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(continued)
The rest of the evening had been dedicated to making a pasta supper, drinking hot tea and coffee, watching television,
snacking on Doritos (Iolaus' new favorite food) and going over old times. The couple laughed, wondering what Hercules and Xena would think of them if they could see them now. That, of course, was followed by a few somber moments.
Hercules and Xena. Both gone to them now.
"Pretty pathetic." Gabrielle had said, breaking the silence, and began to tickle Iolaus.
He fought back, being very ticklish, and soon they were gently wrestling on the carpeted floor as the television played
before them. He had her pinned and began to tickle her in return when Gabrielle reached up and pulled his head down to meet his lips with her own.
It was a sudden and very impulsive move.
Iolaus sat up quickly. "Gabrielle," he hesitated, "it's getting late and you - both of us - have to go to work tomorrow." he
said. He was troubled but didn't know how to say what he was really feeling.
Gabrielle nodded and smiled mildly, disappointed but understanding. "You're right, Iolaus." She stood, "Goodnight." Yet, by
the time she was half way to her bedroom, Gabrielle was smiling again. She knew, no matter how uncertain he was, Iolaus was scorching. He wanted her as much, maybe even more, than she wanted him but he was still trying to stay focused, a gentleman, not wanting to make a mistake.
But if Iolaus thought he was going to get away from her that easily he had another thing coming.
Xena had taught her a few things about men during their years together and the best advice she'd ever given to Gabrielle
was to not give up on a perfectly good opportunity, even if it was just slightly selfish.
In her bedroom she changed into a silky blue-gray night gown that plunged rather provocatively in front. Gabrielle then
brushed her hair and teeth and walked into the living area again.
He was in the fold out bed, the TV turned off and was reading a paperback book. Gabrielle smiled because she knew
beneath the sheet he lay naked. Iolaus admitted in the cabin that, when in bed, he didn't wear clothes as he slept. He'd been embarrassed at the time that what he said had slipped out.
With a deep breath, Gabrielle cleared her throat and walked slowly to him.
Hearing her, Iolaus lowered the book and watched as Gabrielle, looking more alluring than he had ever seen her before,
approach him. He could only stare.
"I don't think either of us are feeling vulnerable right now ..." she spoke deeply and very seductively, "And I'm tired of
waiting, Iolaus. It's time." Gently and very deliberately Gabrielle peeled the straps of the gown from her shoulders, allowing the garment to fall to the floor. She stood before Iolaus exposed and took in his expression, which was a combination of awe, uncertainty and longing.
"Gabrielle, you're beautiful." he murmured breathlessly, obviously enthralled, and tossed the book aside, without realizing
he'd done it. He watched as she slowly walked to the side of his bed, pulled back the sheet and crawled in.
He embraced her.
Outside they could both hear rain falling.
*******
Thunder struck again and Gabrielle, who had been standing in front of the glass door, raised her head and opened her eyes.
She'd been standing there, eyes closed and contemplating for a half hour. She looked over to where Iolaus was laying on the sofa bed and was startled to see him looking up and over at her. "I ... I ..." she started.
"I love you, Gabrielle." he said, in a whisper.
She felt as if her heart were ready to burst, "I love you too, Iolaus."
He then lifted his arms to her and she walked over to him, without indecision, allowing he - her lover and savior - to prove
his devotion with more than words, once again.
****
They married three months later.
It would have been sooner but there were personal issues to be taken care of. Although she knew he was sincere in his love
for her, they were well matched both physically and emotionally, Gabrielle feared that Iolaus - after a few years - might realize that he had settled on her far sooner than he should. There were many women out in this big world, beautiful woman Iolaus would no doubt wish he'd known, and what if he began to get a wandering eye? What if she wasn't enough for him?
"Gabrielle, we have more than affection and great love-making in common." Iolaus had told her candidly, with a chuckle,
when she asked, "We have a history together. Something so deep and pure in its creation that I couldn't ever find myself thinking of spending my life with any other woman. You are ..." and he paused, recalling the term Gabrielle had used so long ago - "... my soulmate and I love you more than anything."
And, in a way they both understood although never said aloud, by being together they were both linked to their other
soulmates, Hercules and Xena. Through each of them their friends lived on.
Five months after their quiet wedding, Gabrielle became pregnant and the couple moved into a lovely house near
Westwood.
Gabrielle's novel, the exploits of a warrior woman from ancient Greece, had been published and became a top ten best
seller with in its first few weeks of distribution. Her publisher wanted her to write another as soon as possible.
