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As He Slept
By DS Bauden
DSBauden@aol.com

"Good-bye Gabrielle." Xena said after watching her love go off with her husband. 'By the gods, I am going to miss her. If only I had told her, if only I would have had the courage to tell her how I really felt, if only.....' Xena shook her head at the thoughts storming her mind. She had loved Gabrielle with all of her mind, body, and soul. She just couldn't get up the nerve to tell her how she felt. Gabrielle was her life, her heart, her everything....and now she was gone.

Gabrielle walked out into the world as Perdicus' new wife, arm in arm with her childhood friend. She had always felt love for him, just not the love that a wife should have for her husband. They were betrothed at one point in their life, but Gabrielle decided that it wasn't time for her to get married yet. That was about the same time that she went off with Xena and started her new life of adventure. There was no room in her life then for Perdicus, or any man, for that matter. She was fixated on traveling with her new friend, experiencing the life she had always desired.

She was a bard by nature, though her parents thought that storytelling just wasn't a very practical attribute. She loved when Xena and she would stop at a village or an inn for a few days. She would tell her stories to all of the villagers and anyone that would listen. They usually could get a room and meals for her efforts. Xena would usually just sit in the rear of the tavern as Gabrielle told her tales of Xena and her adventures. Every once in a while Gabrielle would notice her blue eyes in the crowd and freeze in the middle of a tale. It would always bring a smile on Xena's face. Little did she know the love that she had for her young bard was truer than any of the tales that Gabrielle told.

Perdicus was a farm boy turned soldier. He fought for the kingdom of Troy and again for the heart of Gabrielle. Once he realized he could kill no more, he asked her to marry him. She initially declined the offer to herself, but then realized if she didn't marry him, he was going back home, without her. She accepted his proposal and Xena was heartbroken. She never let Gabrielle know the depth of her hurt, because the only thing that mattered to her was Gabrielle's happiness. When she kissed her good-bye, Xena knew that her new life would not be the same. Her life would go on as she knew it, but it would be missing one important factor, Gabrielle.

"The ceremony was perfect, wasn’t it?" Perdicus asked his new wife.

"Yes, it was. I only wish that mother and father could have been there to witness it." She replied.

"Yes, that would have made it complete. You had your best friend there though. I am so glad that Xena was with us for the occasion."

"Yeah, she looked great, as usual." Gabrielle thought out loud.

"What’s that you said? I couldn't quite hear you."

"Um, I just said that I was happy that Xena was with us too." She turned her blushing face away from Perdicus.

"Oh." He nodded and excused himself to use the bathroom.

'By the gods, what was I thinking? I can't go through with this charade. I forgot about tonight. He is gonna want to get close with me. I don't know if I can, knowing that I am going to be thinking of Xena when he touches me. Oh, gods!! What have I gotten myself into?' Gabrielle put her head in her hands as she found her way to a seated position.

"Hi love." Perdicus said as he returned into their room. "Is there something wrong Gabrielle?"

"No, of course not. I think I am just coming down with a headache. I feel a little woozy."

"Why don't you lay down for a while. Maybe you will feel better."

"I think I will do just that. I wouldn't want our wedding night to be spoiled."

"Oh Gab, you could never spoil anything. If you don't feel well, we will just wait until tomorrow."

"Thanks Perdicus, that makes me feel much better."

"Anything for you. Gabrielle, I love you."

"Mmhhmm, I think I am gonna lay down now."

"OK, I am gonna go downstairs and have a drink. I think Joxer is still down there telling stories about his so called adventures with you and Xena."

Gabrielle only heard Xena's name before she fell into a deep sleep.

Gabrielle stirred when she heard rustling in her room.

"Xena!! What are you...?"

"Shhhh, Gabrielle, I needed to see you. I had to wait until Perdicus left. I watched him go downstairs to the bar. He sat down with Joxer and ordered some drinks. I think he will be there for a while."

"What's wrong Xena? Is everything okay?"

"Gabrielle I should have told you before, but I never could muster up the courage to say this."

Gabrielle motioned for Xena to sit with her on the bed. Xena responded and sat closely to Gabrielle and took her hand in hers. Gabrielle shivered at the contact and slowly lifted her head to look into the eyes of her love.

