My fondest wish: that they were mine...for keeps

Story: unfortunately it is mine...drats!

Exception: one paragraph that belongs to someone else...used with permission

Their fondest wish: that I not tell you they associate with me...granted <.bg.>

Two fuzzy brown ears perked up at the sound of a key being entered into a lock. The dog reluctantly got up from his sunbeam laden spot in the living room, lazily stretching and yawning. His toenails clicked on the hardwood floor as he made his way over to the door, just in time to see his Mommy enter and close the door behind herself.

The tall brunette set her briefcase down and then knelt to greet the happy dog.

"Hiya, Maxie! How's my boy? Did you have a good day?"

She thoroughly scratched his ears and neck, receiving a thumping back foot for her efforts.

"Is your other Mommy home yet?"

The dog cocked his head to one side as if contemplating the question.

"NO? Well then, howsa 'bout we go check out some hot little poodles at the park, huh?" "Let me go change," she said with a final pat to his head, "and we'll go down there."

Max was lounging on the couch, recovering from his Frisbee chasing marathon and listening to the CD his Mom put on. AH, life is good. A cool night breeze was blowing in from the balcony through the slightly open sliding glass door. He barely picked up his head when he heard the front door open again. Gabrielle entered and tossed her keys onto the table by the door. Looking around, her face lit up when she spied the other briefcase. She grinned at the sight of the chocolate lab that had yet to move.

"Oh Max, rough day at the office, huh?" she joked.

He barely cracked an eye open and his tail wagged lazily... twice.

"Where is she, Max? Huh?" she said with an evil glint in her eyes.

Looking past the couch, she saw the drapes flutter in the evening breeze and knew beyond the balcony door she would find her prey. Silently she approached the door and gently slid it open a bit more. Leaning in the doorway, she watched for a few moments. Xena had both hands on the railing and was looking out into the darkening city skyline. A slight grin appeared on Gabrielle's face as she contemplated her next move.

The blonde crept up behind her and encircled her waist.

"Gotcha!" She placed a soft kiss on the t-shirt clad shoulder of the taller woman. A smile instantly appeared on Xe's face. As Gabrielle loosened her hold, Xena turned and wrapped her own arms around the blonde's body.

"Hi darlin'... how was your day?" she drawled. A longer kiss followed.

"Mmm," Gabrielle moaned. "Looking better and better. Xe? Explain to me again why I do what I do for a living."

"Well, you like molding minds and someone has to earn the big bucks to keep me in a manner to which I have become accustomed... I'm high maintenance y'know."

Gabrielle stepped back out of the embrace. She raked her eyes up and down Xena's body... taking in the faded, threadbare orange t-shirt and the tan sweatpants.

"Right... high maintenance, huh?" she joked. "And it seems this semester it's more like moldy minds. I have never been asked so many inane questions in my life."

"Well, baby, I'm sure I can help you put today's bad day all...." She squeezed the blonde's butt. "... behind you," she purred. Xena leaned in for another kiss.

"Oh no you don't, stud...." Gabrielle put her hand on Xena's chest to stop her. "We have other things to do."

Xena lifted the hand off her chest and kissed the fingers, then tried her best hound dog look.

"What? Don't give me that pout... you know we have the University Halloween party to go to. You didn't forget did you?" Gabrielle asked.

"No, I keep trying but you won't let me." Xe answered, with a rakish grin.

Gab slapped her lightly on the shoulder, "C'mon... we need to get into costume and head out. Oh...I finally get to see what costume you picked out."

"Gabrielle, yeah... about that... are you sure having a 'come as your favorite god or goddess' was a good idea? I mean, we did kinda kill most of them... and I don't think I can actually pick between the remaining ones.... "

"Xe? You did get a costume, yes?"

Xena nodded.

"A real costume?"

Xena winced and nodded again.

"I wanna see, I wanna see!"

DING DONG

Xena made her way over to the door, picking up the bowl of candy bars. She opened the door to find three costumed children.

"Trick or treat!" they all cried in unison and held out their goodie bags.

"Oh, what do we have here... a beautiful princess, a salty seadog and a bloodsucking bacch...ummm...vampire." She focused her attention on the little girl. "Well, my princess, what a beautiful diamond tiara you have on."

Xena dropped a candy bar in the child's bag and watched the tot scurry away. She reached back in the bowl for another candy. The pirate's eyes grew big as saucers and he leaned to his right trying to look past the tall woman. He lifted up his eye patch.

