Rating: PG
Summary: Jag and Sonja are invited to Joxer and Gabrielle's wedding, and a certain Love Goddess unknowingly stirs a little tension...
Note: This is the sequel to "Love Letters", if you haven't read the first story then you won't know the main characters here.

Jag looked up from packing his bag as a beautiful tall blond walked in the room, he greeted her with a smile. "Hello Sonja."

She smiled back, "Hi Jag, what's with the packing?"

He handed a scroll to her, but told her the news before she could read it. "Got a letter from Joxer today. Seems we've got a wedding to attend." He grinned.

Sonja grinned happily, "Oh that's wonderful! When do we leave?"

He chuckled at her, "Boat leaves in the morning." Sonja kissed Jag on the cheek then ran out of the house excitedly.

Jag boarded the ship, smiling at the captain. "Good winds today, should give us a nice start."

Sven nodded, "That it will. I predict it'll be a smooth voyage!"

Jag agreed, "Good, good. Oh and I'm sure you know Sonja, she..." His words trailed off as he noticed she wasn't with him. Though it only took a moment to find her, standing on land and looking up at the large boat nervously. Setting his bag down, he walked back down to her. "Well come on, you have to get one if you expect to go anywhere." He chuckled, then stopped when she didn't budge. "What's the matter, I thought you loved boats."

Sonja swallowed, "I lied."

"I see."

She turned to look up at him, "I have a huge fear of them." She whispered. "Please don't tell anyone."

He shook his head and smiled, "I won't say a word." She took her bag and put an arm around her shoulders. "Now come on, it'll be fine... I wouldn't let anything happen to you." She gave him a weak smile as they walked on board, she knew he told the truth.

It was the middle of the night when the rocking of the boat awoke her, she peeked out the small window to see the waves crashing into the boat. Pulling her legs to her chest, she wrapped her arms around them and tried to calm herself. It didn't work. Tears started pouring down her cheeks as she weeped quietly in fear.

The man sat up beside her, "What are you blubbering about now?" He asked harshly.

"I'm sorry," She sobbed, "I'm... I'm scared."

His eyes narrowed, "You little pansy, shut up before I make you."

She nodded as he rolled over and went back to sleep. Suddenly another wave crashed into the ship, hitting the window and terrifying her. She cried out as it startled her.

"By the Gods woman, you are worthless!" The man said as he sat up. Before she knew it the back of his hard hand met with her cheek as he lashed out at her. She held her face and sobbed louder, unable to control her tears. "I said shut up!" He roared as he raised his hand again.

"Sonja." A voice called. She jolted awake, sitting up in bed. She instantly but her hands up in front of her to block the blow, one that did not come. "Sonja, hey... it's me." Jag sat down on the bed beside her and scooped her into his arms. "It was only a dream dear." He said soothingly as he began to rock her gently.

"Jag?" She whispered through the tears.

"Yes, it's me. No one's going to hurt you." He whispered back. "You're safe... hush now and get some rest... I'll stay with you." He continued rocking her. Soon he felt her body go limp as she feel back to sleep, though she still kept her face buried in his chest and one hand clutched his shirt. "There you go." He whispered and kissed the top of her head.

The morning sun peered through the small cabin window, waking Sonja from her peaceful slumber. She moaned softly and stirred in a warm embrace. Her eyes opened and she looked up slightly, enough to see Jag's face. He was smiling at her as she tried to remember how she ended up in his arms.

"Good morning." He said quietly.

"Yeah... um, how... or I..."

Jag smiled again, "You had a nightmare last night, I heard you from the next room." He explained.

She sighed and sat up, "Oh." Then realizing how long he must have been holding her see looked back at him. "I'm sorry, you probably didn't sleep much."

His eyes were soft and caring, "I'm okay. And I don't have any problem holding you." He said, grinning a little.

