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Chapter Text

It was the sound of Aphrodite's laughter that made both Xena and Gabrielle become instantly angry as they spotted the goddess with Joxer and Solan.

It drove Xena's anger higher seeing that Joxer was staring up at Aphrodite with his little happy smirk that she hadn't seen directed at anyone but Elaine and Solan. The rarity of seeing it only reminding her that he had not looked at her in such a way for a long time.

A very long time.

And the fact that he was looking at the Goddess of LOVE like that...had her seeing red.

The tightening in her chest at the realization didn't help the situation either.

Making their way over both women tried to suppress the very real instinct to snarl at Aphrodite, unfortunately for them Aphrodite sensed their anger WAY before they came close to her.

Aphrodite glanced at them and immediately rolled her eyes and let out a huff. In the blink of an eye she vanished from sight, leaving Joxer with a confused look on his face until he noticed the two women approaching.

It only took a second before he was looking down at the apples that Elaine had given him. They weren't for eating but for training his hands. The heels of his hands pressed in on the top of the apple on both sides, trying to squeeze the apple into separating.

Concentrating on that, rather than the two women that looked at him as if they expected something from him, it was just a small reprieve.

He didn't want to think about it. Not why it hurt to look at either of them or why Aphrodite was now way more talkative with him.

Finding out that he had been having...well...that he had been...WITH...HER...and not Gabrielle - it had taken him a huge while to realize that Aphrodite had only been pretending with him. That she was just trying to make him feel better and not try and make him talk about how he felt.

Aphrodite knew he wasn't good with words.

Even now with Athena teaching him things that he should have known when he was little, he found it hard to say things.

He had told Aphrodite as much and he got a response he didn't think a mortal could from a goddess.

Aphrodite had kissed him sweetly on the lips and told him he was an incredibly sweet person that didn't know how to be two faced.

He had given her a half smirk at the words.

Truth was...he wasn't smart enough to be like that. He knew that.

He just said what he thought, even if what he said was stupid.

When he was young his brothers were always talking for him. His mother knew he was different and tried to protect him but...it didn't work.

When his mother died and his father went to prison they were left homeless.

His brother's left him.

So he wandered, from town to town, army to army. Trying to find someone to take him in. To teach him how to be a man. Wanting to find what it was that made his brothers different from him and not ever being able to find the real answer.

And then...he found her.

Joxer looked up at her and quickly back down.

He thought if he followed her he would become a warrior.

That maybe one of the greatest warriors could show him how to be what no one else ever could.

Somehow he would become good enough to be called a warrior. Worthy of having a name for himself - and not just the son of a warlord. Or the brother of the King of Assassins.

He remembered the moment he knew he would always follow Xena.

Joxer closed his eyes trying to get rid of the memory.

It hurt too much to remember.

"Joxer..."

Joxer looked up at Xena. The instant wince as he looked up at them hurting both women as if he had slapped them.

"You umm...you've gotten a little tan..." Xena fumbled with her words as she noted how healthy and good he looked. He radiated it and though he was sitting down, the change in his body was evident.

His posture was a thousand times better.

Hunching over was a thing of the past with the way he sat straight in his seat.

Not to mention the very formed arms that we're half visible with his shirt on.

Unfortunately for her...the Amazon's in the village had also taken note of the changes to his physique.

She had heard them.

Whispering.

Staring!

FANTASIZING.

Xena had caught many a Amazon like deer in headlights, or their laughing suddenly drying up at the sight of her when she would reveal herself to be near them as they talked. And Xena had to stop herself from ripping their heads off when she did.

The sensation of jealousy was completely foreign for her. It wasn't something she had EVER had to deal with. There had never been a person that she had not been able to seduce or sway to her side.

But hearing other women talk about him as if they COULD touch him...well...

Xena had to squash down the instinct to throw her chakrum more than once at a group of women that were talking about Joxer's body.

It didn't help things any that she had begun to notice it as well.

That HER eyes would linger WAY too long on his body. How she honestly couldn't remember a time when he had freely...just...touched her in any form without some sort of mortal danger... hurt her to no ends.

Something as simple as touching his hand...she couldn't remember the last time it had happened.

"I've been swimming a lot lately. Helps me stretch after working at the temple. Maybe I've picked up some sun because of that. " Joxer answered as he kept his head down and a jostling of one shoulder up and down in a weak attempt at a half shrug.

Gabrielle noticed how his words were said fluently, no stuttering or humming and hawing to find the words like he normally did.

Something ever so close to envy filled her.

She knew that Athena had been teaching him. The very first day she learned that yet another goddess was around Joxer, a lot more than she was - It had lit another fuse of jealousy she hadn't known could even be lit.

Teaching him things that she could have been teaching him if she had just...

He was more confident.

Looking at him now she could hear it. The way he spoke now was as if he had recited poetry.

She hated it!

And worse than hating it, she could see how Aphrodite had been actually talking with him! Aphrodite...didn't TALK to her play things! Talking to him meant she cared WAY more than she claimed to!

Gabrielle tried to stop herself from imagining what kind of work Joxer had been doing at one of Aphrodite's temples. It got the best of her and she blurted out a question.

"What exactly does Aphrodite have you do at the temple?"

Xena snapped her head to look at Gabrielle as if she was crazy with the way her question sounded like she was accusing Joxer of doing something sexual.

Thankfully Joxer and Solan completely missed the underlying current and meaning of the question as Joxer just shrugged and Solan answered.

"Dad's been fixing it up! He just finished cleaning and buffing the floor today by hand! You should see how the floors gleam now! It's like the floors are made of...of...diamonds!" Solan used the example that Elaine had given as he had never seen a diamond before but from the way Elaine had exclaimed it was extremely shiny!

It was then that both women watched Joxer smile a real smile and pat Solan on the head and jostle his hair. Solan just smiled at his dad and both women felt their hearts expand soo fully that the jealousy they felt was put on the back burner as Joxer suddenly was speaking animatedly.

"Solan's been helping me by bringing in supplies when I need them. He's also been racing me in the water!"

And then both of their hearts leapt as he looked up at them with such pride beaming from his face.

"He's gotten faster than me and I think he's grown a few inches. It's like he was born in the water! You should see how he's learned all of the names of the fish and plants near the temple!"

"Athena's been teaching me! She says I have a gift that most boys don't!" And then Solan smiled and shrugged in a way that was soooo an imitation of Joxer that both women suddenly laughed and smiled widely.

Solan's smile widened even more and he looked back over at Joxer who dry laughed and shook his head at Solan.

"She says you're smarter than I'll ever be!" Joxer said with such pride in his voice. His eyes shone with such love at Solan.

He didn't see the way both Xena and Gabrielle's smile vanished after his words and how both looked at Joxer.

"She said that to you?" Gabrielle's voice deepened in the way it always did when she accused someone of something. And Joxer knew that tone all too well!

His head swiveled and his own smile disappeared as he saw the anger on both women's faces.

"Yeah...she...she said that Solan had a...a high a...ummm..." Joxer began blinking as he tried to remember what Athena had called it, fumbling his words for the first time in front of Xena and Gabrielle.

"I.Q." A voice said from thin air.

The blue light that shined right next to them as Athena appeared in her extremely shiny armor and bright blue eyes didn't really shock anyone, but her appearance was unexpected.

"Solan has shown he has an incredible capacity to solve problems. Most humans have an average intelligence that allows them to go about their everyday lives," Athena's hand held the butt of her sword as she stepped closer to a smirking Solan, "This little one has shown that he is capable of advanced problem solving that would be difficult for Thales! He is quite remarkable!" Athena placed her hand on the back of Solan's head then gave a huge smile to the boy who blushed profusely at the praise.

"But Joxer could never be that smart? You said that?" Xena said hotly as she heard the insult that Gabrielle had heard.

"Well Joxer's understanding of numbers is not as advanced as Solan's. Though he is above average in other areas." And the evil smile that graced Athena's face made the hackles on both Gabrielle and Xena's back raise up immediately.

Both knew instantly that Athena was not talking about solving problems.

"Joxer has kinesthetic intelligence as well as linguistics." Athena covered her double meaning, and then moved between Solan and Joxer and had a chair manifest to sit between the two as a scroll appeared in her hands.

"Elaine requested Joxer learn English...which is a language based in Britania in the future. Joxer has taken to learning the language as has Solan. He has quite the ability to adapt." Athena said and stared back at the angry women.

Athena leaned the scroll towards Joxer.

"You passed the test I gave you Joxer!" Athena said and a genuine smile graced her face when Joxer's eyes bulged out as he dropped the apple between his hands and grabbed at the scroll with a look of astonishment.

Then the most joyous smile split his face that neither Xena or Gabrielle had seen in months that both felt a joy in their own chest at the happiness and joy he was expressing.

"I DID?! I...I DID!" Joxer yelled out as he stared down at his paper and then showed the paper to Solan who was smiling just as widely as his dad.

"I told you that you knew it!" Solan said and Joxer looked up with a huge smile and instantly reached up with his hand and joyously played with Solan's hair again while laughing.

"You did make a few mistakes, but Joxer you're understanding what you're learning! Whoever it was that said you wouldn't be able to understand had no idea what they were saying!" Athena said and placed her hand on Joxer's shoulder as she gave him a look that was filled with pride.

"You are capable of much more than you think! You just have to apply yourself and do the work." Athena said with raised brows to point out that Joxer's self depreciation was an excuse to not actually study.

Joxer still giddy from passing a test he thought he never could just continued to smile and nod his head in a way that both Xena and Gabrielle could see that he was the same Joxer that they knew and loved.

And both women felt the vice grip on their hearts loosen just slightly. Seeing that despite everything he was still the person they had met all those years ago.

