Disclaimers to be aware of:

Disclaimers to be aware of:

Legal:

Xena, Gabrielle and all the other characters not made up by me are property of universal productions, along with everyone else who participated in the making of the hit television series Xena: Warrior Princess

Sexual:

This story depicts sexual nature between two adult women. If this specific kind of love bothers you, please read elsewhere. It is not my responsibility to make your choices for you. If this choice affects you, do NOT read this story. It is only a kiss, a lot of thinking and longing, but nothing seriously harmful. I am trying to keep my stories less sexual then usual.

Song Disclaimer:

"Everyday Down" belongs to Joan Jones. The song simply goes with the plot of my story and brings meaning to me and it.

Note:

This story takes place directly after the episode "A Day In The Life". In that episode, Xena and Gabrielle take on an arch enemy giant named Gareth and she defeats him, repaying her old friend Goliath. She also defeats a warlord, plotting the giant against him, so Gareth crushes the army. The episode ends with Gabrielle striking Xena on her nose with her staff, because she has been waiting for the right moment to catch Xena off guard. This story begins the next morning.

Everyday Down

Doesn't want to go to work today

Doesn't feel it's important

Wants to live a life like a swinging door

Let everything out

Everything anymore

Everyday is downhill from here

I'm gonna get im gonna want I'm gonna be

Where I want to be

and I'm gonna take I'm gonna give I'm gonna drag you along

Ready or not you're ready for me you got to be cuz I want you to be

Everyday

Everday is here

Everday everyday everyday is here

Using you cuz I like you

You make me happy why shouldn't I?

Keep on with a good thing

Dig myself a little deeper

Did you ever think I could creep up on you?

I'm gonna get im gonna want I'm gonna be

Where I want to be

and I'm gonna take I'm gonna give I'm gonna drag you along

Ready or not you're ready for me you got to be cuz I want you to be

Everyday

Everday is here

Everday everyday everyday is here

Everyday

Everday is here

Everyday everyday is here

Everyday is here

Dangerous Darkness

+Chapter One+

The morning sun began to rise, clouding the earth with its warm rays, lighting up the sky to a brilliant color, reflecting into deep pools of blue that watched its movements. The day was just beginning. Xena was grateful, for she had time to think things over before the sleeping bard behind her awakened.

The warrior debated on catching breakfast, completely aware of the new frying pan that lay in the arms of the sleeping Gabrielle, who was in no way wary of her surroundings. As much as Xena wanted to catch fresh fish, the bard had lately been complaining that they should try something new, perhaps the nutbread the bard admired so much or fresh berries. Xena had agreed and the bard had spread their bedroll. After that, they had been engaged in a conversation about the big dipper. Gabrielle had said it looks like a bear, giggling and shaking her head when the warrior disagreed. Then, she had received a sharp blow to the nose, which the bard thought her big dumb warrior would have blocked. Xena's nose still throbbed every few minutes.

The warrior cursed herself for letting her little bard catch her off guard, she had been plotting on striking her with her staff all day. Xena still couldn't believe Gabrielle had actually hit her. They had argued after, Gabrielle was thinking that Xena let her hit her with the staff. But, the warrior did not let those things happen to her on purprose. Especially not when they led to a painful blow to the nose that could have broken it.

She heard a low yawn from behind her and turned to see that Gabrielle was awake, staring at her with lazy green eyes. The bard stretched upright, shoulders hunched, back arched, slim legs lowering, firm breasts standing out under her tight green top. Her strawberry blond hair shimmered in the morning sun as she sat upright, tossing a sexy smile to the observing warrior with full lips.

"Good morning," Gabrielle murmured, slowly raising herself off the ground, walking in front of the warrior, creamy skin inches from bronze skin staff held in one hand.

"Morning, my bard. Did you sleep well?" Xena asked, her mind throbbing. The incredible desire that was pulsing through her was maddening, an itch that needed to be scratched, but could not be reached. She didn't want to hurt Gabrielle's feelings in any way possible. The thought of the bard and opposite self as lovers frightened her. She knew she wasn't the one for the innocent little bard, whom had been by her side through thick and thin, insisting on staying with her despite the danger Xena paced her through every single day that passed by. She found herself smiling unconsciously as warm thoughts found their way through her mind.

