Gabrielle hummed softly as her fingers played in thin, dark locks. Her heart was filled and running over from the love she felt for the bundle of joy she held in her arms. Slowly, the bard leaned down and placed a feather light kiss on Eve's forehead. She couldn't help but smile at the soft cooing noise coming from the infant.

"Just like your mama."

Gabrielle's smile grew wider as her thoughts became filled with the woman asleep next to her. The bard glanced down and studied the dark haired beauty thoughtfully. Xena was so much more than a warrior?so much more than a tortured soul looking for redemption. The bard reached out and tenderly stroked her lover's cheek.

"You're my everything?"

Xena smiled in her sleep and gave a contented sigh. Quietly the bard pulled the warm blanket up around her soulmate. The night air coming in from the window had turned colder and Gabrielle couldn't stand the thought of either of the two people closest to her getting sick.

Green eyes looked back to the sleeping baby in her arms. She needed to put Eve in her crib and close the window. But she felt too comfortable to move. She allowed herself a few more precious moments then slowly swung her legs over the edge of the bed. A small chuckle escaped her lips as both mother and child grumbled at the movement.

"Adorable?" whispered the bard to the cool night air. "Simply adorable."

Gabrielle wrapped Eve in the thick skin blanket that her lover had made and placed her inside the crib. Quietly she tip-toed across the room and soon found herself staring up at the night sky. The stars shined so bright. And though she thought of gazing longer, the crisp air forced her to close the window.

"Besides?who needs stars when I have my own piece of the heavens right here with me."

Soft footsteps carried the bard back to the bed. As gently as possible she turned down the covers on her side and crawled in.

"Bout time?"

Gabrielle grinned and snuggled deep into the waiting arms of her lover.

"I thought you were asleep."

Warm lips pressed against the bard's forehead.

"I was?then I heard the window latch"

Slowly, legs tangled together, arms wrapped around bodies and heads rested softly against one another.

"I didn't mean to wake you?"

Xena whispered softly against the blonde's skin.

"It's okay?I'm glad you did?"

Gabrielle felt her lover's arms tighten around her.

"That way I could get all snuggly with you?"

The bard smiled as her hands caressed Xena's lower back.

"I like the all snuggly you?"

"Mmmm?good to know?."

A few moments passed and Gabrielle realized that Xena had fallen back asleep. The warrior's even breathing and soft snores gave her away. The bard continued to caress the soft skin beneath her fingertips until sleep came to claim her as well.

"I love you Xena?"

One last whispered endearment and the bard slipped into a peaceful sleep. She knew it made no difference what tomorrow would bring or the next day. There was nothing she would not face to protect the warrior who lay holding her or the child sleeping beside their bed. They were her home?they place where she belonged?and she would live and die protecting them.


The End.


Short I know?but what did ya think? loubug@zoomnet.net Thanks for reading!!!