"Now I want you to practice on your multiplications and divisions. But as far as the geometry...you did miss one question. So solving for unknowns comes more naturally when the numbers are simple. We're going to try fractions next and see if you can handle them." Athena explained as she pointed at certain problems.

Joxer's smile fell and he looked at Athena with a confused look. "What's a fraction?"

"It's a way of saying something isn't whole. When you say 'can you put half of that on the other side for me?', that's a fraction of all the cleaning supplies." Solan explained in a way that was easy to understand.

And sure enough the blinking look of not understanding vanished as Joxer suddenly understood the concept. "Oh! I get it!"

"And that's why this one is testing at genius levels! Great analogy to help comprehend what a fraction is Solan." Athena gave a brilliant smile to Solan and laughed as she watched him blush from the praise.

"Genius?" Xena said and she looked between Solan and Athena.

Athena gave out a small laugh. "It's how Elaine tricked me into teaching Solan as well. Your son solved a riddle that grown men have not been able to solve, and he did so faster than anyone I have ever known."

"What was the riddle?" Gabrielle asked, not knowing that she would be tormenting herself for the answer for days to come.

Athena smiled, knowing that Gabrielle thought she was scheming to keep Solan from questioning her motives for wanting to teach mortals anything.

"There is one father and twelve children, of these each has twice thirty daughters of different appearance. Some are white to look at and the others black in turn. They are immortal and yet they all fade away. What am I?"

When Solan began to open his mouth to answer Athena quickly covered his mouth with her hand.

"I believe Gabrielle wants the opportunity to solve the riddle herself!" Athena said with a discreet wink that only Solan could see with her head turned towards him.

Solan smiled against Athena's hand and then nodded his head.

The sound of the dogs rough housing reached everybody's ears and then laughter as everyone realized it was the puppies playing together.

Solan rushed over to his puppy and began playing with them all as Joxer slowly stood up and both Xena and Gabrielle were a little startled that it seemed like Joxer was a little taller. Normally he seemed like he was Xena's same height.

Xena cracked her neck to one side as a thrill went down her spine for some unknown reason at this knowledge.

"Sasha was staring at the eggs I was eating earlier so I decided to make her some food. Figured they'd all be hungry if she was." Joxer said as he picked up the apple he had been practicing on and with a sole focus on the apple - caused the apple to split in two.

Joxer smirked. It was the fifth one he had managed to cause to split by the force of his hands.

The second the sound of the apple opening hit Sasha's ears she quickly hopped over in obvious delight to Joxer and promptly sat down with her tongue hanging out, staring up at Joxer. Joxer gave the dog a wide smile instantly and tossed up the apple to Sasha who promptly jumped up and quickly began to eat away at the apple. Joxer reached down and began to scratch her head with vigor as she happily chomped away at the apple. Misha was suddenly there and sat down panting as he looked up at Joxer expectantly. Joxer immediately gave him the other piece of apple and Misha quickly chomped away at the apple.

Joxer walked over to where he had prepared all of the dog food and quickly mixed the ingredients up and laughed when Togo yipped at him.

"Alright, alright! It's coming!" Joxer laughed and then quickly put everything onto a piece of cut log that he had chopped earlier in the week. It was a quick plate for the dogs for sure.

Grey Wolf appeared and the wagging of four dog tails increased as Joxer finally placed the plate on the ground.

Grey Wolf immediately began to eat all of the food and Joxer patted his head as he did, "Good boy."

Then he quickly put down another three logs with food for each of the dogs.

Both Gabrielle and Xena couldn't help but smile as they watched Joxer be completely natural as he made his voice ridiculous as he talked to the dogs.

"She's a good girl! Aren't you, Sasha? You're such a good girl!" Joxer scratched Sasha's head with exaggerated enthusiasm.

Sasha tilted her head back, tongue lolling in bliss.

He gave her one last affectionate, "Good girl," before straightening to his full height.

Xena felt a strange tingle slide down her spine at the words good girl. Her neck twitched before she could stop it, a soft crack sounding as she forced herself to shake it off. Heat rushed to her chest—heat she absolutely refused to acknowledge. She steadied her breathing and refused to look directly at him. …Which of course meant she looked immediately.

She blinked rapidly, startled by the direction her mind had just taken—and by the sudden, unwelcome image from the dreams she kept having, the ones that showed far too much of Joxer's naked body.

Gabrielle, meanwhile, was staring for an entirely different reason. Joxer wasn't slouching. He wasn't bumbling. For a moment, he stood with a confidence that didn't feel like Joxer at all… and that unfamiliarity squeezed something tight inside her chest, like she'd briefly lost the man she'd known for years.

"Okay! Everyone's fed—except you, Misha!" Joxer announced, lips twitching up and to one side in a classic show of a frustrated Joxer. Misha, Sasha's brother, huffed sympathetically and panted at Gabrielle's side. He hadn't moved from her since she'd broken down earlier.

Gabrielle noticed and softened. He stayed with me… even when there was food. "I know what you want," Joxer said, voice brightening.
The smirk that followed made Gabrielle inhale sharply; that spark of life in him lit up something in her own expression. "You want fish, don't ya boy?"

He stepped around Solan and grabbed a bucket neither woman had noticed.

"Dad's been letting me fish while he works at Aphrodite's temple!" Solan said proudly, lifting a line strung with several large fish.

"He's been catching ones so big I thought Poseidon was trying to make him look good!" Joxer teased.

"Daaaad!"

All three adults laughed.

"I just did what you told me—be patient. And then Elaine said sometimes you need the right movement to get their attention, so she tied one of her earrings to my line. I've been catching fish nonstop!" Solan held up a fish nearly two feet long.

Xena's and Gabrielle's smiles dimmed instantly.
Neither wanted to hear any more praise of Elaine. Not after earlier.
"Well, she lives on some coast I've never heard of, so she definitely knows fishing," Joxer said, pulling out a fish just right for one dog and holding it in front of Misha.

"Yeah, figured you were tired of the same old meals. A nice piece of fish? Now that's good eating." Misha fidgeted with excitement; both women couldn't help but smile again.

"Joxer, don't tease him," Xena said—though her grin betrayed her.

Joxer crouched and offered the fish. Misha took it gently, tail swishing.

"Good boy."
As Misha trotted off, Joxer sniffed his hands and recoiled. "Bleh."

"Ewww…" Solan giggled.

Joxer's eyes went wide and mischievous.

"Dad. No." Too late. Solan bolted at the same moment Joxer jumped up.

"Come here!" Joxer chased him, the women laughing as the boy shrieked.

He caught Solan and triumphantly smeared fish smell on his face.

"Ewwww, Dad!"
"Come on—we need to bathe anyway. What's a little more 'ewww' before we do?" Joxer hoisted Solan over his shoulder like a sack of grain.

"Why?!"

"Because Elaine said so— and Elaine is smarter than me. Also, we smell like fish!" He headed toward the lake.

"But Daaaaad!"
"Solan." Xena's voice snapped the air.

"Moooooom…"

Gabrielle added firmly, "You heard your father. Unless you don't want to go with him every day."
Solan instantly shut up. Time with Joxer was the one threat that worked.

Joxer's shoulders tensed slightly at the thought of the women taking that away.

"Nooooo," Solan sighed in defeat. "Fine. But I still don't know why it has to be every day."

Joxer didn't miss a beat. "Because, kid, somehow you get dirt in places even I don't understand. And the fish smell—don't even get me started. If we don't scrub you now, the Amazons are gonna start offering sacrifices to you thinking you're some kind of swamp spirit."

Solan groaned dramatically and squirmed, laughing, until Joxer held him fully upside down.
Even at nearly Joxer's height, he was still thin enough for Joxer to carry easily.

No one else would even think Joxer could lift a boy like that— But Xena noticed.

Oh, she noticed.

The flex in his arms. The muscles in his back shifting under his shirt.
And then… the very obvious filled in seat of his pants that had not been there two months ago.

From the corner of her eye she noticed that Gabrielle's own eyes were on that very part of Joxer as he continued to walk towards the lake as Joxer laughed along with Solan as they continued to horseplay.

Xena smirked and watched in amusement as Gabrielle finally noticed that Xena was staring at her and promptly blushed with a 'what?'

Gabrielle looked away as she turned and sat down at the table that Solan and Joxer had just been sitting in front of, avoiding Xena's knowing stare.

Xena sat beside her, smiling even more. "Nothing. Just… funny we were both doing the same thing."

Gabrielle snapped her gaze to her. "What exactly were we both doing?"

Xena opened her mouth—then stopped.
Because Gabrielle's flushed cheeks told her they really had been doing the exact same thing.

"He is a man, Gabrielle. We're surrounded by hundreds of women. It's only natural—"

"I'm not going to treat him the way Cyane said we did."

That shut Xena up.

Gabrielle continued softly, "She's with him every day, Xena. And when she comes back, she's always smiling. For weeks."

Xena jerked her head toward her, chest tightening. "I warned her if she ever touched him that...you think she'd even—?"

"I've caught her staring at him. Like she knows exactly what he looks like under his clothes. And every time she does I…" Gabrielle swallowed hard, anger burning her throat. She breathed in slowly, then out. "I didn't even care three months ago where he was. Now…" Her eyes watered.
"Now the idea of her looking at him makes me want to draw my sai's. He's so different already. She's changed him, Xena." She hid her face behind her arm, crying quietly. "He won't even talk to me. And all I want is for him to look at me the way he used to. To… to just—"

Xena felt the words like a blow. Because she understood.
Too well.
The dreams—the thought of Meg and Joxer together—and the fear that it might become real… it had been a silent blade twisting in her chest since the moment he started slipping away. Xena wiped away Gabrielle's tear.
"He's still Joxer. Still more ours than hers. And Elaine knows that. We just needed to tell him that before she came along."

