A/N:

For all the mothers out there reading my story, sorry if I got some of the facts in the flashback wrong (You'll know what I'm talkin' about when you get there) seeing as I am only in high school I've never had children before so I based it off of what I've seen on TV and in movies…as sad as that is.

Chapter 2

Gabrielle

Our sleeping positions were in a mess. Eli had somehow turned ninety degrees and now laid across both Xena and I, clasping my hand against his cheek. Alicia laid across her brother, her head by our feet and her small arms wrapped around Xena's leg and mine. Xena's head was resting under my chin and her arm was draped lazily across me. I groaned slightly and carefully turned my head to check the time. Nine thirty. I closed my eyes only to snap them open again. Oh crap. I nudged Xena who muttered incoherently.

"Xena" I hissed, most of my limbs trapped by my children

"What?" She asked and snuggled more against my skin.

"It's nine thirty"

"so?" I rolled my eyes in exasperation

"Career day" I whispered and this time she woke up. She looked at the kids trapping us and, in true Xena form yelled

"Kids!" they both looked up, looking groggy "Battle positions!" Their eyes widened and they both launched out of bed, full throttle out the door and downstairs. I groaned, I hated it when she did this.

"Xena…" I whined "I wished you'd give me some warning before you did that" They were going to make a huge mess before I had the chance to play referee.

"Yeah, well" she rolled over and pecked me on the lips "You should give me more warning before you wake me up" and with that she leapt clear out of arm reach and danced down the hall and into the bathroom. I was about to go brush my teeth when a loud crash echoed from downstairs.

"Eli!" Alicia whined

"Oops."

I groaned and flopped back onto the bed. Xena's dead meat.

"Ok come on!" Xena yelled carrying Alicia by her waist in one arm, school books in the other with her small teddy-bear shaped backpack thrown on her shoulder. I followed her outside our small farm house, Eli hitched on my hip, the baby bag slung over my shoulder and a banana in my free hand.

"Mornin' Nightingale-Hunter family!" Xena and I both froze on our way to our beat down pick-up truck and turned. Crap.

"Oh, uh, hi Rob, Marsha" Xena said to our very quote unquote 'high class' neighbors, the Noxwells.

"Off somewhere in a hurry?" the middle aged man asked, wearing his sweater vest and slacks. His hair was perfectly brushed and his shoes shined. Marsha, his MUCH younger wife, wore a blouse and a skirt from a business suit along with a short little scarf around her neck. They were nice enough…but they didn't know how to keep their ideas about parenting to themselves. Even though they had no children.

"Career day at the school house" I answered, and quickly made my way to the truck to place Eli in his booster seat.

"Well that's nice" Marsha said, placing one hand on her hip

"Yes and we really have to go" Xena said and I glanced at my watch: nine-forty-five. We had ten minutes to make it all the way to the school house. I took Alicia from Xena and made my way to the opposite side of the truck, placing her in her seat as well.

"might I make a suggestion?" Rob asked as Xena was turning away. She stopped, a forced smile appearing on her face. I quickly peeled the banana and split it in half. After giving the two pieces to the kids I stood next to Xena as Rob explained that we should really take time to get our kids ready half an hour before school. Xena's eyes were unfocused, clearly zoned out as the man droned on about things he had no idea about.

"That's really great Rob" I said, clasping Xena's arm and cutting Rob off mid sentence. Xena jarred awake from her daydream and focused on me. "But we really should be going" I yanked Xena away and threw her into the driver's seat. After I leapt into my side, Xena threw it into reverse and swung out of the drive way and onto the dirt road. She threw it into drive and took off down the road. Eli and Alicia threw their hands in the air like they were on a rollercoaster. Xena was fuming

"Who the—" she censored herself "Does he think he is! He doesn't even have children of his own!" I sighed

"I know Xena, I know" She always got like this when Rob gave us advice. The entire presence he gave off, like we were bad parents rubbed her the wrong way. Completely understandable, I had the same feelings when someone questioned our ability as parents. Though I generally had a better way to express it; through words instead of fists. "Have some patients" and, as usual, Xena didn't hear me.

"He thinks he's so great just because he's a 'world famous historian'" she scoffed "Oh please, I made history." I rolled my eyes and looked up as we pulled into the school's parking lot. Well, more accurately it was a field in front of a single roomed school house. A wide field stretched out far next to the small building. Xena pushed open her door the same time I did. We simultaneously unbuckled our children and lifted them out and grabbed their things. In reality, it was really only Alicia who was actually attending school. Eli had to come because Xena and I had both been…volunteered by Alicia to participate in career day. It was rare for someone out here to do something other than owning a general store or working on a farm. I was a writer. I'd written several novels and revised historical events I'd been there for. Xena owned a dojo in town. A small place where she taught pretty much anyone who wanted to learn self-defense, for a small fee of course.

