Disclaimer—see Chapter One

A/N:  Well, here it is--the final chapter!  I always feel a bit sad when I come to an end of a story, but it feels good to finish at the same time.  Please take a moment to review if you have read this story, it would mean so much to me.  Thank you!

A/N II:  Thank you so much to everyone who so faithfully reviewed and kept me going.  I couldn't have done it without all your encouragement!!  Thank you to the following: Viviana, Mari, Shallan, Rogue, Blackpanther2288, Fiery Feral, Canadian-Chic14, Jessesgirl11, Redhead2, PeTiTeCaT, Sage360, Puma4, goldstranger, Broceliande, Koala Tangerine, brennan_n_shalimar fan, Irony1, completeopposites, Sunstar2, ItalianchiKE, CatJerica, Shay, Alexa, and to anyone kind enough to review this last chapter—thank you all so very much!

While All Was Still—Chapter Fourteen

"Come on, Brennan, It'll be fun," Shalimar waggled her brows at his hesitant look.  "Please?" she added, seeing his face reluctantly softening.  She flashed him a triumphant smile before turning back around and leaning against the railing.  The last few days had been wonderfully quiet; they had spent long hours contented in just being together.  Without fear of David or Laura stumbling upon them, the freedom to enjoy the last days aboard ship had been heady, healing.  Her eyes sparkled up at Brennan as calypso music was suddenly replaced with a soft instrumental melody.  Nervous couples lined up clutching sweaty hands together as they stared down the long aisle to the flowery altar and beaming ship's Captain.  The music swelled into the familiar wedding march, and Shalimar grasped Brennan's hand, tugging him along as the first couple in line took their first steps. 

Brennan swallowed apprehensively as his eyes raked across the growing crowds of people and stared down the long white path in front of him.  Shalimar stepped up and wrapped her hand around his arm. 

"Ready?"  She prompted him. 

"Yeah," he nodded, "Let's do this."

He took a deep breath and took the first step—down.  Shalimar smiled encouragingly at him, and the rest of the steps suddenly became easy.  The climbed down the rest of the way and soon were standing on the dock, looking upon the last island of the trip.

"Ok, Shal," Brennan winced, "let's get this shopping over with."

She grinned and tugged him towards the nearest shop flanking the harbor.

"Are you sure you don't want to stay and watch the weddings?" Brennan persisted. 

"Stop it," Shalimar laughed at him, "We're going shopping and that's final.  I want to find the perfect souvenir."

The town was crowded and noisy.  Among the first things Shalimar noticed were the flamingos.  The birds were everywhere, flying overhead, stalking delicately along the piers and street, in riotous hues ranging from peach sorbet to flaming sunset orange.  The open market began right at the end of the wharf.  Shalimar watched as a young woman walked by, carrying a tremendous load of fruit in a wide, shallow basket on her head.  She was an exotic beauty, with large lustrous eyes and wide hips that swayed seductively as she walked.  She cut her eyes to Brennan, giving him an approving once-over, raven winged eyebrows raised invitingly as she passed by. 

Shalimar smacked him.

"I didn't even see her!" he protested. 

Shalimar laughed. 

Everywhere they looked, a smiling islander invited them to buy the fruits, the flowers, the baskets, the jewelry, the hats.  Fragrant bougainvillea scented the air heavily as they strolled along, glancing at the numerous stalls and tiny shops.  After a while, Shalimar noticed the glazed look in Brennan's eyes and knew she needed to make her choice as quickly as possible.  She skimmed another shop full of conch jewelry and then lit up as she finally found the perfect item. 

Shopping done, Brennan smiled broadly at her, "I have an idea."

The tiny cay was only about a mile long and half a mile wide, with blinding white beaches sloping down gently into the shallows.  Palm trees and dun grasses swayed gently in the warm breeze, whispering a magical song just for them.  They walked along around the shore, running in the gentle surf and gathering shells.  When they grew tired and hungry, they returned to their secluded chairs and enjoyed a leisurely picnic.  Hours ticked by and they returned to the water.  Shalimar dove in as Brennan waded out until the aquamarine water was up to his waist; contend to watch as Shalimar swam around.  Finally she broke through the surface, gasping for air and pushing her hair out of her eyes, searching and finding him in the shallows.  He stood there in the blinding sunlight, water droplets glistening on his tanned body, the sun gleaming on the smooth knotted muscles, and Shalimar drew a deep breath at the sight.  He stepped forward and swept her into his arms and carried her to the beach, gently laying her underneath the palm trees.  She encircled her arms around his neck and accepted his warm kiss.  He sank down into her arms for a moment, caressing her warm skin and groaning into her mouth as she deepened the kiss.  Footsteps walking by drew her back to awareness and she reluctantly pulled away, pushing herself to a sitting position with an embarrassed chuckle. 

Brennan grinned and tossed her one of the fluffy white towels they had brought with them.  She tried drying her hair, but it was a hopeless mass of salty curls and tangles, so she decided to leave it for now.  She settled back into Brennan's embrace as he sat back beside her and in contended silence they watched the sun start its descent toward the western horizon.  As they watched, the brilliant tropical sunset colors paled to gentle pastels and then a darkening blue. 

"We should be getting back," Brennan murmured even as he lay back down. 

Shalimar turned so her head was resting on his flat stomach.  "In a minute.  It's so peaceful, so quiet."

