Disclaimer: Tell me any avid fan of Mutant X that doesn't know I don't own them. LOL. I don't know how powerful these characters are and I don't even know if they are really like this. All of the actions mentioned below is just my imagination.
Authors Note: Hey! This is my very first time to attempt my luck in writing fiction. Please forgive my grammar (since English is not my native tongue). I waited long enough to see my Emma fight a hand to hand combat but my patience was put to vain so I decided to make her as star in my own fanfic. Please review. Comments on whatever is very much welcome. I don't know how to end this one so if you have any idea, I'll be honored to have your ideas in my fic. So here we go ... enjoy ...
Underestimated
~Thought ~
Memory
/Sounds/
"Conversation"
Chapter 1
"You know guys, I really think this is not a good idea" Emma said as she paused, hesitating to enter the club. It was a day after the usual dose violent mayhem with the Strand, so the Mutant X team decided to take a night out. But, as not a party-goer as Emma, she hesitated big time. It wasn't long till she heard Shalimar growling in jest.
"Come on Ems, it's not like we're breaking any rules right? We're here to have some fun." She smiled as her eyes returned human again.
"And specially to take Gabriel out of her system." Jesse grinned as he gave Brennan a high five. It would have been a light evening but the joke didn't come out well for Shalimar.
"You two think that's funny?" Shalimar's eyes turned yellowish green. She was not buying that joke. She hates the after feeling Gabriel has left behind, and the idea that this feeling won't easily go away with a few somersault and punches, enraged her even more.
"Hey, I was just kidding." Jesse defended as he moved backwards, afraid of what Shalimar might do to him.
"Try kidding this..." Shalimar was about to jump on Jesse when Brennan stopped her.
"He was just fooling around Shal,"
"Oh yeah, and you were fooling around with him too?" Shalimar broke free from Brennan's grip. Shalimar is not taking it easy with them. Her eyes turned yellowish green again and she let out a loud growl.
Brennan backed away, shaking a little bit. He knew Shalimar could hurt them real bad in a situation like this.
"If you are going to kill them, I suggest you take them somewhere else while nobody is looking at you yet, or else all of these people are going to freak out when they see a tiger-like woman roaming around this club." Emma interrupted their little fight with her arms crossed across her chest and it did cooled Shalimar down.
Shalimar's eyes turned normal again and she turned to look at Emma.
"If you're scared enough to go inside the club, then fine! Go home, you big baby. I'm going to enjoy my night." Shalimar fixed her coat and entered the club. Shalimar was not really mad at Emma; she just didn't want to hear Gabriel's name. Brennan shrugged his shoulder and followed Shalimar shortly.
"So, ... you coming Ems?" Jesse looked back at her.
"Yeah, like I could drive OUR ONLY car back to the sanctuary so the three of you would end up walking home." Emma raised her brows and walked inside the club. "I swear next time we go out, I'll bring the silver Audi along so if I'll get bored...again, I can leave you three with the Red FOX."
"When did you call the 'red convertible' Red FOX?" Jesse smiled
"Since Adam dubbed it as Red FOX."
"Oh!" Jesse escorted her inside.
***
"Come on Emma. Dance with me. We've been sitting here for hours." Jesse continued to ask Emma to dance.
"I told you Jess, you should go and have some fun."
"And watch you mope around here? No way." Jesse grinned and it decorated a smile on Emma's lips.
~This was her first smile tonight. ~ Jesse thought and he felt good. He had to admit that he's not as funny as Brennan, even if he tries, and he loves it everytime he could bring a little joy to his friends...especially to Emma. He seemed to always want to see her happy that is why it almost tore him apart to see Emma mourn for Tyler. She was too crushed when she lost Tyler. Emma cried a lot for Tyler and it hurt him especially when he remembers that he could not do anything for her.
"Hey Jesse, I'm fine." Emma tapped Jesse on the arm after sensing deep concern from Him.
"So will you give me the honor of having your first dance?" Jesse continued to persuade her.
"Nah! You go and have some fun. I'll stay here."
~Yeah like I can leave you alone. Considering how weak you still are. ~ Jesse told himself as he smiled to Emma.
Being a psionic that she is, Emma sensed what Jesse's mind said and her emotion started to stir up a little converting her concern to a bit of irritation. But instead of beating Jesse, she just smiled and projected something on the blonde woman that was standing near Jesse.
"Hey!" the young blonde said.
"Hey!" Jesse responded. "Do I know you?" he unnecessarily cringed his forehead.
"I doubt it." The blonde laughed. "Care to dance?" the blonde invited him. Jesse looked at Emma before he replied.
"Sorry I..." he felt a sting in his head and suddenly he had the urge to dance with the blonde. "...okay!" he agreed and left Emma behind as the blonde impatiently tagged him on the dance floor. Emma smiled sheepishly after projecting something on Jesse's mind then she turned to the bar to order another glass of ladies drink.
***
"So, are you planning to seat here all night?" a male voice stunned Emma on her seat.
~I thought I already fix Jesse~ she told herself as she turn around to face the owner of the voice. "Jesse, I told you I..." she stopped when she was greeted by an unfamiliar face.
"Hi! I'm Cole." The man held out his hand.
Emma would usually turn down men who wanted to meet her in a party like this one but, somehow, she sensed solace with the stranger in front of her although the face is very foreign.