"Why didn't we?" Gabrielle whispered. "Why couldn't I see it?"

"I don't know," Xena whispered, staring inward.

"Everything alright?" Amarice asked slightly startling the two, who had not been paying attention to their surroundings - which for Xena meant a lot.

"Yeah just..." Xena began as Gabrielle quickly wiped her face and eyes and moving to turn out of Amarice's line of sight.

Amarice had seen it though, and felt her own heart hurt squeeze as she could see the circles forming under both women's eyes. It was starting to worry her.

Xena not getting enough sleep was not good for the baby.

Amarice hesitated, then asked something neither woman expected, "Why did you both let me treat him badly?"

Gabrielle flinched.

Xena's jaw locked.

"Why didn't either of you ever ask him to train? Or build himself up? Or even try? You care so much about him now that another woman shows interest and suddenly you're jealous wives—but when he needed someone, you didn't step in."

Xena's mouth opened to answer— But the sound of running feet cut through the air.

Solan burst from the treeline, soaked, laughing a little and dripping onto the dirt path.

Xena's entire body went rigid.

Gabrielle went still beside her.

Where was—

"Where's Joxer?" Xena asked immediately.

"Oh! He's still rinsing off," Solan said casually. "Elaine went to give him a towel."

Everything inside both women dropped.

Gabrielle froze. Xena did too.
Their eyes met instantly.

Jealousy hit like a punch.

Elaine. Alone. With Joxer.

Fresh from the water.

Vulnerable. Breathless. Dripping Wet.

Naked.

They moved at the same time—silent, fast, unthinking—straight toward the trees.

Amarice's words vanished from their minds.

Amarice shook her head watching them run, knowing exactly what they feared was probably happening.

Xena's hand shot out, clamping gently but firmly over Gabrielle's mouth before she could even speak.

Gabrielle's eyes went wide and then her eyes darted towards Xena in almost anger.

NOT AGAIN!

Xena's gaze locked on hers, dark and urgent, telling her everything words never could: Not yet. Stay quiet. Don't move. Watch.

Gabrielle's heart hammered as Xena's other hand subtly gestured toward the edge of the clearing where they could hear Joxer was with Elaine.

The movement was small but precise—there, follow my eyes, don't make a sound.

They crouched behind the thicket, bodies pressed low to the ground. Every snap of a twig, every rustle in the leaves, made Gabrielle flinch. Xena's muscles tensed beside her, rigid with focus, every inch of her ready to spring forward at a moment's notice.

Gabrielle stole a glance at Xena's eyes—narrowed, alert, dangerous.

There was no question about what Xena was feeling: jealousy, protectiveness… and something deeper, unspoken, simmering just under the surface.

Xena's fingers brushed lightly along Gabrielle's arm, a grounding touch that said: We wait. Together. Don't even breathe too loud. And so they crouched, silent and frozen, watching and trying to hear what Joxer was saying when the sound of a kiss made both of their hearts freeze.

Then…more sounds…and the sound of a moan rang out and the anger that surged through both women would have embarrassed them not three months prior.

Now though…now the instinct to jump out and kill Elaine was only stopped by the sight of Joxer being the one to reach for Elaine.

The feeling of betrayal both women felt trumping the need for Elaine's death.

And both stared fascinated as Joxer suddenly moved slightly and lifted Elaine up still kissing her and had Elaine wrapping her legs around him, and that's when both women saw his back muscles move and his now naked backside gloriously came into view.

The sounds both began to make as they watched Elaine's hand dip down between herself and Joxer and the way he stiffened letting them know she was touching him and eliciting an immediate response from his body.

Gabrielle hands clenched so hard she began to vibrate from a rage she had never experienced before. A loud voice in her brain screaming that 'it' belonged to HER. Elaine was touching what was hers and hers alone and before she knew it she was moving and then was jerked back just as fast.

Joxer moaned loudly and the sound caused both Xena and Gabrielle to still as a shiver went down both of their bodies as they watched Elaine move her hand rhythmically and Joxer begin to gasp as Elaine's mouth was on his neck.
And Xena felt her hand reach for her chakrum when she saw Elaine bite his neck…a rage and primal instinct to kill Elaine for the possessive act making her body shake internally from anger.

"Elaine?!"

Xena and Gabrielle watched Elaine stop and lean her head against Joxer gasping.

"Elaine?!" Armands voice rang out again, causing Elaine to roll her eyes and give a sexy teasing smile to Joxer as she kissed him again and slid down his frame and giving an evil smile as she rubbed passed his front with her body and then hands.

Another quick jump up and kiss to his lips and a smile, "I'll be back as soon as I can. Hopefully we can continue this soon."

Xena didn't notice how Gabrielle had been forcibly moving her back and hiding behind the bush until Elaine was out of sight and both didn't even have time to think as Joxer turned and was now facing them and… both women stopped breathing.

Their eyes locked onto the sight before them and both mouths dropped open at the sight of the muscular defined arms, chest, and abs of their once skinny friend…and the very obvious arousal he had been left in.

Both women's bodies reacted without consent and both women couldn't move their eyes as Joxer tilted his head back in frustration and the twitch both women saw made them realize that Joxer had been worked up beyond the teasing point.

They heard him curse and try and calm himself…but…there was no calming him down at that point.

And then Joxer grumbled and squeezed his eyes shut…and both women's mouths dried completely as they watched Joxer…care for himself.

It was the most erotic and arousing thing both women ever witnessed and both could not look away for the life of themselves.

Their bodies responded to each movement.
Each gasp.
Each tremble of his body until finally he reached his peak and both Xena and Gabrielle were there with him.

Joxer grumbled again and then went to the water and cleaned himself again.

He quickly looked around and a blush formed on his cheeks, though he didn't see anybody. The guilt of having to have done that heavy on him as he quickly dried off and pulled on his pants, pulling on his shirt as he walked towards where the cabins were.

Xena and Gabrielle's bodies were on fire still, flushed…and without even a word to each other they both moved towards the lake and dived in.

Both were breathing heavy and gasping quietly as they tried to take back control of their bodies.

It was no use though.

They both knew there was absolutely no going back after having witnessed what they had.

They both wanted Joxer.

Badly.

A shimmer of red-gold light washed across the lake just before Aphrodite materialized, hair catching the sun like it always had its own lighting crew.

She clasped her hands together with a delighted squeal.

"Ohhh, finally! Do you two have any idea how long I've been waiting for this little breakthrough? I mean—seriously—I was beginning to think I'd have to send a memo."
Her eyes darted around. Then her smile froze.

"…Wait. Where's Joxer?"

Gabrielle tensed. Xena's body went still, just a ripple beneath the water.

Aphrodite's face crumpled into the world's most offended pout. "Are you kidding me? Girls! You had the perfect moment—perfect!—and neither of you thought to bring him along?" Her voice shot up an octave. "Ugh! You are totally missing the point here!"

She threw her head back with a dramatic groan, hands on her hips, exasperation radiating from every inch of her.

Then she noticed Gabrielle—still flushed, still trembling.

A slow, knowing smile curled across Aphrodite's lips. "Ooohh… look at you, little bard. That was not just a 'peek.' Somebody had themselves a moment." Her grin widened wickedly. "Sweetie, you should've just taken advantage of him. That boy worships you. And the compliments afterward? Legendary."

Both Xena and Gabrielle's eyes narrowed in perfect tandem.

Xena's anger burned low and quiet, the way it always did when she became dangerous. Her eyes were darker than before—storm-dark—and locked on the goddess.

"Using my face," she said, voice barely above a whisper. "You used my face on him."

Aphrodite actually stepped back.

"Whoa, whoa—hey!" She held up both hands. "Let's chill. I didn't try to steal him, okay? I wasn't seducing him. I was just… keeping him close. Keeping him safe." Her nose scrunched. "You don't get how complicated god stuff gets."

Xena rose slowly from the water, every inch of her controlled fury. Water slid down her shoulders like armor.

Aphrodite winced.

"Xenaaa… come on. I can HEAR you thinking, and it's loud. You're mad because I reminded you how amazing he is. And Gabrielle—honey, don't even pretend. You felt that heat. You're practically glowing."

Gabrielle's breath caught, her face flushing scarlet, even as Xena's words brought back the anger she felt at Aphrodite.

Aphrodite threw her hands up again, "Come on!" frustration bubbling. "You two! You're both wound up and confused and completely missing the point! You had him RIGHT THERE. And you STILL didn't bring him in!" She stamped her foot like an indignant child of Olympus. "Unbelievable!"

Xena froze—but a sudden urge to cry broke open, raw and violent, as if someone had reached inside her chest and twisted.

A cold blue-white ripple of light spread outward, and then Hera stepped into existence.

Hera let out a huge sigh and simply held out her arms and Xena without questioning why waded quickly through the water and into Hera's hold.

Hera said nothing as she caressed down Xena's back and titled her head to allow Xena into the crook of her neck and looked to Aphrodite.

Hera lifted her gaze to stare directly into her daughters and pinned Aphrodite with a sharp, pointed stare only a mother could.

Aphrodite's face scrunched instantly as she remembered the real reason not to snap at Xena.
"Oh… right. Hormones." She winced. "Uh—sorry?!"

Hera exhaled again—soft, annoyed, but feeling relieved that she could have Xena cry into her shoulder without fearing she was revealing anything.

Hera let out a shushing sound as she caressed down Xena's back.

Gabrielle slowly got out of the lake and walked over to Xena and whispered "Xena."

