These characters never have been, and unfortunately, never will be mine. However, if all goes well, I'll create some of my own shortly. :)

Love/Sex-

This really shouldn't have to be disclaimed, but for the record, my general intention in all my of my little ditties are that these two women are very deeply in love and can't live without each other. However, you may choose to overlook that fact in this piece, I think, if it really bugs you all that much.

What Is This?-

A piece of fluff. A short, simple PWP set in the middle of and right after Family Affair that is nothing more than me loving and visualizing hurt/comfort and wanting to share that. This wasn't really a writing exercise, although I am still learning. Hopefully it'll be one of fewer pieces of fluff as I get into more serious writing.

Any and all feedback greatly appreciated at chickram@aol.com

Xena's heart clenched at Gabrielle's words. A tear ran down her cheek as she summoned the courage to look up at her best friend and tell her what she knew would be painful to hear. The words came hesitantly.

"I don't know how to tell you this..." was all she could get out, and the warrior who felt so inadequate with words let Gabrielle search her eyes for the answer, using actions to convey her thoughts.

She saw the reaction in the blonde's anguished eyes. "Hope... is alive?" She whispered wonderingly, but almost fearfully.

Xena nodded slowly, waiting for a more solid reaction. She was slightly startled when Gabrielle reached down and cupped her face, speaking softly.

"I'm so sorry you had to deal with her... alone. I was just hiding in the trees, waiting... I had no idea... Xena, that must have been so tough on you." She sniffled, wishing she could rewind back a year or so, when all this started before squashing those feelings down with a vengeance, having decided long ago that those trains of thought were pointless to an extreme. Especially when there was more than enough to deal with in the present.

Xena just sighed and studied the ornate belt on the bard's skirt, trying to concentrate on happier times, but not succeeding particularly well.

The air between them moved as Gabrielle brought Xena's head to rest in her lap, running her fingers through the soft locks, and observing it's shiny texture. She absently wondered what this hair had looked like on a miniature Xena, and decided it that it must have been adorable.

The feel of her love, real and alive, touching her... it brought Xena to tears that she vehemently fought back, needing to stay in control for the time being. Time enough to vent later... and she certainly planned to.

But right now it was time to get up and get moving. There was still Hope to stop and family to convince.

'Stopping Hope wasn't so bad', Xena later considered, 'but family is a bitch.' The dark head turned as she felt Gabrielle's presence.

What's she saying? Oh... "Sure. I was trapped in the cycle of violence and hatred once. No matter how I tried to break free, something always held me back." She paused. "Until you."

Gabrielle's speaking again. She's asking about answers, and when it will all end. Brother, ask me something hard now, huh? Deep breath. "I'm searching for answers, too. But how we look for them doesn't matter, as long as we look for them together..." A faint smile. "...you and me."

Gabrielle blinked, faintly startled at the blunt reply. Realizing that Xena must be feeling as vulnerable as she herself was, the gentle bard gave comfort the only way she knew how - through touch. 'I'm here, Xena. Let me help you.' She tried to convey her thoughts through her eyes, knowing Xena would understand.

The dark woman felt very tired. She slid to the floor, allowing her head to come to rest on Gabrielle's thigh, wordlessly seeking a harbor from the storm of emotions held at bay, leaving only a weary peace.

Peace that she only felt as Gabrielle's arms came to rest around her, dark hair tangling with her shirt. Home.

Home.