Disclaimer: The characters of Xena and Gabrielle and others mentioned,
belong to MCA/Universal and Renaissance Pictures. No infringement on their rights are
intended.
Subtext Disclaimer: This story contains references to a loving relationship between two
consenting adults, who happen to be of the same sex. If this offends you, or you are under
18 years of age, or you reside in an area where this type of material is illegal, read no
more. There is plenty of general fanfic out there for you. Go find it.
Timeline: Past, present and future.
Please send any comments to asdease1@gte.net
Enjoy, I hope.
WHY YOU NEED A PLAN D
By FlyBigD
Oh boy. Escaped with a sigh as green eyes disappeared behind the palm of her
hand. Closing her eyes, Gabrielle began to massage her temples with middle finger and
thumb, listening again. The sigh turned into a soft groan as her ears confirmed the
distant rumbling. It was still too far away for average ears to pick up, but she knew that
sound, all to well. Giving the international signal of resignation, the bard shook her
head, ran her fingers through her short blonde hair and opened her eyes. Resting her chin
on her hand, Gabrielle scanned the room watching the tops of twenty-eight heads bowed in
consternation. Why does she do this on test days, she thought. Not knowing the answer,
Gabrielle watched her students as they racked their brains trying to remember why they had
taken this class and, more importantly, who the hell was Anaximenes anyway and what was
his philosophy. Smiling, she noticed that Jeff was chewing the end of his pencil. Not a
good sign, she thought and spotted Mr. Daniels leaning suspiciously to his right. Prepared
for such occasions, Gabrielle picked up the rubber band off her desk and took aim. Letting
it fly, then giving the young man her best stern look when he glanced up, she raised an
eyebrow for effect and nodded as he shifted back to his left. Sensing she was being stared
at, Gabrielle glanced to her right and found a pair of gray eyes quickly replaced by
auburn hair. The big lug, she smiled to herself as she watched David pretend to take the
test seriously. Hes got it bad, she thought and heard the rumble again. Listening
carefully, she looked down at her watch. Maybe, she hoped to herself, shell get
caught at the light. Turning to stare out the window, she concentrated. Red, red, red,
turn red. Listening again, she heard the rumble fluctuating in a slow rhythm of louder and
softer. Thank the gods. Relieved, Gabrielle took a deep breath and held it, then let it
out slowly as she relaxed. Closing her eyes, she smiled. Just five more minutes, she
thought.
***** ***** ***** ***** *****
Youve got five more minutes.
Xena growled over his shoulder at the nurse standing in the doorway until the woman
disappeared, closing the door.
Xena. Gabrielle whispered, taking the warriors hand.
Gabrielle. Xena returned her attention to the bard and bent down close.
Im here. Brushing a gray hair from her friends brow, the warrior ran her
hand gently over the rough stubble of the bards face. You need a shave.
Gabrielle smiled. Looking up at the face of a wrinkled old man, she couldnt help but
laugh, even thought it hurt. Im not the only one. Reaching a shaky hand
up, she stroked the face of her friend. Funny, she thought, no matter what body our souls
are put into I never get tired of that face. Laughing again, she felt the pain in her
chest and started to cough.
Easy. Xena soothed, taking the shaking hand, she brought it to her lips and
kissed it.
Easy, Gabrielle. Placing a gentle hand on the bards shoulder, Xena waited
until the spell subsided then leaned in closer. Ive gotcha. Just hang on to
me.
Gabrielle smiled and closed his eyes. Suddenly, she felt it coming and squeezed the
warriors hand. Xena.
Right here. Realizing that her own hand was shaking, she tried to focus and
felt the bards grip slacken. Gabrielle.
I love you, Xena. The light appeared in the distance as she felt the pain
subside. Then she heard the voice calling to her as it slowly faded into the distance.
Gabrielle! Gabrielle! Gripping the hand tighter, hoping for a response, Xena
looked down at her friend as tears welled up in her eyes. No! Gabrielle!
Nooooo... Then came the gut wrenching scream that had come so many times before.
