Disclaimer: I don't own Mutant X or the X Men.

I'm pleased that everyone coments on the emotional aspect of my stories. Without emotion, living in this world would be a very dry, mechanical existance. We write and read what we want in real life.Very few guys are natural romantics. They do great while their dating then the heat tends to cool in the long term. But girls, don't give up. Guys aren't really wired for showing emotion. With a little love and effort on both your parts, they can learn. It's taken me 20 years but he's willing to learn and that makes it all worth while. (Ok, that's my word of wisdom for the day.)

All I can say to you hopeless romantics out there is; grab a tissue. Don't read this one without it. It still brings mist to my eyes and I've read it a hundred times.

Discoveries

Chapter 8

Brennan woke early the next morning. He and Logan passed in the halls. "I have to run an errand---" Brennan began. Before he could finish his sentence Logan's hand was already in his pocket. He withdrew a key ring. "My jeep's in the garage. It needs gas. Fill it." He tossed Brennan the keys and smiled wryly. By mid morning he was back and breakfast was in full swing. When Brennan walked into the kitchen he noticed Jubilee leave her unfinished plate and bolt out the opposite door. A quick look at Bobby's expression told him all he needed to know. He swiftly crossed the kitchen after her. By the time he got through the crowd and out into the hall she was gone. "Great. How am I supposed to find her now? There are a thousand places she could have gone." He didn't realize that he was thinking out loud until Logan spoke up behind him.

"She ran into the library." Logan was casually leaning on the door jam with his arms across his chest.

"How do you know? You got out here after I did." Brennan pulled out the keys and returned them as he questioned.

"Blueberry pancakes and applesauce with extra cinnamon," he pointed to his nose. "It's her favorite breakfast."

"Thanks," Brennan smiled as he moved off down the hall. He pulled open the large mahogany door and passed inside. As he scanned the room he thought for a moment that Logan had been wrong. He didn't see anyone at first. Then just as he was about to go he heard a soft sniffle coming from the far shadowed corner. "Jubilee," he called softly.

"Go away, Brennan." Her voice was strained.

"Jubes, please talk to me." He continued his approach.

"I did plenty of 'talking' last night. I'd think you'd never want to be around me again." She managed to control her tears long enough to sound put off.

"Jubes," he stood in front of her as she turned her back to him. "Jubes, look at me." He placed his hands on her shoulders and turned her around. "What happened last night was---"

"Wrong!" she finished for him.

"necessary," he softly corrected.

"I lost it, Brennan. I lost control on you. I wouldn't blame you if you never talked to me again. Some immature girl who just attacked you for all she was worth." She tried to pull away from him but he only tightened his hold on her.

"No, don't run away from me. That's not what I saw last night. You and I have always been close. You were drugged and in pain. I was able to relieve some of that pain. I would do it again right now if I had to."

"But Kitty was in the same situation. She didn't attack you --- like I did." Jubilee put her head down.

"Kitty and I don't have the same relationship you and I have. You've always been special to me. We've always been closer. You mean too much to me to let awkwardness come between us. Don't let what that jerk did to you push us apart."

With tears in her eyes she looked up at him. "You really don't hate me now?"

"No, I could never hate you." He pulled her into an embrace. When he felt her relax and embrace him back he added. "Well, I do have to admit, though, you're my first."

She pulled away from him with a questioning scowl. "First, what?"

"You're the first to damage my ego so badly." He smiled as he watched the confusion play on her face.

"Sparky, I know for a fact that you have been kissed by more than just one woman, and I bet for all your hotness you've probably been turned down once or twice."

"Yeah, maybe once," he boasted, "but I was never dumped in mid kiss before."

They both laughed as the awkwardness disappeared. "Seriously, though. Bobby seems like he really cares about you."

"Bobby means the world to me. We've been living under the same roof for years. It just seemed like when the time was right everything clicked and fell into place. I can't imagine not being with him."

"As long as he treats you well, I'm happy." Brennan's face turned dark. "The minute he hurts you---," he held up his hand as sparks flew from finger to finger. "I can shatter ice."

Jubilee jumped into his arms again. "Thank you."

"Anytime, Firecracker. I have to get back to Sanctuary now." He leaned down and kissed her cheek. "Stay away from strange computers for a while, ok?"

"OOHH, get out before I short circuit you." She let some sparks fly as he turned and walked to the door.

Jesse and Kitty ate a late breakfast together and then went for a walk on the grounds. She seemed to tire quickly so Jesse insisted she take a nap. While she slept, Jesse spoke to the professor.

"Jesse, are you sure this is what you want?" the professor asked.

"Yes, I'm sure," Jesse replied. "It will take Kitty a while to understand. She'll need a lot of support. I've thought about this for a while now and I really don't see any other way."

