Chapter 33: Uneasy Toast

The seventh morning started with the pleasant sound of birds chirping through the open window. Sunlight streamed into the room, giving it a warm light that brightened the faces of those who had been watching over Xena for the last seven days.

Gabrielle, Ares, and Aphrodite maintained a constant presence at Xena's bedside, unwilling to leave her alone in this dangerous state. Ares had conjured a nutrition bag, carefully securing it to Xena to ensure she received the sustenance necessary for her survival.

As the days unfolded, a subtle transformation took place. Xena's fever had finally broken, giving them a renewed sense of hope. Aphrodite shared the good news with a sigh of relief.

"Her color's back to normal, and the baby's heartbeat is strong," she announced, a glimmer of hope in her voice. Gabrielle nodded appreciatively.

"Ares, your quick thinking with the nutrition bag made a real difference. Thank you for taking care of her." Ares was grateful for the signs of improvement but couldn't shake the worry that still lingered in his eyes.

"We're not out of the woods yet. We need her to wake up." His gaze remained fixed on Xena, a silent plea for her to return, as he pulled her closer in his embrace. A faint moan escaped Xena's lips. Her hand twitched ever so slightly, prompting an immediate burst of excitement from the trio who had been anxiously waiting for this moment. Gabrielle, sitting on the edge of her seat, couldn't hide her happiness.

"Xena! Did you hear that? She's waking up!" Ares had been closely watching every small movement and couldn't hide the relief in his voice,

"Come on, Xena. Open those beautiful eyes for us." Aphrodite's smile spread across her face as she added some encouraging words,

"You got this, Warrior Babe! Time to rejoin the land of the living." The room was filled with anticipation as Xena's eyelids fluttered open, slowly revealing the deep blue gaze that had been dormant for too long. The room was filled with triumph as everyone celebrated the return of their beloved friend, wife, and soon-to-be mother. Gabrielle's eyes filled with tears as she wrapped Xena in a tight embrace.

"Xena, by the gods, you're back!" she exclaimed. Aphrodite stood nearby and couldn't contain her emotions.

"Warrior babe, I thought I was gonna lose it!" She wiped away a tear, her radiant smile expressing the sheer happiness of the moment. Xena was still adjusting to waking up, but she managed a weak, genuine smile.

"Hey, guys. Missed you too," she said with a raspy voice. Gabrielle pulled back slightly, cupping Xena's face in her hands,

"We were so worried, Xena. You have no idea." Aphrodite chimed in,

"Yeah, babe, the place wasn't the same without your snarky comments." Xena laughed softly.

"Well, couldn't let you guys have all the fun without me." Ares felt overwhelmed with relief. He gently cupped Xena's face. Leaning in, he pressed a loving kiss on her dry lips.

"I was so scared, Xena. I thought I lost you both," he admitted, his voice a mix of emotions. Then, he took a deep breath.

"Sweet, there's something you need to know." Xena's eyes widened. She immediately placed her hand on her belly, hoping to feel its movements. The last thing she wanted to hear was something horrible about their baby.

"What is it, Ares? What happened?" Her eyes widen as she waited for his response.

"The amulet you found was cursed. It was draining our child's life force," he explained, watching the fear creep into her eyes.

"But we broke it. Hecate gave me a potion, and it saved both you and the baby." Ares' fingers traced comforting circles on her hand. Xena gasped, her gaze shifting between Ares and her belly.

"Gave you?" Xena exchanged a worried look from Ares to Aphrodite.

"The gods never just give. What did you have to pay?" she asked as she grabbed Ares' hand. Ares looked away from her gaze, trying to avoid the question. The room stood silent awaiting Ares' reply, but he had no intention of revealing the truth.

"There is no such cost too great for my family." He replied confidently. Xena closed her eyes, fear clouding her mind. She decided to let it go, for now. She looked down at her belly.

"Our child?" she whispered, the realization sinking in. Ares nodded, a soft smile forming on his lips.

"Our little warrior fought through it, just like their mother." Tears filled in Xena's eyes. She pressed a grateful kiss to Ares' cheek, whispering,

"Thank you."

~XA~

With Ares on one side and Gabrielle on the other, Xena started the journey of rebuilding her strength. Their favorite place to help her was in the garden, where the fragrant blooms hugged their senses with every move. Ares supported Xena with each step.

"Take it easy, my love. We're here to guide you," he reassured, his voice a soothing melody. Gabrielle, walking beside them, echoed Ares' sentiment,

"You've faced battles fiercer than this, Xena. We'll take it one day at a time, and you'll come back stronger." Ares took another week off from work, ensuring he was readily available to help his wife during her recovery. Xena was strong and recovery was a breeze. Her determination helped her through it.

