Xena and Gabrielle

I leaned back on my hands, with my legs stretched out in front of me. I stared out at the lake in front of me, letting my skin absorb the sun's warmth. There was a breeze today. The weather was starting to change and it would be cold soon. If it hadn't been for the warmth of the sun, I would have been very uncomfortable.

I felt her presence before I heard or saw her. It never ceased to amaze me how in tune I was with her. I leaned my head back with closed eyes and smiled to myself. It was so peaceful there. The sun was starting to set and I knew that if I didn't get up and get some firewood it would be a long cold night. She came and sat down next to me on the boulder I was sitting on.

"Hey," she said softly.

"Hey yourself," I grinned, as I kept looking out at the view in front of us. "I was just trying to get myself to go get some firewood for tonight," I said not wanting to move now that she was with me.

"Stay and talk to me, I already got enough to last us through the night," she said. I turned to see her smiling at me.

"What's gotten into you?" I asked as I absentmindedly ran my finger along her cheek.

"I've just been missing you a lot lately. You've seemed so lost. I was scared that I lost you. Scared that I lost this," she said as she brushed her fingers across my smiling lips. I blushed at the touch and shyly lowered my eyes. "This is the first time I've seen you smile in days. You mean so much to me. Your happiness gives me so much strength. But when you're unhappy, so am I. I want you to be happy. I want to make you happy," she finished.

"Oh, Xena," I said looking up at her with tears in my eyes. "You do."

"Seeing you so relaxed here, like this…I mean…it makes me wonder if maybe you'd be happier if…"

"No never. I have no regrets. I am only this happy because of the choices I've made. You make me feel so complete, so alive. I can't imagine being anywhere else." Xena just smiled.

"C'mere," she said as she pulled me close with a strong arm around my shoulders. "Thank you."

"For what?" I asked.

"For you being yourself my little bard," I smiled and started at the sun.

"Ugh, I don't want to get up." I said noticing that sun was almost gone.

"Then don't," she said softly smiling gently at me.

I was starting to get cold. She laughed as she saw me shiver. The wind had picked up and with the sun gone it sent a chill across my body. She got up and moved behind me pulling me close between her legs. She wrapped her arms around me and placed her chin on my shoulder.

"Gabrielle," she hesitated, I knew what was coming and my heartbeat faster, "I love you."

"I love you to Xena," I said curling my arms around hers and holding them close to me. I felt her squeeze tighter.

"Let's stay here for a few days," she said.

"Okay," I whispered now basking hopelessly in her love. My face was stained with tears. She leaned forward with her chin on my shoulder and rocked us side to side.

Xena still didn't talk to me much about her feelings, but she never ceased to amaze me. Her words had touched my very soul. I knew I couldn't ask for a better life.

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