Disclaimer: I don’t have one. This is my story….my ideas. Any similarities to Xena and Gabrielle are PURELY coincidental. I’ve based this story on real people…A lot of these things really did happen….and the two people in question….One really does have blue eyes…and the other green. Go figure.

Warnings: This is a story of love between two consenting adult women. If you are uncomfortable with this…move on to another story please. There are some strong expletives used. There may be some graphic sex scenes….well at least I think there will be…I haven’t decided yet if I’m going to include them…probably will as it is an important part of the story….so if it’s illegal where you are….you know the drill.

Dedication: I can’t seem to write a story without dedicating it to someone…..this story goes out to the one true love of my life. She doesn’t know this story exists….someday she will. I love you…I always will.

We Meet Again

Written by: Ren

FALL 2002

It was cold. The autumn breeze was bitter. Robbie didn’t want to be where she was. She was sitting in her parked car, staring at the brick building in front of her. I can’t believe I have to do this. With a heavy sigh, she pulled herself from the vehicle. Back problems suck she thought angrily as she painfully made her way through the parking lot.

Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a sound coming from a short distance ahead of her. She looked up and couldn’t believe what she was seeing. Her eyes widened in shock. That couldn’t be…what are the odds?

She did a double take and looked again. Oh my God. It’s her. Robbie didn’t know what to do. She hadn’t seen her for so long. That chapter had been over and closed for so long now, yet there she stood, and she was staring at Robbie just as intently as Robbie stared at her.

Robbie took a deep steadying breath. Just say hi and leave it at that.

________________________________________________________________________

Kate wasn’t having a very good day either. Money never went as far as it should go and here she was, having to get help from someone else. She hated it.

She headed out the door, bags in hand, and headed for her car. She had made it about halfway thru the parking lot when all of a sudden she spotted an all to familiar form. She felt her legs go weak and she almost dropped her bags. Robbie…

It had been forever since she‘d last set eyes on her. We parted on good terms but we haven’t really spoken since…Should I even try…?

A part of her, kept hidden for so long suddenly awakened. Please let her talk to me.

________________________________________________________________________

THE PREDICTION - FALL 2001

The phone rang. Robbie looked over at the caller ID. It was Emma. “Hey kiddo! What’s up?”

“Hey…not much. What are you up to?”

“Nothing really. Just hanging around.” Robbie lazily replied.

“I got something to tell you…You‘re just going to love it” Emma stated matter of factly.

Robbie rolled her eyes. Gods this girl…What now? Emma was 16 and in need of friends. She had it rough with her mom and was constantly looking for escape. She found it often with Robbie. Robbie didn’t mind. She remembered what it was like to be 16 and how hard it was to live with a difficult mother. If it hadn’t been for her older friends….Robbie shuddered at the thought.

“Well I was sitting in math class….and this thought just CAME to me…” Emma continued.

Robbie raised her eyebrows. Oh this should be good…. “And that thought was…” She prompted.

“You’re never going to believe it!” Emma said excitedly.

“Oh that good huh? Well try me.”

Emma started laughing. “Well it was about you.”

That got an amused grin from Robbie. “About me eh? Well what about me?”

Emma gushed on. “It was more of a premonition really. I was supposed to be listening to my teacher, ya know, when all of a sudden, you came to mind…..and then Kate came into the picture.”

That got Robbie’s attention. Emma was always “seeing” people together. It cracked her up…usually. “Kate?”

Kate was Robbie’s friend and upstairs neighbor. The two of them spent a lot of time together. Robbie had introduced Emma to Kate over the summer and the three of them had gotten together on more than one occasion.

“Yeah Kate…It was weird in an odd sort of way…” Emma continued. “I just got this picture of the two of you….you were drinking and then …”

“And then what Emma?” Robbie wanted to know.

“Well you and her….well you know…” Emma was giggling.

Robbie burst out laughing. “Let me get this straight. You had a premonition that Kate and I are going to get drunk some night and get it on? Is that what I’m hearing?”

“Well yeah….I mean….check this out. She thinks you’re hot!” Emma explained. “And stop laughing, I’m being serious here.”

“She thinks I’m hot huh? She was laughing so hard her sides hurt. “And just how did you come to this conclusion?”

