I had a very dull Saturday, it rained all day so I thought this up hope you like it!

Chapter one: I think she likes me

The tree canopy above is alive with activity birds sing out there joyful song in celebration of springs arrival.

I find myself siting on a rock watching Gabrielle out of the corner of my eye, sharpening my sword. She is so absorbed in the scroll that she is working on I am able to watch to a degree with out her noticing.

I think she likes me or maybe Its just wishful thinking. I mean why would a girl of her age and innocence like an ex-warlord like me. She probably doesn't even know two women can have more than a friendship! I mean she's what seventeen I'm...never mind. She has the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen. Eyes that change color with the sun sometimes a deep green or gray green other times a misty blue green. Man when did I start picking up on that?...I got it bad!

I have had many romances most were power games of sorts a few meant more but this feels some how different, like I've been waiting my life for just her, it's hard to put into words. There are times when she looks into my eyes and the whole world around me disappears and it's like she is the only thing that matters. I never felt like that before about anyone.

I need to stop sharpening this sword or it will soon be a the size of a toothpick. I sheath my sword and decide to clean my chakram instead. I have no intention of really cleaning it, I just want an excuse to sit and admire the strawberry blonde across from me.

"Xena do you think it sounds better to say...daring is the warriors heart or fearless is the warriors heart?"

"I like daring it sounds more...fearless" Her laughing smile makes my heart skip over itself. That's another thing that's different about her. No one ever asked my opinion on anything other than what to do in battle. She always really wants to know what I think.

My chakram is so shiny now that if you were to look right at it you might go blind. Gabrielle now stands stretching her arms above her head. I can't help my eyes open a little wider as her stomach muscles are pulled tighter. Her body...well let me put it this way. I've had a few lovers male and female but none of them looked like that. She has no clue as to her looks or what they do to me at least I don't think she does. "Hmmm"

"Gabrielle you ready to get moving?"

"Yes I think so...I'm so full I need to walk off all that food!" Looking at me from under her lashes as she smiles saying "Your such a good hunter is there anything you can't do?"

I respond with out hesitation arching my eyebrow with a slight smirk. "I have many skills"

She returns my smirk, picking up her staff as she shoulders her bag before we continue on our way.

I pull ahead atop Argo, to scouting for a place to camp tonight. My mind will not quiet no matter what I do. I keep analyzing Gabrielle's every action and word that even hinted that she might like me...in that way "Get a grip Xena shes just a kid!" I say aloud to myself. But there was that time."No she's just a touchy feely type of person!" and I need to stop talking to myself people are going to think I'm going nuts!

After finding a suitable place to stay I ride back toward Gabrielle...

"Want a lift?"

"Sure thanks"

She grabs my fore arm, hoisting her up behind me. Her hands wrap around my waist and her body pushes into me. As we ride I ask myself why do I put myself into this self induced torture? Oh right cuz I like to feel her arms around me. Come to think of it she is holding on kind of tight. Come on Xena she just hates to ride horses it has nothing to do with her liking to hold on to you! Man I really need to get this under control.

As Gabrielle sets up camp I go in search of dinner a short while later I come back with a rabbit. Gabrielle sets to work on preparing it. I go to check on Argo, returning at the sound of Gabrielle's voice calling me to dinner.

"Smells good"

"I hope it taste alright. I only had a few spices left we need to restock when we get to the next town." She says with a furrowed brow.

I find this face she's making very adorable. "I'm sure it taste great...you always make great food."

Her face lights up at the complement. I make a mental note to say more about her cooking she seems to like that. After dinner we settle into our nightly routine. I find myself sitting here again looking across the fire at her and wondering if she likes me and more importantly what should I do about it!