Xena pulled back from Hera suddenly and quickly and with a sense of urgency as she was embarrassed for what had just happened. The way her eyes didn't look at anyone making it apparent that Xena was very much not use to showing her emotions, let alone the slight absurdity of how she had just reacted.

"Sorry..." Xena mumbled and she sniffed and tried to compose herself.

"That's alright dear. The pregnancy is most likely at fault." Hera said as she wiped a tear from Xena's cheek and finally had Xena look into her eyes.

Xena sniffed again and then roughly ran her hands over her face to erase the traces of tears as she nodded her head in a agreement with Hera.

"I believe it wise for you to go back and lie down. Both of you need to think on how you are feeling." Hera said as she turned her eyes to Gabrielle, who then blushed and averted her eyes but gave a nod.

Hera turned her head back to Xena. "I'll go and see how Solan is fairing and be a distraction for you...but Xena..."

Xena looked more vulnerable then when she was a child in that moment, so Hera still held back. "Maybe this was just the thing to make you realize what I've been saying."

Xena stared into the piercing blue eyes before her and could only give a slight nod and look away.

Gabrielle reached out and touched Xena and both slowly began to make their way towards their huts, both still wet from the water, both not saying a word as they were lost in thought. The setting sun giving them little time to ponder before night time came.

Hera inhaled deeply and closed her eyes and watched them disappear from sight. "Can we avoid her finding out?"

For the first time Aphrodite winced.

The woman she grew up calling mother was actually discussing something that they were never supposed to discuss. "I don't think so."

Hera closed her eyes and let out a profound breath.

"If Xena learns the truth about Joxer it will truly change everything. If she learns..." Hera stopped herself as the absurdity hit her, "how can she not see it? How can she not remember?"

Aphrodite winced again and walked over to her mother, feeling the wave of feeling coming from her and not use to such a sensation from the distant woman she had known most of her life.

"I don't know mom. All...all I know is Xena was never supposed to know the truth."

Hera shocked her slightly by looking over at her and giving her a sweet smile she had never really seen on her mother's face.

"You truly love them. Not because of duty...but because of who they are."

Aphrodite was only slightly shocked by her mother's words, but was even more shocked when Hera lifted her hand and caressed her face.

"Have you been watching over them? Even if it is your temple neither Solan or Joxer could defend themselves..." Hera asked and Aphrodite rolled her eyes and then smirked.

"Duh! I like totally enchanted the place to make sure nothing bad gets in. Can't have anyone messing with stud muffin while he's bulking up."

Hera smiled and laughed. "Good."

Then Aphrodite's face fell. "Mom...if Xena does find out about Joxer..."

"Then we will have to ensure Elaine will be able to take Joxer with her." Hera cut Aphrodite off who immediately jerked her head back from her mother's hold.

"Mom!"

"Xena will not be able to cope with the truth. And Joxer was supposed to bare that burden all his life...without anyone ever knowing." Hera shook her head with a look in her eyes that said she also did not like what she was saying.

"But Mom..." Aphrodite looked hurt, shocked, and worried about her mother's words.

"He stopped loving her for just a few moments and it almost killed you." Hera said with a slight warble to her voice, " If either of them find out the truth...the future won't matter. For anyone."

Mother and daughter stared into each other's eyes, both knowing the heavy truth to the words.

Hera said nothing as she appeared quietly into the hut, where Joxer was gently running a linen towel through Solan's still-damp hair. The boy's head bobbed slightly with each careful pass, eyes drifting closed against the steady rhythm. There was no tension in him — only trust.

Joxer smiled faintly. "I'll tell you one thing," he said, voice light, almost teasing. "Elaine must know better than us. You're starting to smell a little more than usual each day."

Solan groaned. "Dad…"

Joxer chuckled and slipped the corner of the towel into Solan's ear, awkward but careful. Hera watched, something warm and unfamiliar settling in her chest.

"I might be able to help with that… if you need," she said, stepping closer.

Joxer startled. "Jeez—Hera. You scared me."

"I'm sorry," she replied softly. Her gaze lingered on Solan's hair and a soft smile filled her face. "I do like the haircut Elaine gave you."

Solan's grin was immediate. "Really? I kind of miss my hair."

Joxer laughed quietly. Hera joined him, just enough to fill the space.

"It'd be weird to see you with long hair, Dad," Solan added, studying him.

Joxer ruffled his hair. Hera reached out her hand and with warm fingertips held Solan's face beneath his chin.

"You're not a little boy anymore," she said. "Changes come whether we're ready or not."

Solan nodded, then asked without hesitation, "Grandma… do you think I'll be tall like Dad?"

The word settled gently — and heavily.

Joxer's breath caught. The thought flared, instinctive and forbidden, and he crushed it down just as quickly. Even now, even knowing Hera could no longer hear his thoughts, it felt dangerous to let it exist. The instant fear filled him that Hera would burn him alive for thinking something like that.

Hera did not flinch.

Instead, she smiled — not startled, but thoughtful.

"Would you like to hear a story?" she asked Solan.

Solan's eyes lit, curious why that question lead to a story. "Yes!"

Hera lowered herself onto a nearby cot along with Solan, hands taking hold of one of his and holding it in her lap. Her voice took on the steady cadence of something remembered.

"Once," she began, "there was a woman traveling from the inside of Athens to the outmost part of the city. She was young, tired, and very near her time to give birth, though she did not know exactly when the moment would come."

Joxer stilled.

"She believed she carried one child," Hera continued. "Perhaps two. The pain had come early and strong, and fear followed close behind it."

Solan leaned forward, rapt and curious.

"She prayed," Hera said. "Not because she expected an answer — but because she was afraid she would not live to see her child born."

Joxer's hand tightened on the towel, swallowing down the sudden urge to cry.

"She did not know," Hera went on, "that she carried three lives within her. And that knowledge, had she possessed it, might have broken her spirit entirely."

Joxer's breath left him in a slow, silent exhale.

Hera's eyes softened, though her gaze remained on Solan.

"The night was long. The labor was worse than anyone had warned her it could be. And when the first child came, she believed the ordeal was over."

Solan frowned. "But it wasn't."

"No," Hera said. "There were two more. Smaller. Weaker. And the mother, already near death, did not know if she could survive it."

Joxer smiled then — small, private, aching. He knew this story. Not the details — but the truth of it. He could see his mother's face in the telling, feel the fear she must have carried.

"She whispered another prayer," Hera said softly. "Not for herself this time — but for the children. For someone — anyone — to watch over them if she could not. To watch over them as they grew."

Hera paused.

"And someone did."

Joxer swallowed hard.

"I stayed," Hera continued. "I guarded her breath. I steadied her body. I kept her alive long enough to bring all three children safely into the world."

Solan's eyes shone. "You saved them."

"I protected them," Hera corrected gently. "And because I did… I have always felt a kind of bond with the children born under my care. A quiet sense of watchfulness. Almost… like a mother, in a way."

Joxer's chest ached at the careful wording. In a way.

Hera's gaze flicked to him — brief, acknowledging — then returned to Solan.

"The mother lived," she finished. "And so did her children. And they grew into strong and tall men."

Silence followed.

Solan tilted his head. "Grandma… why did you tell me that story?"

Hera smiled and held his hand in one of her own as she reached out with the other, tapping his nose lightly. "Who do you think one of the triplets was?"

Solan blinked.

Thought.

Then his eyes went wide.

He turned slowly toward Joxer.

"Dad?" he whispered.

Joxer's smile broke fully then — soft, shining, overwhelmed. He nodded once.

Solan gasped. "You're a triplet?!"

Hera watched them — the understanding passing between generations — and said nothing more.

She didn't need to.

"Identical." Hera said with a small smile, causing Solan to turn shocked eyes back to his grandmother but said nothing.

Joxer stood for a moment, still facing Solan, his throat tightening until it almost hurt to swallow. He blinked once, then again, fighting the pressure behind his eyes. When he spoke, his voice came out low and careful, held together by will alone.

"Alright, buddy," he said, nodding once. "Time for bed."

Solan yawned immediately as though triggered by his father's words, the excitement draining out of him. "Okay," he murmured, rubbing his one eye roughly with the palm of one hand.

Joxer helped him into bed, pulling the thin blanket up around his shoulders, tucking it in with the same practiced care he'd used on the towel earlier. Solan shifted once, then stilled, breath evening out almost instantly.

"Night, Dad," he mumbled, already halfway gone.

"Good night," Joxer whispered, marveling at how much Solan had grown in less than two months.

He stood there a moment longer than necessary, watching his son sleep — the rise and fall of his chest, the soft line of his face — as if committing it to memory.

Only when he was certain Solan was truly asleep did Joxer straighten.

He moved quietly, almost reverently, setting the towel aside, folding it with slow precision. He placed a few things back where they belonged, every sound muted, every movement careful not to disturb the fragile peace of the room.

Then, without turning, he spoke.

"Thank you," he said softly.

Hera slowly sat up from the cot and stepped close to Joxer, the faintest brush of air marking her approach.

"There is nothing to thank me for," she said gently. "I only wanted him to know how very special both of his parents are."

Joxer turned.

The look he gave her said more than words ever could — gratitude so deep it ached, emotion too large to fit inside his chest. His jaw tightened as he held it together, eyes shining, unguarded.

Hera lifted her head and placed a small, tender kiss against the side of his face.

Then her hand slid to his shoulder, rubbing slowly, comfortingly — the same quiet gesture she had once given Xena — grounding, steady, familiar.

"Good night, Joxer," she said.

The room seemed to soften as she faded, her presence thinning until only the warmth of where she'd stood remained.

Joxer didn't move.

He stared at the empty space, breath unsteady, heart full to breaking.

"Good night, Mom," he whispered.