"Xena you are scaring me. Please, what is it?"

"Gabrielle, you are the best thing that has ever happened to me." She gently brushed Gabrielle's stray hairs from her face. "I don't think that I would ever be the person that I have become had it not been for you. I just don't know how to thank you for everything that you have given me." Gabrielle could feel her throat start to form a lump. Xena wasn't one for words, and now she was spilling her heart's contents in a matter of a few sentences.

"Xena, what are you trying to say?" Gabrielle could feel the warmth of her cheeks as she stared into Xena's eyes.

"Gabrielle, I am trying to tell you that I love you. I have always loved you. Since the very day you challenged my words to stay home. You somehow managed to tame my anger and crawled into my heart before I even knew what happened. No one has ever been able to say that my heart belonged to them. You can say that, Gabrielle, only you. You own my heart, and my soul. I am just sorry that I didn't say all of this before." Xena stared into astonished eyes. "Gabrielle, please say something. I have never known you to be without words."

"Xe.....Xena? Are you for real?"

"Gabrielle, I have never been more serious about anything in my whole life. I swear on the grave of my brother, Lyceus, I love you."

Gabrielle wrapped her arms around Xena as tears streamed down her face. Her heart was overwhelmed with emotion. Never in her life, did she dream that she would hear those words from the woman she loved most in this world. They both hung onto each other not wanting to end their contact with each other. Gabrielle broke apart first, stroking Xena’s face with her hands.

"Why? Why did you never tell me any of this before? I would never have married Perdicus had I known. Xena, the only reason I married him is because I thought that you couldn’t feel love like this for me. I figured that at least I would be with someone that truly loved me, and would protect me. It didn’t matter that I didn’t love him. I do love him though, just not the way he would like me to."

"Oh Gabrielle, I am so sorry that I waited so long. If only I had been stronger. Please Gabrielle, tell me you love me."

"I do Xena. I love you. I love you so much."

The two women looked at each other. Blue eyes burned into green. Xena leaned down and captured Gabrielle’s lips with her own. The kiss was very tender and very curious. Gabrielle pulled the back of Xena’s neck to bring her even closer. The bard needed to taste every ounce of her warrior. Xena opened her mouth slightly as Gabrielle’s tongue begged for entrance. The two women sighed into each other’s mouths craving even more.

"Oh Gabrielle, I love you."

"Xena, I love you too. By the gods, I love you.........I love you.......I love........."

"Gabrielle? Gabrielle wake up."

Awaking with a jerk, "Perdicus?" She said staring in disbelief. ‘It was just a dream. Only a dream.’ She sadly thought to herself.

"Yeah, it’s me. Who did you expect to find on our bed?" Perdicus asked jokingly.

"Oh, no one." She lied. "I guess I was just startled. How is Joxer?"

"He is great. Boy can he hold his liquor. Ha!!" Perdicus rambled on in a drunken stupor.

Gabrielle ignored his meandering and tried to remember the wonderful dream she’d just had. ‘By the gods, I wish that were true. If only she could love me like that. I would find love for the first and last time. No one could ever claim my heart the way she has done.’ Gabrielle turned back to Perdicus who was staring at her. Obviously she missed his question. "Hmmm?? I’m sorry Perdicus, did you say something?"

"I asked you if you were feeling better."

"I feel a bit strange. Maybe I should try to eat something. It’s been such an eventful day, I forgot to really eat anything. From the looks of you, I think some food may be beneficial as well. It’s pretty late, do you think that they are still serving food downstairs?"

"Well I think they were when I was just down there. Let’s go find out, shall we?"

"Sure." She took hold of Perdicus' hand and left their room.

Xena managed to find Joxer in the tavern just as he was flexing his muscles in the direction of an unknowing woman. His bravado was embarrassing even to her.

"Joxer? I think you have had quite enough to drink." Xena insisted.

"Xena!!! How in Tartarus are ya? Wasn’t that a great wedding? I am so happy for those two love birds. Aren’t you? They seem so right for each other. Have you ever seen two people more in love with each other than them?" Xena had had quite enough of this. She grabbed him with both hands and stared into his drunken eyes.

