Chapter 44: The Celebration
As the sun began to rise on Xena's birthday, the cottage was filled with excitement and anticipation. Hercules and Gabrielle exchanged glances as they finalized their plans for the surprise party they had been arranging for their dear friend.
Meanwhile, Xena was still snuggled in bed with her 4-week-old son cradled in her arms as she watched the soft morning light filter through the curtains. Just then, the door creaked open, and Aphrodite sauntered in.
"Aphrodite, I don't know if I can do this," she muttered.
"I should be with my son." Aphrodite placed a comforting hand on Xena's shoulder.
"Don't worry, sweetie. Hercules will take good care of him. And besides, you deserve a break. It's your birthday, after all." Xena sighed.
"But what if something happens? What if he needs me?" Hercules stepped inside the room after hearing their conversation.
"Xena, nobody's going to get past me," he said with a firm voice.
"I'll protect him with my life. Now go, enjoy yourself. You deserve it." With a reluctant nod, Xena allowed herself to be led away by Aphrodite. She felt a pang of guilt at the thought of leaving her baby even for a short while, but Aphrodite's insistence and Hercules' reassurance eventually persuaded her to accept the offer of a pampering session.
Reluctantly, Xena told her son that she would see him later and allowed Aphrodite to take her away for a much-needed hair appointment. As they left, Xena couldn't shake the feeling of anxiety gnawing at her, but Aphrodite's cheerful chatter and gentle encouragement helped to make her feel at ease.
Back at the cottage, Hercules and Gabrielle sprang into action, transforming the cozy space into a festive oasisfit for a warrior princess. They decorated the rooms with colorful balloons, draped streamers across the walls, and arranged platters of delectable treats on the table. The scent of freshly baked cakes and savory snacks drifted through the rooms.
"We need more streamers over here," Gabrielle called out.
"And don't forget to hang up those fairy lights!" Hercules nodded, a wide grin spreading across his face as he hung streamers from the ceiling.
"Got it," he replied excitedly.
"This place is going to look amazing."
Hercules sped into town to pick up the last-minute supplies, returning with an assortment of finger sandwiches, savory dips, sweet treats, and refreshing beverages. With each passing moment, the anticipation rose, and Gabrielle kept glancing at the clock, counting down the minutes until Xena's return.
As the party time became closer, Gabrielle sent out notifications to their neighbors, inviting them to join in the celebration. With everything in place, the moment was set for a birthday bash that would surely be remembered for years to come.
Aphrodite guided Xena to the cottage, making Xena's heart race with anticipation and worry. Inside was so dark it gave her chills, and her mind started imagining all the worst things that could happen.
"Why is it so dark?" Xena muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. She frowned at all the thoughts going through her head. Aphrodite placed a reassuring hand on Xena's arm, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Don't worry, darling," she reassured with a bright smile.
"Everything's fine. Just wait and see." With a hesitant nod, Xena took a deep breath and pushed open the door, bracing herself for whatever waited forher inside. But as she stepped into the dimly lit room, she was met with a chorus of cheers and laughter as her friends and guestsjumped out from their hiding spots, yelling "Surprise!" in unison.
"Happy birthday, Xena!" Gabrielle exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement as she rushed forward to hug her friend. Xena's eyes widened in shock. She was relieved to see that everything was just fine.
"Wow," she breathed, a wide smile spreading across her face.
"I can't believe you guys did this!" Hercules walked to her with a grin plastered on his face.
"We couldn't let your birthday go unnoticed," he said, his voice filled with warmth.
"You deserve to be celebrated, Xena." With a hesitant nod, Xena took a deep breath and pushed open the door, bracing herself for whatever awaited her inside. But as she stepped into the dimly lit room, she was met with a chorus of cheers and laughter as her friends jumped out from their hiding spots, yelling "Surprise!" in unison.
"Happy birthday, Xena!" Gabrielle exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement as she rushed forward to embrace her friend. Xena's eyes widened in shock, her heart pounding with a mixture of relief and joy.
"Wow," she breathed, a wide smile spreading across her face.
"I can't believe you guys did this!" Hercules walked to her. He had a wide grin plastered on his face.
"We couldn't let your birthday go unnoticed," he said, his voice filled with warmth.
"You deserve to be celebrated, Xena." Tears filled Xena's eyes as she looked around at the festive decorations and the smiling faces. She wanted to go to her room to check on her son, but she knew he had to be napping.
Suddenly, Hercules stepped closer to her, catching her off guard. The laughter and chatter around them faded into the background. He gently pulled Xena into him, wrapping his strong arms around her. The warmth of his body and how familiar he felt gave her comfort she didn't even know she needed.
The world around them began to blur as they stood there. Hercules tilted his head, looking into her eyes with a sincerity that made her heart race. Slowly and softly, he leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss on her lips. The gesture surprised Xena, sending a shiver of warmth through her. Gabrielle nudged Aphrodite and Aphrodite pretended to smile back.
"Happy birthday, Xena," he whispered, his voice low and tender, leaving a lingering sweetness in the air.