~XA~

Their home became a safe place for friends and allies. Hercules paid a few visits, bringing with him vibrant flowers and cheerful balloons. The scent of lilies and roses mingled in the air. Ares accepted Hercules and his gifts into his home, willingly to put their past behind them (for now), for his family's sake.

Co-workers, hearing the news of Xena's recovery, flooded the space with well-wishes. Each arrival brought a new breeze, making their home a place for shared stories and laughter. As the visitors filled the room, Xena felt deeply touched by the flood of love and support.

"I never realized how many people cared," she admitted, her eyes reflecting gratitude. Ares, standing by her side, replied,

"Your strength has touched many, my queen, and they're here to show it."

One afternoon the doorbell rang. Ares answered it, wondering who was on the other side. No one had called to let them know in advance that they would be visiting. To his surprise, Emma stood there, holding a bouquet of balloons.

"Hey, Mr. Ares," she greeted, her voice filled with genuine enthusiasm. Ares took a deep breath, steeling himself for the encounter.

"Emma," he replied, gesturing for her to come inside. As she stepped into their home, her eyes widened in amazement, taking in the grand surroundings. Every corner of the house seemed to reflect what should have been hers – the love, the warmth, the life growing inside Xena. The baby's bassinet was already set up in the living room.

Xena sat on the couch sipping a cup of tea. Emma greeted Xena, trying to hide the jealousy that stung her heart, but Xena noticed the subtle signs.

"Emma, it's been a while. How have you been?" Xena inquired, giving her a warm smile. Emma managed a smile, her gaze momentarily glanced between Xena's radiant glow and the balloons she brought.

"I've been good, Xena. Just thought I'd drop by and offer my well wishes."

The three engaged in light conversation, with Emma complimenting the home and expressing amazement. The jealousy gnawed at Emma as she conversed with the couple. Despite the underlying tension, they managed to navigate through the encounter with grace. As Emma told them good-bye and left, rage poured out of her veins. The jealousy gnawed at her as she drove home. Ares, the man she once thought would be hers, now stood by Xena's side. The giant house, a showcase of their shared love, felt like a stolen dream. And the baby, a symbol of a future Emma had envisioned, now belonged to another.

~XA~

As Xena's strength returned, the group decided to celebrate by giving her a baby shower. Ares put together a grand celebration in a convention space within a lavish hotel he had rented for the occasion. The expansive room sparkled with lights. There was a large table set towards the entrance that began to fill up swiftly with baby gifts. Bags and gifts in all sizes lined the tables.

Xena looked stunning in her dress, her baby bump accentuated as she greeted guests at the lovely venue. The theme of the baby shower was a whimsical garden, with pastel-colored decorations and floral arrangements adorning every corner.

Gabrielle greeted guests with her warmth and enthusiasm, encouraging everyone to partake in the festivities. She wore a floral headband that matched the theme of the shower and added to the enchanting atmosphere.

Ares proudly stood by Xena's side. He rested his hand protectively on Xena's lower back as they moved through the crowd together. Soon, it was time for Xena to open her gifts, and the guests eagerly gathered around to witness the moment. With each present unwrapped, Xena's eyes sparkled with gratitude, her smile widening as she admired each thoughtful gesture. Gabrielle handed Xena a beautifully wrapped box adorned with delicate bows and ribbons as her eyes shined with excitement.

"This one's from me," her voice was filled with anticipation.

Xena carefully untied the ribbon and lifted the lid of the box, revealing a collection of handcrafted baby blankets and onesies, each lovingly made by Gabrielle herself. Tears filled Xena's eyes as she ran her fingers over the soft fabric.

"Thank you, they're beautiful." Gabrielle smiled back tenderly at Xena.

Next, Ares presented Xena with a gift of his own, a proud smile on his face as he handed her a small package wrapped in gold paper.

"For our little warrior," he said. Xena looked at him surprised. She had no idea he would have a gift for their baby. She unwrapped the gift to reveal a tiny pair of leather boots, carefully embroidered with symbols of strength and courage. She looked up at Ares, her heart overflowing with love and gratitude for the man who stood beside her.

As the shower continued, Xena's friends and family showered her with love, each gift reflecting the joy and anticipation surrounding the arrival of her precious baby. The room echoed with laughter and joy. Once Xena was done opening the gifts, it was time for everyone to celebrate.