"Joxer!!! Are you telling me this for my good, or your own? Now, not another word, or I swear I will knock you into tomorrow. Now lets find you a place to sleep this off, before I kill you."

Xena went to the innkeeper and asked if he had a room for Joxer to sleep in. He told her that all he had was a room off of the kitchen. It was basically a storage room, so he wouldn’t charge him for it. He escorted them to the small room where Joxer fell onto the cot face down.

"He’ll be fine." They both said in unison once they heard the sound of snoring raging from Joxer’s nose.

Xena returned to the tavern and took a seat in the rear of the room. She ordered something to eat and a carafe of wine. As she drank her wine, she noticed that Gabrielle and Perdicus had come downstairs as well. She watched her love from a distance as Gabrielle and her new husband were seated at a nearby table. She felt the jealousy cut through her like a knife through water. She cursed her cowardice and continued to drink her wine. She could easily see Gabrielle's face, but saw the back of Perdicus' head. She watched as Gabrielle laughed and talked with her new husband. This was the beginning of her new life. The life she had without Xena. Xena's anger came rushing through her and she slammed her cup on the table. She jerked her head upwards, and noticed Gabrielle staring at her with loving eyes. Any anger that she had felt, was instantly extinguished. She motioned to Gabrielle not to let Perdicus know that she was there. Gabrielle nodded and agreed. Xena watched as Gabrielle spoke to Perdicus and he then excused himself from the table.

Running to her table Gabrielle squeaked with joy as she greeted her best friend. "Xena!! What are you doing here? I am so happy to see you."

"I came in here to find Joxer and found him making an ass out of himself as usual. He passed out in the storage room right off the kitchen. The innkeeper is letting him stay there for free."

"Well that's good. Perdicus said that he was quite drunk when he left him. Xena I really need to talk to you."

"What about?"

"Not here. I need to talk with you when Perdicus is away. I think he will be asleep soon. Will you be staying here for the night?"

"Yes, I will. What's the matter? Did you need some tips for later on?" She asked hoping to the gods that this wasn't the problem. She couldn't bear putting a visual to Gabrielle and Perdicus having sex.

"No, well, kind of. Oh, I can't even start now. Can I meet with you later? There is something that I need to tell you."

"Sure Gabrielle, you can tell me anything. I hope you still know that hasn't changed at all."

"I hope not Xena. I will come to your room after Perdicus has gone to sleep. Which room is yours?"

"I am staying in the room at the end of the hall. Knock four times, and then come in. If I am asleep, just wake me. I am sure that I will hear you though."

"I think that your room is right next to ours. OK. I should get back to the table, Perdicus will be back soon."

"OK, until later then."

"Until later."

Xena watched in awe as Gabrielle sat back down and waited for her husband's return. 'I wonder what she wants to talk about. Perdicus better not have been rough with her. I will kill him faster than.........I just can't even think about that. It will be nice to see her later on though. It's only been a few hours, but I have missed her terribly.' Xena’s thoughts raced as she looked at her love from afar.

Xena watched Gabrielle and Perdicus go upstairs after their meal. Perdicus drank another couple of cups of ale and she knew it wouldn't be long before he fell asleep. She finished her wine and went upstairs. The innkeeper sent buckets of water upstairs to Xena's room after she requested a bath. As she passed Gabrielle's room she could hear them talking and it made her smile. The more she heard Gabrielle's voice the better she felt. 'If she is talking, then she can't be doing anything else. I just can't bear the thought of anyone else's hands on her. I'll start to worry when the talking stops. Until then, this bath should calm my nerves. I am really curious as to what she wants to talk about.' Xena went to her room and started her bath.

Gabrielle slowly sneaked out of bed as soon as she heard the deep breathing coming from Perdicus. She knew that he was asleep and that she could leave without him even stirring. She put on her boots, and crept silently towards Xena's room. She went next door, and as instructed, knocked four times on her door. She waited a few moments and realized that Xena was not going to answer. She slowly opened the door expecting to find Xena asleep on her bed. Instead she found herself all alone in her room. She walked around the room and then she was startled by the noise she heard coming from the other room.