"Emma! My name is Emma." She replied after scanning the man and finding out that he means no harm.
"Sorry to interrupt your privacy but I can't help but to come here as I have been observing you sitting here for hours." He smiled.
"That's alright." Emma felt like blushing after sensing the sincerity of the man in front of him. ~He feels a bit comfortable to me. What was his name again? ... yeah, Cole ~ Emma told herself while trying to conceal her blush after Cole show his boldness.
"Can I buy you a drink?" Cole asked her-again displaying his valor.
"How about if you dance with me?" Emma suggested. She didn't understand herself. A minute ago, she has no interest in dancing the night off but now she is the one inviting the young man who she just met. Is she matching his boldness? Or is she just challenged with his audacity?
"I thought you didn't want to dance?" there was a slight confusion in Cole's expression and he smiled the confusion off.
Emma's brows met and her forehead cringed. ~How did he know that? Was he listening when I was talking with Jesse? Did I unconsciously told him? ~
~Was it because I have the same gift as you do? ~
Emma almost fell from her seat.
"I'm sorry." Cole caught her just in time. "I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to..."
"You're a psionic?" Emma's eyes were wide open. There are very few events when she would meet a mutant in the same breed as her. Thank God she was guarding their secrets all the time or Cole would have read it... ~or he already read it? ~ Emma cringed her forehead some more, trying to scan Cole's mind some more as he tried to explain to her why he read her.
"Well, yes. B...bu...but I didn't mean to read you. It's just that...I mean..." he tried so hard to explain himself to Emma; stammering and searching for words, one after another when Emma interrupted him with her giggle.
"What?" Cole was confused but he was smiling this time as he was sensing the laughter coming out from Emma's emotion; scratching his nape unmindfully.
"I'm sorry... I'm not making fun of you..." Emma uttered in between giggles. "It's just that..." Emma started giggling again as Cole joined her a minute later.
"I get it. I really don't have to say it, do I?" Cole chuckled with her.
"Yeah, right." She beamed, finally ending her contained laughter. "So, care to dance?" Emma placed her drink on the bar and stood up.
"Sure." Cole held his hand out for her and Emma took it with a smile. They walked together to the dance floor, still chuckling over some thought they shared with their powers.
***
"So, I see you're enjoying so much!" Brennan grinned at Shalimar as she approached him to the bar. "I'm really sorry Shal, ...about a while ago...I know we shouldn't have joked about..."
"It's okay Bren, just don't mention that scum bag's name again. Not when I'm around. Or at least not when it's not necessary." Shalimar hardly left the dance floor and she is sure tired. She leaned on the bar, slightly panting, and she smiled at him.
"Sure." He smiled back.
"Hey!" Jesse tapped Brennan on his arm when he came to them.
"Hey!" he was leaning on the bar again after paying for Shalimar's drink. "How's the blonde?" Brennan grinned at Jesse.
"Oh! I got her number and we'll hook up later." He smiled.
"Good for you Jess." Shalimar joined their conversation as she placed her drink down. They were really having a good time when Shalimar noticed someone was not with them.
"So...did Emma really went home ahead?" Shalimar asked with a friendly concern as she looked around for Emma.
"Oh no, she was with me and I left her here..." Jesse started looking about, trying to find Emma. "She was just here a minute ago." He uttered with a little concern.
Brennan started looking around too.
"You mean you left her here." Turning his head, Brennan looked harder. Since the incident with Caleb, he made a promise to himself never to let strangers come near to Emma without him on guard. Sure he was protective of the group, but his concern for Emma is greater since they share a special bond that was formed when they first met in a club.
Still not ceasing his search for Emma, Brennan asked Jesse again. "Why did you leave her Jesse? You know she's still weak to be left alone" Brennan's voice started to sound irate. He knew how things got harder for Emma even if her powers already evolved. It has almost been a year since Tyler died and they all know that Emma has been through a lot lately therefore needed more attention and protection. "Didn't Adam told you to watch her?" Brennan was more protective of Emma than usual. He didn't understand it himself. He knows that Emma could protect herself without doubt but he knew in his heart that he has to protect her no matter what.
"Hey, I remember Adam telling us..." pointing at Shalimar, Brennan and himself "...all to watch her!" Jesse defended.
"Cut it out you two." Shalimar interrupted her friends. "Never mind who was assigned to watch her. We just have to find her before it's too late. Adam will fry us if we come home without Emma."
***
~Damn them! ~ Emma cursed, after silently after absorbing her friends little talk. ~I hate it when they refer to me as weak. ~ She thought irately. There are times when she can't really screen them off her wits and it disgust her everytime they would talk about how she has to be protected; how weak she is. It makes her feel sick to her stomach.
"Are these friends of yours gifted like you?" Cole interrupted her thoughts.
"Wha...What friends?"
~I mean your friends-in your mind." Cole mind-talked her.
"Oh!" Emma smiled. She almost forgot the thrill of having her gift. She rarely mind-talk with the MX since they all agreed to refrain from using their powers with each others and to add the fact that nobody seems to want to be rehearsing with her since they all say that her powers are lethal for them especially when she could use it with out them knowing it; all she does and could do is hang around the dojo...alone...to rehearse with...duh...of course-herself, since no one wanted to rehearse with a weak psionic.
