Disclaimer: I don't own Mutant X or the X Men. Evie is my character.

/Personal thoughts/

~~telepathic communications~~

Chapter 16

Sunday

As the sun rose, things seemed to get back to normal at the mansion. With the exception of the two patients in the med lab, all the mission members were very much recovered and gathering for what would be a normal, albeit noisy breakfast.

Adam and Evie went to check on Brennan and Emma. Entering the lab they found Shalimar and Jesse sitting faithfully by their bedsides. "Good morning." Adam greeted them. "Any changes yet?"

Shalimar shook her head, "No, not so much as a twitch, here."

"How about Emma?" Evie asked as she moved closer to her bed.

As if on cue, Emma let out a small moan. "Aw, can't you let me sleep in just a little longer?"

Everyone moved quickly to her side and laughed as she began to open her eyes. "Don't you think about 40 hours is enough?" Adam asked.

She tried to get up but Evie stopped her. "Not too fast. Stay put and let us run a scan."

"What happened? Have I really been out that long?"

"Yep." Jesse moved back to hold her hand as she finally was able to sit up.

"What do you remember?" Adam asked.

"We came out of the clearing when the Shadow King returned to Brennan's body. He threw Shalimar like a doll."

"Don't remind me." Shal grimaced.

"He left Brennan then went for Ororo. She struggled and the professor gave the command to shoot. I did…that's all I can remember."

"You were shooting, all right." Jesse was proud of her.

"How do you feel?" Evie asked.

"I'm ok, I think, just a little light headed."

"That's better than I expected," Adam said. "With the combined power of Jean and Charles running through you I expected a pretty good headache at least."

"Don't wish it on me."

Adam kissed her head. "I don't. I'm glad you're ok. You did a great job." Turning to Jesse he added, "Take her to her room and let her freshen up. Then go to breakfast. You both need it."

Emma swung her legs over the side of the bed and gasped as her feet hit the floor. "It's cold!" she protested. Taking two steps she fell forward into Jesse's arms as the room around her suddenly seemed to turn end over end.

Adam motioned to Shal who quickly wheeled in a chair from the corner of the lab.

"Drive her to her room—and then to breakfast," he corrected himself.

As they left, Adam turned and found Evie's glowing hands on Brennan's chest. "Nothing like modern medicine."

"He's still a little weak. I just wanted to see if I could help him along."

Adam shook his head as he moved to the scanner. "Let me see if it helped." He ran the scan and smiled as the report showed improvement. "I like where the field is heading but I think I might be out of a job unless you can teach me to do that." Turning to Shalimar as they laughed, he said, "He'll be fine. Don't worry. Why don't you come and have breakfast with us?"

"No, thank you. I really just want to stay here."

"All right, I'll have something sent down to you."

Shalimar waited and watched as the morning passed. Hank was the only one who popped in and out of the lab from time to time. A little after noon, Brennan finally began to stir. She quickly came to his side and took his hand.

Opening his eyes he saw her looking down at him. "Hey."

"Hey, how do you feel?"

Trying to sit up only to be forced down again as the room began to swim around him, he answered, "Fine, as long as you tell me which way is up." He covered his eyes with his free arm.

"Adam, Brennan's awake." Shalimar called into her ring.

"We'll be right there," was the response she heard.

"Did the professor's plan work?" he asked.

"Yeah, it worked. Everyone's fine. You were the only one who was still out. The poison took longer to work out of your system."

Just then the rest of Mutant X entered the lab. "Well, it's about time." Adam said. "How are you feeling?"

"Am I dead?" he said weakly. "That train was goin' fast."

Adam ran the scan and turned back to him. "Well, the poison seems to be sufficiently out of your system, now. Tell me, what's the last thing you remember?"

He grasped Jesse's hand as he helped him to sit up. "Jaku, pulling a knife on Evie. I remember wondering how many different ways you could find to kill me if I let her get hurt. I blasted him. Then I guess I passed out."

"Yes, and I thank you for that." Evie smiled and kissed his cheek.

"Did I miss anything else?" he asked.

"Only the best fight I ever had or will ever have," answered Emma.

