This Time

Gabrielle has been patient. She has been willing to wait, to stay 'hands-off'. And now, she is tired of sleeping on the other side of the fire. Xena pretends not to see it, out of responsibility... like Gabrielle is still a child. Every time Gabrielle gets a little farther, Xena pulls in the reins. Every time Gabrielle says a little more, Xena stops hearing.

And I know she wants it, I know she wants me... Dear Gods, what more can I do?

Gabrielle claims a need to sleep closer to Xena, to always bathe with Xena, to look deeply into Xena's eyes... Gabrielle could write a thesis on trying to get Xena to let her damn guard down.

And I know she watches me, I know she longs to touch me... I feel her gaze.

Gabrielle feels her frustration build, reaching a boiling point and causing her to snap at the slightest thing. Xena keeps a wary distance, glancing back every so often. Xena looks worried... Good.

They make camp and Gabrielle sighs into her dinner. Xena darts those blue eyes over and clears her throat. Of course, I can't stay angry... I can't hurt her with my silence...

"Sorry about today."

Xena smiles at this and, Gabrielle notices, lets her body relax.

"It happens... Are you okay, though?"

Am I okay? No... I am so full of... these urges, these desires... Every night I dream of you, Xena. Every night, I dream of how badly I want you. Am I okay? No. I will not be okay until you are inside of me.

"Yes... I'm okay."

Xena stays locked onto Gabrielle for a second more, the edges still tinted with concern.

The more she stares, the harder it is for Gabrielle to keep her cool. Even now, with lies and tension, she still finds Xena so damn attractive. So damn alluring. I am using that word a lot...

"What are you so angry about?"

That startles Gabrielle and it makes her more angry, to be so easily read.

"I'm not angry." She replies in a clipped tone.

"Yes you are and I don't know why—"

Oh please, that does it, Xena! Gabrielle stands up and stalks over to Xena. The warrior princess, the woman that so many fear... she looks taken aback by the force with which Gabrielle brings their lips together. It is a nice combination, the softness of Xena's lips matched with Xena's complete shock... Must remember to surprise her more often.

The kiss ends, but Gabrielle does not let Xena go... not this time. This time, Gabrielle will have her say and this time Xena will face the truth. This time, Gabrielle will sleep where she wants... in Xena's arms.