Perspective by Cheeya

Oh gods, she’s back. I’m not ready. I can’t do it… but I have to. Holding back is slowly killing me. She’s moving to sit beside me. She’s smiling at me. I love that smile. It lights the darkest night. How can I tell her? How can I tell her that my love for her is deeper than the ocean? Where will I get the courage to look into those beautiful blue eyes?

"Gabrielle, pass me my whetstone, would ya?"

I love her voice. It washes over me like a low, sensual melody. It makes my heart pound in my chest and my lungs burn for air when I try to control my breathing. She’s smiling at me again and reaching out to take the stone I’m offering. If only she knew that I’m offering my heart along with it. Her touch sets me on fire. Even the light meeting of our fingers sets me ablaze.

"Thanks, Gabrielle. Why don’t you get some sleep? It’s going to be a long day tomorrow."

"Ok, Xena. Goodnight."

"’Night"

I can’t do it. I can’t tell her. My courage has failed me. How could I have thought that she could love me like that? She’s so strong, so passionate, so beautiful… I want her to be mine… to feel her lips on mine, her hands caressing my breasts and then moving lower to bring me to the highest planes of pleasure.

"Gabrielle, what’s wrong?"

Oh gods, she’s touching me. Her hand is feeling my forehead and cheek. Her face is concerned. Her dark hair frames that beautiful face making her appear as a goddess in the light of the campfire.

"Are you in pain?"

Did she hear the soft moan that came from my lips? I can’t wait. I have to tell her.

"Xena… I… I love you."

Have I made a mistake? She’s pulling away. Her expression is of pain. I have to stop her. I have to know.

"Xena, wait. Please… I’m sorry."

Her expression is softening. Maybe I can keep my hope.

"Gabrielle, you’re so young."

Does she think I’m a child? My thoughts are not those of a child. My thoughts are a woman’s. I long for her touch. Am I reaching out to her?

"Xena, my heart is yours. It always has been."

Her skin is soft and supple. My eyes are drawn to hers. I can’t read them. By the gods, she’s so beautiful.

"Gabrielle, how can I let myself love you? If something were to happen to you, it would kill me."

I can hear the honesty in her voice. She’s afraid to let go. She’s afraid to admit how she feels. I’m scared too.

"I want to take the risk, Xena. I can’t be without you. I’m so in love with you."

Oh gods, she’s moving closer to me. Her hair is tickling my chest. She’s inches away. Is this really happening? Am I dreaming?

"Gabrielle, I want you so much. Are you sure you’re ready for this?"

I feel like crying and laughing at the same time. If only she knew how I long for her touch. If only she knew how much I need her. If only she knew that I’ve been ready since the first moment I laid eyes on her.

"Xena, I’ve waited so long for this. I need to feel you against me. I want you to make love to me."

She’s smiling again. Her eyes are vibrant and dancing in the firelight.

"I love you, Gabrielle."

Oh gods… she’s kissing me…

The End.

No passionate Bards or Warrior Princesses were harmed during the writing of this story. However, the ending was cut short by Gabrielle’s loss of coherent thought.