She walked towards the door and noticed it was ajar. She slowly pushed the door open and was overwhelmed with what she saw. Xena was bathing herself in the tub. She used very slow strokes as she soaped her body into a lather. Gabrielle exhaled a breath she didn't even realize she was holding. Xena used a sponge to clean her neck and then she used it on her breasts. The soapy water dripped off of her skin like wax slowly burning from a candle. Gabrielle was totally intoxicated with Xena. She had seen her friend naked before, and even shared a bath or two with her. This was completely different. She never noticed the incredible beauty that was her Xena. Xena's movements were gentle and thorough all in the same touch. Gabrielle wondered if her touch would be as gentle if she was to caress Xena's skin, herself. Gabrielle lost her thoughts as Xena continued to wash her body. Gabrielle started to lean against the door when suddenly it opened slightly with a creak. Xena spun around and gasped when she saw Gabrielle standing there like a cat that had just eaten a canary.

"Gabrielle, why didn't you tell me you were there?"

"I just got here Xena. I knocked, but you didn't answer. When you weren't in bed, I got worried and started looking around for you. I am sorry if I scared you."

Xena stood her full length in the tub and Gabrielle just stood in shock and awe. "Gabrielle how long have you been watching me?"

"Watching you? I wasn't watching you Xena, I was just being careful that I didn't provoke your instincts to injure first and ask questions later."

Xena smirked at her friend and asked her for the towel that was behind her. Gabrielle reached behind the door and instead of handing Xena the towel, she found herself holding it open for her friend to walk into. Xena walked out of the tub and slowly wrapped herself into the towel that was held by her love. Gabrielle started rubbing Xena's arms, and when she realized what she was doing, she let go.

"I think I got it Gabrielle. Are you OK? You just don't look yourself."

"Xena, I have to talk to you. I think that I just made the biggest mistake of my life."

"Gabrielle, calm down. Go into the next room and wait for me on the bed. Sit and relax, I will be there in just a second."

Gabrielle couldn't stop staring at Xena. Xena smiled and finally said to her friend, "Unless you want to watch me use the toilet, I will be out in a second."

Feeling the flush of embarrassment flood through her, she nervously smiled and left the room.

She sat on Xena's bed and contemplated leaving before she made an ass of herself. 'Man, I can't believe I just sat there and watched her. By the gods, she is the most beautiful thing that I have ever seen. I could have watched her forever. I wonder if she knew I was there the whole time. She has that sixth sense and all. For the first time, I am glad that she didn’t know that I was there.’ She rubbed her hands together and waited as patiently as she could for Xena to return.

Xena sat in the bathroom completely dumbfounded. ‘How did she get in here without me hearing her? Man I need to work on my skills. I am getting careless in my old age. I truly wonder how long she was there. Was she watching me intentionally? No way, she has seen me in the bath many times. We have even taken baths together. Well, I am not gonna find out anything sitting in here.’ Xena finished toweling off, and put a night shift on. She opened the door to find Gabrielle on her bed, deep in thought.

"Hey there."

"Oh, hi. Are you all done in there?"

"Yeah, finally." Xena chuckled nervously.

"Xena, come sit next to me. I really need to share something with you."

"OK." She replied quietly. She sat next to Gabrielle and took hold of her hand. "What is it Gabrielle, that has you so worried?"

Gabrielle took a deep breath and began, "Xena, I think that I have made the biggest mistake of my life."

"So you were saying earlier. What is this mistake? Is it Perdicus? Did he hurt you??"

"No Xena nothing like that. It is about him though."

"OK, what then?"

Xena watched as the tears welled in her friend’s eyes. She leaned into Gabrielle and held her in her arms. "Hey, it’ll be okay. We have made it through so much worse. Now, tell me, if you are able to."

Gabrielle relished the feel of Xena’s arms around her. The feeling was maddening to her soul. It was crying out for so much more. ‘Just tell her, dammit!’ She yelled at herself.