And for the first time saying what he thought in his head out loud, and not feeling any guilt in doing so.

Morning had come quickly, and Elaine had given him a new set of instructions. A new exercise. Really it was just the opposite of what he had been doing. But he didn't question it. He trusted Elaine.

Joxer leaned against the stable wall, watching Belach idly flicking a blade of grass between his fingers. The young man looked bored, restless. Joxer cleared his throat.

"Hey… uh, you don't have anything better to do, do you?" he asked casually. "I was thinking of heading into town for supplies. Need someone to help carry things."

Belach's eyes narrowed slightly, but he said nothing.
Joxer rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm guessing… maybe you could come along? Just to help. You'd probably be faster than me anyway."

Belach raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "I can manage."

"Good… I'd probably break half the stuff if I tried it alone," Joxer added, trying for a grin.

Belach's lips twitched in what almost passed for a smile. Joxer felt a small surge of satisfaction; maybe this one wouldn't roll his eyes at everything he did.

Joxer glanced toward the hut where Natassa was tidying the edge of the yard. "Mind if he comes?" he asked, even though he knew better than to assume.

Natassa's eyes flicked to Belach. "He can go," she said curtly, her tone brooking no argument.

Then, walking towards her son, she stealthily slipped a small dagger she had been hiding in her clothes since Elaine had appeared, hidden from view. "Protect them," she murmured to her son in their common tongue, keeping her voice low as to not be heard as Joxer had turned to ready the second horse they would need.

Belach nodded once, silent, before slipping the dagger into his belt.

Joxer went to Solan first. "All right kid, did you make the list of what we need?"

Solan's eyes sparkled. "Got it!" Solan said with his hand around the scroll with a small smile on her face.

Belach followed the two and stepped up behind 'his own' horse, and Joxer's keen eyes noticed the subtle hesitation in how he approached.

If it was one thing that Joxer knew it was quiet fear. If anything…he knew it too well.

Elaine's voice entered his head then, that Belach's life had been hard since Borias had left him and Natassa. That he needed to treat him like he would have wanted to be treated when he was that age.

Joxer smiled. Elaine always was explaining thing to him in a way that made sense. She didn't make him feel dumb like when he would ask people questions and they would laugh at him. Elaine just would listen and then explain.

Belach saw the soft smile on Joxer's face, but said nothing, only moving back as the horse moved back.

Joxer quickly patted the back of the horse, "Hey Solan. You know that trick I did to get on the horse a few months back?"

"Oh! When you had Argo lay down and we got on her?" Solan eyes went wide when he realized what Joxer was referring to.

"Yeah…well…I kinda never told you that the reason I did it like that was because my hands were still hurting…you know."

"I remember." Solan said wincing as he remembered the exact reason his dad had hurt his hands.

"Well…I sorta forgot to tell you that's a really bad way to get on a horse and uh…I wanna show you how to actually do it. So you don't…like…get hurt…like yah could…" Joxer rambled as he tried to think of how not to insult Solan's intelligence or embarrass Belach.

Solan was interested that his dad wanted to teach him something that he actually didn't know how to do so he stepped towards Joxer who gave a quick look at Belach - one that sparked curiosity for Belach.

He demonstrated the proper way to grip the reigns and saddle, put your foot in the saddle and swing a leg over the saddle. Belach's eyes followed quietly. When Joxer got down and allowed Solan to try with some added boost from him, Belach mimicked the motion, giving Belach a little smile he mounted the horse with Solan. Belach didn't stumble. Joxer's smiled to himself, pleased to see the boy learning and confident.

Once they were all mounted, the journey began. Joxer led the way, slow and steady and showing Solan how to control the horse with the reigns. Joxer let Solan hold onto the reins with eager hands for most of the journey. Belach fell into stride on his own, quietly competent.

Then it happened. Joxer looked over and noticed a loose belt around the horse and leaned over to tighten it on Belach's horse. Belach's horse, curious, swung its head toward Joxer and managed to get his backside and gave a soft nip.

"Hey!" Joxer yelped, spinning around barely holding onto his seat in the saddle. Solan laughed, and Belach's mouth quirked in a suppressed grin. Joxer flailed his hands. "I don't like you either, you overgrown pony!"

The horse gave another playful nudge, and Belach gently redirected it with the reigns and away from Joxer. Joxer turned again to tighten the belt and again turned just in time to be surprised by the horse bucking its head upward. Solan burst into giggles. Belach couldn't help but allow a quiet, amused laugh.

"See?" Joxer said, regaining his balance, "This is why I don't like horses!"

Belach shook his head, smirk barely visible. "I'm lucky he didn't try to bite me then."

The three of them continued on the trail to town. Joxer was busy directing the horses and double-checking their supplies list while Belach walked alongside him. They paused briefly at a vendor, and Joxer, who had never been great with numbers, noticed the subtle attempts of the merchant to overcharge him. Thanks to Athena's recent tutoring, he quickly recalculated, counter-offered, and walked away with the goods at a fair price. Belach, arms crossed, gave a quiet nod of approval.

It was only then that Joxer noticed the set of armor leaning against the wall of stall. He froze, fingers tightening involuntarily. His chest constricted, and memories of battle—his own failures, his own limitations—flashed across his mind. He flinched slightly, stepping back.

"Whoa… that's a real warriors armour. I bet it would fit you." Solan said, oblivious to the weight of the moment.

"I'm no warrior kid. Never really was." Joxer said as he stared at the armour, and then slowly walked away.

Belach, stood quietly, tilted his head ever so slightly, curious. He had no clue who Joxer really was yet.— but he made a note of the armour. If anything he would tell his mother about it, ask her why Joxer was not a warrior.

By the time they returned to the temple grounds, their saddlebags loaded with oils, wax, scrapers, and burnishing stones, Joxer was already preparing to seal the massive marble floors. Solan lumbered supplies where Joxer instructed, eager to help unload, while Belach quietly followed, keeping an eye on Joxer whom he had not seen grow physically but stood more confident then most of the men that had looked at them as they had passed the stall of the village.

Belach made note over every Vendor Joxer spoke with, and what things Joxer looked at.

He thought it strange that he stopped at a stall with necklaces and grimaced...but still looked at a necklace none the less.

It intrigued Belach that jewelry was a thing a man like Joxer would look at.

The courtyard quieted once the supplies were stacked. Joxer set the jar of sealant down near the edge of the marble floor and rolled his shoulders, already feeling the ache creeping in.

"All right," he muttered. "This part's on me."

Solan looked up. "I can help—"

"Nope," Joxer said quickly, crouching and dipping the cloth into the oil. "Elaine was very specific. This part's supposed to be… uh… good for my muscles." He glanced over his shoulder with a sheepish grin. "Something about rebuilding strength the right way."

He pressed the cloth to the stone and began working it in slow, even circles. His movements were deliberate, controlled. Not rushed. Not sloppy. Wax already set — this was sealing now, locking everything beneath it into place.

Belach watched for a moment, arms crossed.

"You don't need to do it all yourself," he said.

Joxer didn't look up. "I do."

Belach frowned slightly. "Why?"

Joxer shrugged, still working. "Because if I don't, I'll cheat. Or rush. Or let someone do it for me." He huffed a small laugh. "And apparently that defeats the point."

Belach hesitated, then knelt anyway, taking a cloth from the stack. "It'll help my muscles too."

Joxer finally looked up at him. There was a pause — not annoyance, not resistance — just consideration.

"…All right," he said after a moment. "But don't overdo it."

Solan immediately dropped down beside them, eager. Joxer reached out without thinking, adjusting Solan's grip, guiding his hands into the right motion.

"Slow," he murmured. "Feel the stone. Let it tell you when it's sealed."

Belach noticed that too.

The way Joxer touched — steady, reassuring. No sharp corrections. No impatience. When Solan smeared the seal unevenly, Joxer didn't scold.

"That's okay," he said easily. "Just go back over it."

Belach swallowed.

Borias would've barked, he thought.
Or walked away.

They worked in silence for a while. The rhythm settled in — press, circle, lift. Joxer shifted position when his wrist started to strain, grimacing but continuing anyway.

"You should stop," Belach said quietly.

Joxer shook his head. "Not yet."

Solan wiped sweat from his brow. "Dad, you're gonna be sore."

Joxer smiled at him — warm, fond. "That's kind of the point."

He reached out, steadying Solan's shoulder as the boy leaned too far forward, thumb brushing his tunic absentmindedly. When Belach's cloth slipped, Joxer caught it mid-fall.

"Careful," he said softly. "That stuff's slick."

"Thanks," Belach replied, surprised by how natural it felt to say it.

When Joxer finally leaned back with a groan, flexing his fingers, the marble gleamed beneath them — sealed, solid, enduring.

Solan flopped onto his back dramatically. "I think I sealed myself into the floor."

Joxer laughed and hauled him up with an easy pull, ruffling his hair without thinking. "You're fine. Mostly."

Belach watched that — the casual affection, the ease of it.

My father was never like this, he realized.
Not cruel.
Just… absent.

Joxer straightened, clapping Belach lightly on the arm. "Good work."

The touch was brief. Unremarkable.

It lingered anyway.

Belach looked down at the sealed stone, at their faint reflections caught in its surface, and wondered — not angrily, not bitterly — how different things might have been if kindness had ever come this easily to the man who made him.

And for the first time, the thought didn't harden him.

It unsettled him instead.

The sun had dipped low by the time Belach returned to the small hut.

Natassa looked up from where she sat near the fire, fingers stilling mid-task. One glance told her enough — dust on his boots, tension in his shoulders not yet eased.

"You're late," she said evenly.

Belach paused, then shrugged out of habit. "Supplies took longer."