"Let's just get this over and done with alright?" I put one hand on Xena's shoulder and urged her inside along with me. I handed Alicia her backpack and she ran ahead into the school. Xena hitched Eli higher up onto her hip and followed after the spunky little girl who danced in circles by the entrance. I lugged the baby bag after them. This was the first year for career day at the school. It was suggested by one of the kid's uncle. A really prissy guy who, much like our just WONDERFUL neighbor, was a world class historian. We all knew that he only suggested it to have a chance to gloat about how fabulously successful he was. His nephew, Evan, was a sweet kid, one of Eli's and Alicia's friends.

"Hello parents!" The teacher began as we entered the room. Alicia slid into the seat beside Evan, the smaller boy with short brown hair and freckles. I placed Eli's bag beside the door and joined Xena where all the parents sat in the back of the room until it was our turn to get up and present. "Welcome to the first ever career day at Green Fields school house." We all clapped in acknowledgement. "I'd like to thank all the parents who could make it today for taking the time to share your careers with the children." Another round of applause. "First up we have…" she paused, checking her clip board "Ms. Hunter" Xena looked up and the rest of the parents groaned. It would be kind of hard to follow Xena's career with one of a general store owner or farmer.

The last name choice was one really of impulse. Xena had wanted something powerful, I wanted something soft and peaceful. So Nightingale-Hunter became our last names.

Xena shifted our half asleep son into my lap and rose from her seat. I wrapped my arms around Eli's waist and he rested his small head against my chest. Awkwardly, she stood in front of the class of children, a wary smile on her face.

Xena

I was really never one for public speaking. I mean REALLY never. I cleared my throat nervously and forced out my best smile

"Uh…hi…" I focused on Alicia who watched me intently. Sadly, it really did nothing to help my nerves. Her eyes were honed on me as if every breath I breathed was being seared into her memory. "My name is Xena, I'm Alicia's mother, and I own the Lao Ma Dojo next to the doctors…" I rasped my fingers against the podium. Gabrielle gave me an encouraging nod and I continued. "I teach self defense classes." I finished simply. Gabrielle shook her head slightly with a small smirk on her face. "Any questions?" all hands shot up. The teacher laughed nervously

"We only have time for four questions for Ms. Hunter." The students became even more anxious to have their questions answered. I pointed to the older boy in the back row of the class.

"have you ever killed anyone?" I felt my blood boil as I realized who this kid was. Buddy, A sixteen-year old twerp who'd dedicated his miserable life to making my kids lives hell. His father, the homophobic bastard, wasn't from around here. And by around here I mean he came from someplace where it's ok to be a complete bigoted asshole to anyone he wanted. I rolled my neck and tried to relax

"Yes" I said simply and turned to the next child near the front, a small little girl with auburn locks. She opened her mouth to speak when Buddy cut her off.

"So you've used your self-defense techniques to hurt others." It was a statement rather than a question. I narrowed my eyes at him and leaned forward against the podium. Half of the children shrank back while the others looked anywhere but me.

"If you want to ask anything further on the subject, I suggest you talk to me later." I turned back to the girl "Sorry sweetie, go ahead." She sat back up in her seat as my eyes softened.

"how long have you trained?" I smiled slightly to myself

"a long, long time." I pointed to a boy in the middle of the class

"Can you teach me to fight?" He asked and I leaned back against the chalk board.

"Well, I could. But I think you'd better clear it with your mother first." I jerked my chin towards the cross looking woman at the back of the class. A few giggles broke out. A pencil flew at me out of nowhere from the very back row. I caught it easily before it hit my face and glared daggers at Buddy, who avoided my eyes.

"erm…thank you Ms. Hunter" a quiet round of applause ensued and I gripped the pencil with such strength that it snapped in my hand. Calmly, I retook my place beside Gabrielle.

"You handled that well." She commented sarcastically, noting the remains in my hand. She cradled the sleeping Eli against her and I gently stroked his cheek with the back of my fingers. I could remember his birth like it was yesterday…

I walk into the kitchen in the late afternoon, the fire place casts a warm light through the house. And there she stood in her loose, peach sundress. Her short hair is tied back with a long bandana that reaches half way down her back. Her large round stomach is bulging, but beautiful at the same time. Just knowing that my child was inside of her, growing and preparing to join us in the waking world, was enough to make me happy for the rest of my life.

"Xena" she calls, extending a hand towards me, beckoning me quickly. I rush to her and she places my hand against her stomach. A strong kick nudges my palm. She smiles at me, a look of pure child-like wonder crosses her features. I can feel my own energy radiating from my skin.

