Title: Putting the Pieces Together

Rating: M

Author: Ellixer

Pairing: X/G

Disclaimer: Characters and show are owned by Universal and others. The story is mine. I make nothing.

Note: A sequel to The Pieces Left. A new life with a baby and the Warrior Princess.

Side Note: I purposefully left the babies condition vague as there were no real diagnoses back then. But for clarification, the child is mentally handicapped, nothing specific really though I lean towards Down Syndrome. Did a tiny bit of research on the subject, since most people could not read and write the only important thing was if the disabled child can work.

'Ok.' She says, as she feels my body tense. 'Push.' I try to both deal with the pain and do what she is saying, but it's hard. My body feels like it's on fire; I think a monster is crawling out from between my legs. I barely hear Xena's instructions to push, every time the pain hits; but somehow I manage to do what she says until I feel a tearing sensation and suddenly it doesn't hurt quite as much.

I try to lift my head to see the baby, but Xena is bent over it.

'Xena?' My voice trembles. There's a soft cry from the baby, but not very loud.

'It's a boy.' She says, lifting him up in her arms. 'But Gabrielle….' She trails off as she stares down at the baby. After a moment she sits him on my chest and goes back to work between my legs. My eyes are blurry with tears as I realize what's just happened. I can't believe it.

'Gabrielle.' Xena looks at me solemnly, but I don't know why. He's alive, what could be wrong. 'Look at him.'

'What?'

'Look.' She points slowly, and finally I see what she's talking about. This baby is imperfect, most would say the God's are angry with me and are punishing me. I say, he's a blessing no matter what the reason. His tongue sticks out of his mouth, and he's unusually quiet for a newborn. I've seen this before, when I was really young.

'Perdicus had a sister.' I run my finger down the soft cheek. 'She died when she was only three. She was just like this.'

'Are you ok?' Xena asks.

'I understand if you can't deal with this, but I will love this baby no matter what.' Xena smiles, coming around to the side of the bed.

'How can I not love something that comes from you?' Her finger plays with the tiny hand. 'He's beautiful.' Suddenly, I feel complete.

'What is his name?' My mother is standing at the end of the bed, afraid to move any closer. Looking up at her, I flash my most reassuring smile.

'Cleon.' He is my glory, my gift; and I am not ashamed of this innocent baby that is sleeping against my breast.

'Babies like him don't always live long.' These words sting; pierces my heart and blood leaks into my chest.

'I know.' I think I hate her for saying that. I refuse to believe that my baby will not grow into a strong man. He may never marry or be more than a farmer, but he will live.

'So you'll keep him then?' This is more of a statement than a question. She sounds surprised and, I don't know, disgusted.

'He is your grandchild.' Tears sting at my eyes as I gaze down at him.

'Yes.' It's a whisper. But she makes no effort to move or say any more. Cyrene and Xena have been hovering outside the bedroom door, so now they make an entrance. Cyrene is an amazing woman I think. She wastes no time coming over to the bed, reaching her arms out towards the baby.

'Can I hold him?' She whispers in wonder. I don't need to even respond as I hand him up without hesitation. 'You get some rest dear. I'll bring him when he wakes.' She looks at me with shining eyes. I nod and smile. 'Come.' Cyrene commands my mother as she walks by her. Mother follows without hesitation but refuses to look at the bundle in Cyrene's arms.

'I should have cleaned you up before.' Xena apologizes as she shuts the door.

'You were excited.' I smile as a grin spreads across her face. Walking over with a bucket and a cloth, she sits on the edge of the bed for a second.

'Are you ok?' She asks, leaning her forehead against mine.

'I will be.' There's no point in lying. We both sigh, letting the frustration go.

'Come on, let's get you clean.'

Xena takes her time wiping my body down and helping me into a clean chemise. She helps me into a chair before going about cleaning the bed and the room. I'm in awe at the many facets of Xena's personality. So much depth that she just never shows to anyone, except me. I've been given a gift in this life.

'Xena?'

'Hmm?' My eyes follow her movements.

'Is it really ok that…..that Cleon will not be like others?' She stops, turning around to face me with a serious expression.

'Is it ok for you?' She asks.

'Yes, of course. He's my child, I love him just for that. But…I've seen children like him. They are slower, they have health problems.' She sighs, looking down at her hands for a second.

'I've seen them too.' Her voice has turned somber, her eyes try to focus on me but she's finding it hard.

'When you were a warlord?'

'Yes, but neither I nor my army ever touched them. But I've seen what other men have done, and it's…..' Shaking her head, she turns and continues her task.

'Xena? Do you love me, really?' She chuckles, but answers without turning.

'Yes, I do.'

'Do you….want a family?' She turns again, with a sigh.

'I never thought about it.' Xena kneels down in front of me, her hands resting on my thighs. 'Why?'

'Because, I really want you to be a parent to my son. I want him to be our son.' I'm trying to gauge her true feelings, but her eyes remain emotionless.

'Are you sure that's what you want?'

'Only if you're sure. Please don't feel obligated or sorry for me. I couldn't handle that.' Her eyes melt into a myriad of emotions now.

'I don't think you know how much you mean to me?' She whispers.

'I could say the same.' I give her a little smile.

'Then you don't need to ask me, do you?'

'Just so I can hear it?'

'I don't deserve you, I don't deserve your son. But if you want to give me the gift of this family, I cannot possibly say no.' She leans in, lips brushing softly against mine. 'I'll do anything for you, with no regrets. I'd be proud to call him my son.' She kisses me deeply, passion flowing from her lips to mine. 'Now, let me finish.' With a parting kiss, she stands up and gets back to work.

'You know, I don't think I deserve you.' I'm serious but she chuckles.

'Stop talking and close your eyes. Your baby will want to eat soon.'

'No Xena, our baby.'