***** ***** ***** ***** *****
Gabrielle sat, watching angels move around in the distance. Although her times in paradise
had always seemed too short, she enjoyed the peace that it brought and sighed, knowing
that soon Xena would be there and theyd start the journey again. How many times, she
asked herself, had they done this? How many times had they traveled the circle? She
couldnt remember, but it didnt really matter. Knitting her brow, the bard
noticed a group had formed not far away and that she was getting the occasional side long
glance from them. Thats strange. Her curiosity bristled with each sneaky
look and finally got to her feet, heading for the group. Whats going on?
She asked as the angels parted before her and tried to hide their smirks. All right,
give. Placing her hands on her hips Gabrielle saw a young woman point to a medium
sized rock and walked towards it. Getting closer, she realized it was a reflecting pool.
Who are you snooping on? She asked as she looked into the waters.
Xena!
Gabrielle watched carefully as her friend, in the body of an eighty-something year old man
paced back and forth in a small room, occasionally throwing his arms in the air. She
couldnt hear what was being said, but she knew Xena and it appeared someone was
getting a good dose of the warrior princess. Concentrating on the reflection, the view
expanded and she suddenly realized that Xena was talking to herself. Has she gone
crazy?
That depends on who you talk to. Coming up beside the bard, Michael tucked his
wings and looked down at the water.
Gabrielle looked up from the pool and at the angel. Whats going on? A
concerned look on her face.
Not taking his eyes off the scene, he shook his head. Unless Im mistaken, I
believe Xena is throwing a fit. He watched as a vase went hurling across the room,
breaking against the wall. Yep, thats a fit.
Michael? Placing a hand on his forearm. Waiting for his complete attention,
she searched his face, which was smiling. Whats going on?
Apparently Xena is not too happy with her current trip through the circle.
Pointing at the reflection.
Why? Gabrielle watched another object disintegrate against the wall. I
know I was only with her for two days, but her life couldnt have been that
bad. Ow, she cringed, that one looked expensive.
Thats the problem. Smiling at the old man tried, unsuccessfully, to pick
up a chair.
What? Almost mesmerized by what was taking place.
Shes not happy about spending eighty-six years looking for you, only to have
two days before you left. Shes gonna strain something, he chuckled to himself.
Dont laugh. The fury showed on Xenas face and it hurt her to see
the warrior in pain. I wish I could help her.
Oh shes not the one who needs the help. Wincing, he closed one eye.
He shouldve seen that one coming. Thats gonna hurt. Shaking his
curly head.
What? Confused. Seen what coming? There went another vase. How
many of those things does she have? Gabrielle, thought. Whos gonna hurt?
Oh, right. You cant see them. Michael waved his hand over the pool,
causing the reflection to ripple then calm.
By the gods. Gabrielle whispered as the image changed and some familiar
figures appeared in front of the wall Xena was hurling vases at.
Thats... Unable to complete the thought.
A whos who of the powers that be. Incoming. You know for an old
man, she hasnt lost her aim.
If Gabrielle hadnt been so shocked at the scene, she wouldve laughed. The
powers that be were bobbing and ducking flying objects as they were, what seemed to be,
trying to calm her warrior down and by the look of it, they werent very successful.
Whats going on?
I told you. Xenas having a fit. Ouch. The arch angel grimaced.
I can see that, but why are they there? Moving to the left in an unconscious
attempt to help the wayward PTB. Gabrielle watched as the onslaught paused as Xena ranted
while looking for her next projectile.
According to unofficial sources. Glancing around at the others around the
pool, Michael gave them a sten look and waited until the other angels were out of ear
shot. Shes calling in her markers. He whispered.
Shes what? Gabrielle turned to face Michael.
Calling in her markers. Favors Looking down at the bard and seeing a confused
look. You know, as well as I do, that over the centuries, Xena has pulled a few
butts out of the fire.
Ahhh... As the light finally dawned, Gabrielle looked at the pool and,
remembering their previous lives, took stock of the bodies present. Thats
about everybody. Smiling as some of the memories lingered. Watching her friend, she
looked closer. Why cant I hear what theyre saying? Not taking her
eyes off the water, she tried to read Xenas lips. Never mind.
She does have a way with words. Able to hear what was going on himself,
Michael blushed at what he heard.
Dont want to singe any feathers, huh? Smiling at the arch angels
red face.
