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.
Xena opens up to Gabrielle, "You coming back for me really meant a lot after what I did to you."
"I trust you. I never thought for a moment you meant to hurt me." Gabrielle responded cheerfully.
"Well, I owe you one. Thanks." She said looking sincerely into Gabrielle's eyes.
"I owe you too." says Gabrielle as she suddenly hits Xena on her breastplate.
"What was that?" asks Xena.
"Payback for hitting me."
"Feel better?"
"I think I broke my hand. But I do feel better."
Xena smirks and raises her eyebrows, "Good. So do I."
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A month later...
As the sun begins to set in the west, Gabrielle is finishing the dishes in a nearby pond. The pond reflects the beautiful colors of the sunset. Gabrielle pauses to watch the sun dip below the mountains. Out of nowhere there is a naked Warrior whizzing past her to jump into the pond. Xena's jump has a cannon ball like effect, spraying Gabrielle with a sheet of water. Xena pops her head back out of the water and wipes her face to get the excess drops out of her eyes. She looks up at the shore to see Gabrielle gone. The dishes are still there however. Oh great, she wasn't in the mood for a little fun. I'm never going to hear the end of this! All of a sudden something pulls her down under the water by her foot. She struggles to get free; kicking her leg violently. Released, she pops out of the water along with Gabrielle.
"Xena! You kicked my nose, it's bleeding!" Xena rushes over to her to lend a hand. At first Gabrielle knocks her hand away in anger. Xena tries again, pushing past the bard's hand.
"Gabrielle, let me help. I can get it to stop bleeding. Here, pinch your fingers just under the bridge of your nose. Let me help you to shore." Xena begins to guide her to shore. When they get on dry land, she grabs her shirt and tears a small piece off. She walks back over to Gabrielle and begins to wipe up the blood. "I didn't know it was you pulling me down. What were you thinking? That was dangerous, I could have killed you!"
With a nasally voice, she replied "What was I doing?! I was trying to pay you back for getting me all wet. Sheesh, can't a girl get back at her friend without being afraid of death?" Gabrielle unplugged her nose and looked at Xena. "Is it still bleeding?" Gabrielle began to shiver.
Xena looked at it and solemnly shook her head no. She looked down and Gabrielle had blood on her chest and on her clothes, which she had not removed before jumping into the pond. "Come on, let's get you out of these wet clothes and next to the warm fire. I don't want you to freeze to death." Xena stood and helped Gabrielle up by the hand. She held onto her hand and led her back to the pond. She took the cloth back from Gabrielle and got it wet. "You've got blood on you...here." She began to wipe it up slowly making sure she didn't miss any spots. Xena was careful not to let it show, but seeing her friend in wet clingy clothes was having an interesting effect on her; one she wasn't sure how to handle. It didn't help that she had not yet let go of her hand. "There, all done." She looked up to see Gabrielle intently staring at her with a curious look on her face. Oh crap, did my lust show on my face? Xena immediately dropped Gabrielle's cold, yet soft hand.
"Thanks Xena. Sorry I attacked you like that. I figured with all your "many skills" that you would have known it was me." Gabrielle turned to walk away and heard Xena pick up the dishes and follow her back to camp. She let out a small, but foreign, giddy smile.
On the walk back to camp, Xena had a flashback to their most recent trial. The power Ares had over her was overwhelming. She hadn't realized how seductive the darkness was with him. The most painful part of the whole ordeal, for them, had been when she hit Gabrielle across the cheek. That power..so intense. I failed. I failed my goals. I failed myself... I failed her. I still can't believe she came back to me after what I did to her. The look in her eyes...gods how could I have let myself... She is so forgiving, I can't begin to comprehend how she can forgive like that. Her words..."What you did wasn't you. I know that." How does she know that? Obviously she doesn't really know, otherwise I'd be the person she thinks I am. And I wouldn't have hit her like that. Right? Oh Gabrielle, you shouldn't be around someone like me. I'm not good for you.
Xena walked over to her and grabbed the fur. She held it up and looked away to give her friend some privacy. She heard Gabrielle grunt while trying to take off the wet clothes. She began to chuckle, "You sound like you are giving birth over there. Do you need some help?"
"No, no, I got it. Ok, I'm ready for the blanket." Xena stepped forward with the blanket as Gabrielle leaned backward into it. Xena set it over her shoulders from behind, closing it in front of Gabrielle. Her face was right next to Gabrielle's ear.
She could feel Xena's breath on her. It made her a little nervous so she quickly grabbed the blanket out of Xena's hands and wrapped it around holding it tight in front. "I'm going to go get my spare sleeping shirt. Thanks Xena." She did not make eye contact, nor would turn to face her friend for fear that Xena see her flushed face. This time she found a bush to use for cover as she put on her sleeping shirt. She wandered back to the camp to lie down on her bed roll. Xena was sharpening her sword next to the fire. As Gabrielle lay there, facing away from Xena, she began to doze off to sleep to the sound of the steel blade meeting stone.
Xena noticed Gabrielle's breathing deepen as she fell asleep. Wow, that was surreal. Half hour later, Xena fell into a deep sleep, dreaming of...her.
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Beginning of Episode 7 (10 days later):
A group of bandits is walking down the road towards Gabrielle and Xena. "I want you to take care of the horse." Xena says to Gabrielle handing her Argo's reigns.
Gabrielle shrugs and asks Argo, "Are you hungry? Let's get you a snack." They walk off. Later Gabrielle helps Argo by taking off her throat latch.
Meanwhile, Xena sneaks up behind the bandits. She fights with the bandits, knocking them all out cold, except the leader. Afterward he is getting away on horseback. Xena whistles for Argo; twice with no response. A moment later Gabrielle shows up with Argo in tow. Argo's bridle is half undone. She is agitated, "What have you been doing with my horse?" she says to Gabrielle.
"You told me to take care of her." She lets out a nervous giggle trying to lighten the mood. She can tell that Xena is not happy.
Xena, "Well you gave Hesiod a fine start." She gave Gabrielle a pissed off look.
"Sorry." Gabrielle says.
"Don't be sorry Gabrielle, just improve!" Xena says angrily as she gallops off leaving Gabrielle behind on the road.