CLUBLIGHTS

Disclamer: M-X, Don't own them. Enjoy!

Jesse's eyes opened to a stark ray of light interrupting his sensitive blue eyes. The rumbling of his stomach invaded his ears before curling into a stone on the back of his stomach. It had to be early, maybe nine or ten, he thought. The man kicked his long legs over the edge of the bed, washing his shoulders in a rustled cascade of locks. His hands rubbed into the stubbled face, trying to erase the train wreck in his head. The man sat momentarily, trying to figure what to do. His body was too stressed to train and his mind damn sure didn't miss the humming of StormKing's computers. Slowly he pulled from the bed, stumbling into the bathroom. The returning reflection in the mirror looked aged and unrecognizable. I've got to shave this shit, he thought. But somehow, his hands wouldn't conform to the razor. His mind challenged him to shower first, especially when recognizing the all too known stench off his underarms.

Water seems to have redeeming qualities, being able to wash away anything at all. Even amidst the hot water, he felt a slight release from his demons. Subconsciously, he associated it with Emma. Countless nights, he'd be at his console typing away, only to look over the balcony at the redhead. Her meditations were a serene sight to the molecular, whom could have watched her forever. Now that place was absent, seeming to need the psionic's energy just to light up. God, he missed her.

The water ran on him till turning cold. Finally, he pushed himself out of the stall and dried off, wrapping a towel around his waist before returning to the sink. Let's try the shave again, he thought. Now his fingers could grasp the razor, but the act was unsteady, almost deactivating to his appendages. The molecular leaned forward, lowering his head in a chaos of thought, the footsteps mute on his ears.

"Up already?"

Lexa leaned in the doorway, crossing her arms intently. Even in his mess, the molecular was quite a sight, she thought. He looked up, letting his limbs pull from the counter to sway at his side. "Couldn't sleep anymore."

"I see."

"What do you want, Lexa?" The blue eyes staring at her were not signature to the Jesse she'd met months ago. These were reckless, daring almost like he'd inherited a little of Brennen's personality. The brunette pushed herself from the door and moved in front of him.

"Nothing, just checking up. You've been gone for awhile."

"Yep," he replied still eyeing his reflection. "Finally snapped."

"Whatever, Jess." The woman moved to sit on the counter, her legs swinging gently. " Y'know, I can do that for you, if you want."

"Do what?"

"Take care of the Chia-pet on your face."

"Funny, " His grin was almost rustic under the stubble. Yep, she thought. He needed to lose the beard. But the shoulder length hair worked a little too well. "You? Shave my beard?"

"If you want me to?" Her blue eyes met his in a not so innocent dare. "Won't leave you with too many, scratches."

"And I thought you liked to scratch." He smirked.

Her face froze before continuing. "I owe you for that one."

Jesse pulled his locks into a ponytail, still eyeing the woman. Her eyes seemed to run straight through him, like a human laser. "I trust you'll kill me."

"Not today, I'll wait till you can fight back."

Again, his hands hit the counter, only this time on either side of her thighs. The brunette was surprised at how much taller he was than her, and turned to start the faucet. Her fingers wet the hair slowly, running in the curling strands. Yep, she thought. Not even conditioner will work on this. Finally, the shave gel rolled between her fingers in its cool green color. The molecular stiffened in support, watching her with no fear. He has changed, she thought. The man had broken from some part of his psyche that held back his aggressiveness. He was forward, devious and a little more dangerous. Her smile, spread in recognition.

The gel had to be worked in for a while, at least till it penetrated the dense strands. Lexa divided her time between running the blade under the faucet and breaking up the coarse hair. Finally, Jesse lifted his jaw so she could make the first shave. Both held their breath as the razor slid under his jaw, riding along the curve of his chin. Something told the woman to save her jokes till the end when she was sure he wasn't nicked. Again, the blade slid along his chin, slowly contouring to the man's chiseled face. Jesse arched his head in each direction silently, giving the woman access to the needed areas. On his jaw, she was a little more confident, but purposely used too much gel, so his skin wouldn't irritate. The blade slid along the surface easily, taking the hair mostly in one stroke. Again her breath held when she traveled the curve of his chin and that sensitive part of his upper lip, where his smirks would almost deem the man as feral. Jesse's eyes never left her as the woman cleaned up strokes along his neck, and made sure she didn't miss anything. "You're doin' good." He whispered as she rinsed the blade. "Feels like you got it all."

"I hope I did," Her fingers ran a damp towel along his jaw, removing anything else left. "That ZZ Top thing wasn't working."

"It wasn't that bad, Lexa."

"All you needed was a Harley and a beer belly," she smirked, running her fingers along the skin. "Then good-bye Mutant X, hello Hells Angels."

"Whatever." He replied. She really had done a good job. His face looked brand new and much more familiar. He moved, to examine himself in the mirror, almost missing the closeness from before. Her fingers felt a lot better than his when tracing the skin.

"Well?"

He eyed her, checking his face again before speaking. "You did good."

"Good." The woman jumped from the counter, moving to pull the locks from the ponytail. The dirty blonde tresses brushed past his shoulders in soft wisps.

"You're playing hairdresser now?"

She fingered the hair silently. At least he used conditioner in the shower.

Jesse pulled her hand from his hair gently. "I think I can do that myself. Don't want you breaking out the ribbons and bows on me."

"Okay." Lexa smirked before heading to the door. "I'll be in the kitchen."

The molecular watched as she strutted off, his fingers still grazing his skin. I aught to hire her full time, he thought.