To say the least. As they watched, Xena had given up on hurling furniture and
moved close to TPTB and continued her verbal assult. Shaking her head and making some not
so nice gestures. Shes pissed.
Michael! Giving the arch angel an admonishing glare.
Right. Sorry. Turning his attention back to the pool.
Looking back to the scene, Gabrielle watched as her emotions swung between pride and
concern, finally settling on worried. TPTB were not happy. Who would be in their position,
she thought and it showed on their faces. No longer dodging projectiles, they were now
shaking their heads, a few with their arms across their chests, apparently making a
concerted attempt at telling the warrior princess that she couldnt have what she
wanted, which, in Gabrielles mind was not a good thing to do. She didnt need
to hear what came next, the body said it all. Xena, the old man, straightened, cracked her
neck, put her hands on her hips...
Gabrielle closed her eyes, but unable to keep them closed grimaced as she opened one just
in time to see the warrior princess, or the old man, raise one eyebrow. Quickly closing
her one eye, she put her hands on the edge of the pool. Her hands shook as a tremor rocked
the pool.
Oh boy. Michael ran his hand over the water and the reflection disappeared
into rippling fragments. Here comes trouble.
Xena. The bard whispered and shook her head.
Gabrielle! Appearing from the mist, Xena searched and finally spotted the bard
standing with Michael. Gabrielle!
The bard turned to see the warrior approach. Xena. Smiling, more to try to
counter the look on her friends face than anything else, she reached out her hand, only to
have it grasped firmly as she was jerked forward. Xena!
Were leaving. Turning, with bard in tow, Xena felt a hand on her arm and
without looking, growled until it was removed.
Michael, wanting to keep his hand, removed it from the warrior and instead used it to wave
to the retreating figure of Gabrielle. Have a nice trip. Thats not nice,
he thought of the bards reaction.
***** ***** ***** ***** *****
Gabrielle felt her butt hit the sidewalk and looked up at the boys in front of her.
Butthead! Moving to rise, she was quickly pushed back down by the leader of
the pint sized pack. Hey!
Look guys, the runt cant get up. In mock dismay, the boy laughed as
Gabrielle tried to get up again.
Realizing that she couldnt take on these bullies with bulk, she switched to her best
weapon. Look you goat faced, smelly, flashback to the sixties pin head, if you
dont leave me alone, Ill...
Youll what? Moving to hover over the little blonde, he bent down, drew
back his hand and froze.
Gabrielle cringed at the expected blow and waited for the pain, which didnt come.
Opening her eyes she looked up at her assailant and was surprised to find a pained
expression on his face. Confused, she followed his gaze to see a dark haired girl to her
left. Checking closer, she realized that the girl had stopped the blow and was now holding
the boys wrist in a vice like grip.
Let go. Goat face said as he tried to break free, unsuccessfully. That
hurts.
Funny, I dont feel a thing. Pulling the bully towards her, Xena
tightened the hold.
It took a moment, but the boy finally looked in her eyes and almost fainted as two steel
blue orbs peered at him with an intensity that made him sweat. As he was pulled to stand
face to face with those eyes he barely heard the words as they were burned into his brain.
If you ever touch my friend again, squeezing his wrist for effect,
Ill tear off you head and shi...
Xena! Gabrielle shook her head. Xena? She whispered.
Whos Xena? Where did that come from?
Never taking her eyes off the bully, the dark haired girl just smiled. I think you
get the point. Raising a eyebrow, she watched the bully nod his head furiously.
Smiling, she released her grip as the group took their cue and dispersed. Well ran,
actually.
The blonde watched her tormentors disappear in the distance and then looked up to see a
hand reaching down to her. Not knowing why, she smiled as she took it allowing the other
girl to help her to her feet. Brushing herself off, Gabrielle bent to retrieved her books
from the grass and noticed two bare feet in front of her. Where are your
shoes? She asked. Slowly coming to a standing position, she surveyed the figure
before her. No shoes, tattered overalls, long legs, hands on hips, tan skin, t-shirt, no
sleeves, dark hair, evil smirk, straight nose, blue eyes... By the gods. She
whispered as a freight train ran through her brain.
Gabrielle? Xena cradled the bard in her lap and stroked her too pale face.
Gabrielle?
