Chapter 43: Adjusting

Xena's hands trembled as she unfolded the letter, her heart pounding in her chest. With each word she read, a cold realization gripped her soul. The contents of the letter revealed a sinister truth that sent shivers down her spine. Ashley was not who she appeared to be. She was Alti... reincarnated, sent to destroy Xena's life once again.

The memories flooded back with a newfound clarity. Her actions, her manipulations, her attempts to erase Ares' memories of her—all of it suddenly made sense. In a trance-like state, Xena turned to Hercules and Gabrielle, her voice urgent and trembling.

"Did Ashley ever... rub your head?" she asked, her eyes searching theirs for confirmation of her suspicions. Hercules shook his head with a troubled expression,

"No, she tried, but I stopped her." Gabrielle looked at Xena, clearly confused.

"No, she never did," she answered.

"Alti... she's back," Xena whispered, her voice barely audible over the rush of emotions flooding her mind. Hercules and Gabrielle exchanged worried glances as Xena explained the contents of the letter.

"But how could she...?"

"It doesn't matter how," Xena interrupted Hercules.

"What matters is what she's done. She's cursed Ares, wiped his memory clean of me...that's why he doesn't remember me." Xena said as her voice cracked. Gabrielle's eyes widened in shock, her hand instinctively reaching out to grasp Xena's shoulder.

"I can't believe she's back," Gabrielle whispered.

"Believe it, Gabrielle. She's been manipulating us, erasing Ares' memories right before our eyes."

"After all this time..."Hercules nodded solemnly, his gaze fixed on Xena and the baby.

"We'll figure this out, Xena. But right now, we need to focus on keeping you and the baby safe." Xena nodded in agreement, her maternal instincts kicking into overdrive. She couldn't allow anything to jeopardize her son's safety, not even the vengeful spirit of Alti. She would protect her child at all costs.

"We'll need to find a way to break Alti's curse," Xena said firmly.

"But until then, we stay here, where it's safe." As Xena nursed her baby, her mind wandered with thoughts of the impending danger.

She knew what she had to do. She would confront Ashley, face the darkness that had infiltrated her life, and put an end to Alti's reign of terror once and for all. But first, she needed a plan, a way to defeat an enemy who had already taken so much from her.

Hercules stood at the bedroom door, bringing in a few bags and the baby's things. Xena's eyes softened as she noticed there was an extra suitcase. Before she could ask, Hercules spoke up,

"I'm staying here for as long as you need me, Xena. I'm not going anywhere until you and the baby are back on your feet." His voice was steady. Xena raised an eyebrow but smiled, grateful for the support.

"Hercules, you don't have to do that." He shook his head.

"I do. You've been through enough, and I'm not letting you go through this alone. Just focus on healing and taking care of your baby. Leave the rest to us." She nodded, taking a deep breath.

"Thank you." Hercules gave her a reassuring look before setting the suitcase down.

"Now, don't push yourself too hard. The last thing you need is to overdo it."

Later that night, Gabrielle approached Hercules in the living room.

"So, are you sleeping on the couch?" she asked, half expecting it to be his plan. He shook his head.

"No, I'm staying in Xena's room. I want to be close by in case she needs anything." Gabrielle blinked, a bit surprised but understanding.

"Oh, I see."

With a brief glance, she headed off to her room, leaving Hercules to quietly arrange his sleeping spot in Xena's room. He made a simple pallet on the floor next to her bed. As Xena lay resting with her baby, Hercules sat on the floor, making sure everything was in place.

"I'm here if you need anything." Xena looked down at him, feeling comforted.

"Thank you, Hercules. I appreciate this, more than you know."

He smiled softly. "Get some rest. I've got everything covered."

But as the hours passed, Xena couldn't help but notice how uncomfortable he looked, tossing and turning on the hard floor. She sighed, knowing he was far too proud to admit it.

"Hercules," she whispered. "Come get into the bed."

He paused, resisting. "I'm fine, Xena. I don't want to crowd you."

"Hercules," her voice held a no-nonsense tone, "don't make me say it again."

With a reluctant sigh, he grabbed his pillow and climbed into the other side of the bed. "Okay, okay."

He tried to keep his distance and pulled the covers over himself. When he did, he noticed how fresh everything smelled, thanks to Aphrodite's little intervention earlier. Everything in the room felt new, and even Xena's scent was intoxicating. He tried to focus on anything else, telling himself over and over that she was now his sister-in-law. But the more he told himself that, the more it frustrated him.

She shouldn't be his sister-in-law. She should be his!

He sighed again, louder this time, slamming his head back onto the pillow, frustration clear in his every movement. Xena sensed the inner battle going on in his head and glanced at him from the corner of her eye. She could see his tension but decided it was best to let him sort it out on his own.

