There was still some awkward tension between Xena and Gabrielle after Xena had come back home after speaking to Ephiny and Cora. Both Xena and Gabrielle had significantly cooled off after their earlier argument that had caused Gabrielle to storm away in the first place when Xena became upset about both Gabrielle leaving the village without telling anyone as well as the fact that she knew that there was something bothering Gabrielle but Gabrielle refused to open up about it. Now Xena found herself even more perplexed with the sudden change in Gabrielle's appearance who now sat on the couch with fairly short hair and a completely different look all together. And Xena just didn't know what to make of this. Gabrielle saw the odd expression on Xena's face and assumed that she didn't "approve" of her new look.
GABRIELLE
Everything okay Xena?
(Fake happy tone) Or did I need to inform you about my decision to cut my hair and change my clothes too?
Xena took a breath as she made the conscious decision to no longer allow herself to become angerd by the things Gabrielle was doing. She only succeeded somewhat as she put on a fake smile.
XENA
Of course not. It's your body, you're free to do whatever you want. It's just a bit surprising to see such a big change out of the blue that's all.
Xena began walking upstairs to put Aurora to bed and stopped for a moment to look back at Gabrielle.
XENA
Not that it really matters but I think you look very nice like this. I like it.
Xena continued upstairs and Gabrielle couldn't help but smirk.
GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) Yeah I thought she'd like this outfit.
A little later Xena came back downstairs and sat on the opposite end of the couch. There was an awkward silence as both Gabrielle and Xena each waited for the other speak. Finally after realizing that Gabrielle was clearly waiting on her to start, Xena did just that.
XENA
Listen Gabrielle about earlier, I'm sorry I shouldn't have yelled like that. I was just worried about you disappearing all day. No one knew where you were and when you didn't come back until late, I was afraid that something might've happened to you. It's not an excuse for yelling like I did but I just need you to understand why I was so upset.
Xena paused for a moment to see if Gabrielle wanted to say something but all she got was silence.
XENA
You know how much you mean to me don't you? That's why I got so angry with what you did today. I just nearly lost you not long ago and then you leave the village with no one with you or anything to defend yourself with. You could've been killed or who knows what else. And before you get mad and say that I'm being overly proactive, that's not what this is. If you want more independence I'm fine with that. In fact I think that's great. I love you, I just want to be clued in on these things that's all. I don't think that's too much to ask is it? After all I do the same for you.
Xena looked at Gabrielle who was clearly thinking about what she said.
GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) I guess Xena does have some points here.
Okay. I accept your apology. And I'm sorry I got mad at you too.
Xena smiled. Happy that they had at least somewhat made up. She then moved on to the next subject that she had in mind to discuss but was far more cautious with the way she approached it.
XENA
Now I don't want to start another fight but if you wanna talk to me about what's really been going on with you?
Gabrielle gave Xena a disapproving glance. Seeing Gabrielle's reaction Xena quickly backed off.
XENA
Okay we don't have to talk about that. I'm just trying to understand what's happening here that's all. You know that you can tell me anything Gabrielle. Nothing you could say would change the way I feel about you. So just know that when you're ready to let me in, I'll be here.
Gabrielle smiled.
GABRIELLE
Thanks for understanding Xena.
XENA
(Joking) Actually if I'm pretty sure the point here is that I don't which was the whole problem to begin with.
Gabrielle gave Xena a disapproving glance but then smirked. Xena smiled too as she learned forward and kissed Gabrielle.
XENA
Well now that we got that sorted out there is still the issue of our wedding. That someone who won't be named here canceled.
Gabrielle raised her eyebrow in a very Xena like fashion.
GABRIELLE
Someone?
Xena sighed.
XENA
Okay. Okay. I'm sorry I said that the wedding was off. I didn't mean it and shouldn't have used something like that as an ultimatum. So if you still want to...
Gabrielle smirked.
GABRIELLE
(Teasing tone) Oh is this your idea of how to propose to an Amazon queen?
This time it was Xena's turn for her eyebrow to go up.
XENA
(Teasing tone) Actually if you'll recall that title is still technically mine. However I am but a humble ruler so...
Xena stood up before she knelt down in front of Gabrielle and took her hand in hers.
XENA
Gabrielle of Potidaea, mother, bard, Amazon, former and soon to be Amazon queen again, and best thing that ever happened to me, would you make me the happiest woman in the world and do me the amazing honor of becoming my wife?
Gabrielle smiled.
GABRIELLE
(Joking) You know for me being the writer here you sure can have a way with words when you to.
Gabrielle leaned forward until her and Xena's faces were barely inches apart.
GABRIELLE
And yes Xena. I'll still marry you. Nothing would make me happier.
They both kissed several times as Xena's hands began to roam over Gabrielle's body as she returned to sitting on the couch. Gabrielle moaned as Xena began kissing down her neck and chest. It was incredibly difficult but after several moments Gabrielle finally willed herself to pull away from Xena's increasingly wondering lips, tongue and hands.
GABRIELLE
As much as I love where this is going, I think we had better stop. If you remember we're not allowed to make love until after the ceremony.
Xena sighed as she sat back and now tried to ignore the longing sensation that had been sparked between her legs.
XENA
(Defeated tone) Fine.
(Mumbling) What kind of stupid rule is no sex before marriage anyway?
Gabrielle chuckled as she got comfortable on Xena's shoulder.
GABRIELLE
(Joking) Don't worry I'm sure you'll live.
XENA
(Joking) Yeah but this new look of yours definitely isn't making it any easier on me you know.
GABRIELLE
(Joking) You're welcome.
(Teasing tone) But just think of how great it'll be on our wedding night after we've had to wait so long.
Xena layed her head back and closed her eyes.
XENA
Gabrielle thinking about having sex when I can't right now is not going to help.
Gabrielle laughed as she patted Xena's stomach and got up.
GABRIELLE
Well it's been a very long day and I'm tired. So I'm going to bed. You coming?
Xena raised her head.
XENA
Bad choice of words right now but yeah I'll be up in a bit. I think I'm gonna take a very cold bath or go jump in the lake first.
Gabrielle smirked as she shook her head and made her way upstairs and went to bed. Not long after Xena followed after deciding to take a quick and rather cold swim to cool things down before going to bed quickly falling asleep, mumbling to herself about "stupid rules" as she drifted off.
TO BE CONTINUED...