The blonde opened her eyes slowly and tried to focus on the face before her.
Xena?
Hey. Smiling down at her friend. For a minute there I thought Id
lost you.
What happened? Gabrielles mind was clearing and the bard soon found it
completely filled to the brim with memories.
Flashback. Stroking Gabrielles cheek. Memories of previous lives,
that sort of thing.
By the gods. Putting her hand over her eyes, the bard tried to sit up.
My head hurts.
Here. Placing her hands on the bards temples, Xena began a gentle massage.
Better?
Yes. Relaxing, Gabrielle opened her eyes to take a better look at the warrior
and blinked in wonder. Xena?
Hmmm? Continuing to rub, the warrior smiled.
How old are you? In all her lifetimes, shed never seen the warrior so
young.
Ten. Smiling at the astonished look on Gabrielles face.
Ten! Bolting to her feet. The bard looked down at a very young warrior
princess, sitting in the grass by the sidewalk. Ten? Then how old am I? Almost
afraid to ask.
Xena looked at a book beside her, bit her lip, looked up at the bard, tilted her head,
wrinkled her nose then shrugged. Six?
Gabrielles eyes got bigger and she looked down at herself. Concentrating, she pushed
the old memories aside and tried to remember this lifetime. Closing her eyes she thought
about what she remembered most recently and sighed. Five actually.
I was close. Leaning back on her hands, Xena stretched out her legs and took
in the sight before her. Slowly a broad smile filled her face.
Gabrielle opened her eyes and looked down at the face smiling up at her. What?
You were a cute kid. Giving her a wink.
I was a . . . Taking a closer consideration of her present form, Gabrielle
realized what the warrior had wanted of TPTB. Shaking her head she took a deep breath,
letting it out slowly. Do I even want to know what you did to get us back into these
bodies?
Ummm... Xena looked at the sky.
Never mind. Shaking her head again, all she could do was smile. Thats my
Xena.
***** ***** ***** ***** *****
Gabrielle opened her eyes as she heard, or felt the rumble draw slowly closer. Turning
toward the students, she noticed that their Greek mid term had somehow lost its
attraction and that the sight out the window was far more aluring. Groaning, she followed
suit and glanced to see the tall, lean figure glide up on the two wheeled monster and
stop. Noticing, again, that the warrior had failed to even consider a parking space and
instead parked the Harley on the sidewalk, she made a mental note to flatten one of the
tires on the beast. Unable to do any better than her crew of slack jawed,
testosterone filled, non-test taking students, she sat and watched the warrior princess.
Youd think Id get used to this, she thought and felt her pulse quicken.
Raising an eyebrow, she saw Xenas long dark hair tumble down her back as the helmet
was removed. The oxygen level dropped in the room as Xena bent over toward the class,
allowing her hair to fall forward and shaking her head. Straightening, her hair seemed to
move in slow motion as she ran her hand through it, removing any signs of helmet hair.
Placing the helmet on the seat, the warrior sloooowly unzipped the black leather jacket
and removed it, shoulder by shoulder. Breath. The bard whispered, willing her
students to exhale. Laying the jacket by the helmet, she swung her leg over the front of
the bike and stood, stretched her jeans covered legs and flexed a cowboy booted foot. The
gasps that permeated the room helped mask the bards own intake. Removing the sunglasses,
she folded one side and slid the other to hang them from the front of a very low cut, I
shouldve never given her that shirt, v-neck t-shirt. Turning to see the gawking
faces, the warrior smiled her evil half smile at the bard and waved. Gabrielle waved back,
out of reflex. What else could she do? Noticing that the reflex wasnt hers alone,
she took one last look as the warrior disappeared up the sidewalk. Glancing at her watch,
she sighed. Shes got this down to a science, she thought and waited. Looking up she
found that her students had recovered, although not completely, some still had drool on
their chins, but were making a concentrated effort to pack up their things.
Okay. Clapping her hands to finally snap them out of it, the bard stood and
moved to the front of her desk. Remember that those essays are due on
Wednesday and put your tests on the table by the door as you leave. One, two, three.
The bell rang, just as the door opened. Refusing to even look at the woman, Gabrielle
folded her arms across her chest, leaned up against the desk and waited for the room to
empty.
