Chapter 10: NOTHING TO LOSE

Despite Xena's nervous chatter, Gabrielle determined Xena was alright after all. They were both having a nice evening together, giggling over Eve's antics and discussing past adventures. At one point they were discussing the afterlife after their crucifixion. She brought up how Xena must have atoned for her past and had gone to heaven and risked all of that when Gabrielle wasn't there with her. In this short melancholy remembrance they both realized that they were the only ones left in the Tavern and that it was quite late. "Heh its late," Xena acknowledged. "I think we should head home." She stood up and pulled out Gabrielle's chair for her to get up as well. She settled the bill and soon joined Gabrielle outside on the lighted porch. Soon they started walking toward Cyrene's inn.

Xena jutted out her elbow and looked at Gabrielle expectantly as a signal for Gabrielle to link arms with her on the walk home. Gabrielle smiled softly and linked arms with her. "Oh! I almost forgot!" Gabrielle interjected. Then she smiled and reached in her scroll bag. "I got this for you." she stated. She pulled out one of the bracelets that she had bought at the market this morning and handed it to Xena. "Look on the inside of the band, I left a note for you." Engraved on the inside of the band was something Gabrielle had written:

Naturally, I see me and you.

It is a certainty, it is a truth.

Love, G

Xena was overcome with emotion. She remembered that day she had told Gabrielle, "don't do anything other than what comes naturally". She looked from the inscription back to Gabrielle. Courage soon made a reappearance in Xena's heart. It gave her the strength she needed to put it all on the line. She looked to Gabrielle and started to speak. "Gabrielle..." She started. Before she could continue, Gabrielle interrupted by reaching her other hand to Xena's cheek. She got a wistful look and continued. "Xena, I've been thinking. What we have is special and its something I've never had with anyone else, not even Perdicas. I don't want to be without you. When you mentioned settling down, at first I wanted to go back to assume my throne with the Amazons, but these past few days have made me realize something. What I truly want is to be with you. Settling down for me means being with you. And despite the fact that we do not have intimate relations, It's like I feel married to you." Gabrielle had put it all out on the line, beating Xena to the punch.

Xena stared at her in shock, speechless at the words that had just escaped Gabrielle's mouth. Gabrielle's words soon inspired Xena to take a risk of her own. Xena lifted her own free hand to Gabrielle's face and neck. "I'd like to remedy the fact that we don't have intimate relations," she whispered and pulled Gabrielle in for a kiss. Tentatively their lips touched, but soon Xena had a desire to taste the origin of the words that sent Xena's heart reeling. She opened her mouth in lead, and Gabrielle's soon followed allowing Xena's tongue its quest. The kiss was soft and sweet, with a lively undercurrent of, "Greek fire." Xena said huskily. She felt her senses heightening onto another plane of existence. She slowly pulled away from the kiss. Gabrielle, who continued standing in the same place, breathless with her eyes shut and fire racing underneath her skin could only respond with, "Huh?"

THE END

**Authors Note: Thanks for the kind reviews, and I hope how it ends doesn't leave anyone too angry :| **