"He's strong" I comment and she slaps my arm, mouth gaping with disbelief.

"Xena!" she whines "I told you I wanted the gender to be a surprise!" I smile bashfully at her and she returns it with a hint of playful annoyance and turns back to the stove.

"What's for dinner?" I ask, wrapping my arms around her waist and cradling her stomach. She leans back into my embrace.

"food" she says coyly. I can practically see the smirk on her face. I kiss her cheek and break away as I hear Alicia cry from the bedroom.

"I'm coming, I'm coming" I sigh and take the stairs two at a time.

"Where are you going?" I ask groggily as I feel Gabrielle's weight leave the bed.

"I'm thirsty" she says simply, pushing herself from the mattress and onto her feet.

"Have some of my water" I say and roll over, then notice the glass is empty. She gives me a 'yeah, ok' look and takes it from me.

"I'll be back in a few minutes." I grumble complaints that she easily brushes off and continues down the stairs. I rolled myself up in the blanket, cold from the lack of body heat Gabrielle was providing. I'm trying to get back asleep when I heard the crash. The shattering of glass splits the silence of the night and the small moan that followed launched me out of bed. I bolt down the stairs in my sports bra and boxer. In the kitchen I found Gabrielle leaning over, gripping the counter with one hand and her other arm wrapped around her stomach.

"Gabrielle?" I ask, looking around carefully, in case something has frightened her. "Are you alright?"

She laughed breathlessly "yeah, I'm fi—" She keeled over hard, a heavy gasp/moan broke through her lips as her legs buckled. I catch her before she hits the ground. Carefully avoiding the glass she'd broken, I drag her by her torso towards the sink. I lower her slowly to the ground so she could lean against the cupboard while I filled a pot with water. "Xena" she whimpers quietly, her fingers clenched against the ground.

"I'm right here." I said and then realize what I'm doing. I don't have to do this! We have a car! And a clinic! "I'll be right back" I say and run to the door. My intention is to go out and start the car, warm it up before getting Gabrielle and Alicia out there. But when I pull it open, I'm met with a heavy wall of snow, almost up to my stomach. It must have snowed three feet since I went to bed. I groan. Son of a…I shut the door. Ok, plan B. I run back into the kitchen and turn the stove back on.

"It hurts" My blonde says in a pained whisper. I crouch beside her.

"I know Gabrielle" I sit beside her and pull her to me gently, between my legs so her back is resting against my front. She rests her head against my shoulder. "It'll pass. I promise"

"You know…what…I've realized?" Gabrielle pants as she falls back against me, sweat making her skin slick. Ignoring the aching in my fingers after Gabrielle crushed them during the last contraction, I dabbed at her forehead with a warm damp cloth.

"What?" She laughs slightly, using my bent knees as arm rests. I run my fingers through her soaked hair, trying to help her relax in the very short breaks she had.

"You and I have only given birth in the most unethical situations." She smiles up at me and I smile back down at her. I'd given birth to Alicia in an abandoned barn after my water broke during a walk Gabrielle and I were on. Not to mention the birth of Hope, Solan and Eve. She leans back against my chest, her breathing becoming more labored as she relaxes. The pressure points I'd hit only a few moments before must have started taking effect. Because, ever so slowly, she begins to fall into a very shallow sleep.

"Have I told you how much I love you?" I ask gently as Gabrielle drops her head back against the cupboard. I'd taken position in front of her as her contractions got worse and worse and closer together. She looks at me, her eyes an intense mix of agony and exhaustion. Her fingers are clenching mine tightly. "You're almost there Gabrielle" I promise her, "Come on Gabrielle" I coax her.

"I can't" She whimpers "It hurts too much"

"Push!"

"Xena, please…"

"Gabrielle, push!" I yell. She lets out a strangled cry and crushes the fingers of my left hand. Soon enough, her cries are accompanied by screams of the bright red baby in my arms. "You did it Gabrielle" I say, staring at the little boy-my little boy- in my arms. He was so beautiful that tears of joy forced their way from my eyes violently. As if they wanted to see him too. I grabbed a clean dish cloth from the drawer and wrapped his small body in it.

"Xena…" She said as I sat next to her, holding our child out to her. "He's beautiful…"she breathes, her eyes glowing with pride and mirror my look of happiness. She takes him from me, her touches so gentle it's as if she thinks he'll break like antique china.

"Have you thought of a name?" I ask and she looks at the infant cradled in her arms. Then suddenly, in a decisive tone says

"Eli."

