Fan Fiction
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A Year in Tartarus
Birthday Girl
“Wake up Sleepyhead! It’s your birthday!”
And without another word Xena emptied half a water skin onto the sleeping Gabrielle.
Spitting and sputtering, and laughing, Gabrielle jumped up from her sleeping skins and chased Xena around the campsite, vowing to do untold damage to her if she ever caught her.
When they were both somewhat winded, a temporary truce was called, but Gabrielle swore only until she was able to pay Xena back for the dousing.
“You know, it’s not my birthday.” Gabrielle told her.
“Sure it is. You don’t think I’d forget THAT, do you?”
“Well, you must have, because it is NOT my birthday.”
“Gabrielle, it IS! I’ve been keeping track of the seasons, the stars, and the moon. Believe me, it’s your birthday.”
“Xena, there’s no way I’d forget my own birthday.”
“Okay! If that’s the way you want it – it’s not your birthday.”
Xena paused, but her tone of voice let Gabrielle know there was something else coming.
Xena continued. “Then I guess you don't want your birthday present. I suppose I can save it for Meg.”
“Well, if you insist – then I guess it IS my birthday after all.”
“Oh no! You said it wasn’t.”
“I was mistaken, so hand it over.”
“You’re sure, now? It IS your birthday?”
“Of course it is. YOU’RE the one who’s been charting the heavens, remember?”
With a smug and satisfied look on her face, Xena went to her saddlebag and brought out the gift, wrapped in parchment and tied with a thin leather string.
“It’s heavy!” Gabrielle commented as she took it from Xena. Then she hurriedly untied the string and opened it.
“Oh, Xena! It’s BEAUTIFUL! Thank You! Thank you so MUCH!”
And clasping the silver pendant necklace with a blue crystal in the center, she threw her arms around Xena’s neck and hugged her tightly.
“So you like it?” Xena asked unnecessarily as Gabrielle stepped back from the embrace.
“Are you kidding? I LOVE it!”
“Turn around.” Xena told her. “Let’s try it on.”
Gabrielle turned her back to Xena and reached back with both hands to give the ends of the silver chain to Xena, who fastened the clasp.
As she looked down at it, Gabrielle felt her eyes begin to tear.
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