Title: The Family That Almost Was

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: After Xena gets pregnant, before she gives birth. Quiet moments.

She's laying there, eyes darting back and forth under her eyelids. Even now, with a life inside of her, the nightmares come in the night. I lay my hand on her swollen stomach. Every time I do this, it reminds me of my own child. But I also think of this unborn baby. I feel it's a part of me too, I love it just as if it were mine. Our family is growing, its nothing we had planned on.

Her pulse is becoming quicker. Leaning close to her ear I whisper.

'Shhh, everything is ok. I'm here Xena. "

She doesn't know how often I do this for her. Her pulse begins to slow. The nightmares are fading again; she'll be able to sleep a little longer. She mumbles, too low for me to hear. I settle down on my side, facing her. The fire light makes her skin sparkle and dance. She's only become more beautiful in these passing months, and her skin so much softer. I brush the hair back from her forehead, kissing the exposed skin. She tastes of salt.

'Gabrielle.' Xena mumbles, beginning to stir.

"Shh. You don't have to get up yet Xena.' My fingers trace across her jawline.

"Mmm." Is her only response.

'You know Xena, we should head to the hot springs. It could really relax you."

'Mmm, sounds like a plan, but only if you give me a massage.' She smirks, never opening her eyes.

'Promise.'

'You know what I could really use right now?' She looks at me grinning.

'A large animal cooking over the fire?'

'Well yes that does sound good, but no.'

'What then?' Even though I'm sure I get what she's trying to say, I ask anyway; I just to like hear her to say it.

'Hmm, you.' Her smile turns mischievous.

'I'm right here.' I say, sweeping my arm out as if to prove that.

'Did I ever tell you how much I love your hair?'

'Flattery will get you anywhere you want.' We grin at each other as I lean towards her lips. I just lightly kiss her, knowing this will frustrate the Hades out of her. Then I jump up and stretch. 'Come on Xena, we should get moving.' I smile as I hear the grumblings and mumblings she begins to emit.

'Ok, maybe we can rest one more day.' I drop back down next to her, a wicked grin on my face. She attempts to scowl but is having a hard time fighting her own smile.

'You're mean. Teasing a pregnant woman.' Her lips purse, eyebrow cocks up. I find that so cute. I shrug at her.

'Do you think she can hear us?' I caress her stomach again. I'm just mesmerized, knowing there's a life in there.

'I hope not.' Her face scrunches up at the thought.

'What, something she shouldn't hear?' I laugh. Xena looks at me surprised.

'That time you wanted to be the slaver and me the slave.' She looks down rubbing her belly. 'I'm not sure that's something I want my baby to hear.' I can't help it, I fall over giggling uncontrollably.

'If I remember, that was your idea.' Xena just scowls at me. I do my best serious face. 'Yes of course, very bad.' I nod my head fervently.

'Don't mock me.' She's still scowling.

'Aww is my warrior princess upset.' I tickle her belly, but she swipes my hands away.

'Yes.' She says this with a completely straight face, eyebrow cocked up.

'Im sorry.' I kiss her cheek. A smile spreads across her face. 'You know you're beautiful.' I say softly, kissing her cheek again.

'I'm fat.' She grumbles.

'You're beautiful.' I insist. I try to tell her this every day. She may be a warrior but she is still a woman. A woman with ever changing hormones; sometimes its scary. Finally she smiles at me.

'Now about that animal?'