Sonja rolled her eyes but smiled as she got up. "Thank you Jag." She turned and walked to the nearby chest. Once her back was turned she smiled to herself as she looked through her belongings. She closed her eyes briefly and sighed, remembering the feeling of his arms. Suddenly she shook her head, Uggh, what's wrong with me, she thought, rolling her eyes, this time at herself. She heard Jag leave and close the door gently. She looked up and couldn't help the smile that came to her lips, nor the warm feeling inside. "Get a hold of your self Sonja." She mumbled to herself, then turned back to find something to wear for the day.

Sonja held on to the pole for dear life, the wind was blowing strongly from behind, and she was sure she'd be flung overboard if she let go. So she stood there, cold and scared under the dull grey sky. Silently she scolded herself for coming up on deck in the first place. She thought she would overcome her fear by facing it, it sounded like a good plan, now she only cursed her idiotic notion. As soon as she was able, she decided, she would go back to her cabin and stay there for the remainder of the journey. She was thankful for one thing though, at least Jag was busy in the kitchen and wasn't here to see her acting like a pansy. Norse people were not scared of things, she told herself, what would my Father have said? He was probably rolling over in his grave, knowing that someone of his blood could be a coward as she was.

Suddenly a male voice came from behind, "Well if you wanted to hug something that bad, I would have volunteered you know." Jag chuckled. She turned her head to glare at him. "So might I ask what you are doing?"

"I'm making out with a post." She said sarcastically, "What does it look like I'm doing?" She asked raising her voice.

He chuckled again as he unwrapped her arms from the pole, "Come on let's get you inside." After finally getting her to let go, he picked her up and headed below. Once inside her cabin he set her down. "There all better." She said nothing, only walked to the bed and plopped her self down, keeping her face turned away from him. After a long silence Jag walked up and sat beside her.

"What are you thinking?" He asked, she only shook her head. Jag brought a gentle hand to her face, and tilted her chin so that he could see her. "Do you always cry when nothing's wrong?" His voice was low, holding no intent of humor.

After another long moment of silence, she finally answered, "I'm ashamed." She confessed quietly.

"Of being afraid?" She nodded. "Everyone is afraid of something Sonja."

She nodded again and sniffled, "When... when I was married..." Her words trailed off and she looked back out the window.

Jag took her hand in his and held it, "Go ahead," He told her, "I'm listening."

Sonja heaved a long sigh, "Well he took me with him once to sea, and when I got scared he'd..." She couldn't finish.

"Did he hurt you?" She shook her head yes. "He was a jerk, but one who isn't here now. I don't think any less of you for your fear, and I would never hurt you." He told her sincerely, then pulled her into his arms. She sat quietly in his embrace for few moments, then looked up at him.

"Jag?"

"Hmmm?"

"Are you scared of anything?" She asked.

Losing you, he thought, "Yes... I'm scared of losing people that are close to me." He told her seriously.

"You'll never lose me." She whispered.

"What?" Jag asked.

"Nothing."

"Okay." He smiled to himself as her hugged her tight. He had heard her.

A few weeks later...

Sonja woke up to the bright sun pouring into the cabin. Squinting she looked out the small round window to see they were docked. Excitedly she jumped out of bed and quickly went to her chest. Looking through she grabbed a long off white under dress, a deep green over dress, and a black weaved sash to tie it off. After getting dress she pulled on her black knee high boots and ran out on deck, completely forgetting about her hair, which now flowed long behind her in the wind, the sun highlighting it to look like it was made of gold.

She stopped momentarily to search for Jag, and spotted him. He stood on the docks, talking to a woman. She was very attractive, Sonja noted, she had long blond curls, and wore a lot of pink, until she took another look and realized the woman wore practically nothing. Only a very skimpy top and some shorts that barely covered anything, and a pink lacy coat to top it off. They were talking as if they'd known each other for a long time, the blond held on to his arm and smiled up at him. Suddenly the woman threw her arms around Jag in a warm embrace and kissed his cheek. Sonja made a sour face and stomped off, well if he was going to be like that, she could ready her own things. The gall of that man, forgetting her just like that, because a bimbo walks by. Sonja huffed, making herself angrier with every passing second.