The professor sat considering all that Jesse had just revealed to him. "Have you told anyone else yet?"

"No, even Adam and Evie don't know. I thought it might be wise to tell Jean and Ororo, though," Jesse seemed determined.

Brennan flew back to Sanctuary. He knew she would know he was back as soon as he set foot inside. As quickly as he could he got to his room. Once there he showered and changed and snuck out to the garage.

Unknown to him, sad brown eyes watched his every move. As he took the mustang and roared away in a hurry, a tear fell.

Three hours later he returned and snuck in again. He placed a white rose outside her door. Listening and hearing the tap of computer keys he knocked gently, turned and walked away.

Shalimar heard the knock at the door and knew at once it was Brennan. She also knew he wasn't still at the door. This got her curiosity stirred. She opened the door and looked out into the hall. She was about to close the door when the fragrance touched her nose. She spotted the flower on the floor with a note under it. It read:

This white rose is a symbol of the purity of love you have always shown me. I swear always to keep my love for you just as pure.

Raising an eyebrow she looked around. Another fragrance wafted by her. Allowing her feral side to pick out and follow that one scent from the varied aromas in her home she found herself led to the top of the stairs. There on the ledge she found an orchid with another note. Furrowing her brow in skepticism at where all this was leading she slid the note out from underneath and opened it.

Your beauty, like the beauty of this orchid, increases as it blooms and will never diminish. You will always be as beautiful to me as the first time I laid eyes on you. You still take my breath away.

She couldn't help but let a small smile appear as she picked up the orchid and inhaled the subtle fragrance. Turning her senses on high once more she picked out the next strongest scent and found a pink rose lying under the bottom stair. Adding the rose to the other two flowers, she slowly opened the note it was cushioned on.

This pink rose represents all the grace you carry. I see it in every move you make and every word you speak. You embody feminine grace.

This time when her eyes turned golden she could sense Brennan. She knew he was there, hiding somewhere close. She could sense his excitement and was helpless to stop her own heart from beginning to race. Still not knowing where all this was leading she decided to play his game.

Following the next strongest aroma, she was led out into the hall. On the floor in the middle of the hall was a pink tulip with the now expected note.

I know in my very soul that you were the one God created just for me. You are my perfect lover. No one on this earth can ever hope to satisfy my body, my soul and my spirit like you do.

Blinking to clear the mist that formed over her eyes, Shalimar's heart began to melt.

From his hiding place, Brennan smiled.

Taking a deep breath she continued. Her search led her to the doorway of the training room. As she looked inside she saw a gladiolus resting on her sparring gloves. She moved in slowly, scanning the rest of the room. She picked up the flower and read:

Your feral strength falls second only to your strength of character. It's your inner spirit that keeps me grounded.

Smiling brighter than she had in days, she left the room and followed her nose. This time it led to the hall in front of his bedroom. A sprig of coral bells sat over a note. Excitement began to take over as she hurriedly open it to read.

It was because of you that I was challenged and inspired to change and be a better man. I am challenged every day to be my best for you.

With a bright smile she scanned both ends of the hall. Choosing her next direction, she began to jog.

Brennan watched with joy as he got his desired reactions.

Shalimar came to a quick stop in front of the lab. Her sudden arrival startled Adam and Evie from their work. They watched curiously as she bent to pick up a beautiful tiger lily and a piece of paper.

I watch you work and am proud to work along side you. I am proud to be in your circle of friends. But more than that, my heart swells with pride each time I see you come to my side and silently proclaim to the world that you're mine.

She couldn't contain them any longer. Tears fell as she stood for a moment and looked over the collection in her hands. Remembering the sentiments that each represented only caused more tears. After a moment to contain herself and pick a new direction, Shalimar was off like a bullet.

Adam watched as Evie closed her eyes. She began to smile then opened them to see a scowling husband. "You're not supposed to be reading them."

"Darling, they're both projecting so loudly, I'm surprised you can't hear them, yourself." She watched as he just shook his head and returned to his work.

The next flower lay silently waiting on top of the stove in the kitchen; lost to anyone but Shalimar. She was led right to it. Picking up the bright red camellia, she almost dropped everything else in her haste to open the note.

The flame in my heart for you grows brighter each and every day. Nothing and no one can ever extinguish it.

Tears again as she turned and walked out of the kitchen. Once out in the main room she could sense him near.

"Brennan?" she called softly through the tears. When she didn't get a response she knew there must be more. Taking a moment to calm herself she inhaled deeply then walked to the rec. room. From the door she couldn't see it but she could smell the rose that was there. Brennan's scent was strong in the room as well and was beginning to affect her. As she walked into the room she spotted a peach rose lying on the sofa that she and Brennan often snuggle on. Setting all the flowers and notes on one side she sat down and picked up the note.