“Well chick, you should have seen her checking you out when you two were hanging by the pool over the summer. I was there remember? I saw it.” Emma was on a roll. “She definitely LIKES you!”

Robbie couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She was still laughing. “Emma, are you listening to yourself? She LIKES me huh?” She tried to catch her breath. “Honey, I don’t know how to break this to you…but I’m straight….” She giggled some more. “And Kate is too….so please explain to me how this little premonition of yours could ever possibly take place.”

“Hell no she’s not straight!” Emma exclaimed. “She swings and big time…and I say she’s swinging right for you. It’s gonna happen. I’m telling you. One drunk night and bam!

“Not likely!” Robbie stated firmly. “Even if she does ‘swing’ as you put it, there is no way in hell I’m ever going to sleep with a woman so you can just get that little thought right out of your mind.”

Emma snickered. “Yeah…whatever. It’s going to happen. You’ll see.”

“Fuck that!” Robbie shot out. “Can you picture it? Oh wait you already have. Cancel that statement.” Robbie stopped for a minute as she tried to envision ’being’ with Kate…or any woman for that matter. She felt a shiver course through her. “Let me say this again girlfriend. I’m straight….I’ve always been straight….and I’m always going to be straight. I have no problem with people being gay. If that is their preference I’m all for it. It’s just not for me.”

Emma was adamant. “Say whatever you want. I still say it’s going to happen.”

“Argh!” Robbie sighed. “I’m not sleeping with Kate or any other woman. You got that?”

“Yeah I got it.” Emma laughed. “I just don’t believe it.”

“Oh my God!” Robbie was laughing again as well. “What next with you kid? The things that you think of…”

“What next? I’m guessing that I’ll be getting a phone call from you saying it finally happened with Kate that’s what’s next.” Emma stated with absolute certainty. “And I’m gonna laugh my butt of when it does.”

“Yeah we’ll see about that ya brat!” Robbie shook her head. “No point in arguing with you once your mind is made up. Let’s move on to the next subject please.”

Emma wasn’t done yet. “You going to tell Kate what I said?”

Robbie had to think about that one. It didn’t take her long to make a decision. It’s crazy….Kate will probably get a major kick out of it just like I did considering the source it came from. “Yeah I’m going to tell her tomorrow. I’m coming home for lunch and she told me to come up and hang for a bit.”

“How you going to tell her?” Emma curiously asked.

“What do you mean how am I going to tell her?” Good question. How AM I going to tell her? Robbie was stabbed by a sudden frightening thought. What if? Just what if the little imp is right and Kate DOES like me? Oh shit this could be a problem.

“How are you going to tell her?” Emma stated again. “I mean, are you just going to blurt it out or what?” she asked through a fit of giggles.

Maybe I should just keep my big mouth shut. “I have no clue how I’m going to tell her.” she said quietly.

“Well call me after you do. I want to know what she had to say about it.” Emma demanded.

“Alright,” Robbie agreed. “but I’m telling you, she’s gonna be laughing her butt off about it just like I am.”

Emma laughed. “We’ll just see about that!”

Robbie heard a loud voice in the background. Oh oh.

“Oh shit I gotta go. Mom’s yelling again.” Emma said quickly. “Call me tomorrow!”

“Okay. Talk to you then.” Robbie replied just as quickly, knowing full well if they didn’t make it quick, Emma was going to hear about it. “You know where I am if you need to talk alright?”

“Yeah I do and thanks. Bye.”

“Bye kiddo.”

Robbie heard the line go dead. That poor kid. Her mother really is something else. Her mind then quickly turned to the conversation she‘d just had with Emma. Me and Kate. Not even! I mean…really! Me and any woman? Shiiiiit! Although she couldn’t put her finger on it, Emma’s comments about her and Kate bothered her.

She had a lot of trouble getting to sleep that night.

________________________________________________________________________

Robbie slapped the alarm clock. Gods! Is it that time already? She stared at the ceiling and let her mind wander. She didn’t want to go to work today. She had too much on her mind. It was still turning over the conversation she’d had with Emma the previous night. It’s never going to happen! She paused. So then why is it bothering me so damn much? She sighed. She glanced over at the clock. I’d better get moving. She hopped out of bed and headed for the shower to start her day.