"Hey!" Cole called her attention again.
"What?" Emma was taken away from her mind wrath and she smiled.
"So, are they...um...mutant?" Cole whispered the last word into Emma's ear."
"Why?" ~can't you read that from my mind? ~ Emma grinned as she mind talked Cole and it made him laugh.
"No, I couldn't." he smiled as they both dance with the beat of the music. "For some odd reasons, I guess you've guarded those thought so well that I can't even tap in." ~even if I try. ~ he joked.
Emma enjoyed dancing with Cole. This is one of the rare events where she would love to stay in the club even if the group leaves her.
"Don't you want to answer my question, dear heart?" Cole asked her again as they continued swaying in the beat of the music.
"Yeah!" Emma giggled. "They are all...new mutants." She whispered the last word then she giggled again.
"Of the same breed?"
"Oh no, they are from different breeds."
"Maybe that is why they are so much concern of you." Cole explained.
Emma's face twisted for a moment and then she smiled. "You sounded like a psychologist, do you know that?" She was waiting for him to laugh but Cole only gave a shy smile and Emma's eyes widened when it hit her...
"O-H-M-Y-G-O-D-! You are a psychologist!" she stopped moving as she was so stunned.
"Well, I wanted them to refer to me as a..." he lifted his fingers as he signaled a quotation mark and he continued "...'Doctor'..." then he smiled. "Being a psychologist is really not a turn-on for women, is it?" Cole giggled.
Emma was still left without words. She was still searching for words but she was too surprise with the revelation.
~Have you been interested with me as to a patient? ~ Emma asked with an obvious seriousness. Cole looked at her for a while trying to pose an "are you kidding" look.
"Do you know how beautiful you are? Any man would give up his right hand to the devil, just to dance with you tonight." Cole said with out blinking.
Emma felt a blush coming and she tried to conceal it. "You sure know how to make a woman feel desirable huh!" she grinned.
"You are desirable!" Cole stressed and he sincerely smiled.
***
Brennan walked to a bartender, still hoping to find Emma in the crowd. He looked around once more before he faced the bartender.
"Hi man, excuse me." Brennan called the bartenders attention. "Have you seen a young brunette about this high..." signaling Emma's height "...wearing a black lacy blouse and a black knee-length skirt?"
The bartender looked at Brennan and then smiled. "Yes, she's actually at my twelve o'clock."
Brennan whirled around and found Emma...with a guy. He noticed that Emma seems to be blushing. He also noticed that the stranger was holding Emma closer than he should. Brennan's protective instinct worked overtime.
As a friend, Brennan wanted to let Emma enjoy the night. This is one of the rare events were Emma could enjoy in a party like this, especially in a partly like this considering she's not a real party lover. Why would not he let Emma loose herself tonight?
~Because she's dear to you! ~ his mind spoke to him.
~But this is a rare event in her life. Maybe I should let her alone ~ his wits replied to his own question.
~What are you? Insane? Do you remember the last time you let her loosen up a little? She died Bren. Are you willing to risk that again? ~
He had a little conversation with himself as he tried to figure out what to do. No! He will never risk losing Emma again. He has to protect her and consequences be damned.
***
"Do you know how beautiful you are? Any man would give up his right hand to the devil, just to dance with you tonight." Cole said with out blinking.
Emma felt a blush coming and she tried to conceal it. "You sure know how to make a woman feel desirable huh!" she grinned.
"You are desirable!" Cole sincerely smiled. ~So desirable that you drive your boyfriend insane with jealousy now that he sees you with someone else ~
"Boyfriend?" Emma smirked at him after receiving his mental message. "I don't have a boyfriend."
~Then ... is the guy behind you one of your friends? ~ Cole looked past through Emma.
"Am I interrupting anything?" a deep male voice was heard and Emma turned to the direction of the voice.
"Brennan?!" Emma was surprised with the weird feeling she was sensing from him.
Brennan looked at Emma, to the stranger then back to Emma again. "So, am I disturbing something?" he asked again then he threw a look to the stranger ... and it did not give a very welcoming vibes
"Ems, I think I should go now." Cole addressed Emma as he averted Brennan's gaze.
"Leave? Why?" Emma turned to him. She has not enjoyed a party like she is enjoying at the moment. Why then would he leave? Is he not having fun? Is she so boring? Is she so uptight?
~It's not you Ems. Trust me. ~ Cole made a mental contact with her.
~Why then? ~
~Because I'd like to go home in one piece and your friend here...~ both looked at Brennan and then stared at each other again. ~...is preparing to tear me apart if I don't leave. ~ Cole raised his brows.
~You really should not mind him. He's often this way. I could drive him away if you want. ~ Emma assured him as she prepared to talk to Brennan but Cole stopped her.
~Yeah right, then he would be waiting for me outside so tear me apart? Nope! I'd very much want to live and see thirty. ~ he smiled.
Brennan was puzzled with the behavior of the two people in front of him. ~They seem to be talking with a mere stare? How is that possible? ~ he asked himself. He just jerked back when he heard the stranger's voice again.
"I'll be going then." Cole moved a little away from Emma and they exchanged smiles.
"Okay!" She nodded.
"See you later then."
