Author's Note In this chapter Ares comes off a little more human and boyish then I had intended but I'm sure everyone would be able to understand how he feels here.

Secrets of the Past

DDR

Xena had fallen asleep. When she awoke she remembered everything that had happen. She was so tired and felt so weak. The bed that she was laying in was soft, so soft that it made her want to go back to sleep she forced her eyes open. The first thing that she saw was Ares. He was pacing around the chamber holding the baby. Xena had to admit that Ares looked rather cute and content with that child in his arms. After a few minutes Ares noticed that Xena was awake. He walked over and sat down on the edge of the bed next to her.

"Good Morning, or should I say good evening? It's nightfall already." Xena stared at the baby.

"Isn't our son beautiful?" Ares asked his voice had a dreamy quality to it, like he was in love. Xena smiled and touched the baby's soft, dark hair.

"He's gorgeous."

"I think he needs fed." said Ares handing her the child. Xena preceded in feeding the infant. There was a long silence where both parents just watched the newborn.

"I figure we can name him Atrius." Ares said. Xena looked at him.

"After my father?"

Ares nodded. "Yeah. Your father did his part in giving you life, and in turn you gave this kid life, so why not name him after the man who gave you life to give him life?" That was somewhat of a compliment towards Xena's family and it hit her hard.

She nodded "Alright." There was another long silence. It was an odd moment, neither one of them was out to get the other right now.

"Xena, Iloveyouandwantyoutostay." Ares said. He had said it so fast that it had come out as one, long incomprehensible word.

"What?" Xena asked as she readjusted the baby. Ares took a deep breath and pressed on.

"I said that I love you and I want you to stay." Somewhat flattered, Xena shifted her gazed to her son.

"Ares, I can't" she stated, she had actually thought about asking if she could stay, she hadn't expected him to ask her though.

"Oh." Ares sighed. He could feel his own face becoming flushed with embarrassment .

"It's just that, I'm due to meet Gabrielle in two weeks…"

"C'mon Xena, you and I both know that if you were to stay here with me Gabrielle would meet you anyways. You two are soul mates, I won't deny it. I'm not asking you to be my queen or anything like that, all I'm asking is that you stay here and we can raise our son together. Help me create peace Xena." Ares pleaded. Xena was torn, her soul longed to see Gabrielle again, to travel with her, but she now had a chance to raise one of her children properly. Ares did have a point. In every lifetime her and Gabrielle always found each other, this time would be no different.

"We can try it, Ares." Ares' eyes flashed with boyish excitement.

"Really?!" He said anxiously.

Xena nodded "Yes."

Ares stood up. "This is great! I'll have a chamber prepared for you and the baby." Smiling he headed towards the chamber doors. Xena shook her head.

DDR