AN: Let me know if you guys like this story and want me to continue or do something bigger. I'd also love some Xena/Gabrielle prompts! Thank you for reading
The fire crackles and sizzles as sparks rise into the air, illuminating Xena's face with their soft glow. Here beside me the warrior princess looks almost at peace. The lines formed from constant strategizing have faded from her forehead and her eyes are swimming, with what I can't tell but I'm drawn into them none the less.
Xena sharpens her sword without paying much attention to it and the rhythmic noises calm both of us. I'm sure she can feel my eyes on her but she doesn't say anything which I'm grateful for. A gentle breeze tosses strands of her long dark hair about her face captivating me even further. She is beyond beautiful.
"Xena…" I bite my lip, feeling as if with that one word I have already said too much.
"Yes Gabrielle?" Her strong hands set her sword to the side yet she does not look away from the light of the fire. The tone of her voice gives away no emotion but I can tell something is hiding beneath the soft surface of her skin.
I'm not sure what to say to accurately convey what I'm feeling right now, all the joy and confusion and longing bubbling inside me. Xena has never been one for words anyway so I take her hand in mine and hold it tight. "Thank you."
"For what?" Xena says, seemingly surprised. Her crystal blue eyes find mine now and my throat goes dry.
"This may sound crazy Xena but the other day, when my heart stopped in that temple, it was like I was floating over my body. I could see you trying to revive me and the men telling you that it was too late. There was blood everywhere and awful screaming followed by silence. My lips were blue and my body was cold but you didn't give up on me." I squeeze her hand even tighter now like it's still the only thing keeping me from floating away. "So thank you Xena, for bringing me back to you. There's nowhere on this earth or in the heavens that I'd rather be."
For a long time she doesn't say anything, only leans closer to me until our bodies are completely pressed together. The moon is high in the night sky now, watching us as we cross the line that we've both been toeing since the day we met. I can feel Xena's shoulders begin to shake and her body ease fully against mine.
"I was so scared Gabrielle. I thought I was going to lose you." I don't press her for more or encourage her to look at me. I know tears are falling down her cheeks and I long to wipe them away, wipe all her pain away, but Xena is finally opening her heart to me and I can't rush that. "You are the only good thing in my life."
"Oh Xena." My voice is barely above a whisper as I hold her closer to me.
"It's me who should be thanking you. You saved my life long before this. You took me from the path of darkness and opened my eyes. Every good thing I do is only possible because of you Gabrielle. You're this beacon of light and goodness and I thank the gods every day that you choose to stay by my side, even though I can't understand why."
I can't stop myself from interrupting her, it kills me that she doesn't see the light and goodness inside herself too. "Because Xena, everything you are is everything I need. I love you."
Her lips are like fire as they meet mine, stealing words from my tongue and all the oxygen from my lungs. I love you I love you I love you. Xena's arms encompass me making me feel secure yet light as air. Gods, how long have I been waiting for this? I love you I love you I love you.