Chapter 3

Ares came closer to Gabrielle and bent down, their noses nearly touching. Gabrielle gulped, finding it hard to breathe. "I love that cat and kittens." Gabrielle nodded. Ares ran his fingers through her golden hair, and said, "You know what else?" Gabrielle shook her head, still unable to speak. Ares put his arms around Gabrielle, stepping closer, leaving no space between them. "I love small cuddly animals... They're just the right size ..." He paused, and whispered, "And so are you, Gabrielle. You're just the right size for my arms to hold. I've discovered that when you're not with me... my heart has an empty space that can only be filled by you."

"How long have you felt like this?" Gabrielle managed to whisper, her heart beating like the wings of a hummingbird.

"I saw you with Xena that first time and I was lost."

"But you didn't..."

"I had to give you time to grow into the woman... the warrior you were meant to be."

"I don't know what to say," said Gabrielle, tears quickly filling her emerald eyes.

"You don't have to say anything, little one," said Ares, wiping away her tears. "I just wanted you to know. If you are willing to give me a chance... we can take things as slow as you need to..."

"You... I never dreamed... I have always cared for you. I feel joy when you are near. Life with you would never be boring," she said, making Ares grin. "I would like it very much if we could have a relationship." Gabrielle stopped, not sure if she had said the right things or if she should say something else.

"That's all I need to know," said Ares, hugging her gently. They stood there, in the middle of the room, comfortable in each other's arms. After several minutes had passed, Ares said quietly, "I'd better get you back to Xena now. You need some rest... It's been a long day for you."

Gabrielle smiled at him and said, "It's been the best day of my life."

"Me too, sweetie," said Ares, softly kissing her lips. Together, Ares and Gabrielle went to check on the cat and kittens, and found them sleeping. "I'll bring you back to see them," he promised.

"I'd like that," said Gabrielle. "By the way, what will I tell Xena?"

"Follow my lead," replied Ares as they disappeared from the tree house and reappeared at Xena's campsite.

"XENA!" roared Ares, holding Gabrielle by the arm, being very careful not to hurt her.

"What is it?!" hollered Xena. "And what are you doing with Gabrielle?"

"I don't appreciate you sending a spy to visit me... That's what!" retorted Ares, scowling at Xena, but winking at Gabrielle when Xena wasn't looking at him. "Mind your own business!" he growled, as he disappeared from sight.

"Are you hurt, Gabrielle?" asked Xena anxiously.

"No, I'm not hurt. But being made to stay with Ares all day could be classed as torture!" Gabrielle stomped over to her bedroll, shook it out and spread it on the ground. "That's the last time I do something like that, Xena. Don't ask me again!" she said, as she climbed into the bedroll.

"I'm sorry, Gabby... Good-night."

Gabrielle tried to keep the smile out of her voice as she said good-night to Xena. Suddenly, a warm voice filled Gabrielle's mind, 'Good-night beautiful... I'll see you tomorrow. I love you.' In her mind, Gabrielle said, 'Good-night Ares... I love you, too.' As she nestled down to sleep, she cuddled her new rubber ducky close to her, thinking as she fell asleep, 'I'll have to hide this from Xena.'

Invisible hands pulled Gabrielle's covers up over her shoulders and invisible lips kissed her forehead. "I will watch over you," Ares whispered, as he watched his beloved sleep.

-The End-