Xena held the door open and smiled as the boys filed past her, giving a wink here and
there, until the last one straggled out. That one she glared at and remembered not to
growl as he went past. Big lug. She hissed at his back. Knowing David was
always the last one to leave, she entered the room, closing the door behind her.
You are in such big trouble. Shooting daggers at the warrior, Gabrielle tapped
her foot in agitation.
What? Xena gave the bard her best innocent look.
You know what. Moving to the warrior, the bard unfolded her arms and placed a
finger right above the sunglasses. And dont give me that look.
What look? Maintaining her innocence, but seeing the look on the bards face,
realized shed shouldnt push her luck and swiched to plan beta and tried a
pout. Im sorry.
Its not working. Gabrielle turned away from the quivering bottom lip and
picked up the tests beside the door. Returning to her desk, she sat down and ignored the
fidgeting warrior princess.
Okay, thought the warrior and smiled, plan gamma. Hungry?
No. Flipping through the papers.
Xenas smile faded and was replaced by a sincere expression of loss and closing her
eyes, her shoulders slumped and she leaned against the door. I dont have a
plan delta. She said under her breath.
Wouldnt do you any good if you did. Gabrielle said, still not looking
up.
Gabrielle... Xena tried, but stopped when she caught the green beams glowing
on her. Im sorry. Lowering her head, the warrior studied her boots.
After a few minutes, she looked up, saw the bard flipping through papers and sighed.
I...
Xena. Her agitation in full swing, Gabrielle pushed the papers aside and
looked at her sad excuse for a best friend. Why do you do this?
Because its fun? Wrong answer, Xena thought and reconsidered. Scratching
her cheek, the warrior shrugged. I dont know. Studying her hands.
You used to like it.
Yes I did. Fifteen hundred years ago when there were no such things as sidewalks and
I wasnt trying to teach Greek to my students and you were still riding a horse.
Feeling her frustration slipping, the bard rolled her eyes, bringing them to rest on the
tall, dark, beautiful, dejected warrior princess. Xena, we arent in Greece
anymore.
I know that. Refusing to meet the bards gaze.
And we arent kids anymore. Your Dad may be superintendant of schools, but not
even he can keep me from getting fired if you keep this up. Seeing the sadness in
those baby blues as the warrior looked at her, then out the window. What am I going to do
with you? Sighing heavily, Gabrielle started collecting her things. Why dont
you go home, Xena. Ill be there in a little while. Reaching for her briefcase,
Gabrielle placed the tests inside.
Gabrielle... Xena started to appologize when somethingand someone caught her
eye. Bitch!
What? Gabrielles head shot up glaring at her friend. It took a moment
before she realized that Xena wasnt making the biggest mistake of her life and she
followed the warriors gaze out the window to a see a large heavyset woman walking toward,
what had affectionately been labeled by her male students as the blonde
bombshell.
If she touches my bike... Turning, Xena opened the door and was in the hall
before Gabrielle had a chance to stop her.
Glancing down at her desk, the bard tried to decide if she should take the tests to grade
or try and find boxes to pack up her stuff. Looking back out the window, she saw Xena
burst through the front doors and approach the grinch. Oh boy.
Dont touch that! Coming up behind the woman, Xena quickly passed her and
placed herself between the moving moutain and her pride and joy.
Mrs. Lynch sized up the woman in front of her and huffed. Youre too late,
missy. Ive already called the tow truck and their coming to take that thing
away once and for all.
Thing!? Feeling her blood boil, Xena took a step closer to her victim, giving
her the coldest glare imaginable. That is no thing. Mrs. Grinch. Pointing
behind her. That is a motorcycle and it happens to be a classic.
Thats Lynch and I dont care what it is. Moving a step
forward, clearly not impressed with the twig before her. Its got wheels
and it doesnt belong on the sidewalk.
Xena closed the gap between them. Now you listen to me, bringing her finger up
to put it an inch from the grinchs nose, you so much as look like
youre thinking about touching my bike and Ill... Momentarily losing
focus, Xena glanced over the moutains shoulder and promptly forgot anything she had
ever known.
