Dinar For Your Thoughts?

Part 1

DINAR FOR YOUR THOUGHTS?

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters or content in this story. None of this is for profit. I'm just a fan expressing her thoughts.

I appreciate any feedback. Quite nervous since I haven't written fanfiction since I was 14 years old. This takes place right after the episode "Girls Just Want to Have Fun". I hope you enjoy it!

Gabrielle sighed heavily as she stared up at the star lit sky. A million thoughts were running through her head, all of them about hours earlier when she turned into a Bacchae. She rolled onto her side to look at her traveling companion sleeping next to her. The light from the fire cast a gentle glow upon Xena's face. She memorized the serene look on her face, knowing this was a rare occurrence for Xena as she is normally plagued by nightmares about her past. Her eyes slowly travelled down to Xena's neck, where she became transfixed by her pulse. Her heart started beating erratically as her mind was assaulted by the memory of her turning Xena into a Bacchae.

Gabrielle was so lost in thought that she jumped as Xena suddenly spoke, "See anything interesting?" she said groggily as she opened her crystal blue eyes.

Gabrielle laughed nervously, "Um.. sorry. I was just lost in my thoughts for a moment. I didn't mean to wake you."

"S'alright. Dinar for your thoughts?" she asked as she propped herself up on her elbow to look at Gabrielle.

Gabrielle remained quiet. She was afraid of what Xena would say should she voice the thoughts she was having. Xena grew concerned and reached out and touched Gabrielle's shoulder.

"Gabrielle, what is it? You know you can tell me anything." she said as she gently rubbed her shoulder.

Gabrielle looked at Xena's hand on her shoulder then slowly turned and met her eyes. "I've been thinking about when I was a Bacchae...I think I still have some lingering effects."

"Like what?"

Here goes nothing Gabrielle thought. "Well...I keep replaying the moment I bit and turned you." Xena stiffened but remained silent, so she continued. "I felt...I felt certain...things when I bit you and I can't get the image or the feelings out of my head. I can't help it. I keep thinking about the sounds you made as I bit and drank from you. The pleasure I felt at hearing you sound like that. Something weird started to happen. I was beginning to hear your thoughts. Then, the connection was broken when you attacked Bachuus."

Xena's mind was reeling with the confession she just heard. She felt panicked because she didn't know what all Gabrielle heard in their brief connection. Oh no! Did she hear my thoughts about my feelings for her?" She willed her face to remain neutral even though she was panicking about the situation. Gabrielle grew worried at Xena's silence. What have I done? I've completely ruined our friendship and for what? Because I wanted to ask her about what I heard. Damn my curiosity.

"Xena, please say something." she pleaded.

Xena remained quiet as she didn't want to speak of her feelings for the bard. I can't risk ruining our friendship on the chance she doesn't feel the same way. She said she felt things but maybe she was feeling my emotions through the connection that started to form.

Tears started to prick Gabrielle's eyes as she sniffed, "I'm sorry I said anything, Xena. I was just curious about things and I should have just left it alone. I understand if you want me to leave...I'll get my things." she said as she went to stand.

Xena quickly grabbed her elbow. Blue eyes met green.

"Don't go."

Gabrielle slightly relaxed as she sat back down. Xena swallowed hard and tried to push her panic down. She knows.