A/N: So sorry its taken me so long to update but life got in the way. I'd
just like to take a second and thank everyone who has reviewed. They really
mean a lot to me, so thanks a billion. Anyway enough of me, here's the next
chapter, hope you enjoy.
Chapter 5
(Brennan's Room – Next Morning)
Shalimar awoke to feel the satin sheets beneath her. // How did I end up here? I thought I fell asleep in the beach house. There's no way Emma could have carried me, and Jesse already went to bed, which leaves, he wouldn't have, would he? He must have, but something tells me Emma got him to.// Shalimar thought as she got up, and went into the bathroom to take a shower. The odd thing was, she didn't care that Brennan had carried her to bed. In fact after last night, seeing, and being around Brennan again she questioned herself on why she ever broke up with him.
Shalimar stood in front of the mirror, and lifted up her shirt just enough to see her mid section. It was still black, and blue, and sore as hell. //Those little bastards are dead!// A half hour later Shalimar got out of the shower , feeling a lot better than she had when she got in. She stepped out of Brennan's room, and just as she was doing so Brennan stepped out of his office.
"Damn it!" He yelled not knowing that Shalimar was standing there since his head was still buried in the folder he was reading. He walked down the stairs still starring at the folder in his hands. Shalimar followed him downstairs. He walked into the kitchen and threw the folder onto the table as he walked over to the fridge.
Shalimar sat down at the table and looked at the folder. It was labeled, "Serial Killer, John Doe." It was the same case she had been working on before she left.
Brennan turned around, and was shocked to see Shalimar sitting in front of him. "Hi." He said still shocked to see her. Before last night he hadn't seen her at all.
"Hey," she answered trying not to laugh at the cute expression on his face.
"Ah, sorry, I just well...well...you know." He stuttered.
"Yeah," she laughed as she couldn't hold it in any longer.
Just seeing Shalimar laugh, Brennan burst out laughing himself. If he hadn't known better he would have thought they were a bunch of high school students. Finally their laughter died down, and Shalimar remembered the folder that was still on the table.
"Um, Brennan...how did you ahh...get this file...it's ahh...classified?" Shalimar finally got out.
"This is the case I'm working on. I'm sure Emma told you I'm a cop."
"No, actually she didn't." At that moment Shalimar was having mixed feelings. A part of her was happy to finally know who her partner was, and even more happy to know that it was Brennan. But on the other hand she was pissed that it was Brennan because she really didn't want to work with him outside of Mutant X.
"Well, yeah I am. Um, how did you know that this case was classified?"
"I know because," Shalimar paused trying to choose her words. "Because I'm well...a cop too...and I've been working on this case for the past six months."
Brennan just stood still trying to process what Shalimar had just told him. "That means that...that we're.."
"Partners." Shalimar finished for him.
Not knowing what to say, Brennan said the first thing that popped into his head. "Uh, did you want some orange juice, it's all that left?"
"Please." She answered as he turned around, and grabbed a glass out of the cupboard, and then opened the fridge once again. Not meaning to but out of old habit Shalimar scanned him over just like she used to. // As sexy as ever.// She quickly dismissed the thought as she looked down to see the ring on her finger. Before he turned back around Shalimar slipped the ring off her finger, and dropped it into her pant pocket.
"Here ya go." Brennan gave Shalimar the glass of orange juice. "So you're a cop to?" Brennan sat down across from Shalimar at the table.
"Um, yeah, I guess since Emma didn't tell me you were a cop she didn't tell you either." Brennan shook his head no, wondering why Emma for the first time since he met her kept her mouth closed.
"So you're the person I was supposed to be meeting?" Brennan stated finally putting two, and two together.
"That would be me." Shalimar smiled taking another sip of her orange juice.
"It all makes sense now, why you had to leave because of a 'death in the family'." Brennan air quoted the last part causing Shalimar to laugh once again. Shalimar couldn't stop smiling. But not because of Brennan's air quotes, but rather because of him, Brennan Mulwray. Even after everything they had been through he could still make her laugh, and make her forget about everything else.
Sometime last night they had forgotten about what happened in the past and decided to move on. It felt weird to both of them but at the same time it felt good to be back in each others presence. Even if they both deep down blamed the other for what happened.
