Hints

Gabrielle does not intend to stare... to leer, even... It just happens every time she sees the warrior princess. It happens when Xena smiles or when Xena pulls Gabrielle close or when Xena has no clothes on... Let's not go to that image right now.

They have been together four seasons and the feelings of hero worship that Gabrielle once had, they have changed into... Love? Yes, definitely that. ...Lust? Oh yes, that one is becoming the difficult one to handle.

Gabrielle wonders if Xena feels the same way, feels the same pull that Gabrielle does. There are moments when she believes Xena feels that tug inside. Sometimes, it is a look the woman gives Gabrielle... It is almost adoration in those blue eyes. Then Xena closes the window to her soul and that is that.

And I have dropped hints, though they are subtle. I have become so tactile, so much gazing and long hugs and 'I love you' all the time... Surely she can see?

But Gabrielle understands Xena well enough to know what must be going on in that mind of hers. Xena believes she is unworthy of devotion, especially from Gabrielle. Unworthy of love and caring and trust... That is one hard shell to crack.

Yet, crack it I will... Xena is worth all this and more... She may not see it right now, but I know... I know we will be together.