Content Warning: This is a series that takes place between episodes. The stories build upon the TV series and it is advised that you watch the episodes then read the post-episode (this story) in between. Many references by the characters are very specific to the episodes, so you may not get everything unless you watch at the same time or have the episodes memorized. The series does lead to a romantic relationship between two women, so if you don't like it don't read it. Please read at least a few of my episodes to give it a chance; it's my first time writing fiction.
Goal: To create a more realistic fan fiction story than some I have read. No random sex scenes that would never take place in real life 'like that' (aka L Word scenes). You know what I'm talking about... that never happens.
"Do you ever miss your family?" Xena asked Gabrielle.
"Sometimes, but not as much when I'm with you." Xena and Gabrielle smiled at each other.
"So do you want me to drive?" Gabrielle asked while looking at Argo.
"Not on your life. Not on my life. You sure you don't want to ride?" Xena said.
"Not until they make those things closer to the ground. I learned something really important today." Gabrielle stated.
Xena responded, "That you can find good in unlikely places?"
"Yes...and I really, really hate chariots."
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A few hours later:
Gabrielle was deep in thought about their last excursion. I hope Xena really didn't hear me when I said I was afraid I would end up a lonely pathetic woman. I don't think she's pathetic, but she seems lonely. I really hope she can start to let me in a little. Maybe if she has me for a friend she won't be so lonely. Arg I'm such a fool to have fallen for Sphaerus! Sure he was cute, but he really isn't my type. I really don't know what my type is. Before Xena came along, I never use to think about this love stuff. No boys in my village peeked my interest, ever. Not even when I was a child. All I ever wanted was to get out of Potedia and have adventures, become a bard. I want to experience the world and all it has to offer. Interestingly enough, love wasn't something that I have been desperate to want. I thirst for knowledge and intellectual conversations. However, now that I'm out in the world, I keep thinking about love. Why is that? Maybe it's because this woman I've befriended doesn't seem to have anyone to love her. I'm not just talking about romantic love, but just love in general. It's sad. At least I had my family. She sure seemed to like that family in the last village; I notice her holding the kids. Maybe she is seeking, love? Acceptance? Even her mom almost helped stone her. Sure they sort of made up in the end, which seemed like a huge weight off Xena's shoulders; but who is there to show her unconditional love? Maybe that's why I'm here.
"Gabrielle!!" Xena called for the second time. Finally Gabrielle snapped out of her musings and focused her attention up to Xena, sitting on Argo.
"Huh?"
"I said, I think it's time we made camp." Xena shook her head in bemusement. This girl is going to get hurt. All she does is daydream. Suddenly two men step out in front of them, with swords pointed directly at them. Damn Xena, you are getting distracted by her distractions! You need to focus!
"Well look what we have here, two ladies out for a stroll. Got anything you'd like to share with us, perhaps some food and a few dinars?" the bandit laughed. His companion laughed as well. A third man popped out of the bushes behind Gabrielle and grabbed her.
Xena pulled out her sword and replied "Who you calling a lady? Let the girl go and I won't kill you." The bandits all laughed thinking she was joking. Before they could respond, the two men next to Xena were disarmed and face down in the dirt. The third man blinked in astonishment. He looked around and couldn't see Xena anywhere. All of a sudden there was a tap on his shoulder from behind. He turned around to see wild blue eyes and haughty half smile.
"Hi. Care to let my friend go?" He released Gabrielle and took off running the opposite direction; his two friends were hot on his tail. Xena turned Gabrielle around and looked down into her eyes, "Are you ok? Did he hurt you?"
Gabrielle shook her head no. After a couple moments passed, she said "Xena if you would teach me to defend myself then we wouldn't have this issue. In fact, why don't you teach me how to use a sword, then I can help defend others too?"
Xena shook her head, "No Gabrielle, I told you I'm a bad teacher. Besides, it's not good to have a sword on you. It makes you an automatic target for troublemakers."
"Well right now I'm just easy prey."
Xena looked around for a minute then back to Gabrielle, "Look, we've both had a long day, let's stop here for the night."
They both set about making camp. Gabrielle set out the bedrolls and finally started a fire. Xena was actually very proud of Gabrielle for getting it started, even though it took her about ten tries. "See Xena, you can teach me things. You taught me how to start a fire, and now I've done it. And you were completely patient with me the whole time."
Xena rolled her eyes, "Yeah but that doesn't mean I'm going to teach you how to use a sword." Please Gabrielle, don't argue with me right now. I just want to eat dinner and go to bed. Xena could see the flaring argument in Gabrielle's eyes, so she quickly changed the subject. "So Gabrielle, how are you enjoying life on the road so far?"
"Oh I love it! It's so good to be in nature and attempt to help people, even though most of the time you don't let me help. Anyway I really appreciate you not sending me home. I couldn't survive another day in that village! I'm getting good material for my stories too."
"I see. Let me give you a little advice; try to keep your wits about you on the road. Today you were daydreaming so much I had to yell your name twice to get you to respond."
Gabrielle began to cook dinner as Xena brushed Argo. After a few minutes of silence, which Gabrielle couldn't stand, she asked, "Xena, you asked me if I missed my family. Do you miss having a family? You looked so happy with Darius, I kind of thought you would want to stay there. And the way his kids looked at you, they were totally enamored with you."
Xena's eyes were wide staring at Gabrielle. I can't believe she's asking me that. Xena had already been playing the last few words with Darius in her head. "I hope you find your happiness" Darius had said. "I did, I just have to leave it for awhile." Xena hoped that Darius did not misunderstand her. She did not mean that he was her happiness. She was starting to believe that her happiness is in having someone love her and accept her no matter her past. That is what Darius was doing, which made her feel good. She'd never thought about having a family of her own until now. But she knew that she had a lot of sins to make up for in her life, so she had to leave that happiness alone for awhile until she had done some good in this world.
"Sorry, I was just... I wouldn't have stayed there. I've got too much work to do. Come on, let's eat these fish and go to bed. We've got a long way to go before we get to..wherever we are going."
Gods, why is Xena so distant all the time. Just when I think I'll get to know her more, she shuts me out. Gabrielle finished eating and wandered over to Xena and grabbed her empty plate. Xena looked up at her and faintly smiled, causing Gabrielle to pause. Wow, her smile is so beautiful. I wish she would do that more. Sure would make me feel more settled rather than on edge. She sure had an interesting reaction when I mentioned Darius and those kids. I wonder if she was falling in love with Darius. Maybe I should ask her? Nah, that might get me killed.
Beginning of Episode 3:
The next morning Xena sent Gabrielle to find wood for their breakfast fire. Gabrielle had been gone a little longer than expected, so Xena set out to find her. Upon finding her, Xena heard Gabrielle talking to someone, but no one was there. This is interesting, wonder what she is doing.
"You think you're man enough to test my blade? Do you? You're type are all cowards! I've met and defeated tens of hundreds of your type. So come on, make your move. Or are you waiting for me to make the first move? First mistake? Well that's your first mistake, waiting for my first mistake! Cause I don't make mistakes!" Gabrielle yelled as she slashed down on a tree stump with Xena's sword. Thump. "Ha, let that be a lesson to you." She tried to remove the sword from the stump without success.
Xena decided it's time to intervene. "Are you finished with my sword?"