Amazed

Amazed
by Melissa Flores

Part of the A Moment In Time Series

TEASER - Gabrielle discovers she's pregnant, and with it, the reality of her relationship with Joxer. But unknown to her, Joxer is planning his own surprise, proving that their relationship is ready for a child, and much more than that.
EMAIL: mistiec_flores@yahoo.com
RATING: PG-13 for some adult situations and innuendoes
DISCLAIMER : Gabrielle, Joxer, Xena and Eve all belong to Ren. Pics, but they suck. So there.
DISTRIBUTION : That Was Scary, the JFFG, any one else? Please email me.

AUTHOR'S NOTES
This is NOT, I repeat NOT, a sequel to Consort. This is a part of the "A Moment In Time" Series, and takes place between "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word", and "a Moment In Time". Basically, as I explained before, this series takes Gabrielle and Joxer from friends, to lovers, to husband and wife, to the birth of their first child. I have it all planned out, but I'm skipping around, not going chronologically. :-) enjoy.

~*~

Everytime our eyes meet
This feeling inside me
Is almost more than I can take
Baby when you touch me
I can feel how much you love me
And it just blows me away

I've never been this close to anyone, or anything
I can hear your thoughts
I can see your dreams

I don't know how you do what you do
I'm so in love with you
It just keeps getting better

I wanna spend the rest of my life
With you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Baby, I'm amazed by you

The smell of your skin
The taste of your kiss
The way you whisper in the dark
Your hair all around me
Baby, you surround me
Touch every place in my heart

Oh, it feels like the first time, everytime
I wanna spend the whole night
In your eyes

Every little thing that you do
I'm so in love with you
It just keeps getting better

I wanna spend the rest of my life
with you by my side
forever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Baby I'm amazed by you

Every little thing that you do
Baby I'm amazed by you

Amazed, by Lonestar

~*~

She crashed through the brush, her hands clamped to her mouth and her eyes searching wildly, trying desperately to find what she deemed a suitably place for what had to be the grossest feeling in the world.

Another lurch came over her body, and suddenly she decided that anywhere would do. The bard dropped to her knees, hands splayed out, and she retched.

Oh, Gods, this was disgusting.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath in, wiping at her mouth as she leaned against a tree beside her for support. Thankfully, she had had the good sense to keep her growing hair out of her face before the urge to puke had overcome her, and so the only really smelly thing about her was her breath.

She grimaced, wiping at the beads of sweat on her forehead as she stood, her knees wobbling a bit, searching for the stream she knew had to be around here somewhere.

She waited a bit, attentively listening, and then with an audible sigh, she moved toward the creek, letting the sounds of the gushing water lead her.

Her hands dipped into the cold, icy liquid, and Gabrielle splashed her face, thankful for the water, letting it refresh her.

Her heartbeat was rapid, and she swallowed, not yet allowing herself to consider WHY she had suddenly had a big bout of morning sickness.

She swallowed, and took a sip of the water, swishing it around in her mouth and spitting it out. Her green eyes flitted back to the woods where she knew a worried Xena and Joxer must be waiting.

She didn't have the strength to go back yet. Not when she knew she'd have to face the questioning stares, the gentle looks of concern, the inquiries she knew they made out of love. And they had a right. Joxer, as her lover, and Xena, as her best friend and pretty much her other half, had every right to be concerned.

After all, she was the one that was pregnant.

Gabrielle grimaced, and shook her head, her hand stealing to her abdomen, looking down at the rigid stomach, the flat plane that hid the child that she strongly suspected was growing underneath.

"You okay?"

She jumped, yanking her hand away as she stood, looking back with anxious fear, until she recognized the owner and when she did, she sighed with audible relief and smiled a soft greeting.

"Hi."

Xena smiled back, coming forward, her blue eyes dark with concern as she settled next to Gabrielle, staring at her curiously. "You kind of just ran out of there. I figured something was up."

The blonde bard managed a shaky smile, "I just felt a little sick, is all."

"I told you not to let Joxer cook."

Gabrielle chuckled, shaking her head. "He's a good cook, Xena."

"Defend him if you want, but I never touch the gravy."

An image conjured up in Gabrielle's head, of her lover cooking the gravy only he loved so much with such zeal, such affection, that she never had the heart to turn it down. Xena always shook her head, insisting she had Eve liked their stew sans gravy, but Gabrielle, as the girlfriend of the cook, had to eat it. Normally her stomach could handle it.

Normally.

"So is he with Eve now?" she asked.

"Mmhmm. Wanted to come after you, but hell, he sees you enough. I figured it was my turn." Xena nudged her and winked, and Gabrielle felt herself smile in spite of herself. Gods, she was so lucky.

It was small moments such as these that made Gabrielle always realize just how lucky she really was. She had a beautiful family who adored her. She had Xena, her best friend. She had Eve, a child who was practically a daughter to her, and she had Joxer, a man who loved her with an intensity that, even after a year, still managed to set her heart blazing and her spirits soaring.

In fact, it seemed to her that the only thing missing, the only thing she had found herself longing for, on those dark nights when she felt her lover's arms around her, his breath falling in soft puffs on the back of her neck, was something that she supposed shouldn't have mattered at all...

And even that... she knew... she would probably get it... she was sure to get it...but HOW she got it-

"Gabrielle?" Knocked out of her thoughts, Gabrielle turned to find Xena staring at her, the smile that had been on the Warrior Princess before now changed to a small frown.

"Hmm?"

"What's wrong?'

Gabrielle looked a bit startled at the direct question, her face flushing a bit as she turned away. "What?"

"You've had this... look on your face... every time you think Joxer's not looking and lately it's been getting worse. What's bothering you? And tell me the truth," Xena added, before Gabrielle could open her mouth.

Gabrielle stared for a moment into Xena's eyes and she swallowed, finally letting her shoulders slump.

"I'm sorry," she said simply, giving her best friend an apologetic look. "I just... I wasn't sure, is all, and I wanted to make sure I really knew before I said anything."

"Knew about what?" Xena asked, for the moment confused, until Gabrielle's green eyes bore into her own, and her eyes widened with shock and realization. "Oh Gods... Gabrielle are you pregnant?"

Gabrielle stifled a small smirk at Xena's very uncharacteristic reaction and nodded, almost shy. "Umm... yeah I think I am, Xena."

Xena's face was contorted with blank surprise, and suddenly her eyes twinkled and she reached forward, pulling her best friend into a lengthy and a bit stifling hug.

"Oh, wow. Gabrielle that's amazing. You and Joxer, finally..."

It was the 'finally' that made the hesitant smile on Gabrielle's face slide off of her face, and Xena noticed immediately, stopping her train of thoughts to stare at her friend once more. "Why am I not sensing more joy from this, Gabrielle?" she asked.

