#alpha!xena

Gabrielle had been feeling off for the last few weeks. She tried not to think about it too often but it was all rather obvious considering what had taken place during her honeymoon with Xena. She tried to ignore it for as long as possible, but it was beginning to affect different aspects of her life. Especially when she'd had to leave the counter at her place of employment to spew her guts into the toilet.  She knew that she'd need to see a doctor or take a test at some point- but she didn't wish to be a burden.

This is why she'd waited until Xena had to leave town four weeks later. She wasn't noticing too much difference, but she thought her stomach seemed a tiny bit bloated. That would go away within time. She was more concerned about confirming her assumptions. The lack of her period could be for multiple reasons, including the stress over her suspicious illness.  The trip to the hospital was just as stressful as the wait for her wife and mate to leave. But by far the most nerve wracking had been the wait to get called back- if she had any friends that she trusted to keep their mouths shut, she would've brought them along. Unfortunately, she didn't. So she was stuck with nothing more than her thoughts and concerns.

The moment her name was called, she nearly jumped out of her skin as well as her seat. She followed the nurse back and prepared to explain the situation more than a few times- because apparently medical professionals just loved to hear the patients repeat themselves and grow more annoyed. Finally, she had fully explained herself  more than once and the tests had begun. It was a very cut and dry issue, though, because as soon as they received the results from both the blood test and the urine test, the doctor entered the room with a small smile.

"Gabrielle, was it? It seems that you worried over absolutely nothing. You are carrying your alphas child- or children. I cannot say which one is correct until you come in for a follow up exam." The doctor informed and handed over his card. Gabrielle took it and signed what she needed to sign, slipping off of the bed. She felt almost numb now, something that was a welcomed change from the the overwhelming concern and fear that she'd felt earlier.

Unfortunately, the numbness didn't linger long- or long enough in her humble opinion.  The moment she was back in her car, the fear flooded her. God, what were they going to do? They barely even knew each other and they already had pups on the way. She couldn't bring herself to go through with an abortion and even if she wanted to,  she'd have to wait until Xena returned. It was rather cruel to not give her mate a say- even if it was a new relationship.

Besides, Xena finding out was what worried her. They'd never had the chance to have this conversation. They'd been too worried about fucking thanks to her heat. It had been a good night- but they should've expected the consequences. She swallowed her pride and pulled out of the drive way before someone could question what she was doing.

When she arrived home, she immediately headed to the bathroom and locked herself inside. She turned the bath on, making the water as hot as she could get it before adding the bubbles. She would've usually poured herself a glass of wine to go with this. But that was out of the question now. She had plenty of time to figure out how she was going to break the news to Xena when the alpha returned.

The knowledge that Xena would be home soon made the time seem as if it was passing much, much slower. Something that had once been a relief had become a curse. There were very few ways that she could distract herself as she knew that hanging with any of her friends would lead to her secret being outed before she was ready. Really, Xena should be the first to know.  Both because she wasn't sure how the bigger woman would react to being the last to know and it was more of a matter of respect towards her wife than anything else. Even if there was no love between them, she did hold a grudging sort of respect towards her.

The relief and dread that flooded when the day of Xena's return finally arrived was immeasurable.  She was still unsure about what this news would cause and yet at this point, she was just ready to get this weight off of her chest. She was tired of hiding the burden and suppressing it alone. She got herself ready and decided against wearing perfume for once. She wasn't sure she'd be able to get the words out- so simply letting the alpha smell the change in her scent and figure it out that way seemed much easier and a better option. She just had to hope that Xena knew what it meant.

The drive and the wait at the airport was worse than the wait for this day by far. Mostly because Gabrielle had found herself ignoring the knowing looks from older women and sometimes older men- usually the omegas. This heightened the urge to raise a hand over her still flat stomach, but she ignored this instinct valiantly.

Almost thirty minutes later, Xena approached her, a couple bags over her shoulders and another one rolling behind her. The bigger woman offered her the slightest of smiles and Gabrielle returned it tentatively, reaching out to relieve her wife of a bag or two. Xena seemed somewhat reluctant, but she did turn around so she could take the bag that rested on her right shoulder.

Gabrielle pulled it over her own shoulder and headed towards the doors, knowing Xena was following behind her without looking. The drive home was silent and uncomfortable, especially with the way that Xena kept glancing at her out of the corner of her eye. No- it was less like she was looking at her and more like she was looking through her. It only made the uncomfortable feeling even worse.

They reached the house and they got themselves settled. The silence had yet to be broken and she found herself wishing she'd just told her of her own accord. Xena walked back into the living room after unpacking and perched on the couch beside her,

"You've been hiding something. You smell different." Xena grumbled, not quiet looking at her. At least they were talking, even if this wasn't the way she'd hoped it would go.

"No.. I haven't. I only recently found out myself..." Gabrielle defended herself with a scoff, not appreciating the tone that her alpha had used in the slightest. Even if her instincts begged for her to apologize, this wasn't  a situation she would submit in. Especially not when she hardly knew her wife and wasn't sure as to what she should expect.

  "Found out what?" Xena demanded shortly, arching a dark brow. She was exhausted and all she wanted to do was get this out of the way so that they could pretend that their situation was normal. Perhaps it would become normal in time but it was still awkward as of right now.

Gabrielle remained silent for a few minutes before sighing, "..I'm pregnant." Her words were whispered and she clenched her hands in the material of her pants. Her eyes were closed tightly and she nearly held her breath as she awaited the response.

"I-... You're lying. You can't be." Xena denied vehemently, standing and running her hands through her hair roughly. She knew that it very much possible but it was too soon. They weren't ready. She wasn't ready.

Gabrielle's stomach dropped and she opened her eyes, a shuddering breath leaving her. She stood and hesitantly wrapped a hand around the other woman's wrist, giving into the urge to comfort the other woman.  "Xena...." she murmured, but she didn't have the time to finish speaking.