Chapter 53: The Visitor
"Xena," Hank called warmly, his voice carrying across the driveway.
When Ares and Xena reached Hank's door, it dawned on Ares who the visitor was. It was the guy from the pool—the one who had been lingering too close to Xena for his liking. A wave of protectiveness and jealousy hit him, and his expression hardened with irritation. Hank wore his usual easy smile, tipping his cowboy hat at them.
"Howdy," he greeted, his tone casual and relaxed. Ares' eyes narrowed.
"Who the hell are you, and what are you doing here?" Before Hank could answer, Xena stepped between them, placing a calming hand on Ares' chest.
"Hank, this is my husband, Ares," Xena said, her voice steady despite the tension in the air. "Ares, this is Hank. We met in Seattle...by the pool," she whispered the ending. Hank extended his hand with a polite smile.
"Nice to meet you," he said, his gaze on Ares. Ares glanced at Hank's outstretched hand but didn't move to take it. Instead, he grabbed Xena's arm more firmly than he meant to, his grip tight as he pulled her aside. Xena winced, and a brief look of discomfort crossed her face.
"Care to explain how he knows where we live?" Ares's voice was sharp. They hadn't fully addressed the situation with Hank, but Ares couldn't hide his irritation at his sudden appearance. Hank watched the exchange, his concern growing as he noticed how roughly Ares handled Xena.
"Hey," Hank spoke up, his frustration rising at the way Ares gripped Xena's arm. His smile faded slightly as his eyes darted to Ares.
"I didn't mean any harm," Hank said quickly. "I just wanted to bring her something. It's in the trailer."
Ares' frown deepened, his grip on Xena still firm as he watched Hank walk towards the trailer. Moments later, Hank led out a horse—the one Xena had pointed out in his photo, the one that reminded her of Argo.
With a frown, Xena pulled her arm free from Ares' grasp. Her fingers moved gently over its mane, a soft smile forming as she took in the animal's beauty.
"Why?" Xena asked, her voice filled with curiosity and gratitude as she turned to face Hank. Hank gave her a small smile while running a hand through his hair. A trace of embarrassment showed on his face.
"Well, I kinda ran out of space for her," he lied. Xena gently guided the horse towards Ares, as he crossed his arms with frustration.
"We do not have a stable for a horse," he insisted in a stern and annoyed tone. Xena's brows lowered, thinking, when she turned back to Hank.
"How long can she stay in the trailer? We don't have anywhere fenced in where we can put her right now." Hank surveyed their property. He observed the more than ample space available.
"I can build you an area for the horse to stay in about 3 days. I just need to know where the hardware store is," he offered, unhooking the trailer from his truck.
"And I just need one more person to help me," he added, glancing at Ares.
Xena turned to Ares and raised an eyebrow at him. Ares looked away. Sensing his reluctance, Xena approached him, pulling him into her embrace. She ran her fingers through his soft curls, planting a light kiss on his lips.
"Do it for me," she whispered softly in his ear. With a heavy sigh, he reluctantly agreed to help Hank.
"I'll help you because I'll do anything for Xena." The frustration and firmness in his voice got on Hank's nerves. Hank extended his hand to shake Ares', but Ares simply turned away, heading towards his car.
"I'll take you to the hardware store. Supplies are on me," he stated bluntly.
Ares walked briskly to his car. Hank followed to his own truck, his jaw tightening as he watched Xena's husband. The way Ares acted, rough and controlling, didn't sit right with him. Hank couldn't shake the feeling that Ares was trying to intimidate him, like he was marking his territory.
It irritated Hank even more, especially since he knew how much he cared for Xena and how differently he would treat her. With a quiet sigh, Hank climbed into his truck and started the engine, determined to keep his focus on what mattered—helping her.
Hank navigated the aisles of the hardware store with confidence, picking out wooden planks and other materials easily. Ares followed a few steps behind, watching closely as Hank made his selections. When Hank reached for a stack of wooden planks, Ares stepped closer with his voice firm.
"Not those," he said, pointing toward a sturdier option. "We need something more durable."
Hank hesitated for a moment before nodding and swapping the planks for the ones Ares suggested. They moved on to the aisle with the wood stains and Ares let out an exaggerated sigh, grabbing a different stain from the shelf.
"Xena's not going to like that one," Ares muttered, dropping his pick into the cart instead. Despite his gruff demeanor, it was clear that his priority was making sure everything would meet Xena's standards.
~XA~
Xena paced the living room, her breath shallow and her chest tight. Her heart felt like it was on the verge of bursting, every beat a reminder of the tangled mess she was in. Hank. Here. At her house. The thought alone made her stomach churn.
She glanced at the window, half expecting to see Ares storming back with Hank. The idea of the two of them alone at the store sent a shiver down her spine. Ares didn't know Hank—not the way she did. He didn't know about the nights Hank had spent with her, the quiet meals they'd shared, or how Hank had opened his world to her with stories about his life and his family. And he definitely didn't know about the kiss—or the time they went further than that.