After all, some things were better left unspoken. For now, at least.

~XA~

The days in Gabrielle's cottage passed with quiet chaos. Xena worked on her recovery while Gabrielle and Hercules shared the load, helping with the baby whenever they could. Hercules, in particular, seemed to form a deep bond with his nephew. Every morning, he'd take the baby for a walk outside, pointing out the trees and flowers, as though showing him the world for the first time.

In the evenings, the trio would gather around the small dining table, their laughter filling the cottage as they joked about the challenges of diaper duty and sleep deprivation. The baby would cry out at the most inopportune times, only to be soothed by all three adults.

Despite the routine, Hercules found himself feeling more at home here than he expected. His feelings for Xena tempted to resurface, stronger than ever, but he kept them in check, trying to focus on helping her in whatever way he could.

~XA~

As Xena laid on the bed, cradling her newborn, her eyelids felt heavy, but she couldn't relax with Hercules shuffling around the room. She watched as he loudly arranged the baby's things—his way of keeping busy, of distracting himself.

"You've been amazing, Hercules," she whispered, breaking the quiet. "More than I could have asked for." He glanced over, giving a small smile.

"You know I'd do anything to help." His voice was calm, but underneath, there was a tension he wasn't letting out. Xena could sense it. She always could with him.

"You should get some rest, too," she added, nodding to the pillow he had laid out on the floor. He nodded and went to his pallet.

A few uncounted moments later, he shifted awkwardly, glancing at the hard ground where he'd been trying—and failing—to sleep the last few nights. She sighed softly, feeling frustrated. She could hear every restless shift he made, every time he repositioned himself to try to get comfortable on the hard floor.

"Hercules," she murmured. When he didn't respond, she raised her voice just enough. "Come on. Get into the bed." She was so tired of hearing him moving. Everytime she was almost fast asleep, there he was roughly tossing and turning again. He stopped, mid-movement, as if frozen.

"Xena... I can't. I'll be fine."

"I won't sleep if I have to hear you wrestling with that floor all night." Her voice was firmer now, but still gentle. "Just get in." She pulled the covers back in the bed for him. He looked at her, hesitant. His jaw clenched slightly before he gave a resigned sigh, grabbing his pillow.

"Okay... fine. But I'll stay on my side." Xena gave him a soft smile, watching him carefully as he climbed in, the bed dipping slightly beneath his weight. Hercules laid stiffly beside her, keeping a noticeable distance between them, as if afraid any accidental touch would burn him. He pulled the covers up to his chest and stared at the ceiling.

The room was quiet for a long while with the only sounds being the baby's soft breathing and the occasional rustle of fabric as they both tried to get comfortable. The silence hung thick between them.

Xena turned slightly on her side and pulled the baby close to her body. She could feel the warmth of Hercules' body just inches away, his presence comforting but also unnerving in a way she hadn't expected. She closed her eyes, telling herself to sleep, but sleep wouldn't come.

She shifted, the movement causing her arm to brush lightly against his. It was the smallest of touches, but it sent a spark through Hercules. He froze, holding his breath, his senses suddenly hyperaware of how close they were.

Xena felt it too. Her fingers hovered for a moment over his hand before she slowly retracted them. Neither of them said a word but they both knew something was changing between them.

The next night was much the same. Hercules was sleeping in the bed now, though they still kept a careful distance. Xena laid on her back, staring up at the ceiling, while Hercules rested beside her, his breathing deep but uneven. They both knew there was no reason to pretend he could even sleep on the hard floor.

She turned her head to glance at him. His eyes were closed, but she knew he wasn't asleep. His body was too tense, his shoulders tight as if he were holding himself back from something. She laughed to herself, thinking that he looked like a mummy.

"Hercules."

"Mhm?" he murmured, never opening his eyes.

"You don't have to... hold yourself like that. Just relax. I'm not going to bite." He gave a low snicker, though it was strained.

"I'm just... trying to give you space."

"There's plenty of space," she replied, her tone softer now. "You're not going to crowd me. Just... stop being so stiff." She could hear him exhale, his body loosening slightly.

The baby stirred in his bassinet beside the bed, his tiny cries breaking the silence. Hercules moved to get up, but Xena beat him to it, sitting up and cradling her son in her arms.

"It's alright," she whispered to her baby, her voice soft and soothing as she began to nurse him. Hercules turned his head to watch her, the gentle glow of moonlight highlighting her face. There was something about the way she held the baby, the tenderness in her expression, that made his chest ache.