"Oh, Xena. I'm happy. Truly I am. A child... it's just... it's amazing, you know... but..."

"Do you think you're not ready?"

Gabrielle's eyebrow twitched, and she laughed, shaking her head. "Xena, after the hell we went through with the Gods and Eve, I couldn't be MORE ready."

"Then?" Xena pressed, her tone gentle.

Gabrielle took a breath, and finally sighed. "Xena, Joxer and I... we've been together for a year now... and lately I've been... waiting... for... I think we're ready..."

"Marriage?"

Gabrielle nodded, licking her lips, and shrugging, a grim smile emerging. "You know Xena, he'll marry me as soon as I tell him about the baby."

"Of course he will," Xena responded, nodding firmly.

Gabrielle shook her head slightly, rubbing her temples with her fingers, massaging lightly as she tried to vent her frustration out in words. She forced them out, angry at herself that as a bard, she was still having trouble voicing her emotions to the person who perhaps knew her the most. "And I just... Xena, I've always managed to royally screw up everything between me and him. I mean, if you hadn't told me that day in Africa point blank that I was in love with him, I might still be thinking that I could never love him. And then that time when I dumped him because I was ashamed of him, and had to almost LOSE him just to realize how much I loved him..." she shook her head, eyes clouding at the memory. She had been so stupid, and she had certainly showed it then. It had taken the complete humbling of herself, the stripping of her pride in order to have Joxer just hold her again, but it had been worth it. It was always worth it when she was in his arms. "I just... I've made him wait... made him suffer for so long...and I just keep wondering if maybe it's my turn to wait."

"Gabrielle-"

"Why hasn't he asked me, Xena?" she asked the Warrior Princess earnestly. "I know he loves me, and I know we're ready. I want to spend the rest of my life with him! With you! The way we are... and I want that commitment, I want that ring on my finger, I feel like I've been waiting for it my whole life... and now... I'll never know if he married me because that's what HE wanted or... because he had to."

Xena pursed her lips, studying her friend intently, licking them briefly before beginning her carefully worded answer.

"Gabrielle, Joxer adores the ground you walk on. There is no way he could NOT want to marry you. I mean, come on, he's JOXER. He's not exactly the smartest... guy out there."

Gabrielle let a small smile of affection float on her face at the thought of her young lover. True, Joxer wasn't "smart", not by conventional methods. But in other areas, in so many other areas, he was brilliant. Brilliant and loyal and brave... and so wonderful.

And she wanted to marry him. She wanted to see him get down on one knee, and in his beautiful Joxer way, express how much he loved her, how he wanted to spend the rest of his with her, how he wanted to have children with her and...

She WAS having a child...and she knew any child was a blessing, especially HIS child, especially after Hope... but she had wanted all that first. Emotion surged up in her, and she coughed, trying desperately to choke it down.

"It's just... stupid, Xena," Gabrielle said, her eyes strangely moist as she looked over the river, dismissing the qualms with a haphazard shrug, her voice void of any real emotion. "Just a stupid child-like fantasy. We knew sooner or later it was gonna happen, my getting pregnant. I mean, we DO it enough." A wicked smile floated on Gabrielle's face in spite of herself, and Xena burst into a chuckle, knowing the twinkle immediately.

"Yes, I would agree you two give the rabbits a run for their dinars," she commented.

"Xena!" Gabrielle found herself joining in the laughter, and she leaned forward, hugging Xena with a gentle, warm squeeze. Her soul felt lighter, and she smiled, thanking her friend with a smile. "You always do know how to make me feel better," she whispered.

"Yeah, well, we Warrior Princesses aim to please," Xena said, squeezing her back. The two sat in silence for a moment, and then Xena spoke up again. "Gabrielle?"

"Hmm?"

"You're going to have to tell him sooner or later."

The smile slid off of Gabrielle's face, and she nodded seriously, swallowing. "I'll tell him as soon as we get back," she promised, burying her head into Xena's shoulder, turning to watch the current slide by them.

And then I guess we'll get married, just like that. Gabrielle grimaced. How romantic.

~*~

"Umm..." His bangs fell into his face, and he blew them off, swiping at the sweat on his forehead, and then looking down on the ground. "This would be better on my knees, huh Evie?"

The child merely giggled, and nodded, trying desperately to sit as still as she was able. Joxer had set her precariously on the rock, and not quite having the balance to keep herself on it if she moved too much, she resorted to gripping the sides of it, and concentrating completely on her Uncle Joxer.

He dropped to his knees and gazed intently at her, on his face a serious, practiced, appropriately romantic expression. "Okay."

She burst out laughing, and he pouted. "Aww, come on Eve! Help your Uncle Joxer out here, okay? This is serious! Do I not look handsome enough?"

She merely held her tiny little hands to her face and kept giggling.

"Aww, fine," he grumbled, hands shooting out to hold her steady before moving back, and trying again. "Now I'm going to go through it again, and you make sure I did it right, okay?"

Evie, her hands now at her sides again, nodded with as much solemn dignity a little two-year-old could muster, and waited. "'Kay, Jockster," she cried. "You go!"

The words were loud, and Joxer moved back, remembering that Eve had reached the screaming stage. Gabrielle kept telling her to use her "indoor" voice, but since they were always outside, usually camping in the forest, Eve didn't get a chance to use her "indoor voice" very often. And she was quite happy with screaming the rest of the time.

"Okay, I go," he said, wiping his palms on his breeches. "Umm..." he took a breath, trying to calm himself, then looked seriously at Eve. "Gabs," he rasped, imagining it was his beautiful bard seated on the rock instead of the child. "I...uh... I wanna marry ya-" he groaned, cutting himself off. "That sucks!"

Eve snorted, nodding vigorously. "Bad," she surmised, giving him a thumbs-down sign. Joxer sighed. He should have never taught her that. Every day now, it was thumbs-down to everything. Did she want to eat? Thumbs-down. Did she want to play? Thumbs-down. Evie, it's time for your nap. Thumbs-down.

Joxer gave her a mock glare. "Okay kid, next lesson you're gonna learn is the thumbs-up."

She shook her head and gave him another thumbs-down sign.

"All right, one more time." Joxer readjusted himself, and smiled shakily, looking down at the piece of paper he had acquired from Autolycus. "Let's go the King of Thieves way, huh?"

He gave the paper a dubious glance, but when Eve smiled widely and nodded, crying gleefully, "'TOCUS!" He knew he had to try it.

Hell, even EVE adored him. Maybe the guy's words actually made some sense.

