I Should Have Told Her

Post-Episode 21

By Jinxie

Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters; I just made up the stories. The beginning and ends of episodes are quoted from the actual TV series.

Content Warning: This is a series that takes place between episodes. The stories build upon the TV series and it is advised that you watch the episodes then read the post-episode (this story) in between. Many references by the characters are very specific to the episodes, so you may not get everything unless you watch at the same time or have the episodes memorized. The series does lead to a romantic relationship between two women, so if you don't like it don't read it.

Goal: To fill in the rest of the story of Xena and Gabrielle that I felt the series left out. This is more how I would have wished the show to go. I strive to make it a realistic love story of how the two get together and share their lives together. Please feel free to email me with constructive feedback Jinxie2013

End of Episode 21:

Xena approaches Gabrielle and Argo from behind. Gabrielle is petting Argo. "I'm glad to see that you two are getting along."

"Ha, well the best of friends are made in strange situations. Argo's ok. I mean, at least I know she doesn't hate me." Xena smiles at her friend. "She's still too tall though." She looks at Xena carefully, "And I'm angry with you. I mean, I really thought that you were… you know."

"I was. Tulmac poison shuts everything down. I had to go under where it justified the effects. I didn't expect to be under so long though." Xena replied grimly.

"We still don't know who hit you with that dart."

Xena looks down at the dart, "Whoever it was, they sure knew what they were doing. I just have to figure out why. Gabrielle," She stops and turns to face her friend. "when you thought I was dead, you risked your life to try and take me back home."

"It was your last wish. For all that you've given me, and all the times you've saved my life I would go to Tartarus and back just to carry it out." Xena smiles fondly at Gabrielle.

"I use to wonder if I'd ever make it back. Now I know that one way or another, I'm going home one day. Thank you." She smiles even more at Gabrielle.

Gabrielle smiles and says, "Change the subject. I'm going to get all soft on you." She laughs and turns to walk away.

"Wouldn't want that would we?" Xena shudders then smiles.

Two days later, Xena and Gabrielle decide to stop at a small inn for some food. Xena is at the bar ordering, while Gabrielle is at the table scribbling furiously on her scroll. She hasn't written since before their incident with "Lord Seltzer." What a crazy couple of days! I had to pretend to be Xena. Not only do I do a horrible war cry, but her armor kept falling off me. I still haven't been able to completely shake off the feelings I had when she died. I didn't get to tell her how I felt. That's all that ran through my head; 'I should have told her'. But now that she's back, I'm scared to do it. It's weird how clearly you can feel something one moment, then the next you can be so unsure. At least I was able to tell her that I would go to Tartaras and back for her. Maybe if I drop enough small hints she'll get the idea. But do I really want that? Do I really want her to know that I'm falling for her? I just keep thinking that she'll be repulsed by me or something. She thinks of me as family, not as a potential lover, right? But then again lovers are family too. Gr, it's so complicated. Maybe I'm just making it more complicated than I need to. Gods I should be careful what I write in here; what if she tried reading it? She's never read my scrolls before though, so that probably won't happen. Sensing Xena's approaching presence, she rolls up the scroll and puts it away.

"Alright, food will be here in just a minute." She noticed Gabrielle quickly shoving her scroll in her bag. "Everything ok? I'm not going to read that…you don't have to hide it."

"I'm not hiding it, I'm just putting it away." Gabrielle tried to cover her actions.

"Uh huh," Xena said. "Just so you know, I respect your privacy. I'll never read anything you don't want me to. I would never do anything to hurt you like that. You know that right?"

Gabrielle looked into Xena's eyes and found truth there. "I know. Sorry I'm guess I'm use to having a nosey sister and mother. They use to always try to read my diaries. Drove me crazy."

"I see. Well I won't, I promise. You can trust me." Xena confirmed. "Oh, there's our food. I ordered what I thought you would like, hopefully you do."

The plate set before her brought a huge grin to her face, her nose wrinkled as she looked up at Xena. "I think you did good warrior." She began to eat, then in between bites, asked "So where are we headed next?

Beginning of Episode 22 (same day):

A village is being raided and torn apart. A little boy dies in the street. Callisto make an appearance, telling an old woman that her name is Xena.