By the time Jag got back on board, he saw Sonja struggling with her chest, trying desperately to drag it off the vessel herself. Walking up to her he took the handle, "Here, let me get that." He told her.

Sonja yanked it back, "Don't bother, I can do it myself." She tugged it again, but this time her hand slipped and she fell backwards. Instantly he was at her side to help her up, but she only shoved his hands away. "Leave me alone!" She half-yelled, he did so, stepping back out of her way, and watched silently as she determinedly moved the heavy chest by herself. He stared after her for a long moment, puzzled.

"There you go, room three down the hall there." The burly man said, pointing to the left hallway.

Sonja gave him a courteous smile, "Thank you."

Jag stopped her with a hand to her arm as he turned to the man, "We'll be needing two rooms."

"Oh, I'm sorry, I thought you were together." The inn keeper replied.

Jag smiled, "No we're not."

The man grinned at Sonja, "Well if I was traveling with a woman that beautiful, I wouldn't wanna be sleeping alone." He turned to get another key and gave it to Jag. Then looking at Sonja he licked his lips. "So sweetie, what are you doing later?"

She gave a short laugh, "Nothing with you."

He pulled a bag out of his pocket and smiled, "I can pay well you know."

"Sonja why don't you go on ahead, I'll catch up after I get something to drink." Jag told her softly.

She rolled her eyes, "Yeah, fine." Then retreated to her room.

After she was out of sight, Jag turned back to the man with a threatening look, "I'm only going to tell you this once." He said in a deadly calm voice. "She is not for sale, nor is she to be hassled by you. And if I even remotely think you have insulted her again, I will break you into little pieces." Jag smiled then and bowed slightly, "Have a good evening." He walked off as the man behind the counter gulped.

It wasn't long, until Sonja grew bored and headed outside. She looked down the street to the market place, everything was so busy. She bubbled with excitement, as she quickly counted the money in her pouch. Suddenly a familiar voice made her look up, "Sonja!" Joxer yelled as he ran up to her, she hugged him for a moment the stepped back only to getting hugged by Gabrielle next. "Where's my Uncle?"

"Oh, in the inn I suppose." Sonja answered.

"Great, I'm going to go see him." He told them, then with a sweet kiss to Gabrielle he headed inside.

The woman stood there in silence a moment, "So... how have you been?" Gabrielle asked finally.

Sonja smiled, "Good. And you?"

"Good." She smiled back. "So..." Gabrielle paused a moment trying to find something to say, then noticed the market. "Hey do you like to shop?"

Sonja grinned widely, "Like? I love it!"

Gabrielle smiled back as they walked, "Oh good, Xena's not big on it you know."

"Gabrielle?" Sonja said stopping by a clothing shop.

"Yes?"

"Could you help me get some clothes?" She asked, "You know, something a little less..."

"Conservative?" The bard asked with a grin.

Sonja laughed softly, "Yeah." Gabrielle nodded and they went in to the shop.

The men embraced for a long moment, until Jag let go and held Joxer back at arms length. "You look good boy."

Joxer smiled, "Thanks. I've never been happier."

Jag looked pleased, "It's amazing when you find that special someone isn't it?" He tried to grin but found his thoughts went straight to Sonja. He shook his head and forced a smile, "Come on, let me buy the groom a drink." He said putting an arm around Joxer's shoulders.

"Sonja..." Gabrielle chuckled, "Come out already."

Sonja timidly stepped outside, "I guess it'll take a little getting used to." She smiled, looking down at herself then to Gabrielle nervously.

The bard grinned, "You look great, now come on." She said grabbing Sonja's hand and leading her deeper into the market place.

"They're staring at me." Sonja mumbled.

"So let them, there's nothing wrong with showing off your assets." She told her, "Xena does in more ways then one." She added under her breath. "So how are you at haggling?"

Sonja smiled at this, "Now that I can do."