"Umm..okay, but I come off like a big sap and Gab's slaps me, I'm coming after you, Eve." Eve snorted, and kicked at him. Joxer shook his head, and looked down at the paper, reading carefully. "Okay... every time our eyes meet, this feeling inside me is almost more than I can take." He scratched his ear, feeling the tips of them getting a bit pink, and forced himself to continue to skim, "I want to spend the rest of my life with your by my side, forever and...wow.," he trailed off, reading to himself. "Wow, this is really actually kinda good. Reminds me of Gab's writing." He looked a bit suspicious, but then shrugged. "Nah, Gabs shows me everything she writes."

Eve looked a little disappointed that he stopped, and nudged him, making him look up. "Oh! Right!" He put down the paper, and dug into his pockets, pulling out his most treasured possession. His hands trembled a bit at the sight of the ring in his palm, and he swallowed. "Here it is, Evie, what do you think?"

"Oooooh!!" Evie reached for it, her little blue eyes filed with awe at the splendor of the ring. Joxer found himself smiling in spite of himself. It was a beautiful ring, and he owed Aphrodite a huge favor because of it. And boy, was getting it an adventure and a half. He found himself smiling at the memory, and at the picture on Gabrielle and Xena's faces when he would finally be able to tell them how he and Aphrodite had landed in a Spanish jail block after she had "liberated" the ring from a stinky nobleman.

He smiled. It had all worked out, but boy... he shook his head. He would never underestimate the Goddess again.

His eyes widened as he realized Eve was getting a BIT too attached to the ring, and he reached for it.

"NO!" Evie said, sticking the ring in her mouth and holding it there. "MINE!"

Joxer's eyes widened, and he began to shake his head. "NOW, Eve!" He was about to tirade on her about her tantrum, when the footstep and voices from the forest warned him of his best friends' return. Feeling his heart skip a beat in panic, Joxer tried to pry open the child's mouth, but having her mother's strength, Eve simply just kept it shut.

Finally Joxer cursed, and thrust the little pouch into Eve's hand. "Fine, can you hold it for Uncle Joxer?" he whispered earnestly.

Eve puffed up at the importance, and nodded, letting the ring drop out of her mouth and slipping it into the pouch, stuffing it into her boot, and smiling.

"All safe, Unck Joxie!" she announced.

"What's all safe?" Xena asked, coming forward, and scooping her daughter, tickling her until Evie shrieked with delight, the ring apparently forgotten.

Joxer merely coughed, and smiled a bit too widely. "My Umm... carrots."

Xena rolled her eyes, and Joxer shrugged, noticed the paper on the floor and quickly picking it up, stuffing it in his pocket.

His gaze went to Gabrielle, who looked a little green, and his eyes softened. "Hey, what's wrong?"

Gabrielle and Xena exchanged a quick look, one that was not lost on him, and he furrowed his eyebrow, as Gabrielle came forward, taking his hand and smiled tightly.

"I need to talk to you."

~*~

Okay, she SAID she wanted to talk. But she sure as hell wasn't saying a darn thing now. From the moment she had dragged him to the creek to now, all she had done was sit beside him, her hands taking poor defenseless blades of grass and pulling them apart with her delicate fingers.

Joxer watched her curiously, growing worry in his features. Something was definitely bothering her. He pursed his lips, and gently laid a hand on her shoulder.

She jumped at the contact, and then gave him a startled look, smiling quickly before looking away again.

"Umm... Gabs?" he tried, scooting a bit closer to her. "What's up?"

She was still for a minute, and then suddenly she turned, looking into his eyes with softened features.

"I love you, Joxer," she whispered, and without another word, she slid her arms around him, burying her face into his chest. Joxer slipped his arms around her, pulled her in beside him, and kept his mouth shut. His year as Gab's significant other hadn't left him with nothing. He had begun to understand her moods, and he knew that now, was probably the time to keep his trap tightly closed. Because if he opened it, he'd probably say something really dumb, and she'd get pissed, and that's probably not what she needed from him.

Still...

He looked down and gently smoothed away the blonde bangs from her forehead, kissing the area he had just cleared. "Was it my cooking?" he asked, his tone slightly anxious.

She stilled, and suddenly a soft chuckle slipped from her, her body trembling with laughter as she leaned back, shaking her head.

"No, Joxer, you silly idiot, it's not your cooking."

"Oh. Good." She continued to look at his relieved face, and suddenly smiled, a gentle, tired grin, her thumbs sliding up to trail the line of his lips.

"Do you love me, Joxer?" she whispered.

His eyes were dark, so full of beautiful affection she found herself believing every word as he rasped, "Gabs, you know I do. I love you more than life itself."

She felt her insides trembling, a delicate washing inside of her that made her feel slightly airy and yet, oddly heavy at the same time. Licking her lips, she swallowed, and closed her eyes, taking a breath.

"Joxer, I'm pregnant."

When he didn't answer right away, her eyes squinted open, half dreading what she would see. Upon setting her eyes on him, she felt her mouth drift into a small frown.

"Well?" she asked.

Joxer hadn't moved all. His mouth was parted, his eyes were wide with shock, but otherwise, he looked... like someone had turned him into stone.

That was exactly what she didn't want to see. She felt herself give a quick intake of breath, was about to avert her eyes away to give her pounding heart a minute to settle down, when suddenly the hands at her waist squeezed, and the inanimate Joxer suddenly came to life.

"You... you... a baby, Gabs?"

The earnest hope, the smile and the shock in his face made her suddenly venture a quick smile, and blushing slightly, she nodded.

"Uh... wow." Without another word Joxer pulled her to him, and she was so grateful, because somehow, her flushed skin tingling with fear, the turmoil of emotion inside of her, was immediately soothed the second she felt her chest pressed against his, breathed in his soft, masculine scent, closed her eyes, and held him to her just as tightly.

"Wow," he said again, his fingertips sliding down her back, sending tingles of pleasure through her body. "A baby... wow... us... a baby..." he still seemed to be in shock, and Gabrielle smiled through her tears, gritting her teeth, deciding there was no point in postponing the inevitable.

"Joxer, we... we have to get married as soon as possible." Her tone was sad, resigned, and something about that made him still, stop stroking her and touching her, and it even made his beating heart seemingly stop for a second.

She licked her lips, and pulled away slightly, searching his face. He stared at her, his eyes wide as if something about that had shocked him, and she felt her heart give, averting his look when she realized that was NOT what he had been thinking.

"I'm sorry," she said, after a minute. "But Joxer... if my parents found out that ... I mean ... the shame alone... I..."

"Gabs," he suddenly shook himself out of his stupor, and with a gentle, beautiful tone, he began, "Of course I'll marry you." He smiled, a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, and he slid his palms up her face, cradling it tenderly. "I love you. And you're having my baby. OUR baby."

