The Hunted
To give her what she craves... Xena cannot do it. Even if it comes naturally to love her, even if it feels right to hold her... Xena knows what love can bring. In some worlds, happiness and peace. In this world, in Xena's world... Love just brings pain.
Such knowledge does not stop how hard Xena's heart pounds when Gabrielle speaks in the twilight. Hearing her own name slip past sweet lips, Xena feels the urge to cave in... to give in to a longing so powerful...
And so, Xena reaches out. She reaches out to the bard, finding warm skin. She brings their bodies as close as possible. Xena can hear Gabrielle's breathing accelerate...
Xena must close her eyes, must clear her mind of all thought. If she does not, Xena will most certainly find Gabrielle watching her.
Watching... wanting... And Xena would give in, she knows this. She would let every barrier down, she would let herself be caught in Gabrielle's desire. Xena would give the girl anything, do anything... if Xena allowed herself to.
Instead, Xena keeps her eyes shut. She listens for Gabrielle to do the same, to settle for the long night ahead. Xena stays close, but still is hiding. Still sticking to dark corners, unsure of what might be out there... Frightened of the arrow already heading for her heart.