"I had a fairly strange dream," Gabrielle admitted, slumping down to the ground, leaning back against her warrior's strong legs, a strength that Gabrielle yearned to possess, but knew never would. Xena was one of a kind, a person with the highest ability to handle herself in terrible, grieving situations. She wished she had the will to be similar to the person she loved so much.

"Did it bother you?" Xena asked, her voice sounding concerned, resulting in the younger woman to smile compassionately. She loved it when her warrior opened up to her, showed her deep concern to the young bard, who was struggling with deep emotions that haunted her thoughts and dreams as each night sauntered by.

"It troubled me," Gabrielle answered, standing up and moving to the edge of the campfire, which was lightly burning, flames barely raising above the burnt wood beneath it.

Xena followed suit, kneeling down in front of Gabrielle, whom looked deep at her, blue eyes meeting emerald green, sharing sweet moments of silence and the same captivating thoughts of love, though neither would admit them. Gabrielle's eyes focused on the small fire.

"Do you want to talk to me about it?" Xena asked, placing a strong hand on Gabrielle's small shoulder for support. She ached when she saw Gabrielle so confused, so distant. She yearned for the bard to open up to her. Instead, she recoiled.

"I would rather not discuss it, Xena. It's nothing serious," Gabrielle said, watching the flames rose higher as a faint wind brushed it.

Xena wanted to push Gabrielle into talking about what she had dreamt, but decided it unwise. Whenever the bard pushed herself into expressing her thoughts and feelings, Xena did the same thing and refused to speak of them. She knew now what Gabrielle felt when she pushed away from the bard, saying that she didn't feel right talking about what was currently flowing through her brain cells. Things would never be the same if she had spoken of them to Gabrielle.

The bard noted the warrior's silence and measured that it was time to start a usual conversation that they would normally have during breakfast time. "What's for breakfast, Xena?"

Xena noted the casual tone in the bard's voice and smiled kindly. "Whatever you want, Gabrielle. I haven't gone fishing yet, because last night I did take note of your suggestion."

Gabrielle smiled back and found herself surprised. Half the time, Xena never did what she asked of her, unless it was a small favor. The large ones remained undiscussed and long forgotten. "I'm glad, Xena. I saw some berries nearby. We can pick those."

"Sounds great, my bard," Xena answered, brushing a strand of Gabrielle's honey hair behind a small ear. She thought of how much she wanted to kiss that ear, to nibble it gently and bite down with her teeth, only to accomplish an exquisite moan to flow forth from the bard's luscious lips.

Gabrielle noted the passion in Xena's eyes. What are you thinking, Xena? What makes your face light up with so much joy and compassion? It can't be me... I... I know it can't be me. I'm just a tagalong gal to you... Her thoughts began to spin and she couldn't help but mask her face with sorrow. She hated being what she was in Xena's eyes. She wasn't sure exactly what that was, but she knew that it was probably nothing more than a great friend to have around in desperate situations. All said and done, nothing more than that, despite the fact that the bard yearned for her warrior to think of her as a great lover, a meaningful friend she could seek comfort in and expose various subjects of feelings to. In her mind, the chances of that happening were extremely slim, if even available.

Xena stood upright and followed Gabrielle to the nearest rasberry bushes. There were thousands of them, lined up in delicate bushes. They would have enough of them to fill a whole cart, if neccessary. they both knew that it was the right time of the year to be searching for any kind of berries, Gabrielle said she had spotted a fresh blueberry bush, as well. But, she prefered rasberries, so they chose to pick them until they hand enough to last them for a moon.

It took them five candlemarks to finish picking all that they were in need of. Xena made sure to mark the spot with three rocks under the bushes, incase when they traveled this way again (during the correct season) they were in need of more berries.

By the time they got back to camp it was starting to darken, but not because of the time of day. Threatening clouds were forming above their heads in the sky. Both of them could tell they were going to have to put up with a very bothersome thunderstorm. Neither of them were in the mood.

