Spoilers: Eve
Summary: Xena comforts Gabrielle as they prepare to head for Ostia.
Pairing: Gabrielle/Joxer
Disclaimer: Xena, Gabrielle, Joxer, Eve, and Virgil don't belong to me, they belong to Rob Tapert and company. Nobody here belongs to me. This is my first attempt at a lyrics story (though it wasn't a lyrics challenge). Coming as a past fan of "Highlander: The Series", I thought I'd use a song I know well and love. This is a G-rated fanfic: no violence, no language, no sex. However, there is a SUBTEXT ALERT. I don't know how it got in this fanfic. I think my muse dared me. :) This takes place during Eve and contains MAJOR SPOILERS if you haven't seen the episode.

There's no time for us
There's no place for us
What is this thing that builds our dreams
Yet slips away from us?

Who wants to live forever?
Who wants to live forever?
There's no chance for us
It's all decided for us
This world has only one sweet moment
Set aside for us.

Who wants to live forever?
Who wants to live forever? Who?
Who dares to love forever?
Oh, love, when love must die.

But touch my tears with your lips
Touch my world with your fingertips
And we can have forever
And we can love forever.
Forever is ours today.

Who wants to live forever?
Who wants to live forever?
Forever is ours today.
Who waits forever anyway?

-- Queen, "Queen: A Kind of Magic" and the "Highlander" movie soundtrack. Copyright 1986.

Xena paced her backpack, preparing for the trip to Ostia. She had told Virgil through a messenger to meet them at the temple, and why. Now all they had to do was make sure Octavius had agreed to send reinforcements, and rush to the temple.

Xena saw Gabrielle had paused while packing. Her slumping position and the slight shaking of her shoulders gave away why. Xena walked over and placed a hand on Gabrielle's shoulder. "Gabrielle, do you want to talk about it?"

Sniffling, Gabrielle wiped her face and resumed packing. "Not really. I'm sorry I'm taking so long, I'll hurry up."

Xena squatted down. "Gabrielle, I know we need to get there soon, but that doesn't mean we can't talk."

Gabrielle sighed and dropped her belongings. She then lowered to the ground in a heap, and began crying.

Xena grabbed her in a hug and rocked her back and forth. "It's all right, Gabrielle, just let it out. Tell me what's wrong."

Gabrielle calmed herself down a little before answering. "Xena, I never thought Joxer would come to mean so much to me. I thought he was so annoying for years, but now... gods, I can't believe he's gone."

"Me either," said Xena softly. "He's been there for us so many times. I can't believe he's gone."

They stayed in the embrace for one more minute, then let go. Gabrielle looked down again. "You know, Joxer has come to mean a lot to me," she said. "Gods, I thought I just liked him as a friend. That's what I told him months- I mean, y- I mean, well, you know what I mean. I thought he was just a friend."

"You mean you did love him," said Xena slowly.

"You say that like it's no surprise," said Gabrielle.

Xena smiled. "Gabrielle, anyone could tell you were lying to him. And to yourself."

Gabrielle sighed. "I think I was just denying it. I mean, this was the same man who used to annoy me so much I hated him hanging around. I don't know when it changed."

Xena looked at her sadly. "And you'll never get the chance to say it in person. Remember, though, Gabrielle, he can hear your thoughts. He knows now how you really feel about him."

Gabrielle sighed and nodded. "I thought maybe we would end up together one day. I thought it was silly, but I could see myself living the rest of my life with him. Then I find out he married Meg after two years. I guess I was a little hurt that he moved on so fast, you know?"

"I have to admit, I was as surprised as you," said Xena. "I guess he took your vow of 'just friends' too seriously."

"I thought I'd get to spend at least a few more years with him while we're back," said Gabrielle. "Now there's no chance for us. I guess he and I just weren't meant to be."

Xena put her hand on Gabrielle's shoulder again. "Gabrielle, you were the best of friends. Don't beat yourself up for what might have been. Just remember yourselves for what you were: two good friends who happened to drive each other crazy every so often."

Gabrielle gave a small smile. "You mean every day."

Xena smiled back. "Just hold him close in your heart, Gabrielle. That's what I do with Marcus, and Borias, and anyone else who has been the closest to me. You will always have a place there, too."

"And you with me," said Gabrielle, grasping Xena's hand.

Xena and Gabrielle held their gaze for several seconds. Then Xena helped Gabrielle resume packing.

Please take the time to write to trfan at zimamcfru@hotmail.com, and let her know how you liked the story!

COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER:
Xena: Warrior Princess, Xena, Gabrielle, Joxer, Virgil, 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 "Who Wants To Live Forever?" 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 © 2000 by trfan 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.