If the Shoe Fits
LaLa's take
E-Mail: bonmot@ix.netcom.com
SCENES
FROM THE CUTTING-ROOM FLOOR
Alesia is back home, Zantar's in jail, and Joxer is nowhere to be found. Xena and Gabrielle travel to a nearby town where Xena can buy material to make Gabrielle a new top. While Gabrielle checks out the local scene, Xena begins her seamstress duties back at the inn. Gabrielle rejoins Xena hours later...
G: What are you smiling about?
X: <Self-satisfied> I think you'll like what I've done.
G: Why don't you show me, and I'll be the judge?
X: <Hands over what was Gabrielle's pink sheer nightie, but is now fashioned into two spaghetti straps supporting two very tiny triangles of fabric>
G: What happened to my nightie? <Holds up what little there is of Xena's handiwork> Oh, you've got to be kidding.
X: Try it on.
G: You're not kidding. This isn't a top. <Shakes nightie for emphasis> This is something you would find in Meg's closet. This isn't even clothing. It's barely there--it's more like an idea.
X: A great idea, if you ask me. C'mon, aren't you even going to try on?
G: <Throws skimpy outfit at Xena's head>
X: <Snatches nightie midflight> Well, you could go topless...
G: <Gives Xena a pointed stare>
X: But it's such a good look for you.
G: <Crosses her arms>
X: It was just an idea.
G: Not one of your better ones.
X: Everyone's a critic.
G: Xena, you were supposed to make me something I could wear during the day.
X: Well, good thing I was inspired and made this, too. <Reaches in the saddlebag and holds up a black-leather, metal-studded bra>
G: <Stares in disbelief>
X: I knew you would like it. <Removes Gabrielle's modified sack and straps her into the leather bra>
G: Xena, I...
X: Don't know how to thank me? That's OK; you can show me.
G: <Smacks Xena's arm hard>
X: Hey! I was hoping more for a kiss, but if you want to play rough... <Growls and slinks toward Gabrielle>
G: <Holds up hand> Xena, stop right there. First of all, I am not liking this one bit.
X: Why not?
G: <Petulant> It's not what I asked for.
X: Is that not a top, or am I missing something?
G: I wanted an exact replica of my green top, not this leather-studded monstrosity.
X: But you didn't say that; you said you wanted a new top.
G: New, yes, but not this new. <Stares at her leather-encased bosom> For Gaia's sake, these metal studs could put an eye out.
X: Well, I should hope so. Whoever is putting their face in your bra deserves it.
G: Including you?
X: Guess it depends on your mood. <Winks>
G: Xena, this doesn't go with my skirt...and black is not my color.
X: C'mon, Gabrielle, get in touch with your dark side.
G: I think you're dark enough for the both of us.
X: I like black on you. It suits you in a whip-me, spank-me, tie-me-up, "Yes, Mistress" kind of way.
G: Xena, this isn't another one of your personal fantasies, is it?
X: <Snaps out of reverie> What? Oh, no, no. <Clears throat>
G: Xena, I appreciate you making these...things for me, but I really want my green top.
X: I figured as much. <Rummages in saddlebag and removes a new BGSB>
G: Why didn't you give this to me in the first place? Sometimes I don't know what to do with you. <Reaches for BGSB, but Xena hides it behind her back>
X: I just wanted to see if you would be interested in a change.
G: The only change I'm interested in is changing out of this leather. <Reaches again for BGSB behind Xena's back, but comes up empty-handed> Xena, give me the top.
X: Make me.
G: <Exasperated sigh> Fine. <Walks over and picks up Xena's whip>
X: What are you doing?
G: Getting my top back.
X: Well, all you have to do is ask...
G: Oh, I'll be asking for it, all right. <Unfurls and cracks the whip> Understood?
X: <Wicked smile> Yes, Mistress.