Iolaus, having mastered even the master of the studio where he worked, began to take on clients of his own. He turned part
of their home into a studio where he taught young men and women martial arts. He loved it and it was very lucrative.
By the time their son, Xavier, was four years old Iolaus and Gabrielle were very prosperous -- and very happy.
They took a trip to Greece, visiting Athens and all of the most popular attractions.
Gabrielle found Iolaus, during one of their museum excursions, staring at a statue of Hercules.
"It looks nothing like him." he had said and smiled mildly.
Gabrielle chuckled softly and whispered into his ear, "Was probably commissioned by the same person who wrote that you
were Hercules' nephew."
Xavier looked up at his parents but did not understand what it was they spoke of.
And they moved on.
Iolaus heard Gabrielle gasp at one point and saw what it was that so stunned her. In a plastic case lay Xena's broken
chakram, the warrior's weapon she had used before it was replaced by another. Also in the case, laying beside it, were two yellowed parchments. Gabrielle recognized her own handwriting. The plaque beside these items read: Found near Crete, 1920, two "Xena Scrolls" and decorative tool - date unknown.
Iolaus squeezed her shoulders and Gabrielle closed her eyes, leaning into him.
He took Gabrielle and Xavier from the museum and they walked, entering into a park and sat on a bench. Perhaps returning
to Greece at this time hadn't been the wisest idea they ever had. So many memories. Both good and bad. So many friends now dead ....
A vendor passed them, asking if either would like a snack. Perhaps the little boy? Iolaus was struck by this man's
resemblance to Falafel but shook his head no.
"Pretty." Xavier whispered, lifting a hand to scratch at his golden head. He gazed ahead.
Both Gabrielle and Iolaus looked to where their son stared and both of them saw it.
The vortex. It was opening up slowly before them and it was obvious only they and the boy, the child of their mixed bloods,
could see it. Everyone else in the park walked as if nothing was amiss.
The couple stood, amazed, and Iolaus pulled Xavier into his arms.
"Iolaus ..." Gabrielle whispered. She could hear Xena's voice. Dearest gods, could it be?
"Gabrielle ... are you all right?" Xena was calling.
"Iolaus!" came Hercules voice, "Do you hear us?"
"Yes!" both Iolaus and Gabrielle shouted together, over-joyed.
"Come through the portal." Xena called, "We can only keep it open for a few more seconds ... come through!"
Gabrielle suddenly looked at Iolaus and he her. They hesitated.
"Come on, Iolaus! Come on!"
They looked at Xavier who stared up at his mother and father, unafraid.
"I love you and I love the life we've lived together, Gabrielle." Iolaus said, holding her close with the arm that wasn't
wrapped around the boy. "I don't ..."
And she knew what he was going to say ... "I don't want to go back!" she exclaimed. Tears came to her eyes and she saw
the same turmoil in her husband. They both loved Xena and Hercules and had yearned to be with them -- but that was long ago, many life times ago.
They turned to the vortex.
"We can't, Hercules ... We can't come back." Iolaus called to he and Xena, "We want to stay here ... Can you
understand?" he asked, feeling anguish - wondering what his friend must be feeling. Betrayal?
"Gabrielle?"
She closed her eyes, hoping Xena would be able to forgive her. "My place is with my husband, Xena. I love Iolaus and our
child ... and we're happy here."
The vortex began to close.
"We love and miss you both!" Iolaus shouted at the vortex, anxiously.
"Yes, we do!" Gabrielle cried, "Don't ... leave ..."
They could hear their voices fading: "Goodbye, Gabrielle. I'll always love you ..." from Xena and from Hercules: "You are
and will always be my best friend, Iolaus ....."
And they were gone. Blinking out as if they had never been there.
Afterwards, Iolaus and Gabrielle sat on the bench silently, Xavier on his father's lap. For a moment they could not look at
each other. Then slowly, their heads turned and gazes rested on husband and wife. Their hands connected and held gently. Iolaus ducked his head and kissed her fingers.
Gabrielle smiled and gently touched his cheek, still moist with fallen tears.
It was the right choice. There were no regrets.
Xavier wriggled out of his father's arm and he ran, chasing ducks.
THE END
((1999))
If you would like to contact Iolagab and tell her how much you enjoyed her fiction please write to this website
address and it will be forward to her. She is currently without e-mail.
An NC17 version of this fiction is available at the ADULT website, "Hercules After Dark".
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