Gabrielle stepped out of the building, holding her briefcase in one hand, stopping as she
came into the sun and bent down, placing the leather bag on the step beside her. Feeling
the warmth of the sun, she unbuttoned her suit jacket, removing it slowly to reveal a low
cut, dark green, sleeveless silk shirt beneath it. Folding the jacket, Gabrielle bent over
to pick up the briefcase, lingering for a moment to give the warrior princess an eyefull,
then placed the jacket over the leather bag. Straightening, the bard looked up at the sky,
casually running a hand through her hair, then giving it a quick shake.
The color was attempting to return to Xenas face as she watched the bard lean over,
then it disappeared again as she took in the full expanse of what was presented to her. A
soft moan escaped her lips as she continued to watch the bard pick up her brief case and
move toward her. The mid thigh dark blue skirt wasnt helping her breathing and the
way the bard was moving wasnt helping her pulse. She thought about glancing to see
who Gabrielle was waving at, but it seemed her neck, head and eyes were not responding.
By the gods... She whispered when Gabrielle smiled as she turned the corner in
front of her. Xenas eyes followed on their own and ignored the brief blockage as her
hands moved the moutain from the view.
Gabrielle paused for a moment and turned looking over her shoulder at the warrior. Putting
on her most sultry look, she smiled and ran a finger over her bottom lip. Xena.
Ill see you at home? Speaking in a forgotten language, then turning back, she
put a little more sway in her sashe and almost lost it when she heard the horn beep behind
her.
What did she say? Asked the grinch, who was totally confused by
the recent chain of events.
Its all Greek to me. Xena managed, just before her legs gave out and she
stepped backward feeling for something to steady herself and finding the handle bar of the
bike and the horn. Not taking her eyes off the real blonde bomshell, her heart stopped
beating when the bard turned, walking backward a few steps and winked.
Did she just wink? Asked the grinch.
As the blood finally returned to her brain, Xena took action. Thats for me to
know and you to mind your own business. Hoping on the bike, she put the kickstand up
and proceeded to kick start the engine.
And what do you think youre doing? Remembering why she was out there in
the first place, Mrs. Lynch moved to stop the menace to society from escaping, again.
Look, honey, I havent spent the last two thousand years hopscotching through
bodies and saving up favors from the powers that be, to finally get these bodies back and
have you stand between me and that bard now. Giving the crank another kick, the
engine turned over and Xena sat down, released the clutch and eased the beast
forward.
What? Her hands on her hips, Mrs. Lynch had no intention of moving.
Move, or die. The growl in the warriors voice easily overroad the rumble
of the engine.
Seeing an almost animal scowl on the womans face, the moutain moved aside and
watched the brat ride the thing down the sidewalk after the little blonde.
Im calling your father! She shouted, then huffed back toward the office.
Bite me. Xena shouted back as she slowed her approach to the bard. Not really
wanting to change her view for the moment, she followed behind the behind, matching the
pace of those vertically challenged and incredibly sexy legs. Somewhere, way back in
Xenas mind, where rational thoughts were stored, a voice asked if this was really
worth all the trouble shed gone through. Watching the figure in front of her, all
the thoughts in the front of her mind, the not so innocent ones, turned around and shouted
a hardy YES. Thats the body I fell in love with.
Gabrielle knew Xena was behind her, how could she not know with the noise the beast made,
but she chose to ignore it and continue like she wasnt being stalked. Stepping off
the sidewalk into the parking lot, she kept on ignoring the warrior, even when she heard
some very ugly words, thankfully in ancient Greek, pour out behind her and laughed as she
imagined that the warrior wasnt too happy to discover that the beast was
too large to fit between parked cars.
Gods! Youre as bad as Argo. Pulling in the clutch and the brake, Xena
managed to stop the bike, the handlebars an inch away from the back of two cars and
watched the bard get further away. Taking a deep breath, she pulled back hard, until the
front wheel was free to turn then let out on the clutch and gave the throttle a little
nudge. Keeping an eye on the blonde head, the warrior went around to the end of the aisle
and caught up with the bard, keeping parallel with her as she passed through several more
sets of cars. Sitting up straight, Xena strained to spot Gabrielles final
destination. Smiling, she gave the throttle another nudge and made for last row of
vehicles. Timing it perfectly, she pulled up just as Gabrielle slipped in between her
truck and the car beside her. Hi. Putting the beast in nuetral,
she reved the engine.