"WOW!"

Xena turned and snuck a look behind her and turned back to the boy. She quickly did a double take and her eyes went back to the vision standing a few feet away.

There Gabrielle stood in pastel lingerie. Her head sported a wavy long blonde wig. Xena pulled the candy bowl back in and slammed the door.

"Hey," the boy cried.

She stood, unblinking, attempting to form a coherent thought. Her mouth worked a few times but not a sound was uttered. She clutched her hand to her chest.

Gabrielle grinned mischievously, her nose wrinkling. "Like what's a matter Warrior-Babe...doncha like my groovy outfit?"

DING DONG

DING DONG

"Xena? Honey?"

DING DONG

Xena never moved.

"I guess I better get that," Gabrielle offered as she moved toward the door.

"NOOOOOOO! Stay there!" Xena yelled and put her hand out to block Gabrielle's progress.

Xena opened the door and dumped the entire bowl of candy in the boy's bag. Then closed the door quickly again. She turned back to her partner.

"Gabrielle, you are not going out dressed like that."

"Xe, you have seen me in a lot less than this."

"I have..." Xena smiled, as a recent memory took visual shape in her mind. She shook her head to clear her thoughts. "But the world hasn't... no, no, no...."

DING DONG

"Oh for Pete's sake...." Xena opened the door and glared. "What?"

"Ummm... trick or treat," the boy swallowed hard and held out his bag.

Xena looked down in the bowl and saw it was empty.

"OH, yeah... ummmmm... here." She stuffed the empty bowl in his bag.

The small blond stomped heavily down the hallway, her 4-inch heels tapping out an angry staccato. Tall, dark and, apparently, in trouble followed closely behind.

"Gab... wait... c'mon... I said I was sorry...."

"I cannot believe she did that to me. I have never been so embarrassed in my life," she muttered to herself.

"Honey? I'll make it up to you... honest I will... anything you want. Please don't be angry...."

Gabrielle's hands were shaking so much she had a hard time keying the lock.

"You want help with that?" Xena asked, peering over her shoulder.

Gabrielle turned her head and looked up at Xena. The intense glare Xena received as her answer backed her up a couple of steps.

"Guess not," she mumbled.

Gabrielle finally forced her key into the lock and pushed the door open. Making her way inside, she threw her keys on the table and immediately slammed the door.

Xena stood perfectly still, her nose a scant inch away from the closed door. Closing her eyes for a moment, she gathered her thoughts, then quietly opened the door and stepped inside. Looking around for her partner, she saw the kitchen light go on and Gabrielle to put up some water for tea. Max heard his Mommies and made his way to Xena's side.

"Hi Max," Xena said and reached to pet his head. She paused as both she and the dog turned and watched Gabrielle exit the kitchen and walk down the short hallway to the bedroom. The sound from the slamming door reverberated in the quiet apartment.

"Well, you still love me anyway, right?" Xena asked. "Yikes!" Xena yanked back her hand as Max growled.

*+*

Gabrielle emerged from the bedroom a few minutes later, just in time to hear the teakettle begin to whistle shrilly. She was dressed in a pair of flannel boxers with little red hearts on them and an old New York Rangers jersey. She silently made her way back to the kitchen for her tea. Xena, still in costume, was sitting on the kitchen counter waiting. She removed the kettle from the heat, and then motioned Xena to move so that she could get a mug from the cabinet behind her. The tall woman leaned to one side.

"Gab? Honey?" Xena stammered. "Can I please...?"

Gabrielle held up her hand to forestall the explanation. "Not yet, Xe... I'm not ready to listen yet." She reached into the cabinet and pulled out a yellow smiley face mug. Gabrielle shook her head and put it back. She finally settled on a plain white mug. The blond finished preparing her tea and sat down at the table.

There was absolute silence, save for the squeaking of Xe's leather pants as she fidgeted on the counter watching Gabrielle drink her tea. When she finished, she took a few calming breaths and turned to Xena.

"Okay... go ahead... tell me exactly why you had to attempt to behead the head of the Business Department?"

Xena winced at the tone. "Ummm, honey... I wasn't actually trying to take his head off...."

"Xena... you yelled 'Kill'em all' and flung a dessert plate at his head." Gabrielle shook her head. "What did you think you were doing?"

