Iolaus stared at the stream as it rushed by. He knew it was of no use trying to think of anything but Gabrielle. Still young and full of life somehwere while he sat here alone – reliving ever memory he’d ever had of her. He knew he had made the right decision though. He couldn’t see her, and he didn’t want her to see him. No matter what she may say or feel their little chance of happiness was already gone for good.

“Hello, stranger,” a voice behind him called. Iolaus closed his eyes and prayed that it was just his imagination. He turned around and found his every fear had been realized.

She was breathtaking. Shorter hair and different clothes, but irresistable. With a hand on her hip she fixed him with a powerful stare. “Aren’t you going to say hello?” She asked. He tried to say her name but found it came out as a whisper. He knew it was too late now that he had seen her, he was lost all over again. He stood up and wrapped his arms around her.

Gabrielle would have known him anywhere. The blonde curls had noticeable gray in them, but the blue eyes still had the same friendly sparkle. He was old now to be sure, his handsome face looked lined and tired, and he seemed sadder than she remembered. He took her in his arms and her heart jumped. He clung to her tightly and she was happier than she’d ever been.

“Gab-”

“It’s me, Iolaus. It really is.”

After a few minutes the two had calmed and were seated together by the bank of the river. “Why didn’t you want to see me?” She asked.

“I did. Zeus only knows how much. But I didn’t want – I was afraid. Seeing you this young and beautiful while I’ve grown old… I was just afraid it’d be more than my poor old heart could take.” Gabriellle turned in surprise at this sudden admission. His blue eyes were filled with such honest pain she couldn’t bear it. In a heartbeat she had leaned forward and covered his lips with hers. The kiss was heartstopping. As shocked as he was by her action, he instinctively drew her close and kissed her deeper as he pulled her down.

It ended as quickly as it began; Iolaus suddenly realizing what had happened he bolted upright and looked away. Gabrielle slowly sat up beside him. “I’m sorry,” he said unable to face her. “That shouldn’t have happened.”

“Iolaus,” she said gently reaching for his hand. He shrank from her touch and stood up.

“No. No, Gabrielle, I won’t let this happen. Not now. It’s too late.”

“I don’t want to hurt you – can’t you see? I don’t care about how old you are or what you’ve done while I’ve been away. I just want to-”

“I can’t let you. Gabrielle, look at me. I am fifty-four years old. What kind of husband could I make for you or father to your children? You would be throwing your life away.”

Gabrielle tried not to let her shock at his bluntness show on her face. Marriage had never been remotely hinted at before, but it made sense that it would be on his mind now. Even if it hadn’t been on hers, she wouldn’t betray that. “No,” she said definately. “I’d be the happiest person in all Greece.” There. That was true, she knew it as soon as she said it.

“I’m sorry Gabrielle. I can’t take this.” He stood up and walked away.

Gabrielle sat for a few moments trying to comprehend what had just happened. Alone and rejected, she stood up and made her way back to the inn where their friends would be waiting for her. She couldn’t help from feeling sorry for herself, and tried desperately not to cry. What a baby! she thought to herself. One man rejects you and you cry like a child. What will Xena say when she sees you? Maybe you haven’t grown up quite as much as you thought…