"Good, I got alot of shopping to do for the wedding, would you like to help?"

"Love to."

The two men walked out of the tavern, and looked around. "Well they were just right here." Joxer commented.

Jag smiled, "Well if I know Sonja, then she'll be shopping." He said looking at all the shops. Joxer nodded and they headed off towards the stands. "You know," Jag began as they walked through town, "One thing I had forgotten, is how little some wear here. I mean you know how woman dress in Norseland," He chuckled to himself, "No, you'd never see Sonja wearing things like this." He finished pointing to an amazon type outfit.

"Are you complaining about how woman here dress?" Joxer asked with a smirk as he pointed to the back of a blond in red. Jag looked up to see her, she was tall, her blond hair in a braid down her back, she wore a tight red dress, that separated into two parts. The top half from what he could see, had a very open back with only a few straps to hold it on. The skirt was a little above knee length, both parts had black trim at the bottom. Then to top it off she wore black boots that stopped right below the knee.

"No, I'm not complaining." Jag grinned. As they walked closer they heard the girl talk.

"Oh come now, surely you can give me a better deal then that... after all there is this very handsome man at the other end of town selling the same material for half the price." She batted her eyes and pouted prettily. "The only reason I came over here is because you looked like you were much more talented in the way of women's things... now you're not going to tell me I'm wrong are you?" She asked sweetly.

"Well, no Mam, but-"

"But I can see that you're a very fair man, and a very handsome one too. So you'll drop the price just a little for me won't you?" She asked.

The salesman smiled shyly, "Well okay, but just for you."

The woman took out three dinars and gave them to him, "Thank you, you're a very sweet man." She took the item and walked away. Jag and Joxer's jaw dropped as they realized it was Sonja.

Gabrielle stepped out of the shadows and smiled, "You are good at this, you practically stole it from him."

Sonja beamed, "I got him to go from ten all the way down to three!" She said excitedly.

"Sonja?" Jag interrupted. She turned and looked at him as he looked even more shocked at seeing the front of her. "Well... you really went shopping huh?"

Sonja looked at her clothes a moment, "Yeah, do you like it?"

"Ye... I mean it's nice... just... well..." Jag stumbled over his words as his face turned a slight shade of red.

Joxer stared at her, "Wow, you look good- ow!" He yelped as Gabrielle smacked him in the back of the head.

Sonja walked up behind Jag, who was sitting drinking his ale. She wrapped her arms around him and leaned her head against his shoulder, "Jag..."

"Yes Sonja?" He replied.

"I love you." She told him.

"Sonja, you're drunk." He told her plainly, then turned to face her. "I think we should get you to bed."

She grinned at him and stood back, "Well don't you move fast." She chuckled, he said nothing as he got to his feet and picked her up. She fell over his shoulder as he headed for the stairs.

Joxer watched from the table were he sat with Gabrielle's head on his shoulder and her hand in his. He calmly shook his head, then went back to talking quietly with his soon to be wife.

Once upstairs Jag gently lay Sonja on the bed and tried to take off her boots. "No!" She yelled kicking at him, "Leave me lone, I hate youw!"

Jag chuckled, "Only seconds ago you said you loved me."

Suddenly she smiled, then began laughing, "Otay... so I do." She admitted lazily. "What cha gonna do 'bout it, huh?"

He smiled sweetly at her, "Nothing my dear."

Sonja pouted, "Well then... aren't sho the spoil sport." He shook his head as he took off her boots, she didn't resist this time. "Jag..." She half whined, "Do you fink I'm sexy?"

He looked up at her for a moment and smiled. "I'm not answering that right now." Suddenly she got up and on to her knees, she crawled acrossed the bed like a tigress. When she reached him, she took a hold of his shirt and pulled her self up 'til her face with even with his.

"Kiss me." She begged. He only shook his head. "Kiss me." She repeated. When he refused again, she pulled his lips to hers and kissed him deeply, tasting his mouth fully. Jag had always thought that he was great at showing self restraint, but in that one kiss she proved him wrong as he melted into her.