"Why do the gods have to do this to us?" Gabrielle asked, feeling rain began to flick across her skin.

Xena chuckled and gathered their things, making sure that Argo was able to carry all the supplies. She mounted the tawny mare and reached a hand out to Gabrielle, electric blue eyes meeting unsure green.

"Gabrielle, we have to ride if we are going to get to the nearest cave before the rain starts to pour. Don't argue with me!" Xena said, her tone firm and commanding, one she knew Gabrielle would obey, despite the consequences.

"Oh, all right!" Gabrielle mumbled, hopping onto Argo, wrapping her arms around Xena's waist, smiling as she felt the warrior lean back against her. Raven hair skimmed her cheek and she leaned into it, nuzzling her face in the softness. She fought to keep her emotions in check, as did the warrior, who was concentrating on keeping her breathing even, hoping that Gabrielle wasn't noticing her fast-beating heart, a club against her chest that continually pounded. They both were thinking that there definitely was a plus side when the two of them were riding Argo together.

+Chapter Two+

By the time the two reached the cave, rain was beginning to pour furiously, thunder was roaring in the distance, the sky was churning a dangerous black void.

Xena quickly guided Argo into the pitch black cave, hearing Gabrielle's shivering breath as the cold dampness surrounded their skin, causing both of them to begin trembling.

"Xena?" Gabrielle asked, clinging to her warrior, needing the mountain of strength that protected her beyond pain and fear.

"I've got you, Gabrielle. We can't stay in here without a fire. Luckily, we packed fresh wood this time. Stay right here on Argo, she will protect you," Xena cooed, soothingly stroking the back of the bard's hand with the silky pad of her thumb.

"Xena, please don't stop holding me," Gabrielle begged, completely afraid of what could happen if Xena wandered around in the cave making a fire by herself.

"It's the only way, Gabrielle. I'll be back soon, I promise. All I have to do is gather the wood I tagged along and then find flint. Stay right here, don't you move or come after me!" Xena argued, making sure when she jumped to the ground that Gabrielle was still tucked safely on the horse, holding onto the reigns.

"Stay here, Argo. Don't you move, girl," Xena soothed, petting the mare's tan mane, hearing an understanding snort from the horse and a firm lick across her palm.

Minutes later, Xena had managed to start a fire. Lighting began to flash horrendously, lighting up the cave and the frightened figure of the bard holding tighlty onto Argo's reigns for seconds and then disappearing into oblivion until fresh flames from the fire lit up bits and pieces of the cave.

Gabrielle leaped off Argo and warmed her hands by the fire, smiling delightedly when her hands became cleansed with heat.

The tall warrior smiled, happy to see that her little bard was already making herself at home. The rain could be heard outside as it splashed on the ground in slick puddles, occasionally dripping into the mouth of the cave.

"Xena?" Gabrielle said, looking over at the warrior, whose blue eyes seemed to be focused elsewhere, her face distant and emotionless, a sign that the warrior had been thinking about reckless days in her past.

Xena dimly heard the voice of her companion. Her mind swam with screams from helpless victims as they pleaded for mercy. Occasionally, she could swear that she felt the fresh red liquid pour out onto her hands as her sword cut through flesh, spilling intestines, gushing blood that littered the ground in sick pools of dampness. Her thoughts shattered as she felt warm hands cupping her cheeks. Blue eyes moved until they found majestic green and a face that she yearned to think about with every passing second. But, her dark memories still haunted her when rain ruled supreme.

"Gabrielle?" Xena croaked, her voice helpless.

"Xena, what is it? Are you all right?" Gabrielle asked, so close that Xena could feel breath caress her face, heal her skin.

"I... I'm fine, Gabrielle. Why wouldn't I be?" Xena asked, recovering herself, not wnating the bard to investigate any further the subject of the haunting thoughts that stained her mind. She knew it would only poison her lovely bard, who was looking at her so intently, studying every feature.

Before she could stop herself, Gabrielle spoke words she thought she never would have let leave her lips. "I hate this!"

Xena uttered a gasp of shock, pulling her face back from the hands that confined it. Her blue eyes were wild with pain, unable to hold it back. She didn't know what caused Gabrielle to blurt that out and she thought she meant that Gabrielle hated being with Xena like this, too close for comfort.