Xena's cheeks flushed as she pulled back slightly, caught off guard by the softness of the moment. Her heart swelled with a mix of emotions. The surprise party, the warmth of friendship, and this unexpected intimacy made her feel cherished.
"Thank you, Hercules," she managed, her voice barely above a whisper as she looked up at him. She felt both uplifted and overwhelmed by the love surrounding her while she looked around the room again.
"Thank you," she said, her voice choked with gratitude.
"Thank you all so much. This means the world to me." Surrounded by her friends' love and warmth, Xena felt grateful. She cherished every second of her birthday celebration.
As the celebration went on, she felt uneasy, her motherly instinct kicking in overdrive to check on her son. Amid the laughter and talk, her baby's cry rang through the house, sending chills down her spine.
Xena's heart raced as she bolted towards her bedroom, her mind flooded with fear and panic. When she entered the room, her worst nightmare unfolded before her eyes – the bassinet, once cradling her precious son, was empty.
"No," Xena gasped, her voice choked with tears, her hands trembling with disbelief.
"No, no, no!" She screamed. Gabrielle and Hercules rushed to her side, their faces full of worry as they took in the scene before them. Xena's eyes darted around the room, her frantic gaze searching for any sign of her missing child.
"He's gone," she cried, her voice breaking with anguish.
"Someone took him. Someone stole my baby!" Gabrielle's heart sank as she wrapped her arms around her friend, her own eyes filling with tears.
"We'll find him, Xena," she vowed.
"We'll find whoever did this and bring him back to you, I promise." Hercules clenched his jaw, his muscles tensing with fury at the thought of someone harming an innocent child.
"We won't rest until we've found him." Aphrodite ran into the room and Gabrielle wasted no time in recounting the events that had unfolded.
"Someone stole the baby," Gabrielle's voice trembled with urgency as she told the grim news to Aphrodite. With a serene smile, Aphrodite assured them,
"Do not panic, my dears. As a demi-god, I can sense his presence quickly. I will find him." With a graceful wave of her hand, Aphrodite conjured a shimmering portal. She scanned the portal for a few moments. Xena unconsciously squeezed Gabrielle's hand harder, wishing she could just search the portal herself.
"Got 'em," she declared triumphantly as she located her nephew. Turning to Hercules, who stood by their side, Aphrodite issued her instructions with a sense of urgency.
"Stay here and calmly dismiss the party," she instructed. Without hesitation, Aphrodite reached out and grabbed Xena's and Gabrielle's hands. They vanished into the Aether within a flash. Filled with hope, they set out to bring Xena's beloved son back home safely.
~XA~
The trio materialized in Ares' condo just as he was pacing the front room with the infant nestled in his arms. Xena's heart leaped with relief at the sight of her son, and she rushed forward, gently taking the baby from Ares' grasp.
"Ares, why did you take him and disappear?" Xena's voice was both worried and accusatory as she checked their child for harm. Ares stopped, looking regretful.
"I hadn't seen my son in three weeks, and with the party going on, I didn't want to bother anyone," he explained, his tone softening as he met Xena's gaze. Xena's eyes softened as she looked at him, her heart aching emotions. Despite everything, she couldn't deny the familiar pull she felt toward him.
"By the gods, you are so beautiful," Ares breathed, his words catching Xena off guard. Xena locked eyes with Ares, finding a softness in his gaze that she hadn't seen in weeks. The hardness that seemed to shadow him whenever Ashley was near, was gone. Instead, there was a warmth that stirred something deep within her soul. It was like Ares had come out of the fog of confusion and doubt that had clouded his mind.
In that moment, when their eyes met, Xena felt a flicker of hope in her heart. Maybe, just maybe, they could find their way back to each other, despite the obstacles that had threatened to tear them apart. A soft smile graced Xena's lips as she reached out to touch his cheek, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath her fingertips.
"I wish I could remember you and how we used to be," Ares confessed.
"Let me remind you," she whispered. With a gleam in her eyes, Xena leaned in closer, her hand sliding behind Ares' neck as she pulled him into a passionate the longing and pain melted away as they embraced each other hungrily, their lips meeting in a heated dance of love and longing. When they finally broke apart, their breaths mingling in the air, Ares opened his eyes. His gaze was filled with wonder.
"Wow," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. Xena couldn't help but laugh while lost in each other's embrace. Aphrodite had a satisfied smile, and Gabrielle looked on with a shrug. Ares looked at Xena, his face showing both surprise and amusement.
"And we're married?" he asked, a hint of disbelief in his voice. Xena laughed again at his incredulous tone.
"Yes," she confirmed with a gentle smile, her eyes shimmering with affection. Ares grinned, his expression softening with genuine warmth.
"I'm a lucky god," he grinned, his voice laced with sincerity. With a sadden expression, Xena reached out and took Ares' hand in hers.
"Ares, I miss you so much," she confessed, her voice filled with emotion. "And I promise, I'm going to bring you back. I won't rest until I do." Ares nodded with understanding.