"And I got to play clean up, just like I warned you." Jesse poked fun.

"Nice. It's not enough I get possessed and poisoned. I have to get blamed, too." They all laughed.

"Shalimar, take him to his room and then you both should get some real sleep." Adam watched with a silent prayer of thanksgiving that his team was safe and healthy again.

Shalimar did as she was told and got Brennan up to his room. She was about to leave when he stopped her. "Shal, I need to talk to you."

"Sure, Bren." She moved to sit next to him in the bed.

He took her hands in his and kissed them. He turned her wrist and kissed it as well. "I remember everything. I remember feeling your wrist crack in my hand. I am so sorry I hurt you. Please forgive me."

"I do, Bren. It's ok. I know you would never do that." She leaned onto his chest as he reclined against the headboard. "It wasn't you." He lifted her face and looked into her loving eyes for a moment before he kissed her.

When she moved back she said, "Ororo said you were fighting his control. I knew she was right."

"Oh, no…Ororo." Brennan put his arm over his eyes as if that would erase the scene playing in his head. "She probably hates me."

"No, she doesn't. It's all forgotten. Now you need to get some rest. Go to sleep and I'll come and get you for dinner." She kissed him and left the room.

The rest of the day was spent resting and socializing. Everyone listened as Marie shared her experience waking up in the lab and discovering her new freedom. The children all marveled as Scott and Jesse gave their perspective of the mission and boasted about how great the key figures did their jobs. They made it seem so wonderful that it could have been used as a bedtime story.

With everyone home and healthy, Adam and Evie finally gave thought to their wedding. It was decided that Wednesday would be the day. The girls all got together and made some preliminary plans. Tomorrow would be a big day of shopping. Excitement began to build. They were finally getting married.

Monday

This Monday began quite differently from its twin a week earlier. There were no medical procedures to attend to. There was no school to wrap up and there was no mission for either team. The only task that presented itself was that of creating the perfect wedding day for Adam and Evie. This most pleasant objective split the teams down gender lines to complete the work. The men spent the morning at the mansion relaxing and caring for the children. The women, on the other hand, armed with plans, determination and various credit cards, including Adam's, piled into the van and were off.

They spent the first part of the morning purchasing and fitting beautiful gowns for all of them. It didn't take Evie long to find the perfect wedding dress to fit the dream of her perfect day. After leaving the dress shop, excitement seemed to run higher. Jean and the girls knew all the best places to go for all that was needed. They went efficiently from store to store checking off the list. At the bakery, a three-tiered strawberry pound cake was ordered with a lovely champagne fountain in the middle. Caterers were hired and given instructions. The menu was chosen from refreshments served as they dressed to everyone's favorite drinks to treats for the children. They visited the flower shop and bridal gift shop. In the van went items for decorating, the cake top and knife along with a set of bridal champagne glasses. An instrumental ensemble was auditioned and hired.

Two days was not a lot of time to plan a wedding, but with a little determination, a few connections and the groom's impeccable and seemingly endless credit line, miracles could happen.

Hungry and needing a break the girls stopped for lunch. They went over everything to make sure nothing would be missing. They also talked about what each of their weddings might be like. Kitty and Jubilee were just thrilled to have been invited to come along.

Jean called Scott to check in and remind him to make sure all the guys got out to get their tuxedos. She told him secretly, of her plans for the afternoon and asked him and the guys to take care of making dinner as they should probably not expect the girls home in time to do it.

After lunch there were two more stops. At the jewelry store Evie took her time and found a wedding band she thought was just right for Adam and found the perfect earrings to go with her dress.

In the van once again, Jean told the girls to blindfold Evie. The next stop was a surprise. They arrived and helped Evie to enter a place that seemed warm and inviting to her. As the doors closed behind her, the noise from the bustling street was replaced by soft music. There was a sweet smell of perfumes and candles. She heard Kitty and Jubilee begin to squeal, then be silenced by a round of hisses.

Scott made sure he got Adam to the elite men's clothing store Jean had suggested. Adam bought everything he needed for his time away with Evie. The others got what they needed. For some it was a new shirt, for others it was a whole tux. As Adam was last to be fitted for his tux, the rest sat around and waited.

