Disclaimer: Xena, Gabrielle, Aphrodite and Ares belong to Renaissance/Universal Pictures. No copyright infringement was intended. This story is based on the love between two consenting females. If this offends you etc, please don't read any further.

Dedication: For Suzanne. Thanks for listening and being there, Babe.

Ares watched from his seat on a rock high up on the cave wall, a huge smirk on his face.

"XENA! WHY IN HADES NAME DO YOU ALWAYS DO THIS TO ME?! I'M SO SICK OF YOU!"

"YEAH? WELL I NEVER ASKED YOU TO STICK AROUND, DID I?"

Gabrielle squared up to her friend and poked her in the chest... hard.

"No, you didn't but stupid me thought that I might be able to help you. Once again, you've shown me that the wonderful, tough, 'I have many GODSBEDAMNED skills' Warrior Princess doesn't need help from little old 'born in a backward village' Gabrielle!"

"Maybe you're right, Gabrielle," Xena yelled back, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Would have kept me from having to SAVE YOUR ASS all the time if I'd just left you behind in Amphipolis!"

"Save my ass? You've got a nerve, Xena. I seem to remember stopping a group of angry villagers... your own family among them... from stoning you to death. Or was that just my tiny bardic mind again?" The bard paced back and forward waving her arms in anger. "Three years, Xena. I've given you three years and all you do is criticise me, yell at me... make me feel lower than an ant you'd squash under your boot!"

Ares punched the air with his fist.

"You tell her... uh... Irritating Blonde!"

"ARES!"

Uh oh! "Uh... hi, Sis."

Aphrodite appeared beside him in a flash of golden light. Her face was angry and cold.

"What do you think you're doing?" she demanded, unconsciously fixing her hair.

"Just having a little fun," the god of war replied with a scowl. "Even if I can't have Xena back, at least I can see her dark side in action."

"At the cost of hers and Gabrielle's happiness? Not even YOU are that cold, Ares!" Aphrodite bristled as she looked down on the still yelling warrior and bard. "I've been working on these two for three years and you're trying to end it all by tricking Xena into leaving Gabrielle behind? Supposedly for her own safety? Ares, do you not know how much in love they are?"

"Huh!" Ares exclaimed. "Look at them! They don't look in love to me. Xena just called what's-her-name a stupid kid to her face!"

"I know you did this, Ares. Whatever you did, undo it right now!" Aphrodite threatened.

"Or what?" the god of war replied with a smirk.

"Or I'll turn every warlord and soldier under your command into a lovesick idiot!" the goddess yelled. Ares eyes widened.

"You wouldn't dare!" he bellowed angrily.

"Watch me!" Aphrodite replied and raised her hand but Ares grabbed it.

"Aright, alright, you win," he said defeatedly. He waved his hand and lifted the veil of anger he had placed over Xena and Gabrielle. Aphrodite grinned, her anger draining away. She looked down to see Xena and Gabrielle just staring at each other, neither knowing what to say.

"Uh oh," she stated. "I think the Warrior Babe and Bardly One are gonna need a little bit of help on this one..." She looked at her brother. "Thanks to you!" she added pointedly but Ares just lazily waved his hand and disappeared in a flash of blue light. Aphrodite took a tiny vial of potion out of her pocket and uncorked it, blowing it toward the warrior and bard. The tendril of love snaked through the air and drifted between Xena and Gabrielle. They shuddered simultaneously as they both inhaled the love spell. Gabrielle sneezed and Xena shook her head, rubbing at her nose.

"Oh, Xena! I'm so sorry. I don't know what came over me. I didn't mean anything I said," Gabrielle began in a rush but Xena smiled at her.

"I'm sorry too. I don't think you're a stupid kid at all. I should never have said that."

"And I didn't mean to call you a..." she trailed off as Xena's fingers gently tipped against her lips.

"I'd rather not hear that one again, Gabrielle," she chuckled but her eyes grew wide as Gabrielle tongue snaked out to circle her fingers and then slowly suck one into her mouth. Xena's eyes were riveted on the soft, pink tongue dancing merrily over her flesh. "What..." she began but she clamped her mouth shut as the bard took a step closer to her.

"You know what, Xena?" Gabrielle purred as she trailed her finger down the warrior's chest.

"What?" Xena choked out, trying... and failing... to keep a steady voice as her arms moved around the bard's waist... totally on their own.

"Sometimes arguments are good. You know why?"

"Why?" Xena replied after a deep swallow.

"Because you get to make up after them." A sexy smile rose to her face. "You know what else, Xena?" Gabrielle looked up into the warrior's piercing blue eyes.

"What?" came the throaty reply.

"I intend to make it up to you," Her hand trailed lower over a leather clad stomach to gently rounded hips. "Over..." She leaned closer. "And over..." Closer still. "Again."

Xena moaned softly as Gabrielle's soft lips met her own but she suddenly pulled away.

"Gab... Gabrielle, don't," she said, her voice and hands shaking. Aphrodite rolled her eyes.

"WHY?" she yelled in exasperation.

"Why?" Gabrielle asked softly as she brushed her lips against the soft skin of Xena's throat.

"Because... because... um..."

The bard looked up and smiled.

"Can't think of a reason, huh?" she teased.

"No, I just can't think at all," Xena replied, even white teeth flashing through her smile as she tapped her head. "You've stolen any thoughts that were in here."

"I hope I didn't steal the most important one," Gabrielle said.

"Which one's that?" Xena asked.

"The one where you were going to say you love me."

"No, that one's still here. Gabrielle, I love you."

She captured the bard's lips for a passionate kiss and, as it ended, Gabrielle whispered against full, soft lips she loved so much.

"I love you too, Xena."

Aphrodite jumped up and down in triumph.

"WOOHOO!" she yelled and then disappeared in a shower of golden sparks.

The End