She made it to work on time. She glanced at her desk. It was going to be a long day. Business had been slow. Glad I brought a book today.

“Good Morning Robbie!”

“Morning Sue.” Robbie grumbled back.

“Oooo aren’t we in a mood this morning.” Sue shot back. “What’s up? You look kind of bummed.”

“Nothing really. Just had a very interesting conversation with a friend of mine last night. I guess it’s still kind of bugging me.”

“What was it about?” Sue wanted to know.

“It’s not really something I can discuss. Sorry.” Robbie slowly replied. Oh yeah, like I’m going to tell you that my friend just told me I’m going to get drunk some night and jump into bed with my neighbor. Oh and by the way…my neighbor’s name is Kate. She laughed quietly to herself. Yeah that’d go over well.

Robbie quickly changed the subject. “How was your night?”

Sue started prattling on about the kids and her hubby and Robbie was glad for the distraction. It didn’t last long. Molly, the boss, had arrived. Now here was a piece of work. You never quite knew what mood Molly would be in on any given day. You just let her come in and get settled. If she said good morning to you first, she was in a good mood. If she came in without a word, you knew you were in for a long day.

“Morning Robbie….Sue.” Molly sang out cheerfully.

Robbie glanced at the clock. Almost lunch time. She was getting nervous. Should I tell her? She’d been wrestling with that question all morning and she still hadn’t made up her mind. Guess I will just go home and let what happens happen.

She had just pulled into the parking lot and climbed out of the car when she heard her name being called. She looked up and grinned. Kate was hanging over her 3^rd floor deck railing shouting at her to get her butt up there.

“Be right up.” Robbie yelled back which earned her a big grin from Kate. She heading for the building door. Ok…here we go.

She climbed the stairs to the third floor and pulled open the fire door. She stood in front of Kate’s door and was contemplating leaving, when against her own will, she raised her hand and knocked on the door.

“Come in!”

Robbie opened the door. Somehow between the knocking on the door and her entrance into Kate’s apartment she had decided she was going to tell Kate everything Emma had said. She glanced around the room. Kate was now sitting at the dining room table…and she wasn’t alone. Her cousin Lisa was sitting across from her. Oh that’s just fucking great! Robbie sighed. I can’t tell her now.

“Come on in and have a seat. We’re just sitting around shooting the shit.” Kate stated. “How’s your day going?”

“It’s going ok I guess. Hey Lisa…how are you?” Robbie wandered over to the table and eased herself into a chair. She looked up at Kate and could’ve sworn from the look on Kate’s face that she already knew what Robbie was going to tell her. Get a grip woman. The walls here are thin but they aren’t that thin.

“I’m doing well thanks.” Lisa responded happily.

“She’s got herself a boyfriend.” Kate teased.

“Oh yeah? Lucky girl.” Robbie said quietly. “Hey wanna hear something funny?” she suddenly blurted out.

Two sets of eyes zeroed in on Robbie. “What’s that?” Lisa wanted to know.

Robbie panicked. She was at a loss for what to say. “Um….Was talking to Emma last night and you should have heard what she said….”

That got a chuckle from Kate. “God, what now?”

“Well it’s kind of funny…” Robbie started. Oh shit I’m in it now. “She seems to have gotten into her head that you and I are going to get drunk some night and um….”

“Um…what?” Lisa asked.

Robbie didn’t know quite how to put it. “Um…well….she seems to think that we…Well she thinks that we’ll get drunk some night and sleep together.” She had dropped the bomb and was waiting for the explosion. She looked up and met Kate’s eyes.

“Did she now?” Kate replied softly.

“Yeah….Can you believe it?” Robbie laughed nervously and dropped her gaze to the table.

“Do you swing?” Lisa asked casually.

“Excuse me?” Robbie sputtered. She DID NOT just ask me that.

“I asked if you swing. You know…go both ways?”

“Um…No I don’t. Never have. Never will.” Robbie stated firmly.

“I do.” Kate stated.

“You do?” Robbie swallowed hard.

“Yep.” came Kate’s short answer.

“Oh. Wow…I…um…I didn’t know that.” Robbie was having trouble forming a coherent thought let alone a sentence that made sense. Her mind was swimming. Oh shit! Emma was right! Damn it! Time for a change of subject.