"Well... it wasn't... I... ummm... you... it... it's your fault. If you'd have kept the coat on...."

"What?" Gab cried infuriated. "Xena, I did not go to the party as Aphrodite Goddess of Love and trench coats."

"Ga-ab," Xena whined. "Mr. Pocket Protector Business Professor had been staring at your ass-ets all night. Then I overheard him and the Dean betting on whether or not those..." she pointed to Gabrielle's chest "...were real or enhanced."

"What?" Gabrielle said, insulted at the thought. Then looked down at her chest and unconsciously crossed her arms.

"I couldn't help it. I wasn't going to take his head off... I just wanted to remove his cheesy toupee. That dessert dish wasn't exactly aerodynamic. It wasn't my fault the hairy little rug landed in the Dean's wife's lap. Or that she had a bad childhood experience with small woodland creatures." Xena sighed. "I didn't know that she was going to spew her red wine all over the English Department."

"Yeah, and Steph's impromptu performance of Lady MacBeth's 'out damned spot" scene was pretty funny." Gabrielle laughed.

"So...." Xena jumped down off the counter and took a step toward the table. She reached down and moved a wisp of hair behind Gabrielle's ear. Then she ran her knuckles gently up Gab's cheek. "Am I forgiven?" She arched her eyebrow and smiled seductively.

"Ummmmm," Gabrielle leaned into the contact and closed her eyes for a moment. "That depends," Gabrielle reached up and clasped Xena's hand in her own. "Can you come up with a really good answer," she squeezed Xe's hand, hard. "As to why you picked Ares as your costume?"

Xena frowned. Oh hell. "Well... ummmm...."

"Xe? It was a come as your fav-or-ite," Gabrielle drew out the word, "God or Goddess theme."

"Yeah... about that... they were out of Hades costumes? Xena offered weakly.

The blond tightened her grip on Xena's fingers.

"Uh, Gabrielle...I need those digits, baby" she forcibly removed her hand and shook it out to get feeling back in it. "Actually, I thought you of all people would like the irony here." Xena began to nervously fidget.

"Go on."

"Well, you always thought that Ares was persistently trying to get into my pants... so this time I got into his first." She paused. "Get it?" Xena winced, looking everywhere but at Gabrielle.

Gabrielle shook her head at Xena's discomfort. She got up and put the mug in the sink and made her way over to the doorway. "Lame excuse you got there. I definitely got it... but you aren't gonna get it anytime soon." She smiled back at Xena and clicked the switch, leaving Xena in the dark to think about that development.

Xena hurried after her partner. "But sweetie, I thought you liked me in leather? Honey?"

*+*

Gabrielle opened the door with a tired sigh and stepped through into the living room. She put her keys on the small table, set her attach„ down and turned to hang her coat on the rack. Max scampered over to greet her. He was carrying something in his mouth.

"Hey Max, whatcha got there? You bringing me a present?"

Max sat and waited for Gabrielle to take envelope out of his mouth.

"OOOO-Kay, let's see what we have here." She shook the envelope off. "Ummmm, Maxie... a little less drool next time, k?"

Gabrielle looked at the front of the envelope; hand written in beautiful calligraphy, albeit a little smeared with drool, was her name. She carefully tore open the flap and pulled the card out. It read:

This card entitles the bearer to a romantic gourmet dinner for two.

Formal attire is required. Please follow the path indicated...more instructions to follow.

"Alright Xe? Whatcha up to now?" Gabrielle muttered to herself as she looked around. "Path indicated?" On the carpet she found a single red rose. She bent down and picked it up. "Mmmmmm, wonderful," she said sniffing appreciatively. Looking further down the hallway she saw a path of rose petals.

"Oh Xe." She sniffed the rose again and started down the hallway. She paused outside the bedroom door. Taking a deep breath, she turned the knob and pushed the door open. Inside she found several candles lit and scattered about the room. Their sandalwood scent wafted throughout and the low light cast interesting shadows around the room.

"Xe?"

On the bed was a garment bag. Upon closer inspection, she found another envelope and a single Hershey's kiss sitting on the bag.

"Mmmmm," she unwrapped and popped the chocolate in her mouth. She then opened the envelope and pulled out another card. It read:

Your formal attire, M'lady...but first you will find a relaxing soak awaits in the bathing chamber. Enjoy.

