Pieces 10

Xena growls in annoyance suddenly, and pulls the blanket up under my chin. Casually she gets out of the bed, reaching for her sword.

'Well isn't this just adorable.' Ares voice is heard before his body is present. Xena snarls as the God appears by the bed. 'Xena, look at what you've become.' His lips curl into a look of disgust. 'I'd kill this..' he gestures at me. 'This pitiful excuse for a mortal but I know she would only become a martyr to your newfound cause.' His eyes keep scanning me up and down in contempt.

'What do you want?' Xena growls through clenched teeth.

'I almost had you. I don't know what she has over you that can she can even get your attention when you're drugged.' He continues to snarl. 'Really Xena, is this what you want?' He walks up to her, pressing his body close and whispering in her ear. 'I know you love a good battle just as much as I do. You'll get tired of playing house soon enough, and when you do, just call my name.' Ares snaps his fingers and is gone.

'So does that mean we get a small reprieve?' I ask, knowing it's no use in hoping.

'I doubt it.' She puts her sword back down and sits dejectedly on the edge of the bed. 'There's only so much I can protect you from.' Her voice is quiet. I reach out and gently touch her back.

'Xena, I don't expect you to.' With a sigh she gets under the covers and curls up next to me, hand resting on my stomach. I know there are thoughts roiling around in her head that she is refusing to voice. I also know there is nothing I can really do about it right now. We grow silent, hoping that sleep will claim us, but it doesn't.

'Tomorrow you don't have to cook a single meal.' Xena whispers in my ear, some delight back in her voice.

'And why not?'

'Don't worry I'm not cooking.' We both grin as she gives me a little squeeze. 'Mother will take care of that part.'

'That's good, I was worried for a second.' I sigh in mock relief.

'Keep that up and I will cook.'

'Sorry, sorry.' I giggle. 'What's the occasion?'

'You.' She simply says. 'I figure after everything, you deserve a day to relax. I know I can't get you to stop the chores, but I can at least take care of feeding you.' Her fingers lightly tickle my stomach until I slap her hand away. 'Quite messing around and go to sleep.' She quickly kisses the back of my neck as she snuggles into me. It's good to know Ares can't ruin everything.

The sun isn't up yet, and neither is Xena. But my bladder is screaming at me and I'm afraid I can wait no longer. In my own way, I jump out of the bed and scuttle out to the outhouse. The pressure on my bladder makes me have to pee every five seconds. Well maybe not quite five seconds, but a lot. Sighing in relief, I make my way back to the house to find Xena up and bright as the morning sun. Sometimes I can't stand how awake she is as soon as her eyes open. Really, what does she take?

'I got you a bath ready.' She smiles brightly, handing me a dress and a towel.

'Wait, how long was I out there?' She chuckles.

'Don't worry, not that long.' I eye her warily. She grabs my shoulders, turning me around. 'Go on, before the water gets cold.' She gives my butt a slap causing me to squeal.

'Xena!?' All I can hear is her laughing as she walks away, apparently quite proud of herself.

Once in the tub I nearly fall back asleep. The water is a like a warm cocoon, easing my muscles and every aching inch of my body. When I try to climb out, I find it to be harder than climbing in. After several attempts I give up. I'm not sure how long I'm in here, but Xena comes looking to see if I'm still alive.

'I was wondering if you fell asleep.' She says, decked out in full warrior gear as usual.

'Xena, are you going to war with the wheat?'

'Yes.' She makes her face as serious as possible. I just shake my head at her.

'I'm still here because I can't get out of the tub.'

'Well why didn't you yell for me?' She walks over, looming over the tub with her eyebrow raised in amusement.

'The water was warm?' I'm sure she doesn't feel this is good enough reason. She gives me a smirk and reaches down, hooking her arms under my armpits. With Xena doing most of the work, I finally manage to escape the confines of the tub.

'I was starting to get wrinkly.' I murmur, looking down at my skin. Xena chuckles, handing me a towel.

'Now if you're done messing around, I have to go let Argo out to pasture.' She shakes her head at me, walking away. The least she could have done was help me dry off. I can't seem to reach every spot anymore. It takes me about ten times longer than necessary to dry off and get dressed. I'm not sure I want to get pregnant again. Not that, that would actually happen again. But still, I definitely do not want to be this big ever again.

As I waddle to the kitchen, I can make out Cyrene's hushed voice coming from within. We smile and embrace as I enter, her eyes taking inventory of my stomach.

'Why didn't you help her get dressed?' She scolds Xena. 'I remember how hard it got to even get out of bed.' She grins at me and kisses my cheek. Xena's sitting at the table, rolling her eyes. 'Sit down, sit down.' Cyrene ushers me to the table, helping me to ease into the chair. Then she looks to Xena and starts jerking her head in my direction. I'm beginning to think she has some sort of twitch in her neck when Xena suddenly thrusts flowers at me. She's blushing and at the same time trying to give off her warrior vibe. Frankly it's too funny but I try not to laugh.

'They're beautiful.' Finally she cracks a smile, relieved that I didn't reject her. I have no doubt this was her mother's doing. Cyrene grabs them from Xena's hand and begins to look around for something to put them in.