Xena's fingers tightened around her phone as her thoughts spiraled. What if Hank said something? What if he let it slip that he had spent nights at her rental? What if he brought up the moments they'd kissed or how he'd looked at her like she was the only person in the world? And what if... what if Ares found out about the night they crossed the line? Her stomach twisted painfully at the thought.
"No, he wouldn't," she whispered to herself, shaking her head. Hank wouldn't be that careless.
Would he?
The secrets felt heavier now, pressing down on her with every passing second. She had worked so hard to build trust with Ares, to push past their fights and find some kind of balance. And now, with Hank standing in their driveway, she felt like it could all come crashing down in an instant.
She closed her eyes, struggling to calm her thoughts. What were they talking about at the store? Was Ares interrogating him? She could imagine it so clearly—Ares' sharp words, his intimidating presence. And Hank, with his laid-back charm, probably smiling through the tension. But what if Hank slipped up? What if Ares pressed him about their time together? Her chest tightened further at the thought. Ares didn't deserve this. He'd been trying so hard since they got back. Frustration rose as she fumbled with her phone, quickly typing out a message to Gabrielle.
"Hey," she typed. "I'm not going to be able to pick up Austin. Remember Hank, the guy I told you about? He just showed up at my house unexpectedly. I need you to bring Austin home and stay. I could use your help keeping Ares and Hank distracted." She hit send and took a shaky breath, hoping Gabrielle would respond quickly. Moments later, her phone buzzed.
"Don't worry," Gabrielle replied. "I'll be there soon with Austin. Take a deep breath, and we'll figure this out together."
Xena sighed with relief, though tension still lingered as she stepped outside to meet Ares and Hank. Seeing the supplies for the stable and fence, she felt a little better that they were able to accomplish something together. She approached Ares first, seeing he was still angry although he looked calm. Gently, she squeezed his hand.
"Thank you," she murmured, meeting his gaze with both apology and appreciation. Ares nodded, his jaw tight, but he didn't pull away. Turning to Hank, Xena offered a warm smile.
"Thank you for everything," she said cautiously. Hank smiled back and gave her arm a casual rub, sending an uneasy chill through her. When his hand touched her belly, she felt her heart race. She could only imagine the look that Ares had on his face.
"You've gotten bigger since the last time I saw you," Hank remarked, his eyes lingering for a moment too long. Xena nodded and smiled, brushing it off. Ares, however, couldn't. His irritation flared as he cut in abruptly.
"Xena, a word," he said firmly, his arms crossing as his glare locked onto Hank. Xena hesitated, glancing at Hank with a strained smile before following Ares into the house. The door slammed behind them, making her jump.
"Ares, what's wrong?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
"What's wrong?" Ares snapped, his voice low and sharp. "I'll tell you what's wrong. I just watched that guy pawing at you like he has any right to."
"Stop it," Xena said firmly. "Hank is not just some random guy. He's a friend. He came here to give me the horse I showed him in his photos after I told him about Argo."
"A friend?" Ares scoffed. "That's your idea of a friend? Touching you like that, right in front of me?" Xena sighed loudly, exasperated.
"He wasn't making moves on me, Ares. He was being friendly," she shot back. "Touching my belly isn't some romantic gesture. It's—"
"It's what?" Ares interrupted bitterly. "Casual? Innocent? Don't play dumb, Xena. I know what I saw."
"You don't know anything," she snapped, her voice rising. "You stormed in here acting like he's some kind of threat."
"He is a threat!" Ares yelled. "Any man who looks at you like that is a threat." Xena's frustration boiled over.
"That's ridiculous," she countered. "Hank isn't a threat. He's a friend. And if you can't see that—"
"What, Xena?" Ares demanded. "What do you want me to see?" Xena's tone softened.
"See that I love you," she said quietly. "But I can't do this if you're going to be jealous and possessive every time another man looks at me." Ares' face changed. Now he looked regretful.
"Xena, I—" She held up a hand to stop him.
"I need some time," she said softly. "Alone." Before he could respond, she walked away, leaving him standing in the empty room, guilt and regret heavy on his shoulders.
Outside, Xena leaned against the porch railing and closed her eyes. The cool air helped calm the storm of emotions inside her.
"Xena," Hank's gentle voice broke the silence. She opened her eyes.
"Are you okay?" he asked, concern written all over his face.
"I'm fine, Hank," she replied, though her voice lacked conviction. Hank studied her for a moment.
"You don't look fine," he said. "Is everything alright?" He placed an arm around her shoulders, giving her a friendly side hug. Xena allowed it, grateful for the comfort, though it did little to ease the tension she felt.
Inside, Ares stood by the window, his gaze locked on them. Jealousy churned in his gut as he watched Hank's arm around Xena. With a heavy sigh, he stepped outside, determined to put an end to the moment.