"Mm-hm."

"Brennan?"

"Hmm?"

"Thank you for going shopping with me."

His stomach muscles clenched as he chuckled, jostling her head in wry amusement; she couldn't help it, she joined in with him.  It felt good to laugh again. 

Leaving the ship was a moment of mixed emotions for them both.  Shalimar was relieved the week was over and was glad to have Brennan back to herself again, but the events of the week had left its toll on them, and it was hard to leave as if nothing had happened.  The haunted look was still faint in Brennan's eyes, and she knew he had nightmares that he didn't talk about.  She clenched tightly to his hand as they descended the plank for the last time, knowing they were leaving a piece of themselves behind.  Jesse picked them up in the helix and before they knew it, they were home again. 

In her room, Shalimar quickly unpacked, shivering in the cool autumn air.  Digging into the bottom of her bag, she smiled as she pulled out the little water fountain she had purchased their last day in the Caribbean and set it up on her nightstand.  She sank onto her bed, sighing as the soothing waters washed over her senses, calming her heart. 

And then Brennan was there, taking her cold cheeks in his hands and looking happily down into her face with a smile, all his love for her there in his eyes. She entwined herself in his fierce embrace and rejoiced in the familiar feel of his body, the firmness, the strength of his arms, the crush of his cheek against hers. 

"I can't believe everything that happened this week," she whispered a few minutes later, pulling back from his embrace and crawling under her thick quilt as he turned off the light.  He climbed in next to her, tangling his legs with hers, to be as close as possible. 

"I'm just glad to be home again."  Gently, he kissed her.  Sweetly, so softly, his cold lips amazingly warming her skin. 

"It doesn't seem real, does it?" she whispered.

"It was, though." His face drew tight. 

She put a finger to his lips.  When he tried to speak, she shushed him.  "No, Bren, let's not focus on that right now.  Let's pretend there is no world but our own."

He took her hand away.  "I hear you, Shal, but there is another world.  As much as we want, we can't forget, I can't—"

"Brennan."

"Yeah?"

"You were right before. We have to believe we make a difference." She stared earnestly up at him.

He gazed down at her, a smile slowly growing on his face.  He let go of her hand and traced her lips with his finger.  "You are an amazing woman."

"Why?"  Her forehead wrinkled in question.

"What you just said about making a difference.  That is why we keep doing this.  That is how we get through it all, isn't it?"

"Yeah, I think so.  That is our hope," she thoughtfully cocked her head. 

"Come here." He reached for her. 

"Aren't you glad we're together," she whispered, snuggling up to him again. 

He smiled, tracing her lips again with his finger, and making her shiver.  She leaned up to capture his lips just as a sudden knock on the door startled them. 

"Shalimar, let me in!"

"Lexa," groaned Shalimar.  "Brennan, she drives me crazy!"

"You have to admit," he whispered, kissing her mouth quickly, and sneaking another quick kiss, "she's getting better.  At least she didn't barge in this time."

"I don't care, and whatever she wants it can wait until morning."

"Shalimar, come on, open up!" Another knock pounded on the door.  Brennan grunted and pushed himself up.

"Don't go," Shalimar reached to grab his wrist.

"We have to get rid of her," he raised his brows at her.  The minute Brennan cracked the door, Lexa pushed in. 

"Sorry, Shalimar, but I just got word in of a new mission.  Oh and welcome home by the way."

"Thank you." Shaliimar pointedly looked to the door.  "Good night, Lexa."

"Oh alright, never mind." Lexa suddenly grinned, unable to keep up the charade, "Actually, Jesse sent me, to tell you we're leaving for a few days to check out some rumors of mutant activity up north.  We left all the details in the computer for you guys." 

Jesse's head popped in behind her.  "Have fun you two."

Shalimar's brows furrowed.  "You guys are the ones leaving, what are you talking about—" She stopped abruptly, face turning red.  "Oh."

Jesse chuckled and then laughed out loud when he noticed the darkened room.  "You don't waste any time, do you?!"

"Jesse," Brennan's eyes narrowed as he held up one hand, flickering blue flames dancing in the low light.

Jesse chuckled again, pulling Lexa out the door with him.  "Goodnight!" Their combined voices floated merrily back through the closed door.

Brennan gave the door a good shove and then turned the bolt before jumping back into bed.  "Now where were we?"

"I think," Shalimar laughed at him, "I was asking if you were glad we were together, that we have each other?"

"Do you have any idea how much I love you, Shal," Brennan smiled at her, eyes darkening with deep emotion.

"I know," Shalimar smiled cheekily back, throwing her arms around his shoulders, loving the feel of his warm breath as he chuckled against her neck. 

Sanctuary's halls hummed with quiet efficiency as water trickled in soothing ebb and flow, rustling against the rocky fountain walls in whispered echoes.  A sleepy arm stretched across a slender waist, entwining fingers together and molding two shapes into one, pulling loved ones together, contented in the cool stillness of the night. 

"And that night, while all was still, I heard the waters roll slowly, continually up the shores, I heard the hissing rustle of the liquid and sands, as directed to me, whispering, to congratulate me.  For the one I love most lay sleeping by me under the same cover in the cool night, in the stillness, in the autumn moonbeams, his face was inclined toward me, and his arm lay lightly around my breast—and that night I was happy."  --Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass. 

The End!