Anything for You. (For xena_warrior)

[call_me_snake]

After This though due to time travel only an hour or two will pass for everyone else



Snake set the gifts aside after returning home. He wasn’t sure if they would help. Chances were she would see them as a way of buying her and not the symbol of affection that they were. The gifts could wait as could the news he had.

He had been a way for a day but he knew his family would see only an hour or so, that was the nature of time travel. Even so the time had done wonders for his mood. Part of it he owed to Rose. Even with his injuries the optimism was creeping in. It had nothing to do with Xena’s attitude. He already imagined she would be furious for days, maybe forever. The hope was coming from his own determination. Snake would make this work out with his wife.


Snake frowned at his thoughts. “His wife”, “my wife”, those were phrases he wasn’t allowed to say. She believed they were possessive, put her down. In truth, they were declarations of his love and devotion but he accepted that she would probably never understand. Just like his desire for affection and physical contact, it was part of himself he set aside for her. She claimed it made her happy and so he went along with it no matter how much it hurt.

Plissken began to doubt her assertions. They were happier when he was affectionate. Snake toyed with his wedding band unable to stave off the anxiety. She had started pushing him away when they were married. It left him to wonder if she still truly believed what she had when he first asked her to be his wife. Did she still believe she was a trophy for him, that this was a conquest to flaunt or that he would move on if something better came by? There was nothing better, not in Plissken’s mind. There would never be, never was anyone who could take her place.

He knew he had to convince her that none of this was what she thought. This was not her prison but her freedom, that he was not her overlord but her servant. He couldn’t be without her, not now. He would give everything for her and now it seemed she wanted more. Plissken didn’t know what more he had to give.

Plissken sighed thinking of his dreams. The woman beside him in war, the woman in his arms with their child, the woman he would grow old and die beside, she was always on his mind. Where were her dreams? Plissken didn’t even know what they were. She never told him. Maybe she had lost them like he had in the years after Sophia’s death and time was needed to rebuild. He would wait.

First he had to make sure she would still be here to share them when she regained her hope. Snake still wasn’t sure why he was apologizing and inside it didn’t matter. She was worth anything even admitting wrong when he could not see it. She was his wife and no matter what she believed those words meant Plissken knew what they meant to him.

Another deep breath for his confidence and Snake was off to find his wife. He needed to talk to her.

Comments

[xena-warrior.livejournal.com]

Xena and Solan looked at their ranch from a hill, coming back after horse walk. Xena liked the horse whom Snake has presented to her son, though, certainly, it would be required some time and a lot of work to make it even in half same trained as Argo.
Solan was pleased with walk though he admitted to mother, that he ride on saddled horse for the first time.
It is terribly uncomfortable, you know, - boy muttered, patting his mare on a neck.
You should get used to a saddle if you want to be the warrior, - Xena has told, still looking on ranch. The boy sighed and nodded.
Yes, but my knees and one soft place which-is-below-a-waist, hurt now, - he replied.
Xena looked at him with a good-natured smile.
The true warriors are ready to bear more uncomfortable things for the sake of perfection of their skill.
I am ready to bear everything and as much as necessary, - he answered ardently and blinked the eyes crafty, - whether it means, what will you show me how to throw your Chakram, uh? And will you teach me how to jump on the horse so valiantly, as you?
She shook head.
You should not hurry up in such things. Your horse is still too inexperienced for such exercises, and we should begin her training with more simple things. But Ephiny is good mare, and I sure, she will be an excellent battle horse soon. If, of course, you will not be lazy and will work with her daily. As to Chakram...
Xena narrowed eyes.
Any person can throw Chakram. But only few are capable to catch it. Here is a difficulty.
But, in fact, you can catch it, - he continued, - means, you know a secret.
Undoubtedly, I do, - she chuckled.
Why don't you share it with me? - Solan looked at her expressively.
You know, Gabrielle is my best friend, but even she does not know how to catch Chakram without being cut.
Because you do not trust to her? - Solan tried to hook her, to provoke to the further conversation. But Xena was not bought on this trick.
No, I trust her completely. But the question is not in trust. A question is in a level of skill. I think, we should begin our training from more simple and safe things. For example, exercises with staff. It will develop your reaction so you can catch quickly flying subjects. Arrows, darts...
And Chakram, - Solan inserted obstinately.
And Chakram, - she finished a phrase, having nodded.

