(no subject)

[forgedinbattle]

[After a week, Xena has adjusted to rather well to living with toddler. More accurately, she’s allowed herself to admit that she really cares. To herself, at least. And to Steve. And their daughter, Lysandra.

But she wasn’t intending to make a big display of it for the whole castle, like some people do. Her affection is more quiet and subtle than that.

And that’s why it’s pretty obvious that this isn’t an intentional journal entry. Xena had quite unintentionally knocked the journal over while tucking Lysandra in. Because of that one simple mistake, you are all treated to something very rarely heard: Xena singing a lullaby.



And then, when she notices that the journal is open this is followed by a whispered:]

Son of a Bacchae.

[Way to ruin the moment, Xena.]

Comments

[forgedinbattle]

You know what they used to call me? Xena: Destroyer of Nations. That give you an idea?

[valuedstrength]

... It does. What changed?

[forgedinbattle]

I like to think I did.

[A pause.] Somebody showed me that being strong isn't about weapons or armies- that mercy makes a greater warrior than all the skill in the world.

[valuedstrength]

[Steve smiles. It reminds him of something he's heard before.] Wise man. I'm glad you listened to him. It's been my pleasure getting to do this with you the past couple of days.

[The implication being the destroyer of nations wouldn't make much of a co-parent. Xena on the other hand...]

[forgedinbattle]

[She catches that implication and she does appreciate it.]

Thanks. That means more than you know.

Look, I don't tell a lot of people this. I'm not trying to hide it. I can't run from who I was. I know that. But it's not something I'm proud of.

[She glances back at the door to Lysandra's room.] I just thought you deserved to know.

[So please don't advertise it. She knows she doesn't need to ask, but...]

[valuedstrength]

I get it. You want to keep the past where it belongs. [Something he can get for entirely different reasons.]

It won't leave this room.

[forgedinbattle]

I appreciate it.

[valuedstrength]

It's nothing. What are second parents for?