now you know the truth. It does! I couldn’t say anything because you’re such a free spirit. If I put too many constraints on our relationship you’d leave me eventually."
"No, no Gabrielle. I told you I would never leave you and I would think what we just went through on the other side was proof. I may flirt, but I will always come back to you. Only you."
"Yeah, I thought so too, until I found out you’re carrying someone’s baby."
"Gabrielle, I told you…"
Gabrielle put her hand up instantly silencing the powerful warrior and keeping her at bay. The tears started flowing from Gabrielle’s eyes.
"Do you love him?"
"Love who?"
"The baby’s father?"
"There’s only one person in my life, and that’s you."
"Yeah and that’s why I found you wet, naked and in Ares’ arms."
"That’s not fair. I wasn’t myself and you know that."
"Yeah, but only the violent part of your memory was taken. You remembered that we were lovers, and yet there you were."
"I was just flirting" Xena said innocently.
Gabrielle hit her hand against the log she was sitting on. "See there you go again. You use that flirting line to be in the arms of anyone who choose. But you belong to me, and no one else! Then she looked at Xena and her eyes stopped in the area of her flat stomach. "Or at least you used to."
"Gabrielle I still belong to you, and only you in every way. I didn’t know the flirting bothered you, I won’t do it anymore. Please believe me when I tell you that I didn’t sleep with anyone else but you. I am alone in this, and without you I am truly alone."
Something about Xena’s tone struck a chord in Gabrielle’s heart. ‘Maybe she is telling the truth?’ "No Xena, you’re not alone. I will always be there for you and for your baby."
"You mean our baby."
"Our baby?"
"Yeah. It’s just you and me, the way it was meant to be. I want this child to grow up knowing you as the most special person in my life. I don’t understand why this has happened, but I do know that I want you to be a part of its life every step of the way."
Gabrielle smiled. Her mood bettered, but her face still wet with tears. Xena stood and sat next to Gabrielle on her log. She gently wiped the tears away from her lover’s face, and leaned in for a slow sensuous kiss.
Amarice entered the camp and saw the two lovers in a tender embrace. Amarice cocked her head, "So you two are back together again?"
Xena smiled. "We were never apart."
"So what about the baby’s father?"
Xena just groaned and rolled her eyes. Gabrielle smiled as she put her arm around her companion. "This is going to be a long 9 months".
Finnis