"Yeah well the team needed me, and since I'm always there for the team ..." The phone rang cutting Shalimar off. Brennan ran over to the living room where the cordless was.
"Hello." He answered walking back into the kitchen and sitting back down.
"Oh, hi Mrs. Morgan," a pause, and then, "It's no problem at all. I have to go anyway. Same as usual I suppose." Another pause and then, "Okay I'll be over a little later then to drop it off." Brennan put the phone down, ending the call.
"Sorry, that was one of my neighbors. Amazing woman, she's 83, widowed, and is still always so happy." Brennan explained to Shalimar since she was giving him a weird look.
"I see, I see." Shalimar took another sip of her orange juice. "So what's her usual then?" Shalimar asked not sure of if she wanted the answer to her question.
"Eggs, two percent milk, white bread, and whatever else she asks me to get."
"That's real sweet of you." Shalimar said genuinely.
"She takes care of me, I take care of her. She's kind of like my mom, no, grandmother." Brennan corrected himself.
There was a bit of an awkward silence before Shalimar finally spoke. "So if you have some time later, did you want to go over the case so maybe just maybe you can help out the team." Shalimar added the playful jab.
"That would be great, maybe we could actually solve this case."
"Sounds good to me, and since Adam won't be let me going anywhere, whenever you're ready we can talk about everything, as in the case."
"Perfect, um, I'll go shopping now then when I get back we can swap info." Brennan got up, and got ready to leave when he looked back at Shalimar fiddling with her empty glass. "You want to come, get out of the house?"
After thinking for a minute Shalimar finally answered. "Sure anything beats sitting around here doing nothing for the third day in a row, and you know how I can get when I have nothing to do." They both laughed as Shalimar walked towards Brennan. Grabbing her coat, and after putting on her shoes they both walked out the door into the garage.
"So," Brennan said cutting the silence.
"How have you been?" Asked Shalimar not knowing what else to say.
"Pretty good, busy, you?"
"Same," Shalimar answered, and then once again silence consumed the SUV.
Although neither of them would admit it this whole being friends thing was killing them both inside. However they both knew they had to be civil if they wanted to solve this case, and so that Brennan could come back to Mutant X and help them out so that they could all go back to living their lives.
(An hour and a half later – On the road)
"I still can't believe that you and Jacob were best friends, and I can't believe that you never told me of all people about your high school days."
Brennan laughed at the expression on Shalimar's face. "How did you two meet?"
"Um, we worked together when I first joined the CPD. I was a field officer and Jacob was my partner. So how's you meet Lexa?"
"Oddly enough, the same way. We're here." Brennan announced feeling weird talking to his ex-girlfriend and love of his life about his new girlfriend. He pulled into Mrs. Morgan's driveway. Brennan opened his door and grabbed the grocery's from the back seat. "You coming?"
"Nah, I'll wait here." Shalimar answered.
"You sure this might take a few minutes."
Shalimar thought for a minute, "Alright I'll come." Shalimar opened her door, and stepped out closing the door she walked up the steps of Mrs. Morgan's house with Brennan.
Brennan rang the doorbell and a couple seconds later it opened to reveal an elderly woman with long white hair, and bright blue eyes.
"Hello Brennan, come on in." Brennan and Shalimar stepped into the house.
"Oh, Mrs. Morgan this is Shalimar Fox."
"Hello dear, lovely to meet you." Mrs. Morgan smiled and walked into the kitchen after Brennan.
"So that's her. That's the girl you let get away?"
"Yup that would be her." Not meaning to Shalimar overheard what was being said in the kitchen, and she realized that not only did she blame Brennan, he blamed himself too. However not only did she hear that she heard Mrs. Morgan smack Brennan on the back of the head, and she smiled knowing that, that meant Mrs. Morgan liked her.
A few minutes later Brennan, and Mrs. Morgan came out of the kitchen to find Shalimar still standing in the hallway near the door looking at some pictures on the wall.
"Ready to go?" asked Brennan walking towards Shalimar.
"Whenever you are." She answered looking away from the pictures and up at Brennan.
"Well it was lovely to meet you, and I hope to see you again." Mrs. Morgan gave Shalimar a hug. "Do me a favour, and make sure he doesn't get into to much trouble."
"I'll do my best." Shalimar smiled as Brennan gave Mrs. Morgan a hug.