~Later? ~ Brennan blinked. ~They are still planning to hook up again? ~
"Sure!"
Brennan heard Emma and saw her smiling.
Emma's eyes twinkled. She really hoped there would be a second time. She hoped? When did she start to be into hooking up?
"Call you later" Cole called out before he turned away.
~Call? Cole, I didn't give you any number. ~ Emma asked his wits.
~Do we-psionics, still need a phone to call each other? ~ He faced Emma and then left.
***
"What was that?" Brennan curiously demanded. He have not seen anyone or any couple staring at each other as if they were talking with their eyes and it bothered him. ~Why was Emma looking at him like that? She never looked at me like that before. She never looked at us like that before. ~
"What's 'what'?" Emma faced Brennan; cutting her mental contact with Cole.
"You seemed to be talking with him with your eyes." Brennan said irately, raising his arms to point the stranger who just left.
"With my mind Bren, not with my eyes. I'm a psionic. I do that a lot." Emma started to leave the dance floor.
"But not with anyone, am I right?" Brennan followed her as she leave the floor hastily, hoping he would receive a positive answer from Emma. Brennan pressed in the crowd and tried to catch up with her.
"Right! Only with the people that I trust." Emma leaned forward over the bar as they reach the corner and she asked for a drink.
"And you trust him?" Brennan raised his voice and his brows slightly touching. "Who is that guy?" he asked, not taking his eyes of Emma as he awaits for her answer.
"A friend." Was her terse reply as she pay for her drink.
"And when did you met him." He crossed his arms across his broad chest.
Emma turned to face the dance floor; still not looking at him, she answered... "Tonight!"
"TONIGHT?!" Brennan spat the words out. "And you trusted him? And what, Is your trust gained overnight?"
Emma looked at him devilishly and looked away again. She doesn't feel obligated to tell him anything especially about her private life.
"What is his name anyway?" Brennan hissed.
"What do you care?" she hissed back.
***
"Hey girlfriend!" Shalimar walked to Brennan and Emma who were at the bar. "Where have you been?" she asked.
"Dancing with some strangers!" Brennan answered for her with a sarcastic smile, knowing Shalimar would back him up. Emma eyed him. She was tempted to knock him down...only she didn't know how.
"You were what?" Shalimar was surprised but she doesn't seem mad about it... it's quite the contrary, as a mater of fact. "Is he cute?" Shalimar grinned.
"Shal?!" Brennan hissed.
"What?" she smiled some more.
Brennan eyed Shalimar and pulled her close so she could hear him.
"She was dancing with a stranger Shal, and you seemed happy about it?" he whispered irately in her ear. He was expecting Shalimar to be more concerned about it but she was acting the opposite.
"This is a club Bren." She smiled. "Everyone is a strangers to everyone, right Ems?" she grinned. Emma nodded as she raised her glass and Shalimar let out a loud laugh. Yes she was happy Emma is moving on. After the incident with Caleb, Shalimar made it her priority to make sure Emma is well and protected but she knew tonight wasn't the right time to hold Emma back. Emma is happy for the first time since Tyler died. Shalimar could not ask for more. She would give up everything to make her best friend happy. Yes. She was letting Emma loosen up tonight but she would be around in case something would happen.
***
"There you are!" Jesse said with a loud voice as he approached them. He was tired and panting from his search of Emma when he found them in the bar. He noticed Shalimar and Emma beaming, then he noticed a serious expression on Brennan's face. "Hey man what's wrong?" he asked him, tapping him lightly on his arm as he reached the bar.
"What's wrong with what?" Brennan replied without a smile. Jesse knew he should not ask Brennan anymore. In instances like this, Brennan could be very dangerous.
"Don't mind him Jess. He's just pissed he didn't get the lady bartender's number." Shalimar joked. She looked at Brennan, noticing that he is eyeing her.
~What is she talking about? I haven't asked anyone anything? ~ Brennan's face twisted with puzzlement then he heard Shalimar again.
"What? You didn't think I'd knew, huh, Bren?" she grinned at him and then she winked. This made Jesse and Emma giggled but it irritated Brennan even more. Nevertheless, he contained his mounting...anger? ~Why am I angry? Because I saw Emma dancing with a stranger? And why would that make me angry? Because she's dear to me? Yes! That's it. She's dear to me and I can't let her get hurt again. Yes! That's it...that has to be it! ~ Brennan's emotion was a mix anger and confusion.
***
"Well I guess we have to go now. Adam might need us." Jesse stated as he smiled, interrupting Brennan's. He took Emma's hand and led her outside, still giggling on what Shalimar said.
"What was that? What were you talking about?" Brennan asked Shalimar.
"I know what you were going to say. You were going to tell Jesse that you found Emma in the dance floor with a stranger." Shalimar replied.
"And you seemed happy about it. I can see that."
"Bren," Shalimar hooked her arm with Brennan's and she smile into his eyes. "I know how concern you are about Emma, but this isn't the right time to scold her. She's having a good time for the first time after Tyler died. Wouldn't you want her to be happy?"
"Of course I do, but..."
"Then that's it. Let's give her this night. You could scold her later okay?" she tugged him out side of the bar.
MUTANT-X-MUTANT-X-MUTANT-X-MUTANT-X-MUTANT-X-MUTANT-
***Lyza***
So what do you think? I'm planning to mess with the groups' friendship. I think it'll be fun. Please review. Hope you've enjoyed.
