Disclaimer: I do not own Xena:Warrior Princess or any of the characters therein. Please do not sue, as I have nothing to give you.
This story heavily mentions Season 1's "The Prodigal"
Xena looked at the sleeping bard, reveling in the opportunity to observe her without getting caught. She sighed, thinking back to how it had all started. It wasn't long after they had started traveling together when, during an attack by highwaymen, Gabrielle had froze up. The experience had shaken her, and she had returned home to figure out what happened.
Xena had tried to comfort her, but failed. Watching the young woman who had already become an important part of the warrior's life walk away had hurt Xena more than she cared to admit. It was during Gabrielle's absence that Xena realized why it had hurt so much. Since then she had taken every moment available to observe the woman she had fallen so deeply in love with, but could never tell.
She shook herself out of her thoughts to continue her nightly ritual of gazing at the young woman, memorizing every little detail. The softly ran her fingers along the side of Gabrielle's face, smiling sadly. "Goodnight, my sweet angel, I shall always love you." She whispered, before succumbing to sleep herself.