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.
At Marcus' funeral. Gabrielle looks at Xena and says, "I wish I could have met him. I'm sorry."
Xena solemnly responds, "He was my friend."
Gabrielle reassures her, "To be remembered like that is a good thing."
Xena walks forward to the burning pyre, "My friend. My friend."
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A week has gone by since Marcus' death…
Gabrielle wakes up early one morning. She looks across the now dwindling fire at her friend. Surprisingly Xena is still lying in bed even though the sun has been up for awhile. She walks over to Xena and sees that her eyes are open and she is staring off into the forest. She looks as though she is lost in thought. "Xena? Are you ok?" Gabrielle asks. Xena has been very depressed since the funeral. Of course she has never told Gabrielle this, it's just plainly obvious to the perceptive bard.
Xena glances up behind her to see Gabrielle, "Yeah, I'm fine." Xena slowly starts to get up and roll up her bed roll. She notices that Gabrielle doesn't by her tough warrior act. Rolling her eyes she continues, "It's been a long night. I didn't get much sleep."
Gabrielle feels an overwhelming sympathy for her friend. "Xena if you need to talk about Marcus, I'm here for you. It must be very hard saying goodbye to an old friend and love. I can't imagine." Gabrielle walks over and softly pats Xena on the shoulder, giving her a gentle smile. Xena responds by putting her hand over Gabrielle's, she smiles, then finishes packing up camp.
On the road several hours later, Gabrielle's curiosity gets the better of her. Xena had not told her how Marcus died, but she was itching to know. Before she could stop the words, they were out, "Xena, can I ask you something about Marcus?"
Xena gets snippy with Gabrielle, "What do you want to know!"Gabrielle is visibly shaken at her friend's reaction. Xena jumps off Argo landing next to Gabrielle, who shrinks backwards as if afraid. Xena holds up her hands in peace, softens her facial expression, and says, "Sorry. I shouldn't have snapped at you like that. I guess I'm still a little..you know. Anyway, go ahead and ask your question."
Gabrielle is very hesitant but decides that she will ask anyway because it may help Xena work through the loss. "Well, I was just curious as to how he died. What exactly happened in that camp?"
Xena thought for a few moments then started walking again. Gabrielle kept stride while waiting for an answer. "He died trying to save the Princess. It was his start to doing the right thing. Unfortunately, it didn't give him a chance to continue on that path." Xena grew very silent again thinking to herself If only I hadn't pushed him. I should have trusted him from the start. And I shouldn't have led him on like that! What was I thinking? He would still be alive and living a better life if it wasn't for me.
Xena snaps out of her thoughts and back to reality. With sad eyes she looks at the blonde girl in front of her. How much can I tell her? Telling her my thoughts is beyond anything I planned. And I don't think I'm ready for this. Gods Xena, you are willing to die protecting her, but you can't tell her how you feel? Maybe it's a step I need to take. Learn a lesson from Marcus, Xena. "Sorry Gabrielle, I guess I just feel like it's my fault. I know, I know, you are going to say "there's nothing you could do to stop him" or something like that. But I feel like I misled him… I know I misled him, and I guess I just feel guilty about that."
Gabrielle considers this for a moment, and decides that pure honesty is the best way to go here. I usually try to look at the bright side and cheer her up, but right now she needs to be talked to frankly. "I don't know what all happened back there, so it's hard for me to give you consolation or advice. I don't know what makes you think you misled him, but even if you did do that… gods Xena you still did the right thing by trying to save the Princess! You are NOT responsible for his reactions or actions, no matter how you may have influenced him." A pause, "Xena what do you mean by misled him? Does it have something to do with the past you share?"
"Yeah, something like that…" a sigh, then "I made him think I was still interested in him in that way in order to get information from him. He confronted me about it and I told him that I didn't know I could trust him. You should have seen the pain in his eyes. I feel awful about it." Xena is getting more and more frustrated as she explains, "I loved him, and still do. But I don't have feelings for him like that anymore. Damn! I'm such a fool!" Xena jumped back onto Argo and rode off ahead a ways, obviously wanting to be alone.
Gabrielle thought to herself, I don't know what to say to that. If she really did that, then yeah I understand why she feels so bad. But it was for the greater good. Why can't she see that? I would probably be angry at myself too if I had done that to someone I love..loved..whatever.
A few minutes later Gabrielle catches up to Xena. Xena has pulled off the road and found a spot to camp as it is getting dark out. She is unloading all their gear. Gabrielle walks up to her to assist, she notices that Xena's eyes are a little watery. Gabrielle turns Xena around by the shoulder to face her. She is about to say something, but instead pulls Xena into a tight hug. Xena is unsure what to do, but after a moment she gives in. She hugs Gabrielle back. After a few more seconds, that felt like minutes, they break apart and Gabrielle gently smiles at Xena. "Xena, do you want to go find us something to eat for dinner? I'll get everything unpacked while you hunt and then I'll be ready to cook it when you get back. Sound good?" Gabrielle knew that Xena loved to hunt. Sometimes Xena would even hunt, or fish, just when she needed time to herself.
"Are you sure you don't want me to finish helping?" Xena asked.
"No, go ahead I'll take care of everything." Gabrielle patted her on the back and smiled.
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"Xena what in the world did you shoot?!" Gabrielle's high pitch squeal hurts her ears as she walks back into the camp. "Is that a…"
"Pig? You bet! Well boar actually. I thought you would like it, since you have such extravagant tastes." Xena quips.
Gabrielle had a huge grin plastered on her face confirming Xena's suspicions. "We haven't eaten this good on the road yet!"
"Don't say that until we taste it. Although, the way you cook food I'm sure it will be delicious." She said while looking into Gabrielle's eyes, which twinkled at the comment.
She scrunched her nose and smiled at the compliment, "Let's get this beast on the fire Xena!"
A couple hours later, with full stomachs, they were both laying on their bedrolls. Instead of being across the fire, their bedrolls were next to each other. Xena rationalized this to herself by insisting the only good ground to sleep on happened to be right next to each other. They chatted idly about weather for awhile, then about the stars. After a request from Xena, Gabrielle started reciting a story she'd been told when she was a kid. It was one of her favorites; she couldn't wait to share it with her friend. As she was telling the story, she started drifting to sleep. "And then there was this maid… evil sisters.." yawn, "and evil step mom." Xena sat up slightly on her elbows and looked down at Gabrielle. She began to gently snore, bringing a smile to Xena's face. Xena fell asleep with this thought, Yes, I'm very lucky to have someone like her in my life.
Beginning to Episode 6 (5 days later):
"I'm gonna go find that road." Gabrielle said as she is walking in front of Argo and Xena.
"It should be straight ahead, I told you." Xena said.
"Yeah, well you told me that an hour ago when I still had feet. "Gabrielle complained with a painful expression. Xena is smiling in the background then lets out a small giggle.
Gabrielle wanders off, "Maybe it's over here!"
Xena replies, "Don't get lost!"
Gabrielle turns around exasperated, sighs and waves Xena off. Xena hears trouble in the distance and runs off to help.