Chapter 18:Unwelcome

Gabrielle POV

Something happened between Xena and Ares in that fortress. I was sure of it but she just wouldn't confess that she couldn't trust him…I could see it though…it was written all over her face…That day when she came back she was sad and beyond disappointed.

Even Aphrodite – the forever glowing with bliss Aphrodite- was visibly shaken up by something.

I can still remember the look in her eyes before she disappeared without a word…There was real sadness in her eyes…I couldn't believe it…And then there was that little detail that everyone must have thought I missed: Ares was not with them…but why?

A week later, Dite popped right out of the blue, dropping Ares outside the tavern. I was in the barn with Eve-feeding Argo an apple when I saw him waiting there..

"Ares.."

He looked at me but didn't say anything. "I thought you wouldn't come.."

"Is Xena inside?"

His voice was just above a whisper. I mentally told myself that he hadn't come till then because he wanted to give Xena some space. .

"She's sleeping. She wasn't feeling great this morning…"

I carefully analyzed his perfect features. I could see a shade of panic in his eyes.

"Oh no, don't worry..It's just morning sickness.."

Eve giggled and extended her arms to him….He gave her a bitter smile but took her in his arms and placed a loving kiss on her forehead. She seemed to enjoy his company since she instantly began playing with his pendant.

"She likes me.."

"She sure does…Why are you here?"

He let out a heavy breath and entered the inn without offering me a reply.

Once again, I was in shock. That was the part in which he should have rudely told me to mind my own business….

The tavern was almost empty at that hour of the day..

"Gabrielle..!"Cyrene called for me.

"Yes..is there something you need?"

"Ohh..you are here too." Cyrene couldn't hold back the remark the minute she laid eyes on Ares, studying him from head to toe.

"Hungry?" She added a couple of seconds later.

…He nodded positively.

Cyrene cleaned a table and invited Ares to sit down while she went to bring a bowl of soup for him, obviously forgetting that I was standing there too, still waiting for an answer.

"Didn't she hate me..?" He said with a grimace, suddenly sounding like his old self again.

"Not since you saved Xena's life…"

"Oh….right."

I took a good look at Eve…I couldn't help noticing just how fond she was of him. She looked so peaceful in his arms. She adored him.

"I guess I should take her to her room…It's nap time and she has played all day long."

I said watching her struggling to keep her eyes open.

And I was just about to add a "Would you like me to call Xena?" when my friend entered the kitchen, snapping the minute she saw Ares's pendant around Evie's neck….I tried to remember when exactly he had placed it there but I couldn't.

"My daughter doesn't need gifts from you! "

He immediately got up from the table.

"And you are definitely not welcomed here Ares..! Get out.." She screamed at him hatefully, throwing the pendant at his feet, and turning around to leave. He gripped her hand though, refusing to let her vanish just like that.

"Xena.."

His voice was pleading but all he got in return was a merciless, unexpected slap..

"I can explain."

His hand was now caressing his red cheek.

"There's nothing for you to explain! You lied to me..You lied to me again you Son of a Bitch..!"

"It wasn't my intention.."

"Ohh no, of course not..It never is.."She mocked him.

"Just give me a sec, ok? .."

"Xena..what's the meaning of this?" Cyrene inquired on a startled tone.

"It's nothing mom..Ares was just leaving."

"No I wasn't .."

"Yes you were ..!" She insisted, giving him "the look".

"Look...I see where you're coming from ok? You don't want me here, or anywhere near you for that matter, I get it! But that doesn't change the fact that you're carrying my son inside you….I'm worried for you…and him!"

I could see a subtle smile forming on Cyrene's lips. It was instantly pulverized by Xena's harsh line though.

"Well don't be! I can take care of myself, thank you!"

"Xena..! How can you even talk to him like that? Have you got no shame?! This man gave up his immortality to save you..!" Cyrene intervened trying to calm her down.

"Are you siding with him?" My friend broke out incredulously.

"I'm siding with nobody. I'm just doing the right thing. Come on Ares…Let me show you to your room ."

"What?! He's not staying here!"

"This is my house Xena, so yes, he is!"

My friend was quiet for a moment…Her brain was probably still struggling to face reality.

"Did you see that?" She finally addressed me when I came next to her. "How can she trust him? He wanted me to kill her.."

"Xena…."

"She doesn't even know him! Not the way I do…He's nothing but a devious, manipulative Bastard!"

"He did save your life…." I reminded her, hoping to get her see things on another perspective…

"He saved his son's life!" She exclaimed resentfully.I was speechless.