Gabrielle walked to the bathroom, and looked in... the tub was near overflowing with bubbles, steam was gently rising. Surrounding the tub were several more candles. A single glass of white wine sat on the edge. On the towel rack were two fluffy pale pink towels and a luxuriously plush robe.

"Thought of everything, huh Xe?" Gabrielle said as she stripped out of her clothes.

*+*

Gabrielle pulled the sash tie on the robe shut as she made her way back into the bedroom.

"Well, let's see what we have in the bag," she said to herself. "Oh my...."

The dress was cocktail length, with a slit that ran from hem to hip. It was a simple black silk backless sheath. It clung in all the right places and the neckline plunged just enough to show off a modest, teasing hint of cleavage. The attached lace jacket overlay had tiny pearl buttons that ran from a slim waist to just between full breasts, and the long sleeves did nothing to hide the muscled arms they covered.

The blond woman checked her appearance once more in the mirror. "Geez, Xe. You've gotten much better at this over the years." She smoothed non-existing wrinkles out of the silky dress once more. "Who'd a thought, Xena: Warrior Fashion Coordinator." Gabrielle opened the door. "Okay time to go see what tall, dark and sneaky is up to."

Stepping out into the hallway, Gabrielle was startled to see Max sitting and waiting patiently. In his mouth was a tiny basket and another note.

"Well, Maxie...she's got you playing Cupid tonight, huh boy?"

Gabrielle relieved Max of his burden and he immediately fled to another part of the apartment. In the basket were more silver wrapped Kisses. "Ooh let's save those for later." She then looked at the card. It read:

You have an exclusive reservation at Chez Ourbalcony...tell'em Xena sent you.

Gabrielle smiled and continued on. Upon entering the living room, Gabrielle was overcome with emotion. In the short time she was bathing and dressing, Xena had apparently transformed the living room. Every table had flowers on it, soft jazz was playing on the stereo and romantic candlelight finished setting the mood.

"Wow," Gabrielle offered as her eyes scanned the room taking everything in.

"Wow, indeed," Xena countered.

Gabrielle turned, startled at the voice behind her. The tall brunette was leaning on the kitchen doorjamb, and grinning rakishly.

Xena was dressed in a black, distinctly feminine cut, single-breasted tuxedo with notched satin lapels. Her shirt was white but her bowtie and vest were a brilliant royal blue, which set off her eyes gorgeously. Her raven hair was down, softly falling over her collar. Her long legs were encased in matching black pleated trousers with a satin stripe down the outer leg.

"Good evening, my dear, you look absolutely stunning," Xena pushed off the doorframe and walked around Gabrielle. Gabrielle turned to follow her.

"So do you." Gabrielle gestured for Xena to spin around.

"Thank you. Now would you care to join me, we have a dinner reservation for..." Xena looked at her watch. "Right about now." She held her arm out, which Gabrielle took eagerly.

"Xena walked them by the credenza and paused for a moment. She drew a single rose out of the arrangement of flowers and presented it to Gabrielle. Her partner sniffed the bright flower, inhaling its sweet fragrance. She tilted her head to one side and smiled lovingly, up at Xena. Gabrielle pinched off the stem and threaded it through Xe's lapel, patting her chest when she finished. Xena bowed her head shyly and smiled back.

Xena escorted her partner through the sliding glass door onto the balcony. They stood and watched for a few minutes as the sunset lit the sky awash with red-orange stripes and swirls. The brunette then reached over, with her free hand, and clicked a switch. The balcony railing lit up with dozens of miniature twinkling lights.

"M'Lady, if you will...." Xena escorted Gabrielle to the table and pulled out Gabrielle's chair. After seating the smaller woman, Xe flipped out the linen napkin and placed it on her lap.

Gabrielle was in awe. The table was absolutely stunning. The tablecloth was a deep forest green, the dishes a dark burgundy. Two long taper candles flickered in crystal holders amid the china settings and the glasses. Off, but close to the table, stood a tall silver bucket with a bottle chilling in it and tucked away in the far end of the balcony was a dining cart with covered silver trays.

"Xena, this is beautiful... but how... when... why...?"

Xena got a silly grin on her face. "Well, I do have many skills, today I played hooky from work and because I love you." Xena reached into the champagne bucket, standing next to the table and removed the bottle. She wrapped a dinner napkin around the iced bottle. A loud pop was heard as the cork went flying over the railing. "Whoops!"