She felt her heart tremble with relief, and severe disappointment, the knowledge that the beautiful proposal that she had been waiting for would never happen now. She shuddered, blinking away the tears, and shook her head slowly, licking her lips, "I'm sorry that-"

"Shhh." He pulled her close, and she accepted his caress gratefully, leaning into his shirt, as he continued, the sadness in his voice making her heart ache. "I'm sorry. We should have been... I should have been-"

She whimpered, not wanting to hear the rest of it, and pulled away, a hand cutting off his stammer. "Joxer... no. No apologies. It happened, and we deal, okay?"

He nodded and she forced a smile, shrugging. "I'm just... glad it happened with you is all."

The tender words cut through him, and suddenly the glint that had been missing his eyes now shone so brightly, as he rasped, "I love you, Gabrielle."

He kissed her then, a gentle, beautiful caress, and Gabrielle returned it wholeheartedly, before once again holding him to her, her future husband.

And she didn't even have a ring. She blinked away the tears at such a stupid fantasy, and shook her head. She didn't need a ring or a flowery proposal... she didn't. And Gods, she didn't want to think she had somehow obligated her boyfriend into marrying her.

No... Gods, Joxer loved her... he did. And she knew they would have gotten married somewhere down the line...

But she hadn't wanted it to be like this.

"Gabrielle, you're trembling."

She took a breath, and just shook her head. "It's just my 'delicate state', Joxer," she said with a touch of sarcasm in her tone. "I'll be fine." Her eyes grew clouded, and she bit her lip, biting back the tears. "I'll be fine."

~*~

She didn't want to get married. He could see it in her eyes. The only reason she had brought it up, was that she thought it wouldn't be 'proper' for them to have a child together if they weren't married.

Joxer pursed his lips, feeling his heart heave slightly, holding Eve in his lap. The child had climbed into it about an hour ago, and since he had no choice but to hold her, she had fallen asleep a good twenty minutes ago. All the while, he watched Gabrielle and Xena, as the two sparred with each other, Xena being considerably more careful with Gabrielle than the bard liked.

He scratched at his ear, and continued watching. He had always known that Gabrielle's life was with Xena, and that never bothered him, just like it didn't bother Xena much when he and Gabrielle had begun their courtship.

But he had always thought that Gabrielle was the marrying kind. The kind that no matter how spunky, how full of fire she was, she would WANT to go through with that ceremony, and ... not settle down exactly... but still... BE with him the rest of her life.

He didn't like to think he was tying her down, because that's something Gabrielle could never to, or be.

But she hadn't wanted this...

He shook his head slowly, and looked down at Eve. "Maybe it was a good thing you stole that ring after all," he whispered to the child, pressing his lips gently to her forehead.

~*~

Out of the corner of her eye, Gabrielle saw the action, and it stilled her, making her pause, forgetting completely about Xena's attack, until Xena actually was swinging the sword down. Thankfully, Xena had seen that Gabrielle wasn't going to defend herself, and turned the sword's momentum, letting the blade bury itself in the trunk of a tree.

"Gabrielle!" she said in annoyance, huffing, her hands on her hips as she glared at the bard. Gabrielle barely even noticed.

"I hope she has brown hair."

"What?"

Gabrielle paused, and then suddenly looked at Xena, her eyes shining a bit brighter, before turning back to the scene of Joxer and Eve. "The baby. I hope she has brown hair. Like him. And you."

Xena turned, her eyes following Gabrielle's, and noticed the tender scene, and felt her lips quirk into a gentle smile.

"Finally getting into the spirit of things, hey Gabrielle?" she asked, putting a hand on Gabrielle's shoulder, nudging her.

Gabrielle blushed a bit, and shrugged. "I just... look at him, Xena!" Xena did look, and saw nothing out of the ordinary. Joxer adored Eve, Eve adored Joxer. And the world kept turning.

"Uh huh?"

Gabrielle gave her a quick glance and finally sighed in exasperation. "Xena, that's... he's ... with OUR baby!"

"Oh." Xena found herself smiling, and squeezed Gabrielle. "You know, I think this excitement would be much better spend on Daddy over there."

Gabrielle pursed her lips, lost in thought, and just smiled distractedly. "Come on, let's get back to work. And stop going easy, will you? I'm not even beginning to show yet."

~*~

She was quiet when he settled next to her, drawing the pelt over the two of them, kissing her cheek once before turning over.

She waited, hesitated, and then suddenly turned on her side, regarding him as the moonlight illuminated his pale face with a blue glow.

Without a word, she gently took his hand, and slid it around her shoulders, nudging into his warmth. Joxer's eyes opened sleepily, and suddenly he smiled, pulling her in closer and gently laying a soft kiss on her lips.

She smiled, not saying a word as he pulled back, his eyes dark with affection as he studied her, his thumb cradling her chin and then sliding down, between her breasts, skimming her bare midriff. He paused, and then returned to it, gently smoothing his hand over it.

The gesture brought tears to her eyes, and Gabrielle found a lump in her throat, gently reaching down and covering his hand in hers, entwining the fingers. The couple paused, hands clasped over her abdomen, and his barely audible whisper made her eyes water.

"Wow."

She closed her eyes at the awe, the reverie in his voice, and then leaned back, allowing him to rest his head on her chest, his fingers dancing over her stomach, never letting his gaze leave it.

"Joxer?" she whispered, her voice purposely low. If they woke Eve, who was a relatively light sleeper, then they woke Xena, and then there would immense hell to pay.

"Hmm?" Her arms slipped around his shoulders, holding him to her.

"What do you think about Solan?"

He looked up, his eyes clouded with confusion. "What?"

She smiled. "Solan. For the baby's name."

He was still for a minute, and suddenly grinned. "I think it's great. What about if it's a girl?"

"I think it'll work for both."

"Nah. You think?"

She nodded, running her fingers affectionately over his hair, mussing it as she massaged at his scalp.

"Yes I do."

He looked at her for a minute, and then nodded, before leaning up and suddenly covering her face with kisses. She giggled, squirming as he smothered every inch of her face with loud smacks, ending it when she pulled his face over her lips. He moaned, settling into her lips with a moist, beautiful, and long caress.

She whimpered when his hand skimmed her shoulder, pulling at her top, and seconds before he reached to slide it off her shoulder, he stilled, pulling back slightly.

"Gabrielle?" he whispered hoarsely, looking down at her with such love and affection she felt her heart skip a beat.

"Yes, Joxer?" she asked softly, hands reaching for the bottom of his shirt, reaching under it to slid up his chest.

"I... I love that you're having our baby."

The gentle answer made her pause, and suddenly she found herself smiling, a beautiful grin that hadn't graced her face in days, and Gods, how he had missed that smile. "Me too," she answered honestly.

He grinned, and leaned down, stealing another beautiful kiss from her, before leaning down, his lips sending shuddering caresses down her flushed skin in every place he was very quickly uncovering.

Gabrielle sighed, biting her lip to keep from crying out, feeling the love in her heart ready to burst. Her eyes slid open, and found herself looking down, staring at his form.