"Hey," Jesse smiled. "What about a bachelor party, tomorrow night?"

A round of interesting ideas began to circulate as Adam began to flush.

"Hey," Scott protested, "I'm already married. I would have to be designated driver… and stay in the car or I'll end up sleeping in the library for a month." Everyone snickered at his misfortune.

"On second thought, I don't think that would be a very good idea," Logan stated hesitantly. "I've never been struck by lightning before."

"Yeah, we've seen all of our cheres mad. I don' tink any of us want dem focusing dat kind of attention on us." Remy added. "How do Remy know Marie won't decide to lose the new found control of her powers at a very in opportune moment, eh." They all laughed.

"So we don't tell them." This was a little out of character for Jesse but he pushed anyway.

"Right, this from the guy with the psionic girlfriend," Brennan slapped him upside his head playfully. "Besides, Shalimar would smell it on me before I even got into the mansion. Have you seen her claws? No, thank you."

Another round of laughing ended as Adam said, "As much as I appreciate the gesture, I think I would much rather stay home and make sure everyone is healthy enough to participate on Wednesday. I don't want to spend all morning in the lab with Hank." Joining in the fun he just had to add, "Besides, if Evie gets mad enough, how do I know her powers won't mutate and start to work in reverse? I would be in the same boat as Remy."

The last stop Adam had to make was at the jewelry store. He found the perfect wedding band to go with the ring he gave Evie. During their rounds they had also decided what would be on the menu for dinner. They wanted to make it special and prove to the girls they could handle it. Sure that all the wedding chores were done, they headed to the grocery store on the way home.

Jean went to speak to the manager and they were soon led into a large room and Evie was seated in a comfortable chair. As the blindfold came off and her eyes adjusted to the light she realized she was in a very elegant lingerie store. Blushing immediately she stood, "You can't be serious?"

"Now, sugah, sit down. No lady can get married without the proper wardrobe for her boudoir, can she?"

"And just think of how wild you will drive Adam, wearing a number like this." Jean brought her a red silk and lace teddy and laid it across Evie's lap, causing her cheeks to turn almost the color of the garment, itself. "Oh yes, I think this one is a must have," Jean said.

"Just think of this as your bridal shower, since we didn't have time to throw one at the mansion. Who wants pots and pans? This will be much more fun anyway." Shalimar winked and smiled at her.

Jubilee and Kitty ran to a rack and began picking through items. Ororo came up behind them and put firm hands on their shoulders. "You will both sit here on either side of Evie and watch, respectfully. You are yet too young for this store." Pouting as their friends chuckled, they were obedient.

Evie watched as the manager had refreshments brought in and was available to help with anything they needed as she realized they were in the business of pampering bridal parties. Evie and the young girls were served as the others brought items of all kind from all over the store. There were all colors and fabrics, different styles showing varying amounts of skin, and reflecting different attitudes from soft and sweet to wild and raunchy and everywhere in between. After two hours of giggles and more fun than all have had in a long time, Evie had a collection that amazed her. Each friend bought her two items and she bought one special one of her own. Shalimar and Emma made sure "Adam" bought her an assortment of candles, specially scented to enhance a romantic atmosphere, a small collection of oils and lotions and a white string bikini and sarong for their honeymoon. Each girl also bought for themselves a special little item.

The manager gave instructions for each item to be taken and wrapped. She continued, "There is one last item that the lovely bride has not yet considered." They all watched as she gestured to the door and five lovely models came in, each wearing a different peignoir set. Evie stood up amazed as she walked over to each one. They were all beautifully romantic. The manager noticed when Evie's eyes returned repeatedly to one in particular. "Why don't you try it on, My Dear?" she offered. The model guided Evie to a dressing room as the others filed out. After only a few minutes, the playful conversation between the friends abruptly stopped as they saw Evie walk in wearing a beautiful set that flattered her in every way. She stood on a platform in front of a mirror and turned. The nightgown's bodice was spaghetti strapped and organza, covered in a fine delicate lace. The full skirt was layered organza that shimmered in the light. The robe had billowing long sleeves and was also made of a thin single layer of organza with a delicate lace on all the edging. She was stunning. Turning to Emma she asked hesitantly, "Do you think he'll like it?"

