The moon was full and the night was clear, as Xena and Gabrielle lay in the grass staring up into the vast sky. Gabrielle rested her head on Xena`s shoulder. Xena had her arm wrapped around Gabrielle, gently stroking the bard`s golden hair.
GABRIELLE
Xena?
XENA
Yea?
GABRIELLE
Way back when we met why did you take me with you?
XENA
You didn't exactly take no for an answer.
GABRIELLE
But if you really didn't want me to come with you, you would have made sure I couldn't follow you.
Xena sat up and looked down at Gabrielle with a slight look of concern on her face.
XENA
Gabrielle is something wrong?
GABRIELLE
No, it's just that so often I feel so useless and burdensome. You always have my safety on your mind during combat, and that can be a distraction, which could get you hurt or..
Xena placed her finger on Gabrielle`s lips.
XENA
Shhh hush now, none of this guilt 're with me because I want, no, need you here. I didn't know who I truly was until I found you. I'm a better person because of you.
Gabrielle sat up.
GABRIELLE
But you clearly wanted to change or you wouldn't have saved me or the rest of the girls.
XENA
Yes while I do want to atone for my past,, you make me want to do so much more good to make you want to stay by my side.
Xena took Gabrielle's hand and smiled.
XENA
I love you Gabrielle, I couldn't picture my life without you.
GABRIELLE
I love you too. I just wish I were more like you. Strong and brave and well...
Gabrielle`s voice trailed off as she gestured at Xena`s body, implying that she envied her appearance. Xena impishly smiled.
XENA
Gabrielle are jealous of the way I look?
GABRIELLE
A little. I mean look at you and look at me. Not to to mention all the people who fawn over you everywhere we go.
XENA
They do that because of my actions, not the way I look.
GABRIELLE
You have long dark hair and walk around in leather and armor with a smoldering stare that seems to pierce right through the soul, as your ride in on your trusty steed to save the day. It's a lot about the way you look.
XENA
That may be true for some, but most are only showing gratitude for my help in their time of need.
GABRIELLE
Yes but still I just don't feel..
Before Gabrielle could finish Xena turned to her, put her hands on Gabrielle`s shoulders and stared right into her eyes.
XENA
Gabrielle you are beautiful, both inside and out. Why can't you see that?
GABRIELLE
I'm sorry I guess I just don't see what you see.
Slightly frustrated at this point, Xena sighed.
XENA
You are beautiful and I'll prove it.
Xena pulled Gabrielle in and passionately kissed her. Gabrielle was taken by surprise. Before she could fully process what was happening, Xena pulled back. Gabrielle looked at Xena in shock. Xena wasn't really the affectionate type, and normally kept her true emotions hidden.
GABRIELLE
Why did you do that?
XENA
I wanted to prove my point. Did you not like it?
GABRIELLE
It's not that, I just wasn't expecting so much passion from you is all.
A sly smirk appeared on Xena's face.
XENA
So you did like it?
GABRIELLE
What if I did?
XENA
Then maybe if you'd let me I can show you just how beautiful I think you are.
GABRIELLE
Yes I want you.
Xena leaned back in and kissed Gabrielle again, This time Gabrielle wrapped her arms around Xena`s neck and kissed her back. She ran her fingers through the warrior's long raven hair.
XENA
I want to feel all of you, and make you mine in every way.
GABRIELLE
I want to be yours and only yours Xena, completely.
The campfire cracked as it casted the dancing shadows of the two lovers in their moments of passion. The night air filled with cries of extacy. When all was said and done the two layed in one another's embrace.
GABRIELLE
I love you Xena.
Xena smiled.
XENA
I love you too Gabrielle.
Who could have imagined a love so true as the love between the warrior and the bard.
THE END ❤