Gods, she loved him. And suddenly nothing mattered but that. She loved him, she was having his baby, and they were going to be together for the rest of her life.

That's all that mattered. She smiled, leaning down and brushing a part of him that made him freeze and quickly covered his lips with her own to silence the groan.

That was all that mattered.

~*~

She looked disturbed, worried, and Xena felt her concern rise with every second Gabrielle's face contorted in that frown.

She watched, seated on the rock as Gabrielle stood, walked into the forest, and never came back. Xena's eyes flitted down the road, where Joxer had taken Eve to town, and pursed her lips, getting up and patting Argo's mane absently.

After a minute, her worry got the better of her, and instructed the mare to watch over the camp, she followed the path that Gabrielle had taken, taking care to keep her movements quiet.

When her hands parted the thicket, she found her best friend seated on a rock, her hand buried in her face, and her body trembling.

Xena felt her heart heave, her features softening as she suddenly strode forward, kneeling down in front of her.

"Gabrielle?" she asked quickly, forcing the bard to jerk her head up, revealing tear streaked eyes. "What's wrong?"

"Xena?" Gabrielle rasped, blinking to get her into focus.

"Gabrielle." Xena's arms slid around her, as Gabrielle leaned into them, tears suddenly flowing down her face, her body shaking with silent sobs. Xena's eyes were moist, her body tense as she tried to comfort her shaken best friend. "What's wrong, Gabrielle? Tell me, please."

Gabrielle clung to her, the bard not being able to make any intelligible sounds as she pulled back, trying to regain her control, wiping frantically at her eyes.

"Gods... it's... Xena..." Xena's eyes bore into hers, shaking her head slightly, waiting with anxious tears for Gabrielle's explanation.

Gabrielle licked her lips, and began with a whisper, "I'm not pregnant."

Xena was frozen, for a moment not understanding, as Gabrielle looked away, licking her lips, and gripping the log under her for support.

"Gabrielle... what... how..."

"I just got my cycle, Xena." Gabrielle's tone was tortured, and so very, very sad. "I... it was a false alarm. I was late... that's all."

"But you were so sure-"

"I know!" Gabrielle stood, arms wrapped around herself, eyes on some unforeseen point. "I just... I was so sure... and the sickness and..." she turned, regarded Xena with a sad, passive expression. "Xena, what am I going to tell Joxer?"

Xena bit her lip, and suddenly stood, wrapping her arms with a gentleness few people saw. "It's all right, Gabrielle. You'll just tell him the truth, is all."

"The truth... I..." Gabrielle swallowed, taking in a shaky breath. "I ... Xena he LOVES ... loved... this baby... we... we already had a NAME-"

Her face crumpled, and Xena sighed, closing her eyes, letting Gabrielle vent her frustration, her sadness, in the privacy of her arms.

"We were getting married in two days..." she whispered.

"You still can."

"But... there's no reason..." Gabrielle pulled away, pacing frantically. "Xena, this baby was the reason he was going to marry me-"

"He wants to marry you because he loves you," Xena interrupted.

Gabrielle took a ragged breath, and closed her eyes, trying to calm herself. "I need to tell him, don't I?" she asked softly. "As soon as possible."

Xena nodded, and then looked back to the camp. "I ... he and Eve are probably back by now... stay here, Gabrielle, I'll go get him."

Gabrielle felt her heart heave, but she nodded, crossing her arms, and hugging herself as she watched Xena disappear into the thicket.

Gods... she wasn't... there was no baby Solan.

She felt the emotion, the disappointment well up inside of her, and Gabrielle forced it down, choking on the unshed sobs. She had never known how much she had wanted this baby until last night, when Joxer's hands had rested on what he had thought was a life forming, at the awe in his voice, the sound of his even breathing.

It had been the start of what she had wanted, and now it wasn't happening anymore... it wasn't... there was no baby Solan.

She placed her palm against her mouth, keeping her cries of anguish in, and her eyes looked up to meet Joxer's when he came through the thicket, a worried and haunted expression on his face.

"Gabs, what's... Xena said-"

Without another word, she launched herself into his arms, holding him tightly. Joxer looked surprised, but didn't say a word, merely held her close, kissing the top of her head, his heart beating quickly against her chest.

"What? Gabrielle?"

"I'm sorry," she whispered unsteadily. "I was so sure... I'm sorry..."

"Sorry about what?" he asked tenderly, hands cradling her face, eyes dark with worry. "What?"

"Joxer, there never was a baby," she whispered raggedly, eyes pleading with him to understand. "There never was a baby. I was never pregnant."

He froze, his eyes never leaving hers, as if by staring at them long enough, he could understand what she was trying to say.

The intense disappointment, the sadness that invaded his face the moment he did was almost too much for her to bear. She felt a whimper emerge, and pulled away, sitting on a rock, not being able to look at him.

Joxer's heart beat rapidly, unsure of what do to or say.

"I... hey," he blinked back the tears that had come to his eyes without warning, and forced a gentle smile on his face, in spite of his breaking heart. "It's okay... it's okay, Gabby." He leaned forward, sitting next to her, arms on his knees as if he wasn't sure if he should hold her or not. "It's ... fine."

"It's not fine," she whispered raggedly. "I know you wanted this child..."

"Yes I did, but...they'll be others, Gab." He gave her a gentle grin, a finger sliding up to wipe the tears off of her cheek. "Beautiful ones."

She was quiet, and when she looked at him, she actually seemed to manage a weak smile. "You're right," she said softly, "I mean, there's no need to rush things, right?"

"Right," he said simply, his palm cupping her face with affection.

She swallowed, the smile drifting off of her face. "Like... the wedding."

His smile froze, and he felt his stomach drop, suddenly remembering exactly where Gabrielle stood on marriage.

She didn't want to get married... and now... now there was no reason to...

Gods.

"Umm... yeah..." he swallowed, not being to quite look at her as he continued. "After all we were only... cause of the baby, and now... I mean... there's no reason to... go through with ... with it."

There was silence beside him, and Joxer felt his stomach twist itself into knots as he waited for her reaction, any reaction.

"Are you.. is that what you want?" she asked softly, her voice unreadable.

"Isn't it what you want?" he asked in a voice that was just as low, just as passive. He couldn't allow anymore emotion, for fear that he would give himself away, break into a rant and tell her how much he loved her and wanted that marriage... the marriage he had been dreaming about.

"I ... guess it is..." she answered, and without another word, stood, her voice suddenly all business, and no emotion. "So that settles that then."

He couldn't look at her, just managed a grim smile and nodded. "Uh... yeah."

They fell into silence for a moment, and Joxer coughed, suddenly standing. "Xena's probably expecting us..."

