He didn't have a chance, at least that's what the wanna-be warrior was starting to believe as he watched Xena and Gabrielle walk away. He'd almost done it. He'd almost told her that he loved her. But it hadn't come out. It never did.

Joxer sat down on the log beside the doused remains of the campfire he had shared with the two women the night before. He sighed and dug his lyre out of his pack. He started to strum the strings lightly.

"You're good," said a very familiar voice behind him. "I didn't know you'd gotten that good."

"Hi," Joxer said without stopping.

Jett dropped down beside his brother. "Aren't you even going to ask how I got out of prision?"

"Nah. I figured you would eventually." Joxer shrugged. "How long have you been there?"

"I came in last night, but with Xena hanging around...." The assassin let his voice trail off.

Joxer snorted. "She knew you were there. I could tell by the way she was glancing around."

Jett chuckled and shook his at Joxer. "You're just full of surprises aren't you, baby brother?"

"Ah, come on, Jett. You know I hate it when you call me that." Joxer glanced at his twin as his fingers modulated the notes into something darker. "What are you doing here anyway?"

"What? I can't just come see my brother?" Jett faked a surprised look. Joxer just looked at him without saying a word. "All right, all right. I didn't want to go home."

"Bad news?"

Jett nodded. "Dad's dead."

"I thought it was bad news," Joxer said sarcasticly. He glanced at his brother's face. No one else would have noticed the small change in expressions. "Sorry. I know how much he meant to you and Mom."

Jett smiled slightly, just a tiny lift at the corners of his thin lips. "Yeah, forget it. I mean he's dead and there's nothing we can do about it. Think maybe Jace'll head home if he hears?"

"Never happen," Joxer chuckled slightly. "So what are you doing here? I know I'm not your favorite person after that whole mess when you tried to kill Cleopatra."

"Let's just say I got over it, after all, it was only business." Jett shrugged. "So hows life with Blondie?"

"Oh, I'm doing fine."

"That's not what I asked," Jett said slowly. He looked closely at the face that was a more moble version of his own. "She doesn't know."

"I can't tell her," Joxer answered glumly. "I've tried and the words just won't come out."

"That problem I can help you with."

"No! Please, Jett, just stay out of it." Joxer shuddered.

"Come on, Joxer," Jett said exasperated. "I'm not going to hurt her. I swear to Ares!"

"Then what did you have in mind?"

"Just a little advice for my baby brother." Jett grinned. "All you have to do is show her in little ways. She'll catch on eventually."

"Little ways, gotcha." Joxer thought hard for a few moments. "How'd you figure that? Love stuff isn't exactly your thing."

"Once. It was just once." Jett closed his eyes and let the memories flow through his mind. Her long dark hair and golden skin. Her dark almond shaped eyes and expressionless face. She had been so tiny.... Jett shook himself and turned his attention back to Joxer. "Gabrielle and Xena mean a lot to you, right?"

"Yeah," Joxer said as a blush started to creep up his neck.

"And Xena knows how you feel about Blondie?" Jett asked making a blind assumption based on what he knew of the former Warlord. He continued at his brother's nod. "Then Gabrielle will come around eventually. You've got it better than I ever did, Joxer."

"What about you?" Joxer asked softly. "Who was it 'just once'?"

Jett just shook his head and stood up. "Nevermind, Joxer. I was born without a friend, and bound to die alone. And when I lost her, I knew it was true."

Joxer looked up silently at his brother and said as he started to walk away, "They say if you look hard, you'll find your way back home."

"In that, baby brother, I have zero chance," Jett said softly. Then he was gone.

Please take the time to write to Mac at mac_xavier@yahoo.com, and let her know how you liked the story!

COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER:
Xena: Warrior Princess, Xena, Gabrielle, Joxer, Jett, and all other characters who have appeared in the series, together with the names, titles and backstory are the sole copyright property of StudiosUSA and Renaissance Pictures. The lyrics to "Zero Chance" are owned by the appropriate copyright holders. No infringement of copyrights or trademarks is intended in the writing of this fan fiction. This story is copyright © 1999 by Mac Xavier and is her sole property along with the story idea. This story cannot be sold or used for profit in any way. Copies of this story may be made for private use only and must include all disclaimers and copyright notices.