The Seconds

Gabrielle counts the seconds as their lips get closer and as they kiss for the first time. It explodes in her body, carving out a section of her heart and her hands eagerly give this bleeding love to Xena.

She is ready. She is willing. Everything... she is going to give everything to Xena. Everything that is inside, all the doubts and the longings and the desire and the love. All of her... to Xena.

Gabrielle gets jealous to think of anyone else kissing Xena. Anyone else who has touched Xena's body, found this sweet spot along Xena's spine, tasted Xena's essence.

And they are out there, waiting for the warrior princess to want them again. Then Xena takes Gabrielle's hand... and Gabrielle can only smirk to onlookers who wish they were the bard.

Gabrielle counts the seconds as they touch each other and as they build a house of passion. It sets her on fire, burning down her defenses and she is lit. Gabrielle lets herself go up in flames and lets Xena strike the stone.

Seconds turn to minutes and minutes to hours... So much time in Xena's arms, in her vision, in her life. Gabrielle holds her breath as Xena walks away, never knowing if this is the day when she will not come back.

Gabrielle counts the seconds... 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7... until Xena returns.