Solan smiled, looking at the house below.
Say, - he started to ask again, - is Snake able to catch your Chakram?
She shook a head.
No. Well... at least, I did not check it.
Xena smiled and added with a sad smile.
But he is able to catch bullets instead. And not only with the help of hands.
Solan recollected that day when he found Snake on a threshold in a pool of blood, and blinked for one instant.
I hope, his hand will recover soon, - he told quietly. - And we can train three together...
Xena answered nothing, having pulled reins shorter.
I think, it is time to us to come back home, - she told at last. - How about small gallop up to that fence? I am sure, my horse will be there the first.
Solan pulled reins too and put spurs to his mare.
Well, we should see it!
They rushed forward, setting on their horses.
Xena went ahead, as well as she predicted, but, not wishing to upset the son, held back Argo imperceptibly for him so that he has outstripped her.
Solan flushed, urging on his mare, and Xena smiled, observing of him. This ride helped her to distract from reflections about recent events. She occupied herself with work, only to not remain alone with own thoughts... And melancholy which appeared as soon as she stopped...

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

Snake had searched the house and when he found no sign of Xena or Solan fear took hold. Dejected and feeling hopeless Snake returned to the living room where he'd left the gifts. He ran his hand over the wine jars and smiled. He had thought about a glass of wine on the porch, a talk, try and work things out. It seemed like the dreams of a naive boy.

Snake was just about to get his things and leave in order to find a distraction when he heard hoof beats. They were coming in fast from the back field. Smiling to himself Snake rushed out to the back door and onto the porch. He could see the two horses running and he didn't think he had ever felt such relief.

Taking a deep breath to push away his anxiety Snake walked out to meet them by the stables.

[xena-warrior.livejournal.com]

The loud cry sounded in yard when horses have flown there.
I have won! I have won!
Solan shouted, having thrown reins and swinging hands. He has been punished for the carelessness there and then because his horse, having been frightened of his sharp movements, jumped aside, and the boy has been thrown out from a saddle and fallen to the ground.
Xena was frightened for one instant, that he could break something, but Solan already rose from the ground, stroking his side.
Everything is all right, mom, -he told, trying to look quiet. - Short of pair bruises...uh...
She exhaled, narrowing eyes at him.
All right, hero, go catch your horse then. If you want to come into contact to her, you, and only you should look after her while she gets used to you. So go ahead!
She prepared to jump off from a saddle, but noticed Snake and smiled at him, having waved with hand as a token of a greeting.
Solan run to catch his mare who obviously wanted to run one more ride, therefore did not wish to fall into in his hands willingly.
Xena looked at his attempts to catch the horse and sighed.
This child will make me gray-haired!

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

Snake chuckled a little as he approached Xena. Isn't that what kids are for?

Snake put his good arm around her and grinned. Enjoy your ride princess?

[xena-warrior.livejournal.com]

Children are flowers.
She said with a smile.
Beautiful flowers on a tomb of their parents. Now I understand sense of these words...
Xena stroked Argo on a muzzle, observing as her son tries to catch up the got naughty mare.
It was magnificent ride. And good warm-up for me and horses.
She chuckled. But there and then become serious and added quietly.
Never thought, that it will be so hard to train own child. I know, that he is talanted boy, and I know, how and what exactly to teach him to... But I know as well, that it can harm him... And it prevents me to work with him. Perhaps, I become too old for this business?

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

Snake looked away at first.

Children are the one thing that lets us see ourselves.

He smiled and turned back to look at Xena. Just got to learn how to train them. Kids don't learn like adults. Just a matter of making a game of it and letting yourself have fun for once.

[xena-warrior.livejournal.com]

Also make us to behave themselves.
She added, having nodded slowly.
I think, I should recollect how to play such kind of games anew. Gabrielle was able to make it better me...

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

Snake smiled leaning closer to her. He was just glad to be near her. Maybe we should do some of it together, you know a family, all four of us.

[xena-warrior.livejournal.com]

Maybe you are right.
She looked back at the son again, just during that moment when he flopped in a pool having slipped when tried to grab reins. The horse, snorting, pranced around of him, her tail fluttered on a wind, as a flag. When the boy got up, he has been smeared in a dust from foots up to a head.
Xena rolled eyes, having seen it.
Solan, dear, why don't you try to treat her with something? - she said. - Hardly you can catch your horse if you would run after her. The horse runs faster human in any case.
Solan spat out last sand from his mouth and put the hand in his pocket, hoping to find a slice of an apple or a cracker there.
Hmm... good idea, actually...why I have not guessed before?

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

Or try giving her water boy! Snake chuckled and kissed Xena's cheek.

Been trying to get us out together. I really want to make a go at being a family baby. I love you and our children.

[xena-warrior.livejournal.com]

The horse has stopped, looking at own reflection in the pool, then began to beat with hoof on water, spraying it around.
Solan found a cracker in his pocket at last and crept to her slowly.
I am afraid, Ephiny has found water herself, - he murmured, having heard Snake's words.
The mare stopped to play with water, observing of the boy, then, at the latest moment, jumped aside from him and run in a stable.
Xena giggled, having noticed Solan's overwhelmed expression.
Go and put her in the order. You always should finish your work if you started it.
The boy run in a stable after his horse. Xena leant against Argo and looked at Snake.
It is good idea, but, I think, your hand should recover at first.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

I can't put my life aside for an injury. You know that just as wee as I. Snake smiled. Outside of riding the bike, I'm getting by with everything else.