Authors Note: Hey! This is my very first time to attempt my luck in writing fiction. Please forgive my grammar (since English is not my native tongue). I waited long enough to see my Emma fight a hand to hand combat but my patience was put to vain so I decided to make her as star in my own fanfic. Please review. Comments on whatever is very much welcome. I don't know how to end this one so if you have any idea, I'll be honored to have your ideas in my fic. So here we go ... enjoy ...
Underestimated
~Thought ~
Memory
/Sounds/
"Conversation"
Chapter 1
"You know guys, I really think this is not a good idea" Emma said as she paused, hesitating to enter the club. It was a day after the usual dose violent mayhem with the Strand, so the Mutant X team decided to take a night out. But, as not a party-goer as Emma, she hesitated big time. It wasn't long till she heard Shalimar growling in jest.
"Come on Ems, it's not like we're breaking any rules right? We're here to have some fun." She smiled as her eyes returned human again.
"And specially to take Gabriel out of her system." Jesse grinned as he gave Brennan a high five. It would have been a light evening but the joke didn't come out well for Shalimar.
"You two think that's funny?" Shalimar's eyes turned yellowish green. She was not buying that joke. She hates the after feeling Gabriel has left behind, and the idea that this feeling won't easily go away with a few somersault and punches, enraged her even more.
"Hey, I was just kidding." Jesse defended as he moved backwards, afraid of what Shalimar might do to him.
"Try kidding this..." Shalimar was about to jump on Jesse when Brennan stopped her.
"He was just fooling around Shal,"
"Oh yeah, and you were fooling around with him too?" Shalimar broke free from Brennan's grip. Shalimar is not taking it easy with them. Her eyes turned yellowish green again and she let out a loud growl.
Brennan backed away, shaking a little bit. He knew Shalimar could hurt them real bad in a situation like this.
"If you are going to kill them, I suggest you take them somewhere else while nobody is looking at you yet, or else all of these people are going to freak out when they see a tiger-like woman roaming around this club." Emma interrupted their little fight with her arms crossed across her chest and it did cooled Shalimar down.
Shalimar's eyes turned normal again and she turned to look at Emma.
"If you're scared enough to go inside the club, then fine! Go home, you big baby. I'm going to enjoy my night." Shalimar fixed her coat and entered the club. Shalimar was not really mad at Emma; she just didn't want to hear Gabriel's name. Brennan shrugged his shoulder and followed Shalimar shortly.
"So, ... you coming Ems?" Jesse looked back at her.
"Yeah, like I could drive OUR ONLY car back to the sanctuary so the three of you would end up walking home." Emma raised her brows and walked inside the club. "I swear next time we go out, I'll bring the silver Audi along so if I'll get bored...again, I can leave you three with the Red FOX."
"When did you call the 'red convertible' Red FOX?" Jesse smiled
"Since Adam dubbed it as Red FOX."
"Oh!" Jesse escorted her inside.
***
"Come on Emma. Dance with me. We've been sitting here for hours." Jesse continued to ask Emma to dance.
"I told you Jess, you should go and have some fun."
"And watch you mope around here? No way." Jesse grinned and it decorated a smile on Emma's lips.
~This was her first smile tonight. ~ Jesse thought and he felt good. He had to admit that he's not as funny as Brennan, even if he tries, and he loves it everytime he could bring a little joy to his friends...especially to Emma. He seemed to always want to see her happy that is why it almost tore him apart to see Emma mourn for Tyler. She was too crushed when she lost Tyler. Emma cried a lot for Tyler and it hurt him especially when he remembers that he could not do anything for her.
"Hey Jesse, I'm fine." Emma tapped Jesse on the arm after sensing deep concern from Him.
"So will you give me the honor of having your first dance?" Jesse continued to persuade her.
"Nah! You go and have some fun. I'll stay here."
~Yeah like I can leave you alone. Considering how weak you still are. ~ Jesse told himself as he smiled to Emma.
Being a psionic that she is, Emma sensed what Jesse's mind said and her emotion started to stir up a little converting her concern to a bit of irritation. But instead of beating Jesse, she just smiled and projected something on the blonde woman that was standing near Jesse.
"Hey!" the young blonde said.
"Hey!" Jesse responded. "Do I know you?" he unnecessarily cringed his forehead.
"I doubt it." The blonde laughed. "Care to dance?" the blonde invited him. Jesse looked at Emma before he replied.
"Sorry I..." he felt a sting in his head and suddenly he had the urge to dance with the blonde. "...okay!" he agreed and left Emma behind as the blonde impatiently tagged him on the dance floor. Emma smiled sheepishly after projecting something on Jesse's mind then she turned to the bar to order another glass of ladies drink.
***
"So, are you planning to seat here all night?" a male voice stunned Emma on her seat.
~I thought I already fix Jesse~ she told herself as she turn around to face the owner of the voice. "Jesse, I told you I..." she stopped when she was greeted by an unfamiliar face.
"Hi! I'm Cole." The man held out his hand.
Emma would usually turn down men who wanted to meet her in a party like this one but, somehow, she sensed solace with the stranger in front of her although the face is very foreign.
"Emma! My name is Emma." She replied after scanning the man and finding out that he means no harm.
