Welcome to AresJoxerCupidStrife

Title: His Fault
Author: Jade
Contact: jade_standish@yahoo.com
Series: Xena/Hercules
Rating: PG
Pairing: C/S
Archive: sure thing
Disclaimer: I don't own any of this, and I'm sure not making any
money. But then, I think you knew that. *g* More's the pity.
Feedback: Please do.
Author's Note: This is my first Xena fic, and it's really nothing
more than a ficlet. Hopefully though, this will get the plot bunnies
started.
*************

I know it ain't his fault, ya know? Really, I do. But at times
like this, I really gotta work ta make myself believe it. Every
time he smiles at her like she's the only thing in the universe that
matters, like he don't need anything else long as he has her, I
remember when he used ta smile at me like that.

I know it's that stupid arrow's fault that she's in his bed now,
that a ring's on her finger 'stead of mine. And I don't blame
Feathahs for puttin' her in his bed or the ring on her finger. But
when I see him lettin' her smooth out his feathahs like I used to, I
can't help but hate him, just a little, for lettin' it happen.

Cupe's the one who told me that true love could conquer anything.
Either he was lyin' or he didn't love me like he said he
did. 'Cause apparently, love can't manage ta conquer that arrow he
stuck himself with. And I ain't sure I can live with the
implications of that.

That's why I gotta believe that none of this is his fault. 'Cause
I'll wind up even crazier than I already am if it is. But when I
turn around at just the wrong time and see him kiss her the way he
used ta kiss me it's almost too much.

It's been a year nearly since Psyche took my place in Cupe's bed and
his life, but I can still feel him sometimes. The way he'd wrap his
arms around me from behind and pull me back against his chest. The
way his fingers would dance up my ribs 'til I couldn't breathe I was
laughin' so hard. The way he'd just barely brush my lips before
leanin' in for a real kiss. All the things he does for her now.

It's almost too much to stand, but I ain't givin' up on us yet.
Someday, that stupid arrow'll wear off and I'll be back where I
belong. I just have ta not kill either of 'em before then.

After all, it ain't his fault. Is it?

The End