[xena-warrior.livejournal.com]

Oh, I see it.
She smiled
You leave in the morning to return in the evening or at night. As always. Nothing changed.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

I haven't been doing a damned thing except go to work of late. Snake grinned. Actually I was out while you were riding and I got something for you baby.

[xena-warrior.livejournal.com]

Something for me? Oh! And what it could be?
She looked at him with curiosity.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

It's just a tease. Snake smiled taking her hand. For a bigger surprise.

Solan can put Argo in and feed her. Why don't you come inside with me?

[xena-warrior.livejournal.com]

I wanted to make it myself to be a good example for my son. But... for the sake of your surprise...
She raised eyebrows smiling
I believe, it will be useful for boy to repeat a lesson twice.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

Practice won't hurt him. Snake grinned waiting for Xena to come inside with him.

[xena-warrior.livejournal.com]

Solan run out from a stable, pleased and smiling.
I have made all, mom! Ephiny is cleaned and fed.
Xena looked back on the husband and handed Argo's reins over to the son
Very good, my dear, then start to work with my horse. Just to fix this lesson.

With these words she followed Snake in the house

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

Snake stopped her in the kitchen. He had a big grin and it was obvious he was up to something.

Alright baby. It's a surprise means you got to close your eyes.

Snake took her hand intent on leading her once she closed her eyes.

[xena-warrior.livejournal.com]

Xena closed eyes, following him.
Can I even guess, what is it?
She told with smile.
Is it new gown? Or one more necklace?
She asked, teasing him

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

You're welcome to guess all you want sweetheart.

Snake led her slowly throught the kitchen.

No, not a dress or jewlery. Try again baby.

[xena-warrior.livejournal.com]

You are right, what for to me one more dress when my wardrobe just about burst overflown with them.
She bitten a lip
Then, it should be, any weapon? One more gun?

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

No. Snake grinned. No weapons either.

Snake slowly came to a stop in the dinning room and kissed her cheek. You want to guess more or should I just show you?

[xena-warrior.livejournal.com]

It cannot be a horse!
She said chuckling.
I am give up. The surprise would not be a surprise if people guessed it beforehand. So... what is it?

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

No, no horse in the house.

Snake chuckled and turned her toward the table. It was covered in wine jars, fabric, a saddle for Solan's mare, dishes, cooking utensils, blankets, all sorts of household items and all that Xena would easily recognize as being made in Ancient Greece. Snake stood behind her with his arm around her waist and whispered.

You can look whenever you're ready Princess.

[xena-warrior.livejournal.com]

Then I open my eyes...
Xena said and looked at table where gifts that Snake bring to her laid. Some time she silently examined all these things, then slowly pressed a palm to the lips, touched with that has seen. Xena did not know, how he managed to get all these things, but the sight at them has caused in her inconsistent emotions. She felt the strongest nostalgia on Greece and people which lived there, and it was light and pressing feeling simultaneously. Things began to blur before her eyes, and Xena understood, that looks at them through tears. But she could take herself in hands and blinked some times to clear the sight. Xena understood, that should tell something, even words of gratitude, but her throat was squeezed with spasm, and everything, that she could do, it to touch all these gifts with shaking hands

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

Snake just held her close pressing a gentle kiss to her shoulder.

I thought you might like them. He whispered. Snake could see the happy tears in her eyes and smiled. He would do anything to see her happy and tried as hard as he could to make her life here as good as he could manage. This is only part of the gift baby.

[xena-warrior.livejournal.com]

Only part?
her voice was hoarse and trembling. She stroked blanket made from wool, still being too stunned to talk.
Oh my...

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

Got that one for our bed. Snake smiled. Yes, part, because you know baby, I had to have some way to get to an Ancient Greek market to buy this stuff.

[xena-warrior.livejournal.com]

Xena took a deep breath to restore self-control. Then run the hand through hair, being focused, blocking off excessively strong emotions which have woken up in her at a view of so familiar things. And nodded.
So... what is it?
she tried to smile, but her lips were trembling too much

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

Snake smiled at her wondering if she knew how pretty those happy tears were.

We've got a friend who has a ship that can travel in time. Thought maybe we could take a good part of that summer trip we were planning somewhere along the Mediterranean. Just me, my wife, our beautiful children and a couple stubborn horses.

[xena-warrior.livejournal.com]

Friend with ship?
Xena still struggled with own voice, trying to make it less hoarse
It would be the remarkable idea. Solan constantly asks me about his grandmother. It is a shame to me, that he till now did not see my mother.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

Snake nodded. Yeah, Rose.

Snake held her still. Can't make any promises yet but I'll try to get us a visit to Greece this summer. Few months at least, maybe July until Christmas?