"Xena, I had this dream. You........were in it. I was asleep on my bed and you woke me up. You told me something that changed my world completely. I don’t care that it was just a dream, it was so real, and it was so.....gods, I don’t know the words, it just felt like home to me."

There was a long pause after she started. Xena just looked into her eyes tenderly and gently stroked her hair in a calming manner.

"....And then what?" Xena inquired.

"Then......you took my hand as it is now. Then.....you told me that you loved me. More than anyone in the world." It was flowing through her now. "That I was the most important thing to you. I was the one that had captured your heart. No one could ever say that your heart belonged to them, but you said that I could. That I held your heart. I was the best thing that had ever happened to you....."

A long pause came as Xena tried to control the emotion that was sweeping through her. Gabrielle continued, "Xena, if any of what I just said is true, please tell me. I need to know."

"Gabrielle, it was a dream, you know that for sure right?"

Hanging her head low, "Yes....I...I guess I do know that."

Xena held Gabrielle’s chin and raised her head so that she saw nothing but sparkling green eyes. "It was a dream, that’s true. What you don’t know is that I had the same dream, right after your wedding. The lake was so peaceful, that I sat in front of it, for a long time. Just thinking to myself, ‘now what?’ My life had felt so complete with you by my side for the last year and a half. I didn’t know what I was going to do first or even where to go. As I was laying there on the shore, I must have dozed off for awhile, because I drifted off into a dream that went almost exactly as you described. The only thing that you left out was the kiss."

Gabrielle’s eyes lit up and she smiled into Xena’s gaze. "I didn’t leave it out, I just hadn’t gotten to that part yet. I wasn’t sure if I should say that or not. Did that happen in your dream too?" Xena smiled warmly and gently covered Gabrielle’s lips with her own.

Gabrielle couldn’t breathe. All she could feel was the most incredible softness that she had ever felt. There was nothing in this world that she could compare this feeling to. In all the years of her life, no one had kissed her the way she was being kissed right at this moment. No one ever needed someone the way she needed Xena right now.

"Oh Xena, tell me this isn't a dream, please tell me that."

"It's not my bard, this is for real. I do love you, with all that I am. Never doubt that, you have been in my heart for so long, that I can't imagine my life without you. I just didn't know that you shared these feelings. I was so afraid of ruining our friendship, that I never told you, and let you marry..."

"Perdicus!! Oh my gods! What am I gonna do about him? Xena, I am gonna break his heart. Oh why didn't I just let my heart hear you? If I had only known, I never would have married him. You gave me your blessing, what else could I have thought?"

"I know, Gabrielle, it is my fault too. I am so sorry that I waited so long. At least I can live just knowing that you felt the same way."

"I wish I could say that..." With that, Gabrielle grabbed Xena and pulled her into a deep kiss. Gabrielle needed entry to Xena's mouth, and Xena opened her mouth to accept her offering. Their tongues danced like they had never danced before. Xena groaned into Gabrielle's mouth sending chills throughout her body. "By the gods, Xena, I love you. I love you so much. I have loved you since I met you. Please, make love to me. I don’t want to know anyone’s touch other than yours."

"I love you too, Gabrielle. I want to make love to you, more than I could ever tell you."

"Xena, no more talking. Just kiss me. Let me know what you feel with your touches, your kisses, your everything...."

Xena slowly laid Gabrielle down on the bed. She began removing Gabrielle’s clothing slowly and sensually. With every inch that her sleeve was removed, Xena placed a kiss in that spot. Gabrielle’s shirt was slowly raised over her head and Xena kissed her way across her stomach, up her sides, across her chest, and teasingly nipped at one of her breasts. Gabrielle took a sharp intake of air. When Xena saw the passion and desire in Gabrielle’s face, she knew that she had just come home for the very first time. The buckle on Gabrielle’s belt was unfastened and was easily discarded. Her skirt was no match for the hands of Xena. She worked it down Gabrielle’s legs gently and taunting her every step of the way. Her kisses lit a path of fire from her toes all the way to her throbbing center. She could feel sensations that she had only dreamed about. Gabrielle felt her emotions rise slowly inside of her and tickled her all the way up, until a tiny gasp escaped her lips. Xena heard the sound and quickly covered the bard’s mouth once again with her own.

