Us

Post-Episode 25

By Jinxie

Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters; I just made up the stories. The beginning and ends of episodes are quoted from the actual TV series.

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.

Goal: To fill in the rest of the story of Xena and Gabrielle that I felt the series left out. This is more how I would have wished the show to go. I strive to make it a realistic love story of how the two get together and share their lives together. Please feel free to email me with constructive feedback Jinxie2013

End of Episode 25 (S2,E1):

Xena sits next to Solan overlooking a pond. They are having a heart to heart conversation. He wants to go with Xena and Gabrielle. "Solan, sometimes people doing things they regret. Things that at the time seem like the right thing to do." She pauses, contemplating what to say next.

Solan interrupts, "Right. Like when I tried to hurt you?"

Xena is taken aback by this. It's not what she had meant; she didn't want him to feel bad about that. "Oh. A little. But don't feel bad. Often we don't know if the things we do are right or wrong until much later. Something I did a long time ago was wrong."

"You mean, trying to kill the centaurs and trying to get the stone?" He asks, thinking he's on to her.

Again, it wasn't quite what she means, but she doesn't want to correct him, so she says, "Yeah." A pause, "Yeah that's exactly what I mean." She frowns and looks upset at herself. Then she looks back to him, "I'm sorry for what happened to your father. And your mother. But here you've got an uncle who loves you and friends who will protect you; and no one should take that away from you. I guess what I'm saying is, it's time to let go of the past. And recognize that you have things here that I can only dream about. There are things that I would wish for my son."

Solan sighs, "Ok. Friends shouldn't feel bad towards each other. We are friends, aren't we?"

Xena is overcome with love for her son. She brings him into a big hug and says, "We'll always be friends. Don't you ever forget that." She lets go of him. "Gabrielle and I have got to be going now."

Solan stands up and throws his sword in the pond. "I'm not a warrior. I don't think I want to be."

Xena looks at him, with shear pride in her expression. "Your mother would be very proud of you."

"You think so?" He says hopefully.

"I know so."

That night…

Xena cannot sleep. She has been quiet since they left Solan. Her thoughts are a mess. She feels as though she has let Solan down, even though she tries to convince herself that she did the right thing for him. Xena tosses in bed once more, for the 10th time. She grunts and beats on her makeshift pillow made of grasses.

Gabrielle is a few feet away. She also has not fallen asleep. She hears the small commotion next to her. "Xena, are you awake?" Gabrielle is worried; Xena hasn't said a word since the centaur village.

Xena sighs, "Yeah. I didn't mean to wake you." Her voice is weary.

"Oh. I haven't even fallen asleep. I've just been sitting here thinking." Gabrielle hopes Xena takes the bait and is willing to finally come out of her despair. There is no answer, just breathing. A couple minutes later, "Xena?"

"Yeah?"

"I thought maybe you finally fell asleep. Do you want me to tell a story? Maybe that will help you sleep?" Gabrielle was proud of herself for the idea.

More silence, then Xena sits up. "Thanks, but I'm just not in the mood for a story." A few minutes of silence pass. Xena is picking at the grass next to her, deep in thought. "Can I ask you something?"

Gabrielle sits up, "Of course. Like I said, I'm always here for you."

"I know giving Solan away all those years ago was not right; even if it turned out better for him. Is leaving him, again, right or wrong?" Xena pulled her knees into her chest and started rocking slightly.

Gabrielle thought for a moment. "I guess it depends on what you want for him in the end. Do you want him exposed to a life of violence, no matter what the violence is for? Or do you want him as free from it as possible? I know that's a leading question, but that's the truth of the matter. You need to do what's best for him. I think that you, as a mom, are best for him, but not in the life you are living. He needs stability. He needs to have a place to call home."

"So you are saying that running all over Greece fighting the bad guys isn't what's best for him." It wasn't a question, more of a statement. Sarcastically she adds, "Hm can't imagine." Then she looks over at Gabrielle and smiles for the first time in hours.

Gabrielle smiles back, "But in all seriousness, if you were to settle down and make a home somewhere, then I would say that you tell him that you are his mother and take him with you. IF he wants to go with you, that is."

"Us."

"Huh?"

"Us. Take him with 'us'. You wouldn't leave me if I did that, would you?" Xena is serious.

Gabrielle reaches over and touches Xena's arm. "Not if you wanted me to stay." She gently rubs Xena's right arm with her thumb. Gabrielle is moved at Xena's desire to be around her.

Xena is too shocked to move, because of Gabrielle's touch. I really want to kiss her right now and hold her all night. Instead, she puts her left hand over Gabrielle's hand. "I wouldn't want it any other way." Their eyes meet as she says this. Their gaze is intense and filled with the tension of unsaid feelings. "So, back to my question. I guess I did the right thing in leaving him again. I have too much to make up for to retire now. And he is happy with the Centaurs."

"I think you are right." Gabrielle removes her hand from under Xena's grasp. She reaches up and brushes some stray hair out of Xena's face. "You are such a great person. I simply love how you keep putting the greater good above yourself. It speaks volumes to your character. And you are a really good mother, even if you don't feel like you are."

Xena just grunts. Gabrielle's hand is lingering on Xena's hair, she begins to play with it between her fingers. Gods I have longed for her touch. Just playing with my hair does so many things to me. Xena leans her head over slightly more towards Gabrielle.

Gabrielle takes the hint and begins to really play with her hair, and gently massaging her scalp. She cannot believe that Xena is allowing this much touching between them. She must just be very vulnerable right now. Xena is practically purring. Gabrielle laughs, "Ha you're like a cat!" An incredibly sexy cat.

Xena chuckles then says, "Alright. I'm getting sleepy now. I think I'll turn in." Either that or I kiss you. And you don't want that Gabrielle. I'm no good for you, besides I don't think you go for women.

10 Days later…

Beginning of Episode 26 (S2,E2):

Xena and Gabrielle are traveling across Greece. "How much further till we get to the temple?" Gabrielle asks as she walks along side Xena and Argo.

"Not too far. Sure you don't want a ride?" Xena asks.

"No. I'm enjoying the walk." Gabrielle states.

Awhile later..

"You don't have to come with me you know." Xena feels bad dragging Gabrielle along. "After all, it's a family thing."

"I think it's wonderful; honoring your brother like this." Gabrielle reassures Xena.

"It's something I do every year at this time."

"You two must have been really close."

Stoically, Xena replies, "We were."

Awhile later…

"Maybe I will take that ride." Gabrielle states. "I always wanted to have a brother."

"Ha, that must have made your sister happy!" Xena laughs.

"I mean, in addition to Lila."

They arrive at the temple of the fates.