Natassa's gaze sharpened. "That's not an answer."

He sighed and moved closer, setting the cloth he'd been carrying aside. "We worked."

Her brow furrowed. "Worked?"

Belach hesitated, then spoke more carefully. "Joxer insisted on sealing the floors himself. Said Elaine wanted him to build strength. Repeating the same motion over and over again." He shook his head slightly. "It was harder than it looked."

Natassa studied him. "And you?"

"I helped," he said simply. Then, after a beat, "He didn't ask me to. I wanted to."

That made her pause.

"You helped… him?" she asked.

Belach nodded. "He wouldn't stop even when his hands hurt." A faint crease formed between his brows. "He kept checking on Solan. On me."

Natassa said nothing, letting him continue.

"He treats Solan like… like he matters," Belach said quietly. "Not like an obligation. Like family."

Natassa's fingers curled slowly into the fabric in her lap.

"And Joxer?" she asked.

Belach met her eyes and for a moment braced himself to say three words. "I like him."

The words were plain. Unguarded.

"He's not weak," Belach added. "Whatever he was before… he's different now. I can tell. He's changed himself."

Natassa leaned back, exhaling slowly.

That, she thought, is rarer than gold.

She remembered the way Joxer had stood earlier — smiling, hopeful, completely unaware of the danger she'd armed Belach against. Remembered how easily he'd trusted.

She glanced at her son again.

"You did well," she said at last.

Belach blinked, surprised.

Natassa turned back toward the fire, her expression unreadable now. But her thoughts lingered on the man who had worked until his muscles shook, simply because someone had told him it mattered.

Perhaps, she admitted silently, I misjudged him.

The shift was always jarring.

One moment, torchlight and marble. The next—woodsmoke, earth, and the low hum of voices woven through the trees.

Solan barely had time to blink before he was already smiling.

Dinner was laid out near the central fire. Simple. Familiar. Comfortable.

Xena looked up first.

"You're late," she said—automatically, but without heat.

"HEY! Who made dinner?!" Joxer asked happy that he wouldn't be the one that needed to cook that night, and then suspicious as both Xena and Gabrielle blushed.

"We both did." Xena answered and then quickly looked away, but Elaine saw the blush and was instantly curious.

"Oh. Um...sorry we're late. Supplies," Joxer replied. "And apparently sealing marble floors is a full-body experience."

He rolled his shoulders as he sat, wincing just a little.

Gabrielle's eyes flicked to the muscles in his arms.

She watched them flex and her mind was back in the cesspit.

Her eyes flicked to his crotch. Then away. Then back again. And then she blushed away and looked down at her food.

Elaine, watching from across the fire, clocked it instantly. Gabrielle had NEVER looked at Joxer's body like that.

Amarice and Armand sat closer than before. Not touching—but aligned. Their knees angled toward each other. Their voices low. Easy.

Solan noticed.

He smiled to himself but said nothing.

They ate. Talked. Laughed.

Joxer told the horse story. Amarice snorted. Armand laughed outright. Gabrielle choked on her drink and turned bright red when Joxer leaned over and she saw down his shirt as he replicated the position he had been in. And almost lost it when his rear was basically in Xena's face who stared openly and didn't look away at all.

"Gods— sorry," he said, standing abruptly, suddenly very aware of how close he was to Xena now.

Too close.

Xena didn't move.

Didn't breathe.

Elaine watched Gabrielle's hands twist in her lap. Watched Xena's jaw tighten just enough to be telling.

You two are looking at him like you've seen him naked and that never affected you before so that means you've seen him nude recently, Elaine thought. When did you see him naked recently?

Joxer sat back down, stretching his arms above his head, then across his chest, his motions deliberate, slow, and oddly distracting. Gabrielle couldn't stop her eyes from flicking toward him, her cheeks warming each time his shoulder brushed the torchlight just so. Xena's jaw tightened subtly every time Joxer leaned close to examine something on the table, or twisted to reach a plate of bread, the twitch in her side betraying her composure.

Elaine sipped her drink calmly, eyes narrowing as she watched the subtle, almost imperceptible reactions.

"So," she said casually, setting her cup down as she had a suspicion of the event Xena and Gabrielle might have witnessed to make them act this way, "everyone bathing like I've asked them to?"

Elaine quickly looking at Solan, Joxer, and Armand.

The table went quiet. Gabrielle looked down into her bowl, fingers twitching. Xena's eyes flicked to Elaine, cautious but curious.

"Well um...you know me and Solan did" Joxer said, stretching again, arms over his head, oblivious.

Elaine tilted her head. "Oh, yeah that's right…silly me, maybeI forgot to tell the ladies of the group that bathing every day is extremely important. Did you two bathe today?" Elaine looked at Gabrielle as she asked the question, knowing full well that Gabrielle would know she meant her and Xena.

Gabrielle flushed deeper but answered evenly. "We went to the lake today."

Xena said nothing, simply tensing a fraction when Joxer stretched his side, reaching over just a little too close, some skin peaking out just slightly from his shirt as it was pulled up by Joxer stretching.

Elaine's eyes lit up as she witnessed Xena's eyes zero in on the patch of skin. Bingo.

Elaine's lips quirked. "Interesting. And did you… both bathe?"

Gabrielle's fingers tightened in her lap not able to look up because she knew she would just look at Joxer. "We did." Her voice dropped almost imperceptibly.

Elaine's eyes lit with a quiet understanding. "Ah," she murmured. "That's good." She allowed a soft smile, then glanced toward Joxer, who was now rotating his shoulders, tilting his head side to side and rubbing his neck with one hand as the other lifted his shirt slightly rubbed at one of the emerging abs on his stomach.

The timing was perfect. Both Xena and Gabrielle found themselves caught in the rhythm of his stretching, involuntarily distracted by the sight of his abs. Gabrielle's blush deepened with each movement; Xena's jaw clenched, subtle twitches running through her arms as she kept her gaze mostly forward but couldn't quite hide how often it flicked toward him.

"Hmm," Elaine said softly, just loud enough for them to hear, "curious how certain people manage to make stretching a very… social activity."

Joxer gave a sheepish grin. "Sorry. It's important for muscle I've been told!" It was said flirtatiously but Joxer was still ridiculously stiff. Standing up he bent again to touch his toes, oblivious to the double take from both warrior women that stared at his ass without conscious thought.

Elaine would have laughed in their faces.

But Armand and Amarice were in their own little world and she knew better than to call out Xena and Gabrielle.

Solan yawned, leaning against the table. "I think I'm done for tonight."

"Me too," Joxer said, finally rising fully and waving his arms across his chest back and forth, cracking his neck and sighing in relief. "Long day. Early start tomorrow."

Both boys left, shoulders tired but content. The firelight flickered over Elaine's face as she followed them with her gaze for a moment.

"Excuse me, just need to tell Joxer something before bedtime."

Xena and Gabrielle exchanged looks, tense but intrigued.

Elaine ran the short distance to the men's hut, and touched Joxer's shoulder and he instantly turned around.

Both watched Solan climb into his cot from the doorway, falling asleep almost the instant his head hit the cot.

Joxer lingered a moment longer, stretching carefully, before Elaine finally spoke.

"You need to build back your relationship with Xena." she said casually, as if commenting on the weather.

Joxer blinked. "What?"

Elaine shrugged. "I told you that they belong together and it's caused a huge divide between you two. She's not into men. Now you know neither is Gabrielle. They admire women the way you admire warriors."

Joxer frowned, processing. "So…"

"So," Elaine said gently. "treat Xena like one of the guys,."

Relief loosened something deep in his chest.

"Oh," he breathed. "Really?"

Elaine smiled. "Yes really. I know your upset with Gabrielle not telling you...but Xena couldn't tell you now could she? And you can't stop loving her Joxer, we know that for sure now."

Joxer's pain was clearly seen on his face and he looked away from Elaine but nodded his head.

Elaine reached up and caressed his face. "I love you. You know that right?!"

Joxer couldn't help the small smile that formed on his face when he looked back at her, "I know."

Elaine smiled as she looked up into his eyes.

Xena and Gabrielle could only watch with a tightness forming in their chests as Joxer leaned down and kissed Elaine softly.

Then they watched Elaine's smile grow and gave him a kiss back, turn and make her way towards the lake...both women only caring that she didn't stay with Joxer.

Elaine was halfway through rearranging the table for the third time when Armand cleared his throat.

"I think… I think I'm nervous."

She didn't even look up. "You're always nervous."

"This is different," he insisted. "This is—"

"A woman?" Elaine finished dryly.

"Yes!"

Elaine rolled her eyes so hard it was a wonder they didn't stick. "Congratulations. You're human."

Armand paced. "What if I say the wrong thing? Or— or she thinks I'm ridiculous?"

Elaine sighed and finally turned to face him. "Armand. Amarice already thinks you're ridiculous."

He stopped. "She does?"

"Yes," Elaine said, smirking. "And she likes you anyway."

He blinked. "She does?"

Elaine pinched the bridge of her nose. This was costing her time — time she could've spent with Joxer, time she wanted with Joxer — but she stayed anyway.

Because this mattered.

"You don't see it," Elaine said more gently, "but the way she talks to you? She's not pushing you away. She's standing close enough to argue."

Armand frowned, considering. "She does yell at me a lot."

"She yells at people she cares about," Elaine replied, rolling her eyes. "Trust me."

She leaned against the table, arms crossed. "I didn't think I'd like her," she admitted. "Not after what I saw."

Armand tilted his head. "Saw?"

"Never mind," Elaine said quickly. "The point is — she's kinder now. Especially to Joxer."

That softened something in her chest.

"She sees him now," Elaine continued. "Not as a joke. Not as a burden. Like an equal."