"Xena" Gabrielle's voice jerked me back to the present. She leaned the limp child into my body as she rose to take her turn up at the front. Apparently I'd missed two presentations while off in my own world. I wrapped my arms around his midsection and nodded to Gabrielle that I had Eli. She walked smoothly up to the front of the room, feeling exceedingly confident in her ability to speak in front of people. Bloody bard talent. A couple of sleaze balls stare at her ass as she passes them and I grit my teeth. If this wasn't a school house full of children…

"Hello" Gabrielle began "My name is Gabrielle, Alicia's mom, and I'm a published novelist. I've written for the news paper and I've also revised historical events" a hand shot up "Yes?"

"What kind of events?"

"Mostly Greek. Like the assassination of Caesar, I can translate the writing found on ancient scrolls." HER scrolls to be exact.

"Have you helped historians?"

"As a matter of fact," said a rather pompous looking man by the door "she has." Gabrielle slapped on a smile but I could see the 'aw crap' look cross her face before she had the chance to cover it. It was Evan's Uncle, Jasper. The most pig-headed man I'd even known. He walked up to the front of the class and practically shoved Gabrielle out of the limelight. She glared at him before walking back towards me and sitting back in her spot. I squeezed her shoulder gently. She grumbled something under her breath and I kissed her temple. "My name is Jasper Underwood, Evan's uncle." The poor kid shrunk down beside Alicia. "And I'm a historian." All the parents rolled their eyes. "And today, I have brought you a very special treat" he reached into his messenger bag and pulled out a long tube. He popped the cap as slipped out very old looking scroll. "This is a scroll freshly discovered on one of my many expeditions this week." You know, if he had a long, twirled mustache…he'd almost look like a cartoon version of Satan. "one of the very hard to find Xena scrolls" Some parents looked over at me, their curiosity coming off them in waves. I waved my hand a little bit, trying to make it seem like just a coincidence. Gabrielle and I hadn't thought of changing our names when we came here. We figured that no one would know about Gabrielle's scrolls in a town this isolated, so no one could even try to make some kind of connection. Not that it'd be expected anyway. I mean, what are the chances of the legendary Warrior Princess and the Battling Bard of Potidaea, oh I don't know, time traveling two thousand years into the future and settling down in the country side? Yeah…the odds.

"What one is this?" I asked Gabrielle under my breath. She narrowed her eyes and squinted at the paper then shrugged.

Before he could begin some long winded speech, the lunch bell rang and everyone was out of there in a blink.

Alicia and Eli were off to Evan's house for a sleep over, giving Gabrielle and I some much needed alone time. We rocked in the hammock tied to the two strong weeping willows to the left of our house. The warm rays of light from the setting sun gently warmed our skin as I held my soul mate in my arms. She draped one arm over me, resting her hand on my shoulder and snuggling her head under my chin. I closed my eyes, feeling drowsy but content in our current setting. The slow back and forth movement of the hammock was soothing, much like the feeling of Gabrielle's breaths.

"Do you ever think about having another one?" She asked suddenly. I answered without opening my eyes

"Another what?"

"Baby" I opened my eyes then and looked down at her. She was staring off into space. The truth was, I did sometimes. Not very often but I did. When I was younger, I'd always dream of having a large family, tons of kids, living on a farm in a small town with the love of my life. No hate, no violence…just peace, life and love.

"Sometimes" I murmured, gently stroking her blonde hair. "But then I remember all the pains of pregnancy and realise I really don't need to do that again." I was being sarcastic, of course, but Gabrielle seemed to take me literally.

"I would have it" she said, rolling onto her stomach, and in turn, onto me. I rested my hands on the small of her back as she spoke "I want a big family Xena." She said, playing with a lock of my hair. "I want lots of grandchildren and I want to have your baby." I smiled at her term and pulled her down so I could kiss her forehead.

"Well, when you put it that way…" She grinned at me and gently pecked my lips.

"Thank you"

"No problem" I murmured against her lips as she captured me in a kiss once again.

A/N:

Hey guys,

This is going out to all the registered Fanfiction people and the Fanfiction Ninjas( who read and leave no evidence they were ever here), thank you for taking time out of your busy (or not) days to read my stories (Unless you don't…). I wanted to get some opinions on the flashbacks, or flashback should I say, because I wanted to do some more in other chapters just to add some depth into Xena and Gabrielle's relationship. Such as part where it gives back story into them falling in love and then possibly up to the point where they get sent to the present…But if you didn't like the flashback I wrote in this chapter, which was mostly written just as a sample of my style of flashbacks, let me know and I might not add anymore…or I might just do it anyway. My story after all. Anyway, tell me what you think!

P.S. reading your reviews makes me giggle like a school girl…even though I am a school girl…but that's beside the point.