The sounds of lively music swirled around the space as friends and well-wishers mingled. Gabrielle twirled in a dance with Aphrodite. Ares approached Xena with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

"Care for a dance, my warrior queen?" he asked, extending his hand. Xena's eyes lit up, and she gladly accepted his invitation. However, as they swayed to the rhythm of the music, Hercules approached.

"Mind if I cut in?" he asked with a warm smile. Xena, caught in the spirit of celebration, accepted Hercules' hand, leaving Ares momentarily watching from the sidelines. Although he was supportive, Ares couldn't completely conceal a flicker of disapproval. Aphrodite gently touched his arm. Her calming presence reassured him. He then took a seat at one of the dining tables.

Noticing that Ares was now alone, Emma seized the opportunity to capture his attention. With a sly smile, she approached him, gracefully swaying to the rhythm of the music.

" , care for a dance?" she asked, her eyes fixed on him. Ares didn't want to create a scene, so he nodded and rose to his feet, offering his hand to Emma. Xena observed the scene with a confident smirk, making eye contact with Emma as she twirled in Hercules' arms.

Emma had anticipated Xena's anger, but instead, she found a smirking Xena who seemed unfazed by Ares dancing with her. The unexpected reaction frustrated Emma. As they moved gracefully across the dance floor, Xena continued to enjoy her dance with Hercules, reveling in the knowledge that Ares' heart belonged solely to her.

There was an announcement made, signaling it was time to sit down and eat. The waitresses glided gracefully through the lively convention space, carrying silver trays filled with an array of delectable dishes. The tantalizing aroma of various cuisines filled the air. In the midst of the chatter, Hercules tapped on the side of his glass, getting the crowd's attention. He lifted his glass with a subtle smile on his lips.

"To enduring friendships and the unwavering bond that transcends time," he toasted, casting a meaningful glance in Xena's direction. Emma decided to stand next. She raised her glass, her gaze locking onto Ares, as she delivered her toast with a tender smile.

"To life's surprises and the promise of new beginnings. May we all find the love we deserve, even if it means navigating through some unexpected hurdles." As Emma finished her toast, she locked her eyes onto Xena with a sly smile. The lingering gaze conveyed a message that went beyond words. Ares raised his glass, a smile forming on his lips.

"To enduring love, the kind that stands strong against all odds and weathers every storm," he declared, his eyes subtly meeting Xena's.

"Now let's eat!" Throughout the evening, the attentive waitresses and waiters ensured that glasses were filled with fine wines and other beverages.

~XA~

As Ares helped Xena change out of her dress, the echoes of Emma's toast lingered in the air. Xena couldn't shake the feeling that there was an underlying message. Curiosity got the better of her, and she turned to Ares, asking,

"Did you catch what Emma's toast meant? It felt like there was more to it than met the eye." Ares sighed and replied,

"I'm not sure, Xe. But whatever it is, it doesn't change anything. I love only you." As Xena settled into Ares' embrace, the price of the healing potion drifted back to her mind.

"Ares," she said, taking his powerful hand into hers. Ares gave her hand a squeeze as his hands began to roam her body. Struggling to stay on tasks with her thoughts, she continued,

"What price did you have to pay for Hecate's potion?" Ares signed inwardly, not understanding why she was back on this again.

"Xe, its nothing." Xena rose up to meet his gaze.

"It's that much that you would prefer to lie to me?" She rubbed his face with the back of her hand. Ares grabbed her hand and kissed it.

"I don't want to cause you any more stress. It's not good for the baby." Xena snatched her hand from his grasp.

"Cut the crap Ares. Just give it to me straight." He stared into her defiant eyes. He could tell she was not going to let it go. He gave in.

"I agreed to turn over my godhood." Xena was mortified. He watched her expression change from concern to shock, then to disbelief. He knew this wasn't going to be an easy conversation, but he also knew that Xena deserved the truth.

"Xena, listen," Ares began, his voice soft but earnest.

"I did what I had to do to save you. I couldn't bear the thought of losing you or our child." Xena sighed slightly, her mind racing with the implications of Ares's sacrifice.

"But your godhood..." she whispered, unable to comprehend the magnitude of his sacrifice.

"It doesn't matter," Ares insisted, his eyes pleading with her to understand.

"All that matters is that you and the baby are safe." Xena shook her head. Her emotions were in turmoil now.

"But what about you? What will happen to you now?" she asked, her voice trembling with fear. Ares took her hands in his,

"I'll figure it out, Xe," he promised. Her gaze locked with Ares's, finding in his eyes not just love, but also determination. Despite her shock and uncertainty, she knew one thing for certain – she was grateful to have Ares by her side. With a heavy heart, she leaned into him, finding comfort in his embrace.