Crazy 4

Note: I feel like this is horribly disappointing

Eve has decided to spread the word here before she sets back out to the west. She said she'd be back, that maybe I could travel with her for a while. I think she says that for my sake, not that she really needs me around. Xena stands watching her walk away, not turning till she can no longer see her daughter. She's missing out on Eve's life again, I'm not sure she can really forgive herself for that.

I don't really think I could follow Eve around, part of me has become so jaded; but I can chronicle her journeys and teachings for future followers of Eli. It's a thought. I watch as Xena slowly walks back to me. Her eyes are downcast but not really sad; more proud and happy than anything else. I know she's proud that Eve has taken a better path in life than she did, no matter how late that path may have started.

'You know this tortures me as much as it does you.' She says as she reaches me, hand coming up to caress my cheek.

'A torture I'll gladly endure.' I smile up at her. 'Dying has made you more sentimental.' She grins back at me.

'I've got nothing else to do.'

'Do you think I should go with her?' My serious tone coming back. Her hand drops from my face as she contemplates.

'I bet she could use a good bard.' She smiles at me.

'Do you want to follow her?' If I go, Xena goes and that means being around her daughter.

'That's not important.' Her eyes harden. 'Don't do it because you think that's what I want.'

'Your ego is as large as ever.' I laugh, trying to make it a joke, but she knows what I'm thinking. She relaxes a little and wraps her arms around me.

'It's your time now. You can do whatever you want.'

'You know what I want.' She smiles sadly at me when I say this. 'I think I'd prefer to live as a crazy hermit who talks to her dead girlfriend.' I laugh, but it's almost bitter.

'Hey, I don't think you're crazy.' She leans down, kissing my lips.

'Well if you are a figment of my imagination you wouldn't think that would you.' My arms wrap around her waist as I rest my head against her chest.

'Well if I'm imaginary then we can have imaginary children, an imaginary dog, oh and an imaginary babysitter.' She keeps rambling on. 'Imaginary pigs, an imaginary castle…' I slap her arm playfully.

'Stop it.' She shrugs, turning away. 'Are you sure?' I ask.

'I had my time.' She turns with a sad smile. 'Fate has it worked out already.' I can't decide if I should go with Eve or not, but she won't be back for days so I don't need to think about it too much. I walk to a patch of grass and lay down. The day is nice and cool, the sun warming my face.

'So how many imaginary children do you want?'

'Five.' I look at her in disbelief.

'You do realize you would have to take care of them?' She's taken aback.

'You don't think Xena Warrior Princess can handle five imaginary children?'

'No.' I grin at her.

'You're probably right.' Her shoulders slump in mock disappointment. 'You know you deserve one.' She says after a while.

'Deserve what?' My eyes are closed; I'm enjoying the warmth of the sun.

'A family.' My eyes pop open as I sit up.

'I have a family.'

'You know what I mean.' She looks away. I grasp her chin, forcing her to look at me.

'I have a family.' This time I say it with as much conviction as possible. 'I have everything I want. Well mostly..' I kiss her lips to make the point. 'So shut up.' I lean my head on her shoulder.

'So what are you going to do?'

'I've been thinking of a play I could write.' Wouldn't it be funny if I can manage to be a famous playwright? I wouldn't be crazy anymore, I'd be eccentric.

'What about?'

'It's an epic tale of love and loss.'

'Sounds like a good idea.' I can hear the grin in her voice