Gabrielle giggled as the wine bubbled up and out over Xena's hands.

"Are you laughing at me?" Xena mocked growled. She poured two glasses, handing one to Gabrielle. "A toast... to the woman who owns my heart," Xena grinned and waggled her eyebrows. "And all the rest of the pertinent parts." Gabrielle backhanded her stomach. "Ooof!" Her eyes softened. "To the woman who owns my heart and soul... I will love you forever."

"I will love you, forever," Gabrielle echoed and they clinked glasses. "Hmmmm... nice."

"Just you wait." Xena said. She placed her glass on the table and went to retrieve their dinner.

"Xena?" Gabrielle asked hesitantly. "You made dinner? Yourself? You cooked?"

"Gabrielle, when I said I loved you, I meant it. Do you think I would recklessly endanger your life by serving you food that I cooked?" Xena laughed. "I want tonight to be nice... a little dinner... a little dancing... a little romance. Food poisoning my best girl just isn't part of the plan. I got it all from Martelli's down the block."

Xena returned and set a bowl down on the table in front of Gabrielle.

"Ooh, is that Caesar salad I see?"

Xena arched an eyebrow.

"Whoops, sorry." Gabrielle mock cringed. Then smiled and winked at Xena.

Xena portioned out the salad on both plates and then sat down herself. They ate quietly enjoying forkful of the greens and occasional sips of the champagne. By now the sun had completely set and the surrounding buildings were beginning to light up, creating their own twinkling star effects on the night horizon.

"That was terrific."

The tall brunette removed the salad plates. "Just you wait." Xena brought back two dishes. "For you, Fettuccine Victoria." She set one plate in front of her partner. "And for me, Pasta ala Carbonara."

"Mmmmmmm, smells delicious."

They finished dinner, sharing tastes, toasts and touches throughout. Then while Gabrielle stood at the railing admiring the cityscape, Xena cleared all the dishes off to one side and moved the table out of the way as well. She heard the glass door slide and then suddenly the volume of the soft music increased. Xena slid behind Gab, placing her hands on the railing on either side of Gabrielle's and placed a soft kiss on her neck.

"Did I tell you how wonderful you look tonight?" She whispered. "Dance with me?"

Gabrielle shivered at the warm breath in her ear. "Yes, but feel free to say it again. And I would love to." Xena took a half step back to allow Gabrielle to turn in her arms. "You look pretty sexy in that tuxedo too." She smoothed down the lapels.

"Thank you ma'am. You know dresses give me issues." She grinned and took Gabrielle in her arms. They began to gently sway to the music.

"Yeah, I know. Betcha, I couldn't even get you in one for our own wedding," Gabrielle joked.

"Ask?" Xena replied without pause. She leaned Gabrielle back in a dip.

"What?" The blonde replied, astonishment in her voice.

"Ask. Ask me to wear one."

"O-Kay," she said, disbelievingly. "Xena will you wear a dress... to be determined," she paused. "For me at our wedding... also to be determined," she paused again and looked deeply into Xena's blue eyes, finding only love shining back at her. "Ummm, since we really haven't discussed having one yet, but at some time... to be determined, in the future?"

"Sure," Xena answered and she pulled her closer. "But I want to see the ring first." She swayed them a little faster. "And no cheap thing either. I want the good stuff." She stopped their dancing and touched Gabrielle lightly on the nose. "Real rocks."

"Of course, only the best for my high maintenance woman," Gabrielle accepted eagerly. She then continued their dancing.

"Glad we got that settled."

"I have one more important question, Xe?"

"Hmmmmm?"

"What's for dessert?"

They both began laughing at the same time.

"Well, love, am I forgiven for my melee at the University party?" Xena asked hopefully, as she walked around the room extinguishing all the candles. Max was back in his favorite spot, guarding the couch and she paused for a moment to scratch his ears. "Nice job today, buddy." She then turned off the stereo and walked back to where Gabrielle was standing. She took both of the smaller woman's hands in her own.

"I dunno...how about you ask me again in the morning...after breakfast in bed."

Gabrielle walked backwards, pulling her partner toward the bedroom.

"How about after late brunch in bed?" Xena counter offered with a wink.

"Even better."

"Night, Max...." they called out in unison to the dark living room.

His tail wagged lazily... twice.

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