Hi. Turning to see the grin on the warriors face, she leaned against the
truck bed and twirled her keys.
What ya doing? Flicking her eyebrows sugestively, Xena gave the throttle a
twist.
Waiting for you to move that beast so Glenda can pull out and I can get
into my truck. Gabrielle said, giving the warrior her own sultry look.
What? Confused, until she saw the bard nod her head to the side, then noticed
the red and white tail lights of the car her front wheel was behind. Sorry.
She smiled and waved, then backed the bike out of the way. Waiting until it was clear,
Xena pulled into the empty space and shut off the engine. Drinking in the vision, she
tilted her head as she watched Gabrielle unlock the truck, open the door and toss her
jacket and briefcase onto the seat.
Gabrielle turned around and, not for the first time in her lifetimes, felt completely
naked while being completely dressed. Ahem. Folding her arms across her chest,
she leaned againt the truck.
Hmmm. Xena untilted her head when her gaze finaly made it up to the bards face
and found herself on the wrong end of a indignant glare. If she had been able to pry the
grin off her face, she wouldve, but since she couldnt; she just went with it.
Are you lost? The bard asked, raising both eyebrows for this question.
What? Xenas smile faded into a look of confusion.
Are you lost? Gabrielle asked again, slowing down her words for effect.
Looking around. I dont think so. Turning back to the bard.
Why?
I figured you must be to actualy end up in the parking lot and, shifting her
weight, Gabrielle moved toward the warrior, in an actual parking space.
Xena looked around again. Damn. I was looking for the lunch room. Turning
back, she discovered the bard next to her and her two favorite snacks at eye level.
And look. Here I am. Licking her lips, the warrior leaned forward, but was
halted in her endevor by a firm hand under her chin, which brought her eyes and her lips
away from their intended targets.
Xena. Making sure she had the warriors full attention, Gabrielle waved a
finger in front of the warrior. The lunch room is closed. Smiling into those
baby blues, she almost lost her resolve, but by sheer force of will continued. Until
you promise to stop parking your bike on the sidewalk and park it in the
parking lot, in an empty space. Covering all the bases, Gabrielle closed any
loopholes the warrior might try to use and got a genuine pout in return, but ignored it.
Xena. She purred, letting go the warriors chin and putting her hands on
her hips.
Xena closed her eyes as the scent from Gabrielle filled her scenses. She was already
fighting the urge to wrap her arms around the bard, which she had promised years ago not
to do on school grounds and now it seemed that her last bit of pleasure was being wrenched
from her. Opening her eyes, she took a deep breath and looked into those deep green pools.
Well maybe not all my pleasures are gone, she thought. I promise. Smiling
devilishly, she leaned forward and kept going as the bard backed up. Stopping when her
vision was filled by little holes in the asphalt. So close. She whispered.
And, Returning to lean againt the truck, for disrupting my class, yet
again.
Xena hoped that by closing her eyes, she wouldnt hear what was coming next.
You have to help me grade the mid terms. Gabrielle heard the groan and watched
as the warriors head slumped even further toward the ground.
So much for that theory, she thought and straightend to look at the smug grin on those
disgustingly tempting lips. Gabrielle. Im not the one with the degree
here.
Your point being? The bard had spent over two thousand years with the warrior
princess and although she hadnt figured out everything there was to know about Xena,
there was one thing Gabrielle had down pat. And that was how to shoot down the
warriors sad reasonings for not wanting to to something.
Dont you think those kids deserve to have their work graded by someone more
qualified than me? Please, please, please take the bait, Xena pleaded. She hated
grading papers, only slightly less than a root canal.
Xena. Gabrielle mentally aimed her weapon and pulled back the hammer.
Its ancient Greek history. Finger on the trigger. Who better to
judge than an ancient Greek warrior princess? Fire.
Xena rubbed her forehead feeling for the bullet hole. Love must be blind, she thought, I
never saw that one coming. Just tell me its not philosophy. Still trying
to find the hole. Now I know why they make you wear helmets. Tapping the black shell
between her legs, Xena looked up at the bard. Please.