"Sorry to interrupt your privacy but I can't help but to come here as I have been observing you sitting here for hours." He smiled.
"That's alright." Emma felt like blushing after sensing the sincerity of the man in front of him. ~He feels a bit comfortable to me. What was his name again? ... yeah, Cole ~ Emma told herself while trying to conceal her blush after Cole show his boldness.
"Can I buy you a drink?" Cole asked her-again displaying his valor.
"How about if you dance with me?" Emma suggested. She didn't understand herself. A minute ago, she has no interest in dancing the night off but now she is the one inviting the young man who she just met. Is she matching his boldness? Or is she just challenged with his audacity?
"I thought you didn't want to dance?" there was a slight confusion in Cole's expression and he smiled the confusion off.
Emma's brows met and her forehead cringed. ~How did he know that? Was he listening when I was talking with Jesse? Did I unconsciously told him? ~
~Was it because I have the same gift as you do? ~
Emma almost fell from her seat.
"I'm sorry." Cole caught her just in time. "I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to..."
"You're a psionic?" Emma's eyes were wide open. There are very few events when she would meet a mutant in the same breed as her. Thank God she was guarding their secrets all the time or Cole would have read it... ~or he already read it? ~ Emma cringed her forehead some more, trying to scan Cole's mind some more as he tried to explain to her why he read her.
"Well, yes. B...bu...but I didn't mean to read you. It's just that...I mean..." he tried so hard to explain himself to Emma; stammering and searching for words, one after another when Emma interrupted him with her giggle.
"What?" Cole was confused but he was smiling this time as he was sensing the laughter coming out from Emma's emotion; scratching his nape unmindfully.
"I'm sorry... I'm not making fun of you..." Emma uttered in between giggles. "It's just that..." Emma started giggling again as Cole joined her a minute later.
"I get it. I really don't have to say it, do I?" Cole chuckled with her.
"Yeah, right." She beamed, finally ending her contained laughter. "So, care to dance?" Emma placed her drink on the bar and stood up.
"Sure." Cole held his hand out for her and Emma took it with a smile. They walked together to the dance floor, still chuckling over some thought they shared with their powers.
***
"So, I see you're enjoying so much!" Brennan grinned at Shalimar as she approached him to the bar. "I'm really sorry Shal, ...about a while ago...I know we shouldn't have joked about..."
"It's okay Bren, just don't mention that scum bag's name again. Not when I'm around. Or at least not when it's not necessary." Shalimar hardly left the dance floor and she is sure tired. She leaned on the bar, slightly panting, and she smiled at him.
"Sure." He smiled back.
"Hey!" Jesse tapped Brennan on his arm when he came to them.
"Hey!" he was leaning on the bar again after paying for Shalimar's drink. "How's the blonde?" Brennan grinned at Jesse.
"Oh! I got her number and we'll hook up later." He smiled.
"Good for you Jess." Shalimar joined their conversation as she placed her drink down. They were really having a good time when Shalimar noticed someone was not with them.
"So...did Emma really went home ahead?" Shalimar asked with a friendly concern as she looked around for Emma.
"Oh no, she was with me and I left her here..." Jesse started looking about, trying to find Emma. "She was just here a minute ago." He uttered with a little concern.
Brennan started looking around too.
"You mean you left her here." Turning his head, Brennan looked harder. Since the incident with Caleb, he made a promise to himself never to let strangers come near to Emma without him on guard. Sure he was protective of the group, but his concern for Emma is greater since they share a special bond that was formed when they first met in a club.
Still not ceasing his search for Emma, Brennan asked Jesse again. "Why did you leave her Jesse? You know she's still weak to be left alone" Brennan's voice started to sound irate. He knew how things got harder for Emma even if her powers already evolved. It has almost been a year since Tyler died and they all know that Emma has been through a lot lately therefore needed more attention and protection. "Didn't Adam told you to watch her?" Brennan was more protective of Emma than usual. He didn't understand it himself. He knows that Emma could protect herself without doubt but he knew in his heart that he has to protect her no matter what.
"Hey, I remember Adam telling us..." pointing at Shalimar, Brennan and himself "...all to watch her!" Jesse defended.
"Cut it out you two." Shalimar interrupted her friends. "Never mind who was assigned to watch her. We just have to find her before it's too late. Adam will fry us if we come home without Emma."
***
~Damn them! ~ Emma cursed, after silently after absorbing her friends little talk. ~I hate it when they refer to me as weak. ~ She thought irately. There are times when she can't really screen them off her wits and it disgust her everytime they would talk about how she has to be protected; how weak she is. It makes her feel sick to her stomach.
"Are these friends of yours gifted like you?" Cole interrupted her thoughts.
"Wha...What friends?"
~I mean your friends-in your mind." Cole mind-talked her.
"Oh!" Emma smiled. She almost forgot the thrill of having her gift. She rarely mind-talk with the MX since they all agreed to refrain from using their powers with each others and to add the fact that nobody seems to want to be rehearsing with her since they all say that her powers are lethal for them especially when she could use it with out them knowing it; all she does and could do is hang around the dojo...alone...to rehearse with...duh...of course-herself, since no one wanted to rehearse with a weak psionic.
"Hey!" Cole called her attention again.