All my desires and dreams you fulfill, yet each day you have the ability to inspire new ones that I know only you can satisfy.

Now her head was beginning to spin. All the fragrances and the smell of Brennan's aftershave were almost intoxicating. She carefully gathered all the gifts and walked to the door. The computer center was next. From a distance she could see a small cluster of white heather on the console. It entirely covered the paper that waited under it.

I would give my last breath to protect you. With everything in me I will keep you safe; your body, your spirit and your heart.

This hunt had her all over Sanctuary. There weren't many places left that she had not been. One of those places called to her next. In the middle of a seating area, on the glass chessboard was a sprig of lavender. Placing it with the other flowers which were almost too much for her to hold in one hand, she read the note.

I swear to devote all I have to your happiness. I will never give you any reason to shed a tear.

Not even bothering to stop the tears now she continued around the main level. As she passed the lab door for the second time, Adam and Evie stopped working again and decided to follow her. As silently and distantly as they could they watched as she approached Evie's piano. There on the top was a red rose. They watched as she loving placed all the flowers down and picked up the rose. Carefully cupping the blossom in her hand she lifted it to her nose. Slowly she lowered her hand and reached for the note.

The deepest red rose I could find signifies the depth of passion I have for you. It erupts from the very core of my being.

With tears streaming now, she just stared as her tears fell upon it.

Adam and Evie saw Brennan come into view and Shalimar turn suddenly as she realized he was approaching. They watched as she began to run to him but stopped when he quietly held out one last flower and one last note.

Her red teary eyes questioned him as he held them out to her. Slowly he closed the distance between them and waited for her to take them from his offering hands. The scent of the violet wafted around him.

She never took her eyes from his as she first took the flower then the note. She just stood, holding the gifts and gazing into his eyes. After a few moments she did look down and opened the note.

I swear to be true and faithful to all that these flowers represent. Please accept them as pieces that make up the whole of what you mean to me.

Silent tears were no longer enough. She ran into his embrace and cried.

He held her tightly for a moment then moved her back to look at her. "Shalimar, there's nothing left for me to say, except," Brennan pulled a velvet box from his pocket and opened it as he lowered himself onto one knee. "Shalimar Fox, will you do me the honor of being my wife?"

"Oh, Brennan, yes," she cried as he stood and embraced her. He moved away slightly and took hold of a beautiful ring with a marquis shaped diamond. Slowly he placed it on her finger and kissed it then watched her for a moment as she just stared at the way it sparkled. "Do you like it?"

"Brennan," she tried to speak through the tears, "I love it." They kissed passionately until they heard a sound. As they both turned, they saw Adam and Evie smiling and clapping. Evie was crying. Shalimar hugged her as they cried together.

"I am so happy for you," Evie whispered.

Adam shook Brennan's hand and pulled him into a hug. "I knew you'd come around. Congratulations."

Evie moved to hug Brennan as he bent and carefully embraced her. "This is so exciting. I love you both."

Brennan and Shalimar just stood holding each other tightly. Their smiles were as bright as sunshine. "Thank you." Brennan replied.

"What brought this on after that fight the other night?" Adam asked.

Kissing Shalimar then looking back to Adam he began, "Well, actually it took me a while to figure out what that fight was really all about. Jesse and I had a chance to talk. This particular mission gave me the opportunity to think about what it might be like with someone else. Kitty and Jubilee mean a lot to me, but I realized that no one could ever replace Shalimar. I wouldn't want to even try." He leaned in and kissed her again.

That afternoon Brennan and Shalimar stayed in the rec. room talking and snuggling. "I'm sorry about the fight," Brennan began. "I don't want us to ever fight like that again."

"I'm sorry, too," Shalimar added. "I was lost without you here."

"Before I left on the mission, you looked really hot. I didn't get the chance to tell you, but" Brennan put his head down to hide his uncertainty, "I'm sure you knew that."

"Brennan, look at me." Shalimar watched as he turned sad pain-filled eyes to her. "I know what you think happened. I went out to a club and ordered a drink. There were eight guys who asked me to dance." She watched as the muscles in his jaws twitched in anger. "I refused them all." Surprise crossed his face. "I just couldn't stay there. I came home and just cried in my bed."

Suddenly with strength that almost crushed her, Brennan brightened and embraced her. "Oh, Shal, I was so jealous. You looked so good and you seemed so mad at me that I thought---"

"I know what you thought. I'm sorry I made you doubt me." She put her head on his chest.

"No, Baby, this is all my fault. I was just so blind. Never again. I will never give you reason to even think about going out without me." He hugged her again. "I love you, so much."

"I love you, too." They spent the rest of the evening convincing each other of just that.

tbc