"Right," Gabrielle took a deep breath in an attempt to settle her trembling insides, still not able to look at Joxer directly. "Okay... umm... thanks."

"For what?" he asked hoarsely, knowing the answer already. For releasing her. For not making her go through with it.

She licked her lips, and managed a stiff smile. "For... understanding."

He felt his eyes water as he watched her straight back and took a ragged breath, wiping at his eyes before the tears could eek out.

He DIDN'T understand. He didn't understand at all.

~*~

"Gabs?" She blinked her eyes open, found her heart shuddering softly at the look of pain on Joxer's face.

"Joxer?" she whispered. "What's wrong?" Sitting up, she let a hand graze his cheek, but he only smiled tightly, taking her hands in his and squeezing, casting a glance at the sleeping Xena and Eve before coughing.

"Gabs, I need to go," he said softly.

She felt her stomach plummet, and her mouth parted in surprise. "What? Where?"

He licked his lips, and only shook his head. "It's just something I have to do... now."

"In the middle of the night?" she whispered fiercely. She wasn't sure why the thought of his leaving shook her so much. He left all the time, and he always came back, but she didn't want him to leave now... he COULDN'T leave now... she needed him with her.

"I just... I mean, if you don't want me to go..."

"No," she found herself croaking, managing a tight smile, thankful he couldn't see the disappointment in her eyes. "No, it's okay, Joxer. If you need to go, then go. But... just... be back soon okay?"

He swallowed, staring at her, and whispered softly, "I love you, Gabrielle."

Her eyes watered, and suddenly her features crumpled. "I love you too," she rasped, as he pulled into a desperate hug. She clung to him, her lower lip trembling as she shut her eyes tightly, breathing him in, feeling herself shaking, her heartbeat thumping, wanting to beg him to stay with her.

But she only pulled away, kissed him gently once, and then watched with a heavy heart as he picked up his pack, and slung it into his shoulders, walking off into the night.

"Gods, Joxer," she whispered, realizing just how empty the pelt felt without him in it. "Please be back soon."

~*~

"Gabrielle? Where's Joxer?" Xena gave her friend a questioning look as she put her child on the ground next to the bard, who was searching frantically through her scrolls. "I need him to watch Eve while you and I take care of those thugs I saw down the road."

Gabrielle paused, her hands shaking slightly before she took a breath, and shrugged. "He took off."

"He TOOK OFF?!" Xena repeated, looking completely bewildered. "He..."

"Yes, Xena!" Gabrielle snapped, sighing as she ran a hand through her hair. "DAMN!"

"Umm... why did he leave?"

"He said he had to go... do something, I don't know. DAMN IT WHERE IS MY SCROLL?!"

Xena watched as Gabrielle threw a scroll about ten feet away, her eyebrow furrowing. "Gabrielle did something happen between you and Joxer?" she asked pointedly.

"NO. We ARE FINE," Gabrielle forced through gritted teeth. "SO fine he doesn't MIND that there is no baby, and he didn't SEE any reason why we SHOULDN'T get married after ALL!"

Xena didn't quite know what to say to that. She sighed, annoyance mingling with her concern for the situation. Gabrielle and Joxer had driven her crazy for years. She often wondered where on earth they would be if she hadn't been around to straighten their little misunderstandings and arguments, and from the looks of things, a misunderstanding had to be exactly what happened.

Joxer would never in his right mind tell Gabrielle he didn't want to get married unless she had given him some inclination that SHE didn't want to get married, and knowing Gabrielle, Xena bet that was EXACTLY what she did.

"Uh huh," Xena muttered, studying Gabrielle as the Amazon bard tore through her belongings. "Lose something?"

"I can't find my scroll," Gabrielle muttered.

"What are you talking about? you've got tons here," Xena said, motioning to the piles around her.

"THE SCROLL," the bard answered testily. "You know the one I was saving, the poem about Joxer that I was going to show him if we ever got married?"

"Oh, the mushy one."

"Yeah, the mushy one."

"Well why do you want it?"

"I feel like tearing it up."

"That might not be a good idea," Xena said, a smirk coming to her face in spite of herself.

"Why not?"

"Because when you two finally work this out, you'll kill me for letting you do it. Gabrielle." Xena grabbed her friend's hands, making the bard freeze, and glare at him.

"Xena-"

"No. Listen. Gabrielle, it's obvious this baby meant something to you. And I don't blame you. She or he, was already YOUR child, and losing the baby... it hurts you."

Gabrielle bit her lip, her earlier testiness gone as her eyes unexpectedly watered. "Xena," she began softly. "Is it wrong? To feel like that? I mean the baby wasn't even real-"

"The baby was real to you and to Joxer. Now I don't know what happened between the two of you, but it's obvious he adores you and you adore him. And you two need to be together right now to work it out."

Gabrielle's hand slid out of Xena's. "Yeah, well tell that to Mighty Man Idiot that just left here last night because-"

"Because you said you didn't want to marry him."

Gabrielle's eyes widened. "Xena, I never SAID that!"

"Did you ever say you did?"

Gabrielle paused, ready to nod, sure that she did. "I ... of course I did... didn't I?" Her mouth puckered into a frown, lost in thought for a minute, focusing on Eve as she tried to remember.

Suddenly she paused. "Eve? What are you playing with?"

Eve looked up and smiled, twirling the circlet on the stick. "It shines!" she announced happily.

Gabrielle and Xena exchanged looks and came forward.

Carefully, Xena took the ring of the stick, a sharp intake of breath indicating she was amazed by it. "Eve, where did you get this?"

"Joxie."

With troubled eyes, Gabrielle took the ring thoughtfully. It was a beautifully simple circlet of gold, not thick, and not thin, but just the right thickness so that it looked sturdy, but delicate. Nestled on the top, in a ring, were five small diamonds, and in the middle of that, a beautiful black pearl.

"What the... where did Joxer..." She turned it over, and suddenly froze.

There was an inscription inside, so small it was barely readable, but done with such finite penship the engraver must have been a God.

"To my future wife, Gabrielle."

"Gods... Xena..." Curious, Xena took the ring, and read the inscription, then turned to Eve.

"Eve when did Joxer give this to you?"

Evie shrugged, and then beamed a bright smile, and scampered off.

Xena's eyes were hooded, indicating she was thinking clearly, while Gabrielle merely sat in shock. "He's been with us since before you told him about the baby... that means he had to have gotten it before... Gabrielle!" Xena looked up, grabbing Gabrielle's shoulders. "Do you think maybe Joxer's been wanting to ask you to marry you all this time, but was just being... Joxer about it?"

The bard was still absolutely frozen, and she managed a weak stammer. "Leave it to HIM to be predictable at the worst time."

Xena smiled, and gently nudged her shell shocked friend. "Gabrielle, you know what this means? He wanted to marry you. He WANTS to marry you."