"What?" Emma was taken away from her mind wrath and she smiled.
"So, are they...um...mutant?" Cole whispered the last word into Emma's ear."
"Why?" ~can't you read that from my mind? ~ Emma grinned as she mind talked Cole and it made him laugh.
"No, I couldn't." he smiled as they both dance with the beat of the music. "For some odd reasons, I guess you've guarded those thought so well that I can't even tap in." ~even if I try. ~ he joked.
Emma enjoyed dancing with Cole. This is one of the rare events where she would love to stay in the club even if the group leaves her.
"Don't you want to answer my question, dear heart?" Cole asked her again as they continued swaying in the beat of the music.
"Yeah!" Emma giggled. "They are all...new mutants." She whispered the last word then she giggled again.
"Of the same breed?"
"Oh no, they are from different breeds."
"Maybe that is why they are so much concern of you." Cole explained.
Emma's face twisted for a moment and then she smiled. "You sounded like a psychologist, do you know that?" She was waiting for him to laugh but Cole only gave a shy smile and Emma's eyes widened when it hit her...
"O-H-M-Y-G-O-D-! You are a psychologist!" she stopped moving as she was so stunned.
"Well, I wanted them to refer to me as a..." he lifted his fingers as he signaled a quotation mark and he continued "...'Doctor'..." then he smiled. "Being a psychologist is really not a turn-on for women, is it?" Cole giggled.
Emma was still left without words. She was still searching for words but she was too surprise with the revelation.
~Have you been interested with me as to a patient? ~ Emma asked with an obvious seriousness. Cole looked at her for a while trying to pose an "are you kidding" look.
"Do you know how beautiful you are? Any man would give up his right hand to the devil, just to dance with you tonight." Cole said with out blinking.
Emma felt a blush coming and she tried to conceal it. "You sure know how to make a woman feel desirable huh!" she grinned.
"You are desirable!" Cole stressed and he sincerely smiled.
***
Brennan walked to a bartender, still hoping to find Emma in the crowd. He looked around once more before he faced the bartender.
"Hi man, excuse me." Brennan called the bartenders attention. "Have you seen a young brunette about this high..." signaling Emma's height "...wearing a black lacy blouse and a black knee-length skirt?"
The bartender looked at Brennan and then smiled. "Yes, she's actually at my twelve o'clock."
Brennan whirled around and found Emma...with a guy. He noticed that Emma seems to be blushing. He also noticed that the stranger was holding Emma closer than he should. Brennan's protective instinct worked overtime.
As a friend, Brennan wanted to let Emma enjoy the night. This is one of the rare events were Emma could enjoy in a party like this, especially in a partly like this considering she's not a real party lover. Why would not he let Emma loose herself tonight?
~Because she's dear to you! ~ his mind spoke to him.
~But this is a rare event in her life. Maybe I should let her alone ~ his wits replied to his own question.
~What are you? Insane? Do you remember the last time you let her loosen up a little? She died Bren. Are you willing to risk that again? ~
He had a little conversation with himself as he tried to figure out what to do. No! He will never risk losing Emma again. He has to protect her and consequences be damned.
***
"Do you know how beautiful you are? Any man would give up his right hand to the devil, just to dance with you tonight." Cole said with out blinking.
Emma felt a blush coming and she tried to conceal it. "You sure know how to make a woman feel desirable huh!" she grinned.
"You are desirable!" Cole sincerely smiled. ~So desirable that you drive your boyfriend insane with jealousy now that he sees you with someone else ~
"Boyfriend?" Emma smirked at him after receiving his mental message. "I don't have a boyfriend."
~Then ... is the guy behind you one of your friends? ~ Cole looked past through Emma.
"Am I interrupting anything?" a deep male voice was heard and Emma turned to the direction of the voice.
"Brennan?!" Emma was surprised with the weird feeling she was sensing from him.
Brennan looked at Emma, to the stranger then back to Emma again. "So, am I disturbing something?" he asked again then he threw a look to the stranger ... and it did not give a very welcoming vibes
"Ems, I think I should go now." Cole addressed Emma as he averted Brennan's gaze.
"Leave? Why?" Emma turned to him. She has not enjoyed a party like she is enjoying at the moment. Why then would he leave? Is he not having fun? Is she so boring? Is she so uptight?
~It's not you Ems. Trust me. ~ Cole made a mental contact with her.
~Why then? ~
~Because I'd like to go home in one piece and your friend here...~ both looked at Brennan and then stared at each other again. ~...is preparing to tear me apart if I don't leave. ~ Cole raised his brows.
~You really should not mind him. He's often this way. I could drive him away if you want. ~ Emma assured him as she prepared to talk to Brennan but Cole stopped her.
~Yeah right, then he would be waiting for me outside so tear me apart? Nope! I'd very much want to live and see thirty. ~ he smiled.
Brennan was puzzled with the behavior of the two people in front of him. ~They seem to be talking with a mere stare? How is that possible? ~ he asked himself. He just jerked back when he heard the stranger's voice again.
"I'll be going then." Cole moved a little away from Emma and they exchanged smiles.
"Okay!" She nodded.
"See you later then."
~Later? ~ Brennan blinked. ~They are still planning to hook up again? ~
"Sure!"
Brennan heard Emma and saw her smiling.