"Also, don't go back to our house and stay as far away from Ashley as possible," she warned, her tone firm.
"She's behind the curse." Ares' brows frowned with concern as he absorbed her words.
"Ashley?" he repeated, his voice filled with confusion. Xena nodded.
"Yes, she's not who she seems to be. I'll explain everything later, but for now, just trust me," she urged, her gaze pleading with him to heed her warning. Ares nodded.
"I trust you, Xena," he confirmed, determination gleaming in his eyes. Xena's heart swelled with gratitude and relief. She squeezed Ares' hand affectionately.
"Can I visit you sometimes?" Ares asked, a hint of vulnerability in his voice. Xena's heart melted at his request.
"Of course," she replied, her voice filled with love. Unable to resist any longer, Xena wrapped her arms around Ares in a loving embrace with their son cradled between them.
"We have to go," she whispered reluctantly, her heart heavy with the weight of their separation.
~XA~
Xena exhaled a quiet sigh of relief as she settled into bed. The soft glow from the TV cast flickering shadows all around the son was finally asleep after his feeding, granting her a moment of much-needed rest. Hercules had gone back to his home to grab a few items and would return in the morning.
With the remote control in her hand, she absently flipped through the channels. Suddenly, a familiar presence materialized in the room, causing a jolt of surprise to course through her veins. She turned to find Ares standing there, his form illuminated by the soft glow of the television.
For a moment, her heart fluttered with longing. She remembered the way his touch felt, the way he ignited every nerve in her body with just a glance. The sight of him standing there, strong and confident, stirred something deep inside her. She wanted him. She wanted to feel his hands on her, to lose herself in the intensity of their connection.
Every moment apart had felt like an eternity. She felt as if a part of her was missing, a void that only Ares could fill. The nights were the hardest. She had tossed and turned, imagining his body next to hers, dreaming of the way he would pull her close, his warmth comforting her. She missed the way he would kiss her, slow and passionate, as if time stood still just for them.
As she gazed at him, her desire intensified. "I need him," she thought, the yearning becoming almost unbearable. "I need to remind him of what we have. I need to show him how much he means to me." Her breath caught as she imagined the taste of his lips against hers, the way he would touch her, igniting every part of her being.
Shaking those thoughts momentarily from her head, she remembered she needed to actually address him.
"Ares, what are you doing here?" Ares' gaze softened as he met her eyes.
"After meeting you again, I couldn't get you off my mind," he confessed, his voice low and earnest. Xena felt as if she stopped breathing as she processed his words. She wanted to run to him, to lose herself in the passion that had once defined their relationship. But doubt crept in. "What if he doesn't want me?" she thought, biting her lip in frustration. She knew he couldn't remember the love they shared.
Yet, as she looked into his eyes, she saw a flicker of something familiar. A spark of recognition that gave her hope. "Maybe I can remind him," she thought, a small smile forming on her lips. "Maybe I can show him just how deep our bond runs."
She extended her hand towards him, silently inviting him to join her. Without hesitation, Ares climbed into bed beside her, changing his leathers to a pair of lounge pants and topless.
Feeling him so close and inhaling his scent again, the scent she longed for and craved for so long, sent her mind in overdrive. She climbed on top of him, still under the sheets and captured his lips, grinding her hips on him. The taste of him clouded her mind. His member pressed hard against her center. Ares moaned in her mouth as he placed his hands on her rear, raising her gown up. He pulled back from the kiss,
"Xena are you..." Xena put her finger up to his lips.
"SShhhh, no talking." She gave him a mischievous grin as she slid his pants down. His hard member plopped out. It stood with all its might. Xena ran her fingers along the shaft. Oh, how she missed her man. She lifted her gown over her head, not wanting any kind of barrier between them.
She rose up and slid down his cock, digging her nails into Ares shoulders. Ares breath quickened as his eyes widen. She grabbed both his hands into hers and she began to slowly ride him. Ares stared at her, stunned at the emotions going through him and her beauty.
Suddenly, he flipped her over onto her back. He lifted one of her legs up and began passionately thrusting. They both moaned with delight. Xena pulled him close to her, wanting to feel all of him. She rubbed her hands all over his muscular body.
Never wanting to let him go, she wrapped both of her legs around him, as he sped up. He had no choice but to fill her with his seed since he couldn't move without taking her with him. He dropped on top of her body, pleased. She slowly ran her fingers through his moist curls while she looked him in his eyes,
"I love you. Even if you can't remember how you feel about me, know that I'll always love you." Before he could reply, their baby began to stir. Xena looked at the clock.
"Ares, he's hungry." Ares got out the bed and cradled his son as he brought him to her.
"Aphrodite said that I'm supposed to name him," he said as he watched his son hungrily nurse. She was so tender and loving with him.
"Yep, that's right. You never told me his name before you lost your memories, so we've been calling him jr." She looked at Ares lovingly. She couldn't help but smile at him. He smiled back.
"Well, I've thought of a name." Xena looked at him with wide eyes, urging him to continue.
"Austin." Xena smiled down at their son,
"Hello, Austin."