As the baby fed, Xena shifted in the bed, her body naturally leaning closer to Hercules. She didn't mean to—there was just nowhere else to go in the small space they shared—but her thigh brushed against his leg, and she could feel the warmth of his skin through the blankets.

Hercules tensed again, trying not to react, but it was impossible to ignore how close they were now. He could smell the light fragrance of her hair, see the way her eyes softened as she looked down at her child. It was beautiful. She was beautiful. He swallowed hard, his heart pounding in his chest.

"Xena..." His voice came out rougher than he intended, and she glanced over at him.

"Yeah?" she whispered.

"I... never mind." He shook his head, forcing himself to look away. He didn't trust himself to say anything more.

Xena stared at him for a moment longer, her eyes searching his face as if trying to read the thoughts he was so desperately trying to hide. But she said nothing, turning her attention back to the baby.

~XA~

Xena sat in a cozy armchair, cradling the baby against her chest, gently rocking him to sleep. Hercules was by her side, crouched in front of the fireplace, poking at the fire to keep it going. Gabrielle sat on a nearby couch, writing in her book, but her eyes kept darting between Xena and Hercules.

The soft crackle of the fire filled the room as they relaxed after a long day. Gabrielle noticed the way Hercules leaned just a bit closer to Xena as he stoked the fire, his movements careful, like he was trying not to disturb her.

"You two have gotten pretty comfortable," Gabrielle teasingly said, as she glanced over at them. Xena gave her a tired smile.

"We're just surviving. Baby's been a handful."

"Yeah," Hercules added, his tone casual, though there was something in the way his hand lingered near Xena's knee, brushing the fabric of her dress ever so slightly before he withdrew.

"Just trying to help out." Gabrielle's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Uh-huh." She set her book to the side and stretched as she stood up.

"Mind if I hold him for a bit?" Xena nodded, placing her son carefully into Gabrielle's waiting arms.

"Of course." Gabrielle cradled the baby with ease and gently rocked him back and forth.

"He's getting big already. You both make a good team." She spoke lightly, but there was a hint in her tone, as if she was trying to see if either of them would show a reaction. Xena shared a quick look with Hercules, and they both gave nonchalant smiles.

"We've had some practice," Xena said, her voice smooth. "It's just... circumstances."

"Yeah," Hercules chimed in, though his eyes lingered on Xena a moment longer than necessary. "Just helping out."

Gabrielle raised an eyebrow but didn't push further, simply humming in response as she sat back down. She noticed how Hercules softly squeezed her knee and how she didn't look at him, as if she was used to his touch. Gabrielle bit her lip, silently making a note to keep an eye on them. Something was definitely different.

~XA~

Hercules laid on his side, facing Xena, who was cradling the baby, trying to rock him to sleep. She hummed softly under her breath, her voice gentle and calming.

As the baby finally drifted off, Xena placed him carefully in his bassinet, then sat back against the pillows with a tired sigh. Hercules watched her with a soft, intense gaze. He couldn't help it. There was something about these quiet moments with her that made everything else fade away.

"You look exhausted," he said quietly.

Xena sighed, rubbing her eyes. "I am."

Without hesitation, Hercules shifted closer and said softly,

"You'd sleep better if you let me give you a scalp massage. It might help you relax."

Xena opened her mouth to decline, but before she could, Hercules had already moved her into his lap. She stiffened for a moment, unsure of how to respond. But as his strong hands began working over her scalp, his fingers digging gently but firmly into the tension that had built up, Xena found herself slowly melting into the comfort.

Her body relaxed against him, the pressure of his hands releasing knots she hadn't even realized were there.

"That feels... really good," she murmured, her voice a little breathier than she expected, her eyes half-closing. Hercules' hands stopped for just a second at her words. He could feel the shift in his thoughts, his mind wandering to places he shouldn't go. He pushed the thoughts away, trying to focus only on easing her tension. But the way her body leaned into his touch, the quiet moans she let out, stirred something deeper inside him.

His heart pounded, his breath slowing as his mind drifted. He couldn't stop thinking about the ways he could make her feel even better, his hands slipping lower, her soft moans turning into something else entirely. He fought the thoughts, shaking them off, but it was getting harder with every touch.

Xena's quiet moan pulled him back again, her lips barely parting as she whispered,

"Hercules..."

His hands froze. For a moment, he debated leaning down, his lips just a breath away from hers. Xena's eyes met his, and he knew she could see the battle waging in his mind.

He wanted her. It would be so easy to kiss her. But instead, he pulled back, letting the moment slip away.

"We should... get some sleep," he muttered, voice strained. Xena blinked, her heart pounding as she nodded.