"Oh..." Gabrielle sighed. "More......please."

"Oh yes my bard, whatever you want, I will give to you." Xena responded and shook the shift from her body. She poured herself onto Gabrielle and they both moaned at the contact of their nakedness. Gabrielle wrapped her arms tightly around Xena’s body, never wanting to break the connection they had just discovered. Xena lay in between Gabrielle’s legs and was thrilled to find the wetness that she found from within. She moved her body inwards to feel Gabrielle even closer, and they both marveled in the sensation. Xena kissed Gabrielle’s neck and moved her way down her throat until she felt a soft tug on her head. Gabrielle needed her mouth somewhere else, and led Xena to her right breast. "Please, take it in your mouth." Gabrielle pleaded. "As you wish my bard." Xena took her nipple and lightly suckled on it. She felt Gabrielle press her body closer to her. Sighs escaped both women without their knowledge. Xena sucked and tasted every ounce of Gabrielle’s chest and stroked her tongue against her nipples as if they were candy.

Xena moved downward across her friend’s lithe body. She smelled so intoxicating that her head began to spin. Her tongue tasted every new area, every inch, everything that was Gabrielle. Xena’s tongue ran down her hips, closer to the center of Gabrielle’s passion. She placed wet kisses all the way down her legs and behind her knees. Gabrielle began to squirm from all of the teasing arousal. "Please........Xena........I..I..can’t take much more."

Xena smiled up at her love, "Oh Gabrielle, you can take it. You are very strong. I know you can. I want you to remember this night for as long as you live." Xena continued the assault on Gabrielle’s body. She caressed one of her feet with her hands and raised it up to suck on Gabrielle’s toes. Gabrielle moaned loudly at the feel of her lover’s tongue. She wished to feel it inside of her. The throbbing of her center was actually stimulating her already enlarged clit. The sensations were traveling up throughout her body. She had given up trying to understand what she was feeling. She instead took a deep breath and just relaxed into her lover’s touch.

Xena moved upwards towards Gabrielle’s center. She could see her excitement glistening in the candle light. She lightly stroked Gabrielle’s clit with her tongue and she almost shot right off the bed. Gabrielle’s hips bucked wildly exciting Xena even further. Xena knelt before Gabrielle and spread her legs wider.

"Gabrielle spread yourself for me." Gabrielle looked deeply into the crystal blues of her lover and brought her hands down to join her. She slowly reached in between her legs and spread her labia apart as Xena had requested.

"Now don’t move. You will love this, I promise." Gabrielle nodded and felt Xena’s tongue enter her.

"Oh..Xena........"

"Mmmmm. Gabrielle you taste incredible."

"Oh........."

Xena moved her tongue onto Gabrielle’s clit and began stroking it in large slow circles. Every movement of her tongue sent wave after wave of ecstasy throughout Gabrielle’s body. Xena sank into the feeling of her friend. She was so wet, so needing, so hers....... Xena inserted one finger inside of her bard and felt her body react. Gabrielle’s hips pressed closer to the touch of Xena’s hand. With every stroke of her tongue, Xena plunged her finger inside of Gabrielle. Xena added another finger to her arsenal, and Gabrielle cried out her name.

"Xeena! By the gods....... Oh!"

"Yes my bard, it will be very soon indeed. I can feel your body trying to surrender. It won’t be long now. Feel me Gabrielle, know me, feel the depth of my soul inside of you. You are me, and I am you."

Xena slowed her pace and a small cry of displeasure came through the bard’s mouth. "Why are you stopping Xena?"

" I want to come with you."

"Xena, I don’t know what to do."

"Just do what feels good to you. I can almost guarantee that I will feel it just as strongly. Turn around so that you are facing the other way. I will lay on my back and I want you to lay on top of me. Follow what I do and you will do fine."

Gabrielle laid backwards on Xena so that she faced her lovers feet. She lowered her mouth slowly onto Xena’s clit. She was amazed at the wetness she found there. She tasted her slowly to savor every ounce of her warrior. This was ambrosia and the Elysian Fields was very close indeed. She could feel Xena’s body react to her every touch. It gave her a confidence knowing that she could make Xena feel the way she felt. She knew that this was her home.

