Chapter 24: The Illusion of Brotherhood

3 months later. Xena was feeling much better these days. She had the cutest baby bump that left no question in mind now if she was pregnant. Today was going to be her first day back at the gym. Ares redid her work uniforms for her, so they could now accommodate her growing belly. Instead of wearing her usual bra and matching leggings, he replaced those with stretchy yoga pants and a soft tank. Ares watched her as she dressed. After she'd put the top on, her belly said hello to the world. He immediately went to her to caress her stomach. He couldn't keep his hands off of her. He loved their baby so much and her belly was growing so fast. Soon, he would be holding their child, his heir. He stood behind her, hands still clasped firmly on her belly and asked,

"Are you ready to do this?" He nuzzled his head in her hair. She was even more addictive.

"Yea, I've been growing bored sitting at home these days." She turned in his arms and wrapped her arms underneath his arms, pressing their child into him. He hugged her back. He tried to steady his mind, not wanting to get turned on, since they were on their way out the door. She slowly rubbed her hands down his back, looking him in his eyes. His need for her was growing yet he continued to fight to suppress it. Her eyes looked stronger now. He leaned in for a kiss. She deepened it while running her fingers through his curls. He pulled back.

"If we are going in, I suggest we leave now, otherwise I'm going to ravage you all day." She smiled in his embrace, and they left his condo to start their day.

~XA~

Emma had enjoyed the 3 months Xena was out. Ares didn't give any information to them other than she's out for the foreseeable future until further notice. It was music to her ears! She finally had Ares back to herself. No one knew what had happened to her. Ares seemed nonchalant about the news, so it didn't faze her much. She hoped they had broken up.

Ares car pulled up outside. She pulled out a mirror to look at herself. Wanting to grab his attention as soon as he walked in, she retouched her lipstick and put it away. She watched as Ares stepped out of his car. He looked so delicious. His strong muscles glistened under the sun's rays. Unable to control herself any longer, she stepped outside to hold the door open for him. Instead of walking towards the door, he went to the passenger side and opened the door. That is when her heart dropped. NO! It couldn't be. Xena stepped out of the car and Emma turned her back and went inside.

As Xena entered the gym, the staff crowded around her, causing the loudest of commotions. They were all hugging and congratulating her. Emma wondered why everyone seemed so happy to see her. That's when she came from behind the desk to investigate. When she approached the circle, she noticed Nancy's hand caressing her belly as she talked to her. Xena was glowing. Emma shook her head in disgust. Then it dawned on her, that's why Xena was so sick when Ares was on vacation.

A twinkle in her peripheral caught her attention. She shifted her head to locate the source. As the other teams chatted and caressed Xena's belly, she walked up from behind and lifted her hand up, looking at her massive ring in disbelief. Her mouth hung open, but no words came out. Xena looked at Emma and winked. Emma threw her hand down and turned to leave so abruptly, she bumped right into Ares' hard chest. She quickly looked him in the face and gave him a quick Congratulations and ran off. Ares walked up behind Xena and circled his arms around her waist, as the employees chatted gleefully.

Xena sat her things down in her office when she noticed a bouquet of roses on her desk. She picked up a rose to inhale its fragrance. Her mind drifted to Ares. He was so caring. She opened the card to read the note:

Xena, the scent of these flowers may not compare to your presence, but I hope they add a touch of joy to your day. I can't wait to see you later. -Hercules

Her heart quickened. Hercules was a very dear friend of hers. She wondered who delivered the flowers to her office since her door was locked and only her and Ares had a key. She hoped Emma didn't play a part in the flower's delivery. But the way she acted earlier, she felt like she could cross her off her list. All she knew for sure; she couldn't let Ares see the flowers. She didn't need jealousy overtaking him. She did the only thing she could at the time.

"Aphrodite! She eagerly called her, closing her blinds." She appeared with her pink petals, but Xena didn't let her get a word in.

"Take these flowers and get rid of them. They're from Hercules and I'll explain later." Aphrodite understood the task at hand and left without another word. Xena let out a deep breath. She wanted to keep the peace between them at all costs.

~XA~

Ares had to work late at the gym tonight, so he was going to miss dinner. Xena rested comfortably on the couch and Gabrielle relaxed in her bath. Hercules knocked on the door. As much as he visited them, Xena felt that he needed a key. She laughed to herself as she let him in. He walked in with dinner for all of them.

"Wow, what's all of this?" she asked as she took the bags out of his hand.

"Dinner is on me tonight."

"Thank you," she said smiling at Hercules. She unpacked the dishes and noticed there was something for everybody. He brought baked fish with seasoned rice and mixed veggies. She went to the cabinet to grab their plates down, but Hercules placed his hand on top of hers, stopping her.

"Let me." He took her by the hand and led her to the table.

"Thanks for the flowers, it was a nice welcome back." Hercules nodded.

"I also brought a little something extra for you." He reached into another bag and pulled out a dozen freshly baked cookies. They were still warm.