Sorry. Bag it and tag it. Smiling triumphantly, Gabrielle turned, slid into
the truck and shut the door. Oh and Xena.
What? Gods, I thought trying to redeme myself for being a bloodthirsty warlord
was bad. What now?
I love you. Starting the engine, Gabrielle smiled and winked as she backed out
of the space and pulled away.
Once the bard had left, Xena put on her leather jacket, tucked her hair in the helmet,
fastened the strap and started the beast. I have really got to come up
with a plan delta.
***** ***** ***** ***** *****
Xena smiled, chewing on the end of her red pencil. Proped up on one elbow, the warrior
looked over the test laying the bards bare back. Gabrielle?
Hmmm? Stretched out on her stomach, Gabrielle stared into the fireplace,
watching the flames flicker about. Smiling when she felt the warriors bare leg rub
against her under the blanket. This is how you grade papers, she thought and shifted her
head on the pillow.
You must not be a very teacher. Looking at the line of red circles shed
made on the paper and smiling wickedly. This guy dosent even know English, let
alone Greek.
What? Broken out of her contentment, Gabrielle raised up on her elbows and
looked at the warrior. What are you talking about?
This guy is a real rock. Lifting the paper, Xena tried to hide her smirk.
Let me see that. Gabrielle snatched the test away from the warrior, giving the
woman a glare before looking over the material with a teachers eye. Damn it,
Xena. Turning her attention back to the warrior, Gabrielle snatched the red pencil
from her and began erasing Xenas artwork. David is not a rock. He happens to
be one of my best students and just because he has a schoolboy crush on me is no reason
for you to act like some jealous brat. Erasing furiously, Gabrielle sighed.
Look what youve done. How am I supposed to explain this to him? Giving
the warrior a disgusted look, the bard held up the paper, which resembled a bloodied
parchment.
Tell him the dog ate it. Suggesting the old stand by, Xena patted herself on
the back and got hit in the arm by the bard. Ow.
Im serious, Xena. Shaking her head, Gabrielle considered what lie she
was goint to have to tell. It had been an essay test instead of one of those fill in the
dots and there was no way she could ever forge the boys handwriting. This is
hopeless. Sighing heavily, the bard dropped her head in dispair.
Xenas face saddened. I did it again, she thought with regret. Me and my stupid
ideas. Feeling all of an inch tall, the warrior sighed. Im sorry,
Gabrielle.
That doesnt help. Talking into the pillow, Gabrielle closed her eyes.
I make your life miserable, dont I? Xena placed her hand on the
bards back.
No. You just make it hard sometimes. Raising her head to look at the warrior,
Gabrielle thought about how many times theyd had this conversation.
Xena didnt meet the bards gaze. Running her hand over Gabrielles back,
she thought of what theyd been through together and how, even though there were no
more warlords to vanquish and no more real danger left in their lives, their lives were
still full of turmoil. Yet, through it all, Gabrielle had stayed. The bard had put up with
Xenas antics for over two thousand years and somehow always found it in her heart to
forgive the warrior her falicies. Remembering this, Xena looked into the bards eyes.
Youd think, she said softly, that after Id fought so hard
for a life and a love I wanted so badly, that Id be smart enough to find better ways
to say I love you than little red circles on a test paper. Her face solom, Xena
leaned over, placing a soft kiss on the bards shoulder. I love you,
Gabrielle. She whispered.
Setting the paper aside, Gabrielle sighed, then tangled her fingers in dark tresses and
rolled onto her back, bringing the warrior to lay on top of her. I love you,
Xena. Staring up into the blue eyes shed missed for so many years. Gently
pulling the warrior to her, Gabrielle brought their lips together, melting into the warmth
that was the warrior princess. That was Xena.
I think I found plan delta, the warrior thought and fell into the love that was her life.
The end.
Post Script: David, the big lug, never did find out what happened to his mid term, since
it was never seen again, although he was happy with the A+ and Xena kept her promise about
the beast. She had her father put motorcycle parking right beside the
sidewalk, much to the grinchs dismay and Gabrielle found a nice collection of
posters of Greece, placing them neatly over the windows of her classroom. Except by her
desk, of course.
Thanks for reading,
FlyBigD