Xena continued to seek release from Gabrielle. Her tongue was moving at a fast pace and she new that her bard couldn’t take much more of this. She was drinking in all that was given and more. Gabrielle moved her tongue in circles on Xena’s clit and the faster she moved, the louder Xena’s cries became. They were both in need of release. The torture of their passions was finally coming to an end. Xena felt her body go first.

"Gabrielle!!! Oh...........!!"

Gabrielle kept her tongue moving until Xena’s hips were bucking uncontrollably. She held tight to her as she felt herself slip over the edge.

"Oh.......Xena.........Inside.....Please Go Inside........Now!!!!"

As Xena thrusted two fingers inside of Gabrielle, she felt another wave crash through her. Gabrielle’s juices covered Xena’s fingers as they moved deeper and deeper inside.

Gabrielle slipped her tongue back into Xena’s body and drank all that was hers. Xena’s body reacted to her every movement, and once again, Gabrielle brought Xena to an earthshattering climax. Xena dug her nails into Gabrielle’s back and scratched a path from her neck down to her butt. Gabrielle moaned in delight of the feel of Xena’s nails embedded in her skin. The scratching turned into caresses as the two women slowed their breathing and gradually came back to reality.

Gabrielle turned around to face her beloved, and gently kissed her. The kiss lasted several moments as they shared the love they so desperately needed to give to one another. She held Gabrielle as tightly as she could. She never wanted to be without her again. The thought of her with anyone else made her sick to her stomach.

"Gabrielle, what are you going to tell Perdicus? Do you have any idea?"

"I just have to be honest with him. I will let him enjoy the last of this night’s sleep. I don’t want anything to spoil this night. I love you with all of my heart. I hope and I pray that this is the only night that I am without your touch."

"Gabrielle, I will always be here for you. Where you go, I go. I won’t leave you ever again. I promise you, I will always love you as I do right now. I am what I am, because you love me. No one else could have captured my heart the way you did. Believe me, many have tried. There would be no purpose in my life, without you right next to me."

"I will be here for you, always." She held tight to her warrior knowing that in a few short minutes, she would be returning to the bed of her husband. The thought brought tears to her eyes. Xena felt the teardrops on her chest.

"Gabrielle, what is it?"

"I just am so happy that we found each other when we did. If I never felt this in my life, I would have died a very unfulfilled woman. You have brought me much happiness and love. Thank you."

"No Gabrielle, thank you." Xena held her lover as her sobs continued to wash over her. Slowly the sobs ceased and it came to the inevitable time of separation.

The two shared a last kiss that lasted several minutes. They both tried to bring all of their emotions into one everlasting moment. The softness and tenderness made their hearts swell. Gabrielle slowly got up and began to dress. Xena just watched with an empty stare. She hated knowing that Gabrielle would soon be in the bed of another. She knew that Gabrielle loved her and after tomorrow, she would be with her again. This time it would be forever.

Gabrielle put on the last of her clothing and hugged Xena good-bye.

"I will miss your arms around me." Gabrielle choked out.

"I will be holding you in my dreams. Wait for me in the clouds, I will be with you."

"You are such a softy."

"I wonder where that came from?" Xena raised her eyebrow at her lover.

"Search me." Gabrielle smiled in response.

"All in good time my friend, all in good time. Now go."

"Good night Xena. I love you."

"G’night Gabrielle. I love you too."

*****

Gabrielle crept back into her room and found Perdicus in the same position that she had left him. He was sound asleep, so she knew that he would have no idea that she had even left him. She crawled back into bed after removing her clothing once again. She rested her hand on the side of the wall that was facing Xena’s room. She could feel her presence even though she seemed miles away from her. She closed her eyes hoping that Morpheus would claim her soon. She needed to be with her love again. Sleep did overcome her body, and as promised, Xena was waiting for her in the clouds of her dreams. Xena’s arms outstretched to Gabrielle and she rolled into them without reserve. They had found a love that was merely a dream just one day ago. The dream was now a reality that they both would treasure forever.