"You'll take his breath away," she assured her friend.

Evie's eyes became moist. "This is so wonderful. I don't know how to thank you for such a fantastic day." They each hugged her.

All their purchases were individually packaged in boxes with ribbons of all colors tied around them. After getting 'all' the boxes in the van they finally headed home.

Back at the mansion the guys were in the living room waiting for the girls to come home. Dinner was ready and the table was set. Hank had just answered Alex Trebek's twentieth question when Logan's head suddenly cocked to one side and he declared, "Here they come."

Jean pulled the van up to the front of the mansion to unload everything. "I'll get some help." Jubilee bounded into the house with her two bags in hand.

Bursting through the front door and into the living room she declared, "We're hooome."

"Yeah, no foolin', Jubes." Logan shot back. "After an entrance like that how could we miss ya."

"Very funny." She stuck her tongue out at him, making him smirk. "We need a little help with the stuff we bought. How 'bout it?"

"Sure, Firecracker, I'll help." Brennan stood and put his arm over her shoulders as he went. Stopping dead in his tracks as he got to the door, Brennan called back, "Um, guys,…I think they need a LOT of help." He walked through the door and waited as the others filed through onto the porch. The guys just stood with their jaws on the ground in awe at the mountain of packages being removed from the van.

"Well, don't ya'll just stand there, come and help us." Marie beckoned as she saw them.

Hank laughed as he saw all the guys obediently walk to their mates.

"We'll separate our things. You just take them to our rooms," Jean directed.

The men watched the piles grow…and grow. Adam stepped back. "It looks like I'm going to be making more than one trip."

"Well, Evie is the bride." Emma answered.

"We ended up in Anna Claire's. So we decided to have a bridal shower and buy her some gifts." Ororo explained.

"Sounds to me like you bought gifts for Adam," Logan winked at his friends. Anna Claire's was a fairly famous place. Adam smiled as he saw Evie look away and blush in front of the men.

"Did you buy anything…for me?" Brennan asked as he began to lift the lid from one of Shalimar's boxes.

She promptly smacked his hand, "No peeking."

Hank approached after the unloading was done. "Will you allow me to help you, My Friend? I don't want to have to be treating sore legs from too many trips up and down the stairs."

"I would be very grateful," Adam smiled.

With Beast's strength and agility he was able to carry most of Evie's packages so only one trip was necessary. After all the packages were delivered to the right places and the van was moved back to the garage, it was time for dinner.

The girls were impressed by the wonderful dinner the men put together. The guys were obviously proud of themselves. After dinner was cleaned up and the children were sent to their rooms for the night, the girls gathered to go over the plans again. "You can never be too prepared for a wedding." Marie was the authority on southern know how.

The guys sat on the porch with their drinks. "All that cacklin' is gratin' on my nerves. I can still hear 'em in there." Logan growled.

"Do we have to go through this for all our weddings?" Jesse asked innocently.

"It was like this for mine, two years ago." Scott condoled. "But trust me; the marriage is worth the wedding." His friends were only slightly convinced.

Soon each girl was out and wrapped in her man's arms, in the cool night air. After about an hour of relaxing; Ororo rose to her feet. "I think I will turn in. We will have much to do tomorrow."

"You're right," Emma agreed as Jesse pouted.

As the rest got up to leave, Brennan grabbed Shal's wrist. "Wait, don't you want to show me what you bought?"

She smiled as she closed the distance between them. The girls in the doorway and the men in their seats all waited to see how this was going to play out. "Of course I do, Honey." She kissed him quickly. The girls frowned as the men smiled. Suddenly Shalimar pulled away and Brennan began to rise from his seat. Pushing him back down with both hands she teased, "After the wedding."

Brennan sat stunned as the men laughed and the women cheered. After regaining his voice he said, "I guess we all have to wait for Adam's wedding."

Realization made them all groan.

TBC