Armand smiled faintly. "He deserves that."

"Yes," Elaine looked at Armand who had forgiven Joxer for killing his father and said. "He does."

She straightened, fixing Armand with a look. "And so do you."

He swallowed. "What if it doesn't work?"

Elaine's voice softened. "Then at least it happened."

She stepped closer, placing a hand briefly on his shoulder — sisterly, protective.

"Some things only come once," she said quietly. "They deserve a chance."

Armand nodded, steadier now.

Elaine was glad he had asked Amarice on a date - but after dinner Elaine knew it had to be sweet delicacies that would help sweeten the mood.

I can't change everything, she thought.
But I can change this.

And that would have to be enough.

Leaving Armand to pace as he 'rehearsed' Elaine made a quick walk over to table to adjust the fruits and sweets and then snuck to the lake as Armand continued to pace.

Elaine waited until she was far enough away from where she set up the table for Armand and Amarice's date and called out "RO!"

She stepped out further where the air was still warm from the day, and exhaled slowly. Then she rolled her eyes skyward.

"Oh don't play coy," she muttered. "I know you're listening."

A shimmer of pink-gold light rippled beside the waterfall.

Aphrodite appeared mid-recline, sprawled on nothing at all, chin propped in her hand like she'd been there the entire time. Cupid appeared nearby, wings fluttering lazily, bow slung over his shoulder.

"Well hello to you too," Aphrodite said, smiling brightly. "You rang?"

Elaine crossed her arms. "You're late."

"I'm never late," Aphrodite replied airily. "I arrive when I'm appreciated."

Elaine didn't blink looking over at Cupid. "You've been nudging things."

Cupid perked up. "Have not."

"You have," Elaine said flatly. "But not enough."

Aphrodite sat up, interest sharpening. "Oh?"

Elaine stepped closer, lowering her voice — not because the gods needed it, but because intent mattered.

"I don't want fireworks," she said. "I don't want compulsion. I don't want you two pushing anyone into bed because it makes good stories."

Cupid scowled. "Hey."

"I want them to stay open," Elaine continued. "No snapping into anger. No walking away because someone says the wrong thing. No pride taking over where courage should be."

Aphrodite studied her, suddenly acting serious as she understood what Elaine wanted. "You're asking for restraint."

"I'm asking for continuity," Elaine corrected. "You don't have to make them fall in love. You just have to stop them from burning the bridge before they cross it."

Cupid exchanged a look with Aphrodite. "That's… harder."

"Good," Elaine said. "Then you won't get bored."

Aphrodite laughed, a soft, delighted sound. "You're interesting," she decided. "Most mortals want passion. You want patience."

Elaine's jaw tightened and a deep sadness filled her. "Because I've seen what happens without it."

Aphrodite's expression shifted — just slightly. The goddess leaned forward.

"These two?" she said carefully. "The Amazon and the soldier."

"And others," Elaine added. "You know who."

Cupid grimaced. "There's… history."

"Yes," Elaine said. "And that's why I'm asking for this small favor."

Aphrodite sighed dramatically, then snapped her fingers. The air shimmered again, subtle and unseen — no hearts, no sparks.

"No instant fury," Aphrodite said. "No words twisted into weapons."

Cupid nodded. "Missteps slow things down instead of blowing them up."

Elaine exhaled, tension easing from her shoulders for the first time all day.

"That's all I'm asking," she said. "Let them choose each other — or not — without their worst instincts hijacking the moment."

Aphrodite tilted her head. "You care even about them?"

Elaine didn't deny it. "I care about ALL of you!" Elaine explained. "And the outcome."

Cupid snorted. "Liar."

She shot him a look and pointed her finger at him. "Careful."

Aphrodite laughed again, then began to fade. "All right, little dimension hopper. We'll keep the temperature warm instead of explosive."

Cupid saluted lazily. "No guarantees beyond that."

Elaine allowed herself a small, tired smile. "That's enough."

As the two vanished, Elaine looked back toward the soft glow of torch lights that lighted the small clearing where she prepared the date for Armand and Amarice — toward futures balanced on words not yet spoken.

"Please," she prayed to God. "Just don't let them ruin it before it even begins."

The night answered with silence.

But Elaine had fate that things were about to change.

Morning came without ceremony.

No divine shimmer. No prophetic dread.

Just soreness.

Joxer woke before the sun had fully cleared the horizon, staring at the low ceiling of the hut and wondering — not for the first time — if his arms were supposed to feel like they'd been replaced with wet stone.

Cyane hadn't been there to give him a massage like normal after he worked out. His fault because he had told her he needed to get supplies and he was taking Solan.

She had smiled and told him she was glad he was getting a day to bond with Solan.

He tried to sit up. Regret set in immediately.

"Okay," he muttered to himself, breathing through the burn. "That… that's new."

He swung his legs over the edge of the cot slowly, methodically, the way Elaine had taught him — don't rush pain, listen to it. His hands trembled when he braced them against his knees, but he didn't stop.

Across the room, Solan stirred.

"You're up extra early," the boy said, blinking sleep from his eyes.

Joxer smiled despite himself. "Yeah. Guess I figured the floors won't seal themselves."

Solan sat up fully now, studying him. "You're sore."

"Mm," Joxer hummed. "Turns out marble doesn't care how enthusiastic you are."

Solan grinned, then paused. "Do you… want help today?"

Joxer considered it. Then shook his head. "Not yet. But maybe later. Elaine says muscles need memory to do what you want them to...I have no clue what that means."

Solan nodded, solemn. "Like people."

"Exactly like people."

Joxer looked around the hut they had been sleeping in for a month.

Armand was nowhere to be seen.

"Wonder what happened to Armand?' Joxer said outloud but slowly stood up as even Solan looked at the empty cot.

Aphrodite appeared suddenly and extra cheerily. "Hey munchkin! Studmuffin your looking a little sore there. You sure you up to working out today?"

"Aunt Ro where's Armand?" Solan asked and the little shocked face she gave along with her 'aaahhh' let Joxer know that something was up.

"He's just down by the lake hon. No worries." Aphrodite finally said easing the tension that both felt.

"Is he ok?" Joxer asked immediately.

Then Aphrodite gave a radiant smile. "Sweetcheeks he's aboslutely fine."

Joxer's head jerked back at the exuberance of Aphrodite and just nodded.

Aphrodite promised never to lie to him again, and he knew she wouldn't. She swore on Cupid's heart. And Aphrodite was many thinks...but she wouldn't swear on her son's heart and then lie.

With a snap of her fingers all three of them were at her temple once more.

Belach stood near the front yard of the small hut he and his mother were living in, arms folded, watching the morning routine with the same quiet attention he gave everything now.

He saw the moment the goddess, Joxer, and Solan appeared.

Belach's gaze narrowed slightly. Joxer looked incredibly stiff as he moved. He waited to see if the pain would cause him to snap at him - like his father would have.

Joxer crossed the yard, rolling one shoulder, then the other, testing. He caught Belach watching and lifted a hand in a half-wave.

"Morning."

Belach inclined his head. "You look… slower."

Joxer snorted. "I feel slower."

There was a beat. Then Belach said, "You didn't stop yesterday."

"No," Joxer admitted. "Didn't want to."

Belach studied him a moment longer, then glanced toward Solan who was walking towards the temple.

"Is it ok if we help you again Dad?" Solan asked as Belach shared a smile with Solan - both not even needing to talk to understand each other.

Joxer hesitated just long enough for Belach to settle it, "If we work together we can have the temple done by days and not weeks."

Joxer didn't know if it was a good idea or not, but his body was indeed feeling it after not having Cyane there to message the ache from his muscles the day before.

Boy I'll never doubt Elaine's plans again! She definitely knows what she's talking about.

That's when Cyane appeared with Elaine and Athena.

"You ok there Joxer? You look really stiff." Cyane said with a wide smile and her bottle of oil that had been replenished by Athena that morning.

"Hey Munchkin...did you help your dad yesterday?!"

Solan smiled huge and brightly nodding his head.

Elaine laughed at the joy and simply said "Good." This temple is way too big for just him to finish."

"Belach helped too." Joxer said and gave a proud smile over at Belach and then Elaine.

Belach smirked for the first time in Elaine's presence and couldn't help but smile at Joxer.

It just came naturally to him. To be kind. To be proud of something Belach did.

A glance at Natassa who herself had smiled softly at the tone in Joxer's voice shared a clear message to Elaine.

You were right, he is a good man.

"Hope that's ok...yah know...with my training and all." Joxer said as Elaine moved towards him and gave him a little kiss to his lips.

"It's more than fine. I guess that means you won't be here another weak just to seal the floors. You're still following the form I said right?! The opposite way of how you polished the floors." Elaine gave a pointed look to Joxer.

"He is very consistent in his form and made sure we were as well." Belach answered confidently and almost defensively for Joxer.

Elaine smiled at Belach and then at Joxer. "That's good. It's important even though you don't know why yet."

Elaine then leaned up again and kissed Joxer and was interupted by the clearing of Athena's throat.

"I believe today I must also compliment Joxer for his bargaining earlier." Athena said with her red painted lips quirking and looking proud of Joxer herself.

"Really?!" Joxer asked with shock all over his face.

"I was watching just to make sure you weren't taken advantage of...and I must say Joxer...you've remembered your lessons and I am...proud...of you."

It was a sight to see. The way Joxer suddenly seemed a little taller. The way he looked back at Elaine with such happiness on his face along with slight embarassment.

"Thanks Athena...I...thank you." Joxer said and reached out his hand to shake hers.

