Disclaimer: Don't own, don't sue.

Author's Note:  Sorry for the delay, but I was stuck with a ton of schoolwork and my muse seemed to have run off without being considerate to me.  Oh well, I suppose my muse is better off somewhere else.  Thanks for the reviews!!!

Author's Note 2:  You guyz should thank my friend Atherie for this chapter.  This is her work, which is the reason it is much better and a different style.  She is a very talented writer and I think you should read her work, if you're interested that is.  Just a note: She has only watched one episode of Mutant X but I think she's heard me talk about it too much and I am very impressed with how this chapter turned out.  So, if the connection with the previous chapter seems odd, it's because I didn't write it and Atherie hates where I had her pick up from.  Enjoy!!!

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Chapter 15

The policeman shifted his cap to the side as he leaned down to peer at the body.  Bruises of all wondrous colors were blooming on the corpse's skin.  Just looking at the face caused him to wince and turn green.  The paramedic, who was on the other side of the body, vainly tried to find a pulse, but shook his head.  Suddenly, a man in a trench coat approached him, holding out his badge.

            "Inspector Gary.  I heard there was something that'd happened here.  A gang fight, perhaps?"  He shoved both hands into the coat pockets and walked around the body.  Scratching his stubby chin, he leaned a little closer, a curious glint in his eye.

            "Open his shirt."  The paramedic gently peeled away the crisp material.  The smell of burnt meat rose out from beneath and a perfect circle of scorched skin appeared.

            "Interesting…"  The man's eyes squinted and he borrowed tweezers from the paramedic's tray and prodded the flesh around the circle.

            "What is it?"  The policeman's back was turned to the dead man, so that no visual contact was required. 

            "It seems…well, my theory is…though I greatly doubt it…  The man was electrocuted.  But it wasn't done with wires or cables, it was…"  The investigator shook his head.

            "No, no…it makes no sense."

            "Go on."

            "It's as if someone electrocuted him through a punch.  As if the person could generate electricity."

            The policeman looked at him as if he'd gone mad.

***

            Currently, Brennan was lying in his bed, staring up at the ceiling.  His mouth slightly pouted.  Wrinkles seemed etched into his face and the sigh of breath he'd let out did little to smooth them.  Was Shalimar okay?  Adam had to do so much on his own…perhaps at some point he was too tired to concentrate?  As he continued on, aboard his train of thoughts, a figure slumped against his doorframe, a small smile on her face.  It took him a while to register that someone was actually there.  He blinked.

            "Emma?  What are you doing here?"

            She smiled deviously and crooked a finger, motioning him to come over.  He raised an eyebrow in question, but obediently walked over.  The redhead pushed the door a little wider and he became speechless. 

            There stood Shalimar.

            Her hair was straightened down.  The skin under her eyes was a bit dark, but otherwise, she looked healthy.  The feral was dressed in a white tank top and baggy gray pajama pants.  Shal smiled, and Brennan's worried thoughts flew out the door.

            "And to think I looked bad." 

            "You never look bad."

            Emma coughed, causing both heads to turn.  With a knowing smile and a wink directed at the two, she skipped off.  Shalimar rolled her eyes and Brennan grinned.

            "Well…"  He began, both hands sliding into his jean pockets.  "Are you feeling better?"

            "Much."

            "So…that means we can hang out more, to make up for lost days?"

            "Yep."

            Silence stretched between them, both lost for words.  Finally, Brennan scowled and hugged her.

            "I'm being silly, but it's the best thing to happen for weeks, to have you back.  I…missed you."  Brennan blinked, his arms still around her, and wondered at his brashness.  Stupid boy, control your mouth better.  He felt her smile over his shoulder.

            "I love you too."  He leaned back so that their faces within nose-to-nose distance.

            "You mind?"

            "Don't ask."

            Shalimar leaned up and pecked him on the lips.  Brennan frowned.  Leaning forward, he captured her lips with his own, forcing her insides to melt like butter under a scorching sun.

***

            Emma giggled and danced around the corner, a large wave of warm emotion washing over her senses.  She winced.  Okay, that was unneeded.  And crashed into Jesse who was just exiting from his room.  

            "Ow…"  She rubbed her forehead and looked up. 

            "Sorry."  He said quickly.  Emma smiled, showing that she was okay.

            "Well, are they...umm…"

            "Yeah, yeah.  Don't ask for details."

            "I won't."  He smiled mischievously at her.  Then, he seemed to drift off in some far away place.  She poked him, causing him to crash back onto Earth.  He blinked, a slight red spreading over his face.

            "Umm…I was thinking, like, everything's…"

            "You want to ask me out."  She cocked an eyebrow.  He grinned, glad that he didn't have to ask after all.  And stop reading my mind.

            "Fine, I won't.  And the answer for your date, yes."

***

            "Aww…they're such a cute couple…"  Shalimar grinned deviously at the sight of Emma and Jesse.  His arm was wrapped around her waist in a relaxing manner.  Emma glared, a look saying quiet.

            "Are they cuter than us?"  Brennan asked, a bit of a jealous tone slipping into his voice.

            "I don't know…are they?" 

            "Shush you two, with your sappiness, bleh.  It's sickening."  The redhead grinned as they turned toward her, glaring for ruining their "special" moment.

            "Psh, wasn't like you were going to do anything."

            Shalimar and Brennan turned a bright red and Jesse laughed until his stomach hurt.  Or was it because of Shalimar's slug?

The End

Author's Note: Yes, yes…… I know, Emma doesn't seem like Emma huh? Well…… I think Atherie did a pretty good job didn't she?  Please R&R to let us know what you think, besides it being too short. =)  Besides, if the reviews are good, I might just be able to persuade Atherie here to write a Mutant X fic of her own.  How's that sound? =)