"Gods! I didn't mean... I just think that..." Gabrielle stumbled with her words, having knowledge of the fact that she had hurt the warrior's feelings. She cursed herself for being so stupid and turned her face away.

"Think what?" Xena asked, unable to hide the hurt that escaped from her tongue.

"I wish you would just talk to me!" Gabrielle murmured, her voice a hiss. She was quickly losing her control, angry at herself and the warrior for being so stubborn and never sharing any of her feelings. She needed to hear them. Needed to hear Xena! This dangerous darkness that was surrounding them was corrupting the both of them, holding back sharp feelings that they both wanted to hear!

Xena shook her head, unable to say a word. She needed to tell Gabrielle, wanted to, but she just couldn't. It would be too painful and she feared more than anything losing her prescious bard that she loved so much. If she told her bard her true feelings how would Gabrielle react? There was no way that Gabrielle was in love with her! She may think of her as a friend, but nothing more! No way someone so pure and innocent could fall in love with someone so mysterious and dark. They were complete opposite, not the same there was just no way!

"I can't," Xena said, unable to look into the bard's eyes that were staring furiously at her face. The rain began to fall harder, shattering the silence that had seemed to be surfacing around the two of them. Lighting flashed and thunder roared.

"I'm aware of that, Xena. That's all you ever say. "I can't, Gabrielle. I don't want you to know that you're just a useless tagalong to me and everyday that passes by I am reminded of that"!" Gabrielle shouted, her mind racing with fury. She didn't mean for it to sound so harsh but she couldn't help it. Her mind was going crazy! She didn't even know if she was controlling the words that leapt out of her mouth.

"NO!" Xena shouted back, swiping her hand through the air unconsciously, gestures that were meant to prove Gabrielle wrong. "That is NOT what I think of you! How can you say something like that after all that we have been through?!"

"What am I suppose to think? You keep shutting me out! It is so rare to have you compliment me after I have accomplished something that saved both of our lives! I haven't heard you say something complimentary to me in moons!" Gabrielle argued, her face flushed with what they both thought at first was from the fire, but then both knew it was anger that brought it forth.

"That is because I am afriad!" Xena admitted it before she could halt herself. Fear wavered through her and she averted her electric blue eyes from green, furiously removing her sword, reaching for the nearest rock and beginning to sharpen it, attempting to end the discussion right there before she crossed a line that both feared stepping past.

"Afraid of what, Xena?" Gabrielle asked, placing her hand under Xena's chin, forcing the distracted warrior to meet her gaze.

"Afraid of what you might think," Xena said, not able to lie while Gabrielle's gaze was fiercely locked with her own.

"Xena, no matter what you tell me it won't change what we have. I thought you knew that by now! Our love is eternal it will never go away no matter what the reasons, I promise you this," Gabrielle said, her tone matter-of-fact.

"I want things between us to be... to be... different," Xena confessed, her mind racing at the statement that had just been lain out. Thick minutes walked down stairs between both of them. It was moments later when Gabrielle found the voice she so needed to exist.

"Different?" Gabrielle asked, her brows furrowing, her mind throbbing with the chance that Xena would confess that she wanted them to erase the line that separated them from being more than friends. She wasn't sure if this was the case, if Xena was going to admit what Gabrielle had always wanted her to.

"Gabrielle... please... please don't make me do this..." Xena pleaded, blinking back the helpless tears that clouded her eyes.

"Xena... I... I want things to be different too," Gabrielle murmured, her face moving in close to Xena's, each others breath caressing their lips, causing both of their backs to stiffen as blissful pleasure plummeted their senses.

Gabrielle smiled when she heard the warrior's breath deepen. She felt the warrior's lips brush up against hers. At that moment, time seemed to stand still for the both of them. The bard felt every part of her senses dimming until all she could feel was the exquisite feeling of silken lips pressed up against hers, warm breath caressing her cheek, large sensations reaching the core of her with incredible power.

At that point Xena knew that Gabrielle was correct. Their love was eternal.

THE END