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The coast of StormKing ran in a strip of white beach, curving to the ministrations of its blue lover. Sunlight cascaded down the cliffs, bathing the land jealously. For that time of day, the world was perfect. There was no enemy, no arguments, no broken hearts to mend. And Jordan was thankful for it all.

She ran the land with a vigorous need to sweat. The white tennis shoes left pats of sand rising into the air as she moved, her thoughts lost in the upcoming mission. How will we do this, she thought. How will we be able to get in and act without losing dignity, to say the least? Lexa's suggestions came barreling back to her and Shalimar had been right to want to tell the guys. But this cause and effect was much too obvious. She could see Brennen now, breaking down doors, and pummeling anyone to get to them, just so he could curse till he passed out. And Jesse, in his present state (the delayed reaction to Emma's death) would beat people senseless. She couldn't count the nights Brennen had actually found him, and dragged him in after he'd bashed some guy or guys out in the bars. His emotional state was profoundly affecting the control of his mutant abilities. Jordan knew that all they could do was give it time.

The sweat was plastering the spandex to her skin as she hit her turn back point. Maybe everyone's up by now. Lexa had not bothered anyone since they had to do this mission. This one thing could tear apart an already delicate situation. Maybe, it should just be me and Lex, she thought. Then Shalimar wouldn't have to be so torn. But in order for it to work, they needed three people. The inevitable sat in her stomach like a stone as she made her way back to the patio. The plane curved silently before spilling into a quick tunnel. Suddenly, she was back in Sanctuary pressing in the access codes that lead into the lobby.

"Playing outside again?"

She turned to face Brennen, whom was making his way to the dojo. His white tank and athletic pants looked brand new. The man eyed her evily as she stopped, taking in exaggerated breaths. "Hey you."

"Hey you."

"I wasn't playing outside, Sparky." She grinned, stretching her arms forward to loosen up her joints. Brennen grabbed the wrists, yanking her in a feeble attempt to make her fall. She punched him in the arm before continuing. "It's just nice to be out in the sun sometimes. I mean we do live in a rock, and all."

Again she stretched, put this one was the reverse. Her arms moved behind her back, leaning the woman, and momentarily pushing her attributes into the air. The elemental quickly turned, avoiding getting locked in a dead stare. She never opts for much clothing, he thought. Even now, the black crop top and shorts seemed not nearly able to 'contain' her. Why did the women of this house torture him so? Not one of them knew what it was to wear a full shirt or a reasonable skirt. And pants didn't do much good, either. If they weren't tight, they were low rise, or had laces up the side or zippers where zippers were just too damn tempting on a woman. Damn, he thought. As if the long boots weren't enough.

"So, what are you up to?"

His thoughts broke to see Jordan bending over in another stretch. She had to know better than to do this around him. She had to! The man's eyes rolled in defeat as her well-rounded backside curved in his view. "What?"

She stood back up, turning to face the man. "What are you doing today?"

"Nothing." He smirked. "Want to train with me?"

"Maybe." She grinned. He knew this would cost him.

"No bets, Jordan."

"Oh, c'mon. A 'wager' wouldn't hurt."

"NO. Because you make the bets, then cheat to win. I'm not buying you another drink for two months."

"Fine, but I do need to do a little shopping?" Her innocent act was almost convincing.

"No, Jordan. NO drinks. No racing. No pool games. NO shopping for anything! I know better than to walk into your trap."

He'd do anything to walk into her trap.

"Brennen," She pouted, following the man to the dojo. "I won't call you Sparky anymore."

That stopped him.

The elemental looked back at the woman behind him, knowing there was something else to this. Jordan knew how to play a man and he'd seen it every time they were in the club. This one pretty woman would have been the perfect partner in his hay day. On the floor, she'd dance so enticingly that men would stop just to watch. And low and behold, the elemental would have to break from his watching to get in an altercation with some prick. Even now, she stood grinning at him, waiting for a reply. "NO."

"Come on, Brennen."

"Oh no. I know this one. THIS is where so say you'll stop then get me in some shit that you have us both fighting to get out of. No thank you." She actually pouted in front of him, making the man laugh out loud. "Aren't you a little old for that J.?"

Jordan moved past him, blocking the top of the stairs with her sweaty form. Brennen had to stop looking at her. He'd just lowered his head when slender arms flung around his waist. "Okay, I'll bargain with you. "

"No, Jordan." It was taking all of him not to return the embrace. Her playing with him could only go so far. He looked down at the woman whom was pressed against him, her curves all too evident against his torso. And the little chin sat nuzzled into his chest, as she stared at him. How could a tall woman look so small? He thought. "That won't work either." He knew it would end here; she wouldn't kiss him. He now had an upper hand in the matter, and grinned victoriously.

That was before the lips touched him. She'd tried to reach his cheek, but intercepted a spot on his neck. Too bad that spot had a major nerve behind it. Brennen jerked back, trying to keep a distance between them. "Are you okay?" she asked.

"Oh! OH yeah." He replied. The heat was spreading in his lungs and brain as he stood back. Soon it would be somewhere obvious to them both. She moved forward again, but stopped at his gesture. "Hey, it's okay."His face looked flushed almost as the elemental walked past her. "Y'know, we don't have to train today. I'll catch you later." She was too dangerous for him to be around.

"Alright," Jordan moved to the stairs, looking back again. The elemental waved at her, before she moved out of sight. Them fell back on the mat in exaggeration. Damn, the women in this house!

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