Title: Temple Of Aphrodite

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: Just a little story set back somewhere in season 2 or 3, or 4. The Gods interference in mortals lives

X POV

It's just barely dark as we reach the temple. I was already suspicious that Aphrodite sent for us, but now as I see some sort of celebration in full swing, I'm more then tempted to turn. A celebration to the goddess of love is not for the conservative or weak hearted. I'm very certain Gabrielle will see things she's never even thought of before.

'Maybe you should stay out here.' I lean in close to her, but both of us have eyes locked on the scene before us. We haven't even gotten that close to the temple yet.

'I am an adult Xena.' She usually says this with determination, but there's hesitation this time. 'You can't leave me alone out here.' She whispers. She does have a point. I try to put off my vibe that says don't mess with me. Unfortunately Gabrielle doesn't have anything close to this. At least she has her staff. Straightening my back, we move forward as the anger begins to scour my veins. If Aphrodite is not in trouble, she will be in a minute.

Gabrielle has her arm hooked through mine but keeps getting distracted by the various piles of people sprawled around. Nothing I haven't seen before but she can't but study every group we pass. The temple itself is surging with bodies and music. People are dancing, drinking, rubbing on each other; among other things.

Despite my 'I'll kick your ass' attitude, no one seems to care. Every person, man and woman, has to touch us as we walk by. Some touch a little too much. This of course has caused Gabrielle's brain to stop working I think. She's a little too overwhelmed by everything and I have to yank her through the crowd.

We finally reach an alter where Aphrodite is lounging with numerous half naked men, a huge smile spreads on her face as she see's us.

'Warrior babe, you came.' She dismisses the hands that are grabbing at her, but not the bodies which remain close.

'This better be good.' She ignores the menace in my voice.

'What is better than this?' She raises her arms up and wide.

'This is love?' Gabrielle is getting molested behind me so I have to keep repositioning her.

'Well, sometimes they need a little help. Don't worry, it will wear off.' She gives one of those mischievous grins.

'Why did you want us?' I'm becoming impatient.

'Oh, well.' She just smiles.

'Aphrodite!'

"Ok, don't hurt yourself.' Her smile fades for a second but returns as she gets a little too close to me. 'I have a gift for you.'

'What?!' Whatever it is, I don't want it. Her gifts only cause problems.

'Oh, I'm not the only one who wanted to give you this.' There's this twinkle in her eye that I just don't like.

'Look Aphrodite, whatever it is, I don't want it.'

'Well Gabrielle has already gotten hers.' She grins as she points behind me. Turning I find Gabrielle is not where I left here. I spot her strawberry hair and staff moving slowly through the crush of bodies. Shit. I need to get her before she gets into something she can't handle.

'Oh no warrior babe.' Aphrodite grabs my arm effectively stopping me.

'Do you have a death wish?' But the Goddess continues to smile. Her fingers comes up and touches my lips sending a tingle through my body. I close my eyes and shake my head, trying to get rid of the feeling. I open my eyes and the Goddess of Love has returned to her men, no longer concerned with me. I rub at my temples as pain flashes through my head. I shake it off and begin to look for Gabrielle.

Hands and fingers flow across my body like currents in an ocean, for some reason I don't mind too much. The torches seem to give of this weird glow where they don't flicker and dance as fire should but are just as bright. Someone brushes their lips across mine, we both keep walking separate directions. What's going on?

I spot Gabrielle a few feet in front of me. She's completely mesmerized by the people circling her. A man and two women dance seductively; always touching her in their circling movements, lips coming teasingly close then retracting. For some reason I'm suddenly feeling extremely possessive.

Charging into the group, I grab Gabrielle pulling her towards me and growling at the seducers. They merely smile and walk away. I calm back down as I look her in the eyes.

'I'm sorry Xena, but everything seems so…' She's looking around in wonderment. I'm holding her by both arms just staring down at her. There's something deep down that is telling me this is not supposed to be happening but it's like an itch I can ignore. Finally she looks up at me, confusion pooling in her eyes.

'Xena?' We should be leaving, I know we should be leaving. I don't want to.

'Gabrielle.' Her eyebrow cocks up at me as she studies my face.

'Are you alright?'

'Never better.' A feral smile spreads across my face as I begin to think of all the things I want to do to her.

'What did Aphrodite want?' Mmmm maybe suck on her neck, then a little lower.

'Oh, it was nothing. God stuff.' Those lips, I wonder what they'd feel like on my skin.

'Xena, are you sure you're ok?' Her eyes narrow at me. I love her eyes.

'Trust me, I am.'

'Maybe we should leave?' She tries to pull away, but I just pull her closer to me. I lean in, whispering in her ear.

'Why don't we dance?'

'Ok, now I know something is wrong.' She looks at me with curious eyes.

'What, don't like to dance?' Her head cocks slightly to the side.

'No. You don't like to dance.' She looks at me a moment. 'Where's Aphrodite?'

'She's busy right now.'

'Hey I'm thirsty, get me a drink. Please, please, please, please.' I'll do anything for her.

'Don't go anywhere.' I lean in and give her a brief kiss on the lips. She looks petrified but I'm sure I can change that.