"Yeah. We should." They both laid down, this time facing away from each other, but the tension was still thick between them. Neither of them said another word, but sleep didn't come easily that night. Both of them were all too aware of just how close they had been, and how fragile the line between them had become.

~XA~

It was a sunny afternoon, and the small group was enjoying a rare moment of peace. Gabrielle sat on a blanket spread out on the grass, playing with the baby while Xena and Hercules chatted by the nearby stream, their heads close together as they spoke softly.

Suddenly, a shimmer of pink light appeared in the sky, and with a flash, Aphrodite materialized, her usual bubbly presence causing Gabrielle to look up in surprise.

"Heyyy, mortals!" Aphrodite called out, her voice as melodious as ever. She floated down gracefully, her golden hair bouncing with every step.

"Uhh, seriously?" Gabrielle muttered under her breath but forced a smile. "Aphrodite. To what do we owe the pleasure?"

The goddess of love grinned, ignoring Gabrielle's tone as she twirled her finger in the air.

"Oh, you know me. Just checking in on my favorite warriors. And the baby!" She knelt beside Gabrielle, her eyes widening as she cooed at the infant.

"Aww, look at this little cutie! I mean, he's no Cupid, but still adorable!" She picked him up and bounced him softly. Gabrielle laughed lightly.

Aphrodite glanced up at Xena and Hercules, who were still deep in conversation by the stream. Her playful smile faded slightly as she watched the way Hercules leaned just a little too close, and the way Xena's hand lightly brushed his arm when they laughed at something unheard.

Gabrielle followed Aphrodite's gaze and creased her brows.

"Yeah... you notice it too?" Aphrodite's expression became conflicted.

"Oh, honey, I notice everything," she whispered, sliding closer to Gabrielle as if sharing a secret.

"And I gotta say, something's brewing between those two." Gabrielle sighed.

"I knew it! They've been acting... off. Like they're trying to pretend nothing's going on, but it's so obvious." Aphrodite raised a perfectly manicured finger to her lips.

"Shhh! Keep it down. We wouldn't want them to catch on that we're talking about them." Gabrielle laughed but leaned in closer.

"What do you think? I mean... Ares and Xena? Hercules and Xena? It's all very complicated." Aphrodite's face twisted in thought.

"Well, it is complicated. I mean, Ares is my brother. But so is Hercules. And honestly? Ares is my favorite. I can't help it; he's got that whole bad boy thing going on." She sighed dramatically, twirling a lock of her golden hair.

"But Herc... he's been through so much. I don't know if I should be rooting for him or just... stay out of it." Gabrielle gave her a sympathetic look.

"I guess it's not easy having two brothers in love with the same woman."

"You're telling me!" Aphrodite groaned. "It's like, come on, Xena, can't you pick one? But also... I kinda get it. She's a goddess in her own way." Aphrodite winked.

"But honestly, I think she's leaning towards Hercules now since he's always around again. You can feel the... vibes." Gabrielle nodded.

"Yeah, that's what I'm thinking too. They've gotten really close since the baby." Aphrodite smirked, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

"I'd say they're getting cozy. But who can blame them? Herc's got that whole strong, noble thing going on, and Xena's... well, she's Xena." Gabrielle glanced at them again, watching as Hercules brushed a stray hair from Xena's face. It was a small, almost innocent gesture, but it sent a clear signal.

"Yeah, but they're acting like it's nothing."

"Oh, sweetie," Aphrodite exclaimed, shaking her head with a playful smile. "That's how it always starts." Aphrodite's playful mood suddenly changed, her bright expression dimming as she spoke in a saddened tone.

"I really hope we find a way to fix Ares' memories so he can get his family back." Gabrielle glanced at her, unsure how to respond. She knew Aphrodite loved her brother, but she couldn't shake the nagging doubts in the back of her mind. Forcing a small smile, Gabrielle replied,

"Yeah, maybe." Aphrodite sighed, not noticing Gabrielle's hesitation, but Gabrielle couldn't let it go.

"He could be pretending this whole time, though. I mean, he is a god, after all." Aphrodite bit her lip but didn't argue. She knew her brother wouldn't purposely do that to his family.

Xena and Hercules started walking back towards them, unaware of the conversation happening in their absence. Gabrielle straightened up, putting on a neutral face, while Aphrodite gave them her trademark radiant smile.

"Everything alright?" Xena asked, noticing the suspiciously innocent expressions on both their faces.

"Oh, nothing," Gabrielle said quickly, a little too cheerful. "Just talking about... the weather." Aphrodite winked at Gabrielle.

"Yeah, so sunny today." Xena narrowed her eyes but didn't push. Hercules, on the other hand, glanced between them, clearly sensing something was up, but he didn't question it either.