Gabrielle felt herself trembling, her insides so shaken she had to grab Xena for support as her mind whirled, replaying the events of the past few days. Gods, it had happened AGAIN.

She leaned forward, breathing heavily as she rested against Xena's chest. "Xena?" she asked weakly.

"Hmmm?"

"Next time Joxer and I pull something like this? Can you please slap us?"

Xena chuckled against her, and gave her blonde hair an assuring stroke. "With pleasure."

~*~

He blinked when there were two mugs of ale in front of him instead of just the one. Blinking again, the extra mug refused to disappear, and Joxer frowned. He hadn't drunk THAT much yet, had he?

"The extra ones on the house." Joxer looked up and studied the tavern keeper, who was gazing at him with sympathy. "You look like you need it."

"Indeed I DO." Joxer said, giving the tavern keeper a thumbs-up, since Eve wasn't there to give it for him.

He blinked, and reached for a mug, smiling at it. Yes, yes. Drunk was good. Good and drunk.

A slap on his shoulder made him yelp and almost slide off his seat.

"JOXER! Well met, my friend!"

Joxer glared up, and pointed a disgusted a finger. "YOU are the LAST person I want to see right now."

Autocylus gave his friend a puzzled grin. "Well, if that was the case, you shouldn't have come to the tavern where I'm a legend. Besides, shouldn't you be kissing my shiny leather boots? Didn't I get you that ring you wanted so badly?"

"No. Aphrodite got us the ring. You just... hit on her," Joxer grumbled.

The King of Thieves smiled at the memory. "Ah yes, the Goddess of Love. A fascinating challenge. One I look forward to again."

"Don't you ever just... turn it OFF?" Joxer queried, motioning in annoyance to him.

Autocylus looked slightly confused. "Turn what off?"

"YOU!" Joxer sputtered, glaring at him. "You and your... King of Charm.... ask-Gabs-to-marry-you-she-loves-you crap."

Auto raised an eyebrow, and finally just sighed, leaning against the bar and regarding his clumsy friend. "Don't tell me you asked and screwed it up. Why that poem was absolutely-"

"I never asked," Joxer growled into his cup, taking another drink.

"And why not?" Auto asked, raising his mug to his lips and smiling at a lovely serving wench that winked in his direction.

"She got pregnant." Autocylus spewed the ale out of his mouth, coughing and sputtering.

"She... she... she what?!"

"Will you keep it down?" Joxer narrowed his eyes, whispering hastily. "And no, she's not anymore. It was a false alarm, but... I kinda got from that she didn't really want to get married unless she has to."

"Ah." The King of Thieves composed himself, running a hand down his beard, making sure it kept it's shape before shrugging. "Well that's easy enough to fix, Joxer ol' boy. Just get her pregnant for real and-"

There was a hand at his throat before Auto could squeak out another sentence. Pushed back against the bar, he stared at Joxer's angry face in surprise. For a minute, he thought he was seeing Jett.

"Shut up," he growled. "Just... shut up."

Autocylus DID shut up. For a second, anyway. He smiled warily at his friend, and patted the shoulder awkwardly. "Now, now, clumsy boy. I have a feeling this anger is a bit misplaced, don't you think? I'm not who you're really mad at. So just let poor Auto up before he gets bruises."

Joxer glared at him, but obeyed, releasing his hold, and turning back the bar.

"Go away."

The King of Thieves regarded his young friend. Up to about a year ago, he had dismissed this tinsel reject as a lost cause, a loser, and not worthy of his great offering of friendship. Unfortunately, Joxer had proved him wrong, and the King of Thieves HATED to be proven wrong.

Then again, Joxer DID have the ins with a number of beautiful women, AND happened to bit practically hitched already, so Meg, Xena, and Aphrodite herself, who all had a very big affection for this little warrior warnnabe, couldn't have him. The little beautiful bard loved him, and he loved her, and that was just perfect for the professional thief, because he meant all those other beauties were ripe for the taking.

And Joxer was a perfect link with them. Of course...there was that small smidgen in Auto's heart that said he really just LIKED the guy, but... hey, you could always ignore that.

He took the extra mug that was by Joxer's side, and took a sip, smiling sympathetically. "So... come on, tell your good pal what happened. That's what bars are for."

"Oh, what do you care," came the mumble.

"HEY!" Auto looked properly offended. "I'll have you know that I care very much." He pressed a hand to his heart. "You and Gab are very dear to me, and anything I can do to help, I will. So come on, drink up, and let that tongue loose."

"It's just... "Joxer sighed, looking wounded as he bit his lip. "Gabrielle... she ... I wanted this baby, Auto. And she did too... but I want the other stuff, too. You know? The marriage, and the standing before ... did you know Aphrodite said she would do the ceremony herself?"

"Well, then I can't miss that," Autocylus mumbled, one hand to his mustache. When Joxer glared, he shook himself, and put on his best listening face. "Sorry. Go ahead."

"And I ... I just never realized that she DIDN'T want that."

The professional thief raised an eyebrow. "Joxer, I seriously doubt that. Did she ever TELL you she didn't want to get married?"

"Yes."

"Did she say those words? 'Joxer I don't want to marry you'."

"Uh..." Joxer blinked, tried to focus. "I ... I don't..."

"Joxer, Gabrielle is the kind of girl that wants to get married."

Joxer gave him a doubtful look, and Auto continued, on his face a solemn, very un con-man look. "Look, take it from me, Joxer. I know a lot of women. BOY, do I know a lot of women." He grinned, and then quickly straightened his face, and coughed. "Which isn't important, but the POINT is, that I know woman, and I KNOW that Gabrielle wants to marry you. She loves you. I see how she looks at you Joxer, and I've known the gal for a long time. She loves you." Auto nudged him, smiling, with a sincere wink. "I'd stake my reputation as a ladies' man on it."

Joxer was quiet for a moment, but it was clear when he gazed at his friend, that hope had returned to his eyes.

"I mean... do you think if we actually just sat down and ... talked about it, we could work this out?"

"It's been known to work."

Joxer sighed, and suddenly stood, almost lurching over.

"Whoa!" Auto steadied him. "Where are you going?"

"To TALK to my Gabb.."

"Not drunk you're not." Auto sat him back down. "Women HATE that. Look, you'll sleep it off, and we'll go tomorrow."

Joxer gave him a dubious look. "We'll?"

"You don't think I'd let my old pal Joxer go on that dangerous road alone, do you? There are thieves!"

"You're a thief."

"And it pays to be in with me, I'll tell you that," he grinned. "'Sides, Xena's gonna need to be distracted, and I'm just the clever talker to do it."

Joxer rolled his eyes, and then looked at his near empty cup, pushing it away. "So I propose tomorrow. Good."