Athena smiled at Joxer, knowing that Elaine had taught him to shake hands and not clasp arms like a warrior, and took his hand and shook it. "There's no need to thank me Joxer. In fact I am glad myself to call you a friend. You've opened my eyes more than you know." Athena said and then Joxer did something kind of crazy but totally Joxer.

He pulled Athena into a hug, and even with the bright metallic armour Joxer was much taller than Athena and seemed to engulf her.

Cyane just smirked as she saw Athena instantly wrap her arms around Joxer and more than just allow the embrace.

"Thank you for making me smart." Joxer whispered to her so that no one else could hear, and the shift in his voice let Athena know he was actually crying.

"You are smart Joxer. You just needed someone to be patient with you." Athena said as she actually hugged Joxer back, sharing a look with Elaine that was actually an acceptance that Joxer was becoming more than just a friend.

Elaine had known of course.

It seemed like all of Hera's daughters had a soft spot for Joxer.

Even Discord, which was one of the few things that had been interesting since Joxer had started working with Athena.

Discord would pop in and bug him, wanting him to cause some trouble or ruin Aphrodite's temple and get him in trouble. Joxer would just glare and trade barbs with her but mostly just take it...until Hera would show up and scold Discord. And then Joxer would stick his tongue out and put his hand to his nose and wiggle his fingers mocking Discord as she was scolded.

Discord's eyes would narrow, but she wouldn't hurt Joxer...only repeat the process of trying to get him into trouble.

Elaine found it more than amusing. Especially when Discord would point out to Joxer that he missed a spot, and not to forget his form if he could keep his brain working right. She realized that Discord was acting like a little sister to Joxer. Annoying, pestering, and yet protective. Elaine knew that first hand.

Joxer pulled back and grimaced.

"And that's my cue! This is really going to hurt today Joxer, but you know I have to." Cyane said as she began to open the oil lintment and Joxer groaned.

"Actually Cyane can you show Natassa how to do it? I think Belach might need a massage himself and Natassa can work both of their muscles." Elaine asked quickly and Cyane was shocked for just a second until she looked at Natassa and would have missed the way Natassa was looking at Joxer if not for the little wink Elaine gave her.

Cyane and Athena smirked at the obvious discomfort both Joxer and Natassa suddenly showed on their faces...but what shocked both women was when Belach spoke.

"I would greatly appreciate it Cyane. My back has been sore and I would never ask an Amazon woman to do something my mother could for me."

Belach then looked at Elaine and gave an almost imperceptable smirk.

Well well well...looks like even Belach wants his mother to become closer to Joxer.

Cyane showed Natassa the movements and found it fascinating that the woman picked it up almost immediately.

Joxer stood there not knowing what to do when Cyane grabbed Joxer by the shirt and dragged him next to Natassa.

"Ok Joxer it's time to see if Natassa's hands can handle massaging your tall lanky self." Cyane joked and gave a side look to Joxer with a smirk.

Joxer immediately smiled at the joke and didn't think too much now that the tension wasn't so charged in the air.

"Is it not best if you remove your shirt?" Natassa asked softly and with her piercing blue eyes looked up at Joxer with a curious look on her face.

And the tension was back.

Joxer swallowed down the little frog in his throat and awkwardly took his shirt off which caused Natassa's eyes to immediately focus on the defined body that had been hiding in plain sight of her.

Joxer of course didn't notice, but Cyane sure as Tartarus did.

"Umm...should I sit down or something?" Joxer asked as he towered over Natassa and knew it would be hard for her to reach his upper back.

Natassa said nothing but nodded, suddenly not able to talk as her mind had to recalculate exactly WHY Elaine had suggested she do this with a sneaking certainty of why.

Joxer was very much attractive to her. Natassa was similar to Xena in power being attractive. And the muscles that she saw on Joxer's body spoke of a quiet power she most certainly wanted to unleash.

The thought alone almost had her shake her head. She had not had time for such thoughts in years.

Standing behind Joxer as he sat in the chair, Cyane instructed her with a small smile constantly wanting to stretch across her face, knowing exactly what Natassa was feeling as the oil glided onto Joxer's skin. Natassa began to press into Joxer's muscles and Joxer's small sounds began to be heard by everyone.

Natassa's hands pushed and pulled his muscle and skin with precision and a strength that Cyane had not really used and Joxer's face showed just how good the feeling it was to have his sore muscles messaged after just one day of not having it done.

Natassa was so focused on Joxer that she didn't see the knowing look Cyane gave Elaine, who also turned and gave a laughing grin at Athena.

Athena though was looking at Natassa with a slight disturbed look on her face.

Elaine closed her eyes and shook her head trying to keep in her laughter.

Apparently all of Hera's daughters had a thing for Joxer.

Except Discord of course.

If one thing was for sure to Elaine...it was that Joxer had more people then every that loved him.

Another month passed before the temple floors were finished.. Even with Solan and Belach's help. In that time Natassa spoke more with Joxer than she had another human being in the years she had been enslaved.

Natassa had grown to even love the two dogs Elaine had given her along with Belach's puppy that was a constant companion for Belach when Solan was not there.

Belach and Solan grew closer as brothers as Belach grew infinitely closer with Joxer.

Natassa noted how her son was smiling more and laughing more. This alone made Joxer even more attractive to her.

Watching him act like a father to her son without receiving anything from her to do so.

Massaging his body had become a task of discipline and control. Especially when he would genuinely make her laugh. And the way he smiled at her when he managed to do it.

She had grown to not just like him...but miss him when he was absent.

It was the beginning of something she never expected to ever find.

Morning settled into the Amazon village slowly — the kind of morning that smelled like smoke, damp earth, and crushed herbs under bare feet.

Joxer had already been awake for a while, stretching his shoulders as if they still didn't belong to him. Solan sat nearby, methodically tying and untying a lure they had bought at the market the day before, watching everything his father did. Both waiting to see what Elaine had planned now that the floors were sealed.

Elaine stepped onto the huts porch with purpose.

She looked at Joxer.

"You're not going back to the Temple today."

The words landed like a dropped plate.

Joxer blinked. "I'm… not?"

"No." Elaine shook her head. "You finished the temple last night and now it's onto step three of your trianing."

"He already did two steps?" Solan asked, intrigued at this information.

"What's going on?" Xena's voice asked as she stepped out of her hut, having herself been getting ready for the day and noticing Joxer and Solan still there.

Elaine didn't answer but continued to talk to Joxer.

Joxer looked between them. "But Aphrodite—"

"Can manage without you for a few days," Elaine said calmly. "The floors are sealed. The work there is done for now."

Xena frowned. "Then why—"

Elaine turned fully toward her. "Because he needs to work here."

That got everyone's attention.

Joxer shifted his weight. "Uh… doing what exactly?"

Elaine gestured vaguely toward the outer huts. "Maintenance. Repairs. Reinforcement."

Gabrielle's eyes narrowed. "We have people for that."

"Yes," Elaine agreed. "And they'll still do it. But Joxer will do it differently."

Gabrielle tilted her head. "Different how?"

Elaine picked up a length of wood leaning against a hut and placed it against the wall at an angle.

"Up," she said, keeping her wrist bent on the motion up and demonstrating a slow, deliberate motion. "Down. No shortcuts. No switching sides. Full range." showing him how her wrist reversed in motion on the way down.

Xena stared. "That makes no sense."

"It will," Elaine replied easily. "Later."

Joxer scratched his head. "You want me to… what, paint?"

"Sealant first. Then paint. Vertical motion only."

Xena's jaw tightened. "Why?"

Elaine met her gaze evenly. "Because precision builds control. Control builds balance. Balance keeps people alive."

A pause.

"That still doesn't explain why he needs to do it," Xena said.

Elaine smiled faintly. "It does. You just don't like the answer."

Joxer shifted again, uncertain. "I mean… I don't mind helping out. If that's okay."

"It is," Elaine said firmly. "You're staying."

Joxer moved to where Elaine stood by the hut and Elaine handed him the brush.

"Bend your knees slightly on the motion down." Elaine said as Joxer tried on the side of his own hut.

"Good." Elaine said with a smile. "One board with your left hand, the next board with your right."

Joxer nodded then switched hands as he finished the one board. Three boards in and he understood how much he had to concentrate on keeping the technique well.

Joxer tugged his shirt off a moment later — more practicality than show — already sweating as he started the first long, methodical stroke up the next plank.

That was when the village began to notice.

Amazon women slowed as they passed. Some stopped outright. A few leaned against posts they absolutely didn't need to lean on.

Gabrielle's head swiveled at all of the women suddenly stopping around them.

Xena didn't move.

Both of them noticed the looks.

"Oh no," Gabrielle muttered under her breath.

An Amazon near the well openly stared.

Another whispered something to her friend and laughed.

Gabrielle's feet moved instantly. "Excuse me."

The women glanced at her, unimpressed.

Gabrielle approached Amazons that were openingly admiring Joxer's body.

"That is not how Amazons behave," Gabrielle snapped as her eyes darkened in anger.

One of them raised an eyebrow. "We're looking."

"He's working," Gabrielle shot back, barely holding herself back from punching the girl's lights out.

"And?" the woman replied coolly. "So are we."

Xena closed her eyes briefly.

Elaine, watching from the shade, said nothing — but filed everything away.

Joxer, blissfully unaware, called over his shoulder, "Elaine! Is this thick enough or—"

"Again," Elaine said. "Slower."

Joxer complied immediately, muscles tightening as he repeated the motion.

Gabrielle turned around and watched helpless as she saw the way the sun was already glinting off his muscled back and clenched her fists.

Xena's breath hitched once — just once — before she turned away sharply.

"This is a bad idea," Xena muttered.

Elaine smiled to herself. No, she thought. This is exactly the right one.