Robbie cleared her suddenly tight throat. “Um….Anyway….Uh…What are you up to tonight?”

“I’m getting drunk tonight.”

Did she just say…Robbie’s brain suddenly forgot to make contact with the rest of her. “You want some company?” It had come out as almost a challenge. Gods! Where did that come from? I did NOT just ask her that!

“Sure…It’ll be fun!”

Robbie looked up and found her blue eyes locking with Kate‘s green ones. “What time?”

“I’ve got some stuff to do but I should be back by the time you get off from work. Just come on up when you get home.” Kate replied.

“Ok…Cool. Um….I’ll see you then.” Robbie suddenly wanted out of there and fast. “I gotta head downstairs for a bit…..See ya tonight then. See ya Lisa.”

Kate smiled warmly. “See you then.”

________________________________________________________________________

Robbie closed the door quickly behind her. What the hell just happened in there? What did I just get myself into? She took a deep breath and tried to steady her raging nerves. It’s all good. She’s just messing with you. Isn’t she? She wasn’t so sure. Looks like I’m going to find out.

FATE OR????

Robbie was white knuckled on the steering wheel as she drove home. She’d spent the entire afternoon fretting about what WAS going to happen that night. She’d had to keep reassuring herself that nothing was going to happen. Her and Kate were simply going to hang out as they had done countless times in the past.

She made it home in due time and as she stepped out of the car, glanced up at Kate’s deck. Interesting… No lights. She’s not home…weird. Robbie didn’t honestly know whether to be disappointed….or relieved. She got her answer as a sudden and quite unexpected jolt of disappointment hit her. Where the hell did that come from? You crazy girl…You always have a good time hanging out with her…you are just disappointed that you can’t tonight…right?

She made her way to the front door of the building and quietly went inside.

********************

She was sitting working on some things on the computer when she heard footsteps above her. She listened for a minute. Kate was home. Robbie turned her attention back to the computer screen. She stared at it for a few minutes, not really doing anything. Her mind was on the woman upstairs. Finally, realizing she wasn’t going to get anything done, reached over and turned the machine off. She took a deep breath. Should I go up there? Do I want to go up there? She shook her head. I’ve got to know.

She pushed herself away from the desk and slowly stood up. The phone beside her rang and she jumped in surprise. She reached over and glanced at the caller ID. It was Kate.

“Hi there.”

“Hi yourself….How ya doing?” Kate wanted to know.

“Ummm…good…and you?” Robbie replied nervously.

“I’m great….You coming up? I got the bottle and the coke…and they’re just sitting here waiting for us.” Kate said excitedly.

“On my way. See ya in just a sec.”

“K…bye”

Robbie hung up the phone. What am I thinking? Gods, I can’t do this. I just have a feeling…She felt herself moving towards the front door. She wasn’t in control of this and she knew it. She decided to let fate handle it from this point on.

________________________________________________________________________

They’d been drinking steadily for a couple of hours and they were feeling pretty good. Kate had been mixing the drinks and she had been pretty generous with the Cap’t Morgan. They were ready for a refill and both women made their way to the kitchen. Kate got the Morgan out and poured a generous amount into Robbie’s glass and then added a bit of coke to the glass as well. She got a mischievous look on her face and then began waving her hands over the glass.

Robbie gave her a strange look and laughed. “What are you doing?”

“What does it look like I’m doing? I’m making you a drink silly.”

“Are you now?” Robbie grinned. “What’s with the little hand motions there hmmm?”

“Well if you must know…I’m putting a ‘spell’ on your drink.”

“A spell?” Robbie swallowed hard. “For what?”

“Not gonna tell you.” Kate said with a giggle.

“Oh come on…..tell me.”

“Nope. We’ll find out later if it works or not.” Kate said mysteriously.

“If what’ll work?”

“The spell of course.” Kate finished her waving, picked up the glass, and handed it to Robbie.

“Hmmmm. Should I…ah…be afraid to drink this?” Robbie wanted to know.

Kate’s only reply was a wink. She refreshed her own drink and they both went back to the living room to relax. Kate was sitting across from Robbie in her recliner while Robbie took up residence on the couch.