Emma's eyes twinkled. She really hoped there would be a second time. She hoped? When did she start to be into hooking up?
"Call you later" Cole called out before he turned away.
~Call? Cole, I didn't give you any number. ~ Emma asked his wits.
~Do we-psionics, still need a phone to call each other? ~ He faced Emma and then left.
***
"What was that?" Brennan curiously demanded. He have not seen anyone or any couple staring at each other as if they were talking with their eyes and it bothered him. ~Why was Emma looking at him like that? She never looked at me like that before. She never looked at us like that before. ~
"What's 'what'?" Emma faced Brennan; cutting her mental contact with Cole.
"You seemed to be talking with him with your eyes." Brennan said irately, raising his arms to point the stranger who just left.
"With my mind Bren, not with my eyes. I'm a psionic. I do that a lot." Emma started to leave the dance floor.
"But not with anyone, am I right?" Brennan followed her as she leave the floor hastily, hoping he would receive a positive answer from Emma. Brennan pressed in the crowd and tried to catch up with her.
"Right! Only with the people that I trust." Emma leaned forward over the bar as they reach the corner and she asked for a drink.
"And you trust him?" Brennan raised his voice and his brows slightly touching. "Who is that guy?" he asked, not taking his eyes of Emma as he awaits for her answer.
"A friend." Was her terse reply as she pay for her drink.
"And when did you met him." He crossed his arms across his broad chest.
Emma turned to face the dance floor; still not looking at him, she answered... "Tonight!"
"TONIGHT?!" Brennan spat the words out. "And you trusted him? And what, Is your trust gained overnight?"
Emma looked at him devilishly and looked away again. She doesn't feel obligated to tell him anything especially about her private life.
"What is his name anyway?" Brennan hissed.
"What do you care?" she hissed back.
***
"Hey girlfriend!" Shalimar walked to Brennan and Emma who were at the bar. "Where have you been?" she asked.
"Dancing with some strangers!" Brennan answered for her with a sarcastic smile, knowing Shalimar would back him up. Emma eyed him. She was tempted to knock him down...only she didn't know how.
"You were what?" Shalimar was surprised but she doesn't seem mad about it... it's quite the contrary, as a mater of fact. "Is he cute?" Shalimar grinned.
"Shal?!" Brennan hissed.
"What?" she smiled some more.
Brennan eyed Shalimar and pulled her close so she could hear him.
"She was dancing with a stranger Shal, and you seemed happy about it?" he whispered irately in her ear. He was expecting Shalimar to be more concerned about it but she was acting the opposite.
"This is a club Bren." She smiled. "Everyone is a strangers to everyone, right Ems?" she grinned. Emma nodded as she raised her glass and Shalimar let out a loud laugh. Yes she was happy Emma is moving on. After the incident with Caleb, Shalimar made it her priority to make sure Emma is well and protected but she knew tonight wasn't the right time to hold Emma back. Emma is happy for the first time since Tyler died. Shalimar could not ask for more. She would give up everything to make her best friend happy. Yes. She was letting Emma loosen up tonight but she would be around in case something would happen.
***
"There you are!" Jesse said with a loud voice as he approached them. He was tired and panting from his search of Emma when he found them in the bar. He noticed Shalimar and Emma beaming, then he noticed a serious expression on Brennan's face. "Hey man what's wrong?" he asked him, tapping him lightly on his arm as he reached the bar.
"What's wrong with what?" Brennan replied without a smile. Jesse knew he should not ask Brennan anymore. In instances like this, Brennan could be very dangerous.
"Don't mind him Jess. He's just pissed he didn't get the lady bartender's number." Shalimar joked. She looked at Brennan, noticing that he is eyeing her.
~What is she talking about? I haven't asked anyone anything? ~ Brennan's face twisted with puzzlement then he heard Shalimar again.
"What? You didn't think I'd knew, huh, Bren?" she grinned at him and then she winked. This made Jesse and Emma giggled but it irritated Brennan even more. Nevertheless, he contained his mounting...anger? ~Why am I angry? Because I saw Emma dancing with a stranger? And why would that make me angry? Because she's dear to me? Yes! That's it. She's dear to me and I can't let her get hurt again. Yes! That's it...that has to be it! ~ Brennan's emotion was a mix anger and confusion.
***
"Well I guess we have to go now. Adam might need us." Jesse stated as he smiled, interrupting Brennan's. He took Emma's hand and led her outside, still giggling on what Shalimar said.
"What was that? What were you talking about?" Brennan asked Shalimar.
"I know what you were going to say. You were going to tell Jesse that you found Emma in the dance floor with a stranger." Shalimar replied.
"And you seemed happy about it. I can see that."
"Bren," Shalimar hooked her arm with Brennan's and she smile into his eyes. "I know how concern you are about Emma, but this isn't the right time to scold her. She's having a good time for the first time after Tyler died. Wouldn't you want her to be happy?"
"Of course I do, but..."
"Then that's it. Let's give her this night. You could scold her later okay?" she tugged him out side of the bar.
MUTANT-X-MUTANT-X-MUTANT-X-MUTANT-X-MUTANT-X-MUTANT-
***Lyza***
So what do you think? I'm planning to mess with the groups' friendship. I think it'll be fun. Please review. Hope you've enjoyed.