"Wouldn't use that poem, though," Auto added, almost like an afterthought, as he took a sip.

"Why?"

"'Cause I stole it from your girlfriend."

Joxer's eyes widened, and he dug down into his pocket, looking at the written words. "You... you... you STOLE it from HER?!"

"I didn't think she'd mind, I mean, come on, who was she going to write THAT about, you know?" When Joxer glared, Auto amended quickly, "besides you."

"I'm going to kill you," came the growl.

The King of Thieves grinned at the empty threat.

"You're more than welcome to try."

~*~

She was beyond antsy. Xena had promised they'd go after Joxer at first light, and it was already a good fIVE MINUTES past first light, and EVE had to go on a nature call.

Gabrielle groaned, twirling her sais and throwing them at a tree to relieve some of the tension. When she came forward to pull them out, she paused, looking at the ring that now shone on her finger.

She smiled softly, feeling decidedly mushy, and then turned and yelled, "XENA!?!" before bumping smack into a leather clad warrior who looked exactly like Joxer.

"YEAOUH." Joxer said, holding his hands to his ears as he tried to get the ringing out. "You've got a big set of lungs, Gabby."

Gabrielle's eyes widened, and her heart skipped a beat, stepping back, trying to make sure it was really him she saw.

"Jo... Joxer?!"

He blushed at the look of surprise, and then just shrugged. "Yeah. Hi. I told ya I'd come back."

She shook her head, her eyes suddenly welling up with tears, and looking quickly to the forest, suddenly grabbed his hand, pulling him to the thicket.

"I need to talk to you."

"Oh... good.. cause.. me too. But I need to find Eve first, cause-"

"NO. NOW."

"Umm. okay."

She led him to the rock where they had had their last conversation, and then turned, smiling a bit, biting her lip as she drank in the sight of her lost lover.

"I'm so glad you're back," she whispered.

He grinned, the tips of his ears turning pink, his face lighting up at the heartfelt words. "Really?"

"Really, Joxer... I..."

Suddenly he reached into his pocket, and retrieved a piece of parchment, opening it up with shaking hands.

Confused, she watched his actions, and suddenly her eyes widened. "That's my missing ... Joxer, what are you doing with this?"

"It's a long story," he said, holding it out to her, looking a bit guilty. "But umm... here. I just... I didn't want you to lose it."

For a moment she just stared at it in his hands, and suddenly self conscious, she found herself asking, "Did you ... read it?"

At this, he blushed an even darker shade of red. "Yeah... actually... I..." He reached into the pack on his shoulder, and pulled out a lyre. "I added some music ... if it's okay."

"You added music?" she whispered, feeling her heart hammering as he only smiled. And then her heart heaved when she saw the love of her life suddenly kneel on one knee.

"NO."

He stopped, looking unsure, and a bit frightened, almost dreading to ask what the problem was. "Umm... Gabs do you not want this?"

She licked her lips, not being able to speak yet for fear she would lose control and start sobbing. Her heart was so full, so deliciously full with love for this man, that she only furiously shook her head.

"NO," she rasped again, and with out another word, she dropped to her knees, making sure both were on the ground, so she was once again looking up at him.

"I want to do it, Joxer."

He looked surprised, and suddenly his eyes were filled with moisture, as a tear dripped from his own brown orbs. She smiled, chuckling with her own contained sobs, reaching up and tenderly wiping his eyes.

"Oh, Joxer," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I don't know how you do what you, I'm so in love with you... it just keeps getting better." Gathering his hands in hers, she managed to continue, despite the furious beating of her hear, when her eyes burned into his. "I... I want to spend the rest of my life with you by my side..."

"I know this part," he rasped, pulling her hands against his chest. "Every little thing that you do... Gabby, I'm amazed by you."

Suddenly a welt of emotion escaped her throat, and with a cry of joy, of utter relief and pure happiness, she vaulted into his arms, holding him close.

"I love you, Joxer," she whispered fiercely. "I love you and I want to marry you. I want to marry you so much."

"Then I do..." he answered just as quickly, just as torn, "I do, and I do... and Gods, Gabs, I love you... I want ... on one condition."

She paused, looking up at him with a glint in her eyes. "What?"

He smiled, a gorgeous grin as he slid his knuckled down her cheek. "That we start working for baby Solan, like... immediately."

She swore the earth moved right then. Without another word, she leaned up and kissed him with all the intensity, all the love, and all the passion she harbored for her clumsily lover, for her future husband.

Pulling away, her chest heaving, she grinned, straddling him and reaching for his shirt. "We can definitely do that."

~*~

"Gabrielle?" Xena came forward, looking around the camp, and instead of finding a blonde bard, found a thief instead.

"And a good morning to you," he said, coming forward, and gently taking her hand, kissing it softly.

She looked at him tolerantly, a smirk coming to her lips.

"Autolycus," she greeted coolly. "What are you doing here?"

"Now is that any way to greet an old friend, Xena?" He winked. "You should be thanking me."

"Whatever for?" she asked, putting Eve down.

"TOCUS!" Eve ran into his arms, giggling as he lifted her.

"Why hello there, Evie." To Xena, he said, "I brought your ugly duckling home."

Xena raised an eyebrow. "Joxer?"

Auto nodded, smiling. "Found him drunk as a skunk woeing over his love Gabrielle."

Xena found herself smiling. "Then I should thank you," she said. "Where are they now?"

He waved his hands to the trail leading to the creek. "Probably off consummating their engagement," he said dimissively. Suddenly he grinned. "Which gives me some idea of how we can pass OUR time."

Xena snorted. "Autolycus I'm not really the marrying type."

"Ah! But neither am I! That's what makes it perfect!"

She turned, walking away from him and towards her horse.

"Come on Xena! Think about it!"

"No."

"Awww... come on!"

~*~

Her head rested on his bare chest, fingers sliding up and down. He caught her hand, and inspected the ring, his eyes twinkling.

"You actually got this away from Eve?" he asked, chuckling.

"Not without a good bribe," Gabrielle laughed, resting her chin on his chest and looking up at him, her features softening. "It's beautiful. Thank you."

He raised an eyebrow, and blushed. "Aww.. Gabs.. it's nothing."

"Somehow I doubt that." He merely smiled, a secret smile that told her there was a story waiting to be told.

With a sigh, she slipped her arms around his waist, feeling his fingers trail down her back, shuddering slightly.

"Joxer?"

"Hmm?"

"Can I hear your song?" He paused for a minute, and then nodded. She moved off of him, reaching for the blanket he had packed in his bag, as he picked up the lute, tuning it slightly.

"You ready?" he asked.

She smiled, coming around and hugging him from behind, planting her ear to his back. "Always," she whispered.

And he smiled, strummed his guitar, and with his beautiful deep voice, sung her song.