"Xena," Ares said firmly, his presence cutting through the night. Xena turned, startled to see him. Without hesitation, Ares pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly. His gaze locked with Hank's, sending a clear warning.
"I love you, okay" Ares said quietly, leaning down to kiss her.
Xena nodded, and he kissed her again. Feeling more at ease, Ares guided her back inside. He settled her on the couch, wrapping an arm around her and rubbing her belly with the other.
"How are you feeling?" he asked, studying her face for any sign of distress.
"I'm fine," she said softly, squeezing his hand.
"Ares," she added, "would you invite Hank in?" Ares tensed but nodded, trying to hide his irritation.
"Of course," he said trying to keep his temper under control, holding the door open for Hank. As Hank walked in, Xena gave him a reassuring smile. Ares clenched his fists but forced himself to stay composed for her sake. When Hank moved to sit beside Xena, Ares' voice cut through the air.
"Wrong seat," he said flatly, his eyes fixed on Hank. With a tight-lipped smile, Hank moved to the seat across from Xena. Ares slid close to Xena, pulling her into his embrace as if to stake his claim. Xena leaned into him, though her heart ached for the tension in the room.
"Do you have anywhere to stay, Hank?" she asked softly.
"No, but I'll find a place in town."
"Nonsense," Xena said firmly. "We have empty bedrooms. You can stay here." Ares stiffened, letting out a deep breath, but said nothing, biting back his objection.
"Thank you," Hank said, his voice filled with gratitude. Xena exchanged a glance with Ares, silently reassuring him. Then, she turned her attention to Hank, determined to keep the peace in the room.
The doorbell rang and Ares stood. His jaw tightened as he walked to the door, each step radiating his frustration. When he opened it, Gabrielle stood there, holding Austin. Her warm smile faded slightly as she took in Ares' rigid stance.
"Gabrielle," Ares said plainly, stepping aside to let her in. His voice was calm, but the storm brewing behind his eyes was unmistakable.
Gabrielle entered the house cautiously, her gaze darting between Ares, Xena, and Hank, who sat on the couch. The tension in the air was thick, almost suffocating. She offered Xena a small, reassuring smile as she made her way into the living room.
As soon as Gabrielle stepped closer, Hank stood abruptly. Without hesitation, he reached out and took Austin from her arms. Ares' eyes narrowed dangerously at the sight. His fists clenched at his sides as the memory of Apollo's portal flashed in his mind—Hank holding Austin, looking like he belonged in Ares' place. The image stirred something primal in him, a fury that clawed at his restraint. Hank cradled Austin with ease, his face lighting up with pure joy. He playfully tossed the Austin into the air, earning a fit of giggles from him.
"Hey big guy," Hank said, his voice warm and affectionate. "I missed you."
Ares' head snapped towards Hank, his glare icy and unrelenting. His jaw tightened, his chest rising and falling with controlled breaths. He turned his sharp gaze to Xena, silently demanding an explanation. Xena met his glare and shrugged. Gabrielle watched the exchange, her eyes moving between Ares and Xena. She stepped closer to Xena, lowering her voice.
"Do you want me to take Austin back?" Xena shook her head slightly, her eyes still locked on Ares. She felt the weight of his anger, his jealousy radiating through the room.
Ares, however, couldn't tear his eyes away from Hank. He watched as Hank laughed and played with Austin, the little boy clearly enjoying the attention. The sight only stoked Ares' anger further. This man—this stranger—was holding his son, acting as if he had a place in their family.
Ares' fists tightened at his sides, his body tense as he fought the urge to act. Every part of him wanted to grab Austin away and throw Hank out of the house. He clenched his jaw, his gaze moving to Xena. She sat stiffly on the couch beside Gabrielle, her hand resting on her belly, moving in slow circles as she tried to steady her breathing.
Gabrielle, sitting close to Xena, had her arms crossed and watched the scene unfold with growing discomfort. She leaned slightly towards Xena but Xena didn't look at her. Instead, she stared at Hank and Austin, her lips pressed into a thin line, clearly trying to maintain her composure. Austin laughed again, the sound clear and bright in the otherwise tense room. It was a stark contrast to the heavy silence between the adults.
Ares moved a step closer to Xena, his angry eyes fixed on Hank. He bent slightly, resting his hand on the back of the couch near Xena. Hank, who had been smiling seconds earlier, glanced at Ares and froze. For the first time, the easy confidence in his demeanor was replaced by hesitation. Xena exhaled slowly, her eyes closing for a brief moment as she fought to calm herself.
She opened them again and glanced at Ares. She didn't flinch as his fingers brushed against her shoulder, a small gesture that carried more meaning than any words he could have spoken. He didn't want to do this here—not yet. Not in front of Xena and certainly not in front of Austin. But one thing was certain: this wasn't over.
Not even close.