TITLE: The Other Foot
AUTHOR: Melissa Flores
EMAIL: mistyjox@hotmail.com

Gabrielle realizes the extent of her feelings for Joxer, just as he begins to let go, and a young Amazon in  exile sees in Joxer what Gabrielle hid from herself for so long.

GENRE: Joxer/Gabby. You've been warned.
MAIN CAST
Xena : The kick ass warrior princess, of course
Gabrielle : beautiful, well meaning sidekick, queen of the Amazons
Joxer: our blumbering hero with the heart of gold
Priscilla : exiled Amazon, special guest star Charisma Carpenter.
Atticus : Big ugly, lech of a warlord.
SPOILERS: If the Shoe Fits, I stopped watching after that. long story.
TEASER:  Gabrielle realizes the extent of her feelings for Joxer, just as he begins to let go, and a young Amazon in  exile sees in Joxer what Gabrielle hid from herself for so long.
SUBTEXT: None
SEX: Nothing too graphic, that wouldn't be seen on the telly.
NOTES: For Melanie, cause she rocks.

Part I
He had to let go, he had to stop hindering Xena and Gabrielle.  It was the  right thing. And yet, knowing all these things,  he still had to fight back  the tears that threatened toclose his throat.  Something told him he had  just left his heart behind.  And he gulped. Because he knew he had.

Part II

"I think she's good for him." She said flippantly, setting up the bedroll so  that Gabrielle wouldn't see her dancing eyes.
Gabrielle was quiet, and when Xena looked up, she could see Gabrielle had  her hands on her hips, and was gazing at her in annoyance.  "That's not the  point." She said emphatically.  "The point is that Joxer already HAS me and  you. WE are his family.  He doesn't need anyone else."

Part III

Gabrielle sighed, shaking her head, before grabbing her stick and following him, hiding a smile all the while. This day was quickly becoming one of most enjoyable that she had had in weeks.  When Joxer wasn't trying to be a bravado, he was really great company, he was smart, he was funny, he made her laugh.  She bit her lip.  She was really going to miss all that when he left with Priscilla. Granted, she would still see him, but not as often as before. The knowledge that he had loved her made her walk a little slower, her eyes focused as she watched his clumsy gait in front of her.  He had seen the worst in her, and yet he had still loved her.  Why hadn't she seen it, why hadn't she wanted to?

Part IV

Xena's face fell, as she began to comprehend what her best friend was saying.  Oh, Gods, Gabrielle finally realized too late what Joxer meant to her.  "Oh, Gabrielle." She whispered, kneeling down and pulling the bard into her arms.   Gabrielle's form was still, allowing Xena to embrace her, but not saying another word.

Part V

“You have to believe that he loves you and that you just might need him Gabrielle.”
Gabrielle turned, grabbing Xena by the forearms, looking up at her pleadingly. “I CAN’T believe that, Xena.” She said, almost pleadingly. “Not right now.”
“You can’t hide from the truth forever, Gabrielle.” Xena said softly. Gabrielle stilled, her back to her as her head lowered, stiff before resuming her activities, slowly.
 


Part VI

Gabrielle shook her head. “That’s not good enough.”
Priscilla looked completely bewildered.  “What else do I have?”
Gabrielle gazed at her searchingly.  “Plenty.” She said softly. “But start off with your heart. That’s what he needs the most.”
Priscilla cocked an eyebrow. “Is that what you couldn’t give him?”
She didn’t answer, didn’t even pretend she had even heard the question. “Just promise me.”
 


Epilogue

Joxer didn’t dare look at her as he began the speech he had feared giving for most of his time with her.  “Listen, Gabby...  I... guess.... I know.... I love you.  I’ve been in love with you as long as I can remember.  I know I don’t deserve you, but Gabby if you just give me a chance...” he trailed off, fearing his voice would crack.
 



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