'I'll have one of the girls bring lunch by.' Cyrene gives me a wink as she walks out. I finally have time to notice all the food that's been laid out. A full breakfast with rolls and nut bread, meats and eggs and potatoes.

'Remind me to tell your mom how much I love her.' We both grin as Xena starts heaping food on a plate for me.

The rest of the day goes pretty smoothly. Xena goes out to train her militia after breakfast, coming back briefly for lunch. She seems happy to be leading men and preparing them for battle. Of course there may never be a need for the militia but Xena needs to feel useful. As the sun is setting, she returns home laden with food once again from her mother. After a quick bath we settle down to a quiet meal in our comfy home.

'Xena, was this ever something you wanted out of life?' I ask, pushing my food around on my plate. She contemplates for a moment, giving the answer serious thought.

'No, but then again I didn't really expect to live this long either.'

'So, what do you want now?' I'm a little afraid of the answer. She slowly puts her fork down and looks at me.

'I honestly can't tell you.' Well I guess that's better than running off to a life of adventure. 'I still have a lot to atone for.' Her face turns somber. 'But you are right.' She nearly mumbles.

'About what?'

'I don't think I could live a settled life forever.' She turns her head away, looking guilty and ashamed.

'Well I'm glad you finally admitted it.' I smile but it only seems to make her angry.

'I should be happy with this. I never thought I could have a normal life, that people would love me. But it's been so long since I've lived like that, I don't think I know anything but the road.'

'That's fine Xena. I never want you to change who you are, as long as you remain the good person you've become.' She cracks a half smile.

'Sometimes I just don't understand you. You had such faith in me even when others wanted nothing but my blood. I don't think you'll ever understand what you've done for me.' She smiles sweetly then goes back to her food. When is this warrior not in a state of turmoil? I wonder if the day will ever come when she can feel the freedom to just live.

After we finish eating, Xena allows me to wander off to bed as she cleans up what's left of the food. I've taken to wearing sandals so I can get them on and off easier, so by the time she comes in I'm under the covers in my shift. Xena was already in her tunic, so she just pulls her boots off then sits on the edge of the bed next to me. Her blue eyes are sparkling down into mine, I'm wondering what's going on in that intelligent mind of hers.

'Sit up.' She urges. Her hand comes up, caressing my face as her eyes shine nothing but love and adoration. Leaning in, her lips brush softly against mine sending a tingling sensation through my body. Pulling back away, her eyes gaze at me, asking permission to continue.

She knows the extent of my experience with Perdicus, after all I had to ask someone. She told me that everyone's first time can be painful and uncomfortable, but that it gets better. I wonder, if given the time, it actually would have? His kiss did not feel like this.

At the moment, all I can do is stare at her lips; so soft and inviting that my thoughts don't move past that.

'Xena, will it hurt?' I suddenly find myself asking, though I'm not sure where the words come from. Her lips brush against mine in small inviting pecks before her forehead rests against mine.

'If I do anything you don't want, or don't like just tell me.' I nod as she gets back up and climbs into the bed behind me. I settle between her legs as she pulls me as close as humanly possible. I really don't know what to expect, part of me is ashamed of my naiveté, but part of me is excited about all I will discover.

Her hands slide under my shift as her arms circle around my stomach. Soft lips and moist breath hit my ear as she begins to whisper softly.

'So beautiful.' Hands slide up, cupping my breasts.

'So soft.' Lips leave a wet trail down my neck then back up. I'm lost in the rapture of her voice and touch. She continues to murmur in my ear as her fingers begin to tease my nipples. I feel like Zeus is hitting me with his lightning bolts leaving my body tingling. My head falls back against her shoulder, lips part as small gasps escape. I can't take it anymore, I need to feel her lips against mine.

Turning my head, my mouth seeks out hers; our lips lock in a fierce battle surging with passion I didn't know I possessed. I don't notice that one of her hands is straying from my breast and making its way down between my legs and the slick wetness that awaits.

We both gasp into the kiss as her fingers slide deliciously slow into me. I feel like I'm on fire and my body can't handle her touch for very long. I begin gasping into the side of her neck as she works a slow pace in and out. Her other hand is still working my breast as her lips travel across my shoulder. In minutes my body is tensing and I'm letting out a deep low groan. I'm left weak and gasping in her arms, somewhat sad that I couldn't last longer.

Suddenly we both gasp out in surprise, reaching for the spot on my stomach where we just felt movement. The baby kicks out again and we can't help but laugh in amazement.

'I think we woke her up.' Xena chuckles, nuzzling against my neck.

'Xena.' I say after finally finding my voice again. 'I know you say you don't deserve happiness and a family but….. you're my happiness and my family.' Her fingers lace with each hand as she brings our arms around me in a fierce hug.

'I know I don't deserve you, but I'll do my best to keep you happy.' She whispers in my ear, voice cracking slightly as she tries to hold back her emotions. 'I love you, you know.' Her cheek rests against mine.

'I love you too.' We stay curled up like this for a minute.

'Ok, I'm done with the sappiness. Let's get some sleep.' We reposition ourselves onto our sides, Xena molded into my back with an arm draped over me. I grab her hand in mine and pull it under my chin. Before I can think to say anything else, sleep envelops me.