After several long moments, he finally found the strength to pull away. "Sonja... no." He told her, she didn't argue. He helped her lay down again and kissed her forehead. "Go to sleep now." He said gently.

"But I'm not tired..." She whispered, her eyes drooping.

"Yes you are dear." With a soft touch he caressed her face, "Go to sleep."

"Jag?"

"Yes?"

"Don't ever leave me okay?" She said quietly as her eyes drifted closed.

"I won't," He told her, "ever."

Jag walked back down the stairs and heaved a long sigh. "Bring me another ale please." He said to the tavern keeper as he passed by.

Joxer looked up from Gabrielle as Jag sat down, "She pass out?" He asked.

Jag nodded, "Yeah."

Suddenly there was a gold light as a woman in pink appeared. "Hey there sweetcheeks." She said to Jag as she took a seat.

Joxer and Gabrielle stared at her, "You know Jag?" They asked in union.

Aphrodite smiled, "I've know Jaggie here for... um... a really long time."

Jag smiled, "Yes, we go way back." He agreed.

Gabrielle look interested, "So how did you two meet?"

Jag and Dite shared a laugh, then Jag answered, "Well if you really want to hear the story."

"Yes." Joxer said.

"Okay," He chuckled, "Well, it was a long time ago, I was about your age Joxer." He smiled. "Jarred, Joxer's father, and I used to call ourselves warriors, not exactly the nice kind either. We raided villages, stole good peoples things, even killed. But one day, our older brother Jacob dared us to raid the temple of the Goddess of Love. And of course we feared nothing, not even the wraith of a beautiful goddess. So we waited for dark one night and we crept into her temple. We knocked over her statues, and threw all of her valuables into our bags. We were almost finished when she appeared, wearing a lovely blue dress." He paused as he saw Joxer and Gabrielle's skeptical looks, and laughed. "Yes, she used to wear blue back then. But Aphrodite has a thing for being different then any other, so her attire soon changed when she found that all the other goddess' of Mt. Olympus hated pink.

"But that's another story in itself." He grinned. "So anyway, there we were standing in front of this all powerful goddess and I swore Jarred probably pissed himself, for fear of what she would do to us. She took a look around her temple and started fuming. Well I'm sure you know how she feels about people hurting her temples."

They laughed, "Yeah, we went on a tour of our own once." Gabrielle said.

"Well it was kinda my fault, putting Joxer under that bell spell." Dite admitted with a smile.

"Would you like to continue with the story?" Jag asked the goddess, and she nodded.

"Thank you," She thought a moment before she continued, "When I first met him there, he wasn't afraid of me. He actually told me that I did wonderful work and said that I must have a tiring job. Well you can imagine that stops me in my tracks. He then asked how I liked my job, well know one has every asked me how I felt. Before I knew it, my trashed temple was forgotten and we were talking away. I didn't know what came over me but I talked for hours, and he listened. No one had ever treated me like a person before. Most people forget that I have feelings too, but he didn't." She paused for a second to smile at Jag.

"What happen to Joxer's father?" Gabrielle asked.

"Oh he ran out as soon as I was distracted." She said shaking her head. "Well to make a long story short, Jag and I became very close friends. He was the first to ever look past the goddess I was on the outside, and see the person on the inside, the one that really needed a friend."

Jag smiled at her, "And once you get to know her, she's much more beautiful on the inside."

Dite huffed playfully, "So you're saying I'm not attractive?" She smirked.

He grinned, "I would never say that, but you already know you're gorgeous."

"That's true." She chuckled.

"Wow, so you've been friends for a really long time then." Joxer piped up.

"Oh yeah," Jag agreed, "She even helped me win the heart of my first wife."

The goddess laughed, "Yeah, and she was as stubborn as you." She said pointing to Gabrielle.

"I'm not stubborn." The bard argued.

"Oh yes you are." Joxer said, but kissed her before she could disagree.

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