"A little extra treat for the baby." She lightly hugged him, but he pulled her closer into his embrace. Gabrielle came around the corner and slowed her pace when she saw her wrapped in his arms.

"Something smells good," she announced. Xena pulled from his embrace and spoke first,

"Hercules brought dinner tonight. Ares also won't be joining us. Some of his clients booked late trainings." Xena grabbed her plate, ready to fix her food, but once again, Hercules placed his hand softly on hers, taking her plate from her hands.

"I'm going to serve you tonight." It came out more romantically than he had tried to say. Gabrielle observed the exchange between them. The mood was changing. She almost felt like a 3rd wheel. She looked at Hercules. He had a look in his eye. Gabrielle hoped he wasn't falling back in love with Xena. Xena smiled at his gestures and sat back down on her barstool. Hercules ate his dinner next to Xena, as they made light conversation. Gabrielle suddenly felt all alone, since they seemed to forget to include her.

~XA~

Ares watched Xena get ready, as he did most mornings. She was brushing her hair at her vanity when he approached her, giving her a kiss on the cheek.

"Sweet, I have to go. I have a few early clients today." Xena rubbed his hand.

"I'll drive today. See you when I get there." He disappeared in his mighty blue light. Xena's phone went off. It was a reminder. She had a doctor's appointment today that she'd totally forgotten about, and she forgot to tell Ares. She exited her room to see Gabrielle driving away in the Lincoln. She let out a sigh. She knew she couldn't ask Ares to ditch his clients. She decided to text Hercules.

Hey Herc, do you think you can take me to my doctor's appt today? It's in an hr.

Sure, I'm omw.

Thanks.

~XA~

Hercules accompanied Xena inside the Doctor's office. Once they made it to her room, they asked Xena to change clothes. Hercules turned his head, giving her privacy. Once she had her gown on, he came to stand next to her. The tech came in and began the ultrasound. Xena and Hercules watched the baby on the monitor in amazement. Hercules softly squeezed Xena's hand. She squeezed it back.

"Would you like to know what it is?" They both said yes in unison. Xena looked at Hercules and laughed, they were both excited. Xena spoke first...

"Isn't that supposed to be my next appointment, I thought it was still too early?"

"I can tell now what you're having but you can wait if you prefer." A wave of sadness washed over Xena. She felt so horrible that Ares was missing this moment, and it was all her fault. She wished there was a way she could simply pause the appointment to call him. Hercules saw the sad look in her eyes. He asked the tech to give them a moment please. He picked Xena's hand up into his.

"Xena, you will tell him as soon as you can. I'll even take you there so you can tell him as soon as we leave here." He smiled reassuringly at her. She smiled back. She really appreciated Hercules being here with her. She truly thought he was going to drop her off and leave.

"We're ready now ma'am. I apologize for that," Hercules moved over so the tech could reach Xena's belly again.

"No problem, Dad." The comment caught Hercules off guard. Xena gave him an apologetic look. She was going to correct the tech, but he stopped her, shaking his head. She announced the sex and both of them cheered. As she walked out her Doctor's appointment, she texted Gabrielle what she was having. As promised, Hercules drove her to the gym so she could speak with Ares. She told him that he could leave, confident that Ares would take care of her from here.

~XA~

Emma saw Xena get out of an unknown car. She could tell a man was driving but since his windows were tinted, she couldn't make out a distinct face. She wondered who he was as she'd never seen them together before. She pulled her phone out to record their interaction. When he got out of the car, his face looked oddly familiar. It then dawned to her where she'd seen him before. This was the client she was hugged up with in the lounge area. Perfect, just what she needed.

Hercules opened the car door for her. After she stepped out, he tried to give her a hug but her whole body stiffened. He let her go. She thanked him and walked inside the gym. Emma quickly put her phone away as she saw Xena coming. She greeted Xena with a cunning smile as she came in. Xena wondered what her sneaky look was about. She dismissed it and asked where Ares was. She didn't have time to play with Emma right now. She was too excited about the news she had just received and needed to share it with Ares expeditiously.

Emma played dumb like she wasn't sure where Ares was right now. Xena knew she was lying. She always kept Ares on her radar, ESPECIALLY when she wasn't around. Xena sneered and walked away. She went to his office and saw he was working on his laptop. She knocked on his door. Ares noticed she had a gleam in her eyes. He pulled her in and closed the door back.

"Ares, I had a doctor's appointment today. I forgot all about it. I'm so sorry." She gave him a hug, hoping that he would understand. She looked at him, he didn't seem too upset, which made her feel alot better.

"What did they say?" He wasn't sure how to process the emotions on how he felt at the moment.

"Guess what we're having?!" Before Ares could take his guess, she blurted it out. She saw the joy in his eyes. Her eyes swelled at his reaction. He was so proud. They stood in each other's arms, absorbing it all in. Ares dropped to his knees and kissed her belly. The anticipation of new life and the promise of a shared future became a silent vow between them. With a whispered, "I love you both," Ares rose, and they continued standing in each other's arms.