Authors Notes: This is the final chapter of my story. I'm thinking of writing a sequel to this story, as I liked writing the character Sage, so that might be up here soon. If you would like to read more of my work I've just uploaded the first chapter of a new Mutant X story, called "Memories", that I've been working on, so please read and review that. I've really enjoyed writing this story and I've loved reading all your reviews. Once again I'd just like to thank everyone who has reviewed my story, I really appreciate it. Please read and review this chapter.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Sanctuary, Night………
Shalimar creped out of her room and headed to the Med-Lab. It was late and everyone else was asleep. As she entered the Lab she noted that Brennan's was alone. Adam had moved Sage back to the spare room after it became apparent that he was fine and just needed rest.
As Shalimar sat down next to Brennan's still form she lifted his hand to her cheek and gently leaned her head on it, closing her eyes. She stayed like that for a couple of minutes before she was interrupted from her thoughts.
"Shalimar." Brennan's tired and confused voice intruded on Shalimar's thoughts making her open her eyes. "Where am I?"
"It's okay. You're at Sanctuary, you're safe." Shalimar said barely able to contain her joy. She leaned down and kissed him on his cheek and then hugged him tightly to her until he groaned in pain. "I'm sorry, I forgot the injured ribs."
"It's okay." Brennan said amused at the look of guilt on Shalimar's face. "I don't think you did any permanent damage."
Shalimar started to cry and Brennan sat up so he could hold her gently to him and rock her. "Shhh. Everything's okay now. I'm fine, everything's fine. There's nothing to cry about."
"Oh, Brennan. It's all my fault." Shalimar said as she cried into his shoulder. "I shouldn't have let them take you. If I hadn't been preoccupied I would have sensed them coming and I would have been able to get to you in time. It's my fault they took you. I'm sorry."
Brennan tried to comfort her but she moved away from him and stood a few feet away tears streaming down her face.
"I don't know what I would have done if I had lost you." Shalimar gasped out. "I love you so much, I can't stand the thought of loosing you."
Brennan looked at her in surprised; shocked that she had such strong feelings for him. In his heart he guessed he'd always known that he loved her but the thought that she might return the feeling had never crossed his mind.
She turned suddenly and before Brennan could even think he was standing in front of her holding her in his arms, his lips seeking hers. They kissed passionately for a few moments, breaking away finally to catch a breath of air before returning their lips to each others. They kissed each other hungrily, as if each one was feeding of off something from the other. When they finally broke apart they stared intently into each other's eyes.
"I love you so much." Brennan whispered to Shalimar, wiping away the tears from her face as he spoke.
"I love you too." Shalimar said, tears returning to her eyes. "I'm just sorry it took all this for me to realize how I felt." She looked away from him. "Can you ever forgive me for letting them take you?"
"It wasn't your fault. " Brennan said reassuringly.
"Yes it was." Shalimar practically cried out. "I should of …"
Brennan pressed his lips to hers gently, shutting her up. She returned his kiss passionately before she broke away from him.
"I should probably go. You need to get your rest." Shalimar said regretfully as she pulled out of his embrace. "Adam will be mad if he finds out I snuck back here."
Brennan nodded reluctantly, knowing she was right. He was feeling very tired and his ribs were in so much pain, but he didn't tell Shalimar that, not wanting to worry her. They kissed one more time before Shalimar left the Lab and Brennan Lay back down on the surgical table to get some rest.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Sanctuary, Morning………
Brennan lay on his bed reading one of his many books of poetry. Adam had allowed him to return to his room after Brennan promised to remain in bed for the next couple of days to give his ribs time to heal. Jesse and Emma had stopped by earlier on to see how he was doing. They had both been acting overly cheerful so that Brennan had finally got sick of it and had told them he was tired so that they'd leave.
There was a knock at the door and Shalimar pocked her head in.
"Can I come in?" She asked nervously. When Brennan nodded she came and sat next to him on the bed.
"How's Sage?" Brennan asked.
"He's okay. Adam thinks that he just used up what strength he had left and his body needs more time to heal. He's sleeping at the moment. Adam moved him to the spare room down the hall. He's hoping that when Sage is better he'll decide to join the team, or at least stick around long enough for Adam to figure out what happened to him." Shalimar stopped speaking realizing that she was babbling. She still felt guilty for what had happened to Brennan even though she knew he didn't blame her.
They sat in silence for a few moments until Shalimar broke it.
"How are you?" Shalimar asked looking worriedly at Brennan.
Brennan shrugged his shoulders.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Shalimar asked.
"No." Brennan shook his head still not looking at her.
"Do you want me to leave?" Shalimar asked, dreading the answer.
"No." Brennan said as he placed his hand on top of her hand, lacing their fingers together. He looked up at her giving her a small smile, which she returned.
They kissed each other gently before separating their lips from each other. Shalimar leaned against Brennan's shoulder and he wrapped his arm around her, holding her.
"I love you." Brennan whispered to Shalimar, surprised that he could feel so much happiness after what he'd just been through.
"I love you to." Shalimar said smiling to herself. They kissed one last time before lying down on the bed in each other's arms. Shalimar retrieved the forgotten book of poetry from the pillow on the bed and opening the book between her and Brennan they began to read.
THE END