They sat for a few minutes, regarding each other, blue eyes meeting green. Kate had a sort of odd look on her face. Robbie took a few long swallows of her beverage and gathered her courage. She had to know.

“I…um….” Robbie started. “I…would like to ask you something….if that’s ok.?”

Kate gazed back at her with a solemn look. “Go ahead….”

“I…uh…” Robbie took another swig of her drink. Liquid courage eh Rob… She stared at the glass. “I…uh…well I’m just curious.” This was harder than she thought it would be, but she just had to know for sure.

“Curious about what?” Kate prompted quietly.

Robbie took a deep breath before continuing. “Well…I’m curious about….um…well about what Emma said….”

Kate was beginning to understand. “You mean about me ‘liking’ you?”

“Um…yeah.” Robbie’s heart was hammering in her chest. “Do you….I mean….um…” She dared to look up at Kate’s face even though she knew her own to be flushed with embarrassment.

Kate stared back. “Yes, I do.”

Oh shit!!!! She ‘likes’ me…Now what do I do? Robbie heard herself ask, “How long….um….” Jesus Rob…get a fucking hold of yourself. “How long have you felt this way?” There…Finally.

“Since the summer. Emma was right…started out by the pool.” Kate said simply. “Does that bother you?”

Robbie stared down at her glass again. Did it? “Um…no…I guess it doesn’t. I mean…I’m flattered…and uh….” She trailed off not knowing what else to say.

Kate’s eyes darkened. She was now staring at her own glass. “This isn’t going to change our friendship is it?” It was almost a whisper.

Robbie had to think about it for a second. Will it? She’s still the same person I’ve been hanging with…I do like her…she’s a great person. She’d made her decision. She looked up and met Kate’s eyes once more. “No, it won’t change things….”

Kate interrupted. “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.” Robbie was glad that was over with.

“You’ve never slept with a woman? I mean…Ever?” Kate asked with a smile.

Robbie felt her face flush. Ok…I guess it’s not over with yet. Shit. “No…I um…”

“Why not?” Kate wanted to know.

Why not? “I…uh…” Shit give her an answer…come on. You’ve been rehearsing this all day. What are you waiting for. “I’ve just never thought about it I guess. I’m comfortable with gay folks and all that…I just don’t think it’s for me.”

“I see.” was the quiet reply. “I’d like to ask you another question…and I’d like the truth ok?”

“Ok…” Robbie said slowly, not sure if she was going to like the next question.

“Do you find me attractive?” Kate asked bluntly.

I was afraid of that… “Um….uh huh. I think you’re cute.” she heard herself saying. Where in the HELL had THAT come from???? Has to be the alcohol…has to be…Right?

“Cool.” Kate said quickly. “Wanna listen to some music?”

Ok…that was a quick change of subject…Works for me. Robbie breathed in a huge sigh of relief, grateful that Kate hadn‘t wanted to take it any further. “Sure…that’d be great.”

Time flew quickly after that as the two women talked, giggled, and drank the rest of the night away. Before either of them knew it, it was after 1 am.

“Whew! What a night!!” Kate exclaimed.

Robbie looked at the clock. “I guess I should head home.” she said sadly, not wanting the night to end.

Kate sighed. “Yeah…I’m tired.”

“Yeah…ok.” Robbie slowly got to her feet. She swayed for a second and then clumsily made her way to the door. “God, I’m drunk.”

Kate laughed. “Yeah? Me too…” Kate was making her way towards the door as well.

Robbie stopped just in front of the door. “I had a great time tonight.” she said quietly.

Kate was now standing mere inches away from her. “Yeah me too. It was really fun.”

Both of them grew silent, each not knowing what to say and lost in their own thoughts. Suddenly, Kate moved forward and slid her arms around Robbie’s body and gave her a big hug. “Thanks for being my friend.”

Robbie returned the embrace. “You’re welcome.” she whispered into Kate’s ear.

They stood just holding each other for what seemed like forever. Robbie tightened her grip, not wanting to let go. She’s so warm…and so soft…

Robbie felt Kate’s arms loosen and slightly loosened her own as well. Neither let go, instead the pair separated slightly and locked eyes. Robbie’s heart pounded and she knew there was only one thing she wanted to do. So she leaned over and softly captured Kate’s lips with her own.

(To be continued)