"This toga itches!"

"Shut up, Joxer. It's all part of Xena's plan..."

"So what? I look stupid in this - and I'm freezing!"

"It looks better on you than what you normally wear."

"At least I'm covered up - and warm." There was a short pause and then an outraged, "HEY!"

Gabrielle's hand clamped over Joxer's mouth before he could continue. "Listen to me: if you don't shut up, I'll make you shut up - and you don't want me to do that, do you?"

Eyes wide with worry, Joxer shook his head fiercely.

Gabrielle smiled thinly. "Good." She turned around and craned her neck to see if Xena was ready to give the signal.

"Gabrielle...?"

"What now?"

"Did you... Did you really mean that? That I look good..."

Gabrielle turned around to see that Joxer was looking at her uncertainly and her lips curved up. "Yeah. I really did," she answered sincerely.

Joxer bit his bottom lip and blushed slightly before rewarding her with a smile. "Thanks."

Gabrielle reached out and squeezed his hand once before peeking outside again. "There's the signal. Are you ready?"

"Yeah. Let's do this."

"Okay." Gabrielle slipped her arm in the crook of Joxer's and the two walked outside into the morning sunshine.

Please take the time to write to Sandy at fiebrans@prodigy.net, and let her know how you liked the story!

COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER:
Xena: Warrior Princess, Xena, Gabrielle, Joxer, Eve, 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. No infringement of copyrights or trademarks is intended in the writing of this fan fiction. This story is copyright © 2006 by Sandy Fiebranz 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.