Shalimar and Brennan walked out of Mrs. Morgan's and climbed back into the Escalade as they waved good-bye to a waving Mrs. Morgan. Brennan pulled out of the driveway and headed back towards his place.
Beep! Beep! Brennan's work radio started to beep. "Mulwray," he answered after pushing a button on the machine.
"I know it's your day off but we have a 312 on third, and Mavis, and all our field officers are busy at the moment." The voice on the other end of the machine said.
Brennan looked over at Shalimar, "would you mind?"
"Not at all, and I'd love to help where I can." Shalimar said wanting to see Brennan on the job even though she knew he was probably great.
"I'm on it over." Brennan pushed another button.
"Are you sure you want to come, I can drop you off if your sore?"
"No I'm fine, really, and I want to help."
(20 minutes later - Accident Site)
Brennan got out of the Escalade, and walked over to one of the officers with Shalimar walking at his side.
"James." The officer turned around.
"Oh good Brennan you're hear. There is a little girl over there sitting by the tree. Her father is in the ambulance in not to good shape, can you do me a favor and talk to her?"
"Of course." Brennan walked over to the little girl, Shalimar walking beside him. The little girl looked up at them with tears falling rapidly from her eyes.
"Hi there, I'm detective Mulwray but you can call me Bren okay." The little girl nodded , and for some reason she took to Brennan and gave him a hug. Brennan lifted the little girl up. "So what's your name?"
"Elizabeth, but you can call me Liz." She told Brennan. She then looked away from him, and turned her attention towards Shalimar. "You're pretty. What's your name?" She asked in between sobs.
"I'm Detective Fox but since you're so cute you can call me Shal." Shalimar said blushing at the Liz's comment.
"We need to ask you a few questions, is that okay with you?" asked Brennan calmly, stil holding Elizabeth in his arms. She nodded in response and they walked over to a bench that was near by.
Shalimar sat down followed by Brennan, who was still holding Liz. Elizabeth clung to Brennan as if he were her life line.
"So how old are you cuttie?" Shalimar asked.
Liz lifted her head off of Brennan's shoulder. "I'm five years old." She held up five fingers.
Twenty minutes later, after questioning Elizabeth, and getting her to go with Officer James, Brennan, and Shalimar were finally heading back to the loft.
"When I have a daughter I wasn't her to be just like Elizabeth."
"You were really great with her, and I think she had a crush on you." Smiled Shalimar.
"No, I think she just liked me because I bought her that teddy bear."
"Maybe, but she liked you before that. It was real sweet, and since when do you want kids?"
"For awhile now, and she like you too, cause your pretty." Brennan quoted Elizabeth in his best girly voice. Shalimar playfully hit his arm playfully, and laughed.
//I've missed these conversations. Maybe this being friends thing could work. I can't believe he wants kids. I did to stop doing this to myself.// Shalimar thought as she turned her attention towards the window of the Escalade.
(Brennan's Loft - 15 minutes later)
Brennan, and Shalimar walked into the loft carrying about half the groceries when they seen Emma sitting around the corner giving them the 'Where have you two been?' stare.
"Well to answer your question we went shopping since your husband ate everything. Then I had to bring Mrs. Morgan her groceries and then I got a call and we helped with an accident." Brennan finished putting the grocery bags down and headed back out for more.
"How did you know I was gonna...never mind." Emma started to help Shalimar figure out where everything went. A minute or so later Brennan came back in with the rest of the bags. He set them down before he spoke.
"Hey I forgot one of Mrs. Morgan's bags so I'm just going to go drop it off. I'll be back in a few minutes, and just leave this stuff, I'll put it all away when I get back." Brennan practically ran out the door closing it behind him.
"You actually went out with Brennan. I'm truly shocked." a pause and then "Well te;; me when this all came about."
"Last night at the club just after Adam left. You, and Jesse went off to dance, then a few minutes later Lexa went to the ladies room, and Jake went to get drinks, leaving me and Brennan alone, and we kinda talked a little.
*Flash Back*
Shalimar and Brennan sat in silence. Sharing an awkward glance up at each other they started to giggle a little bit. It hurt them both to see the other with someone else but they weren't going to tell each other that, and they certainly weren't going to talk about what happened between them. All this was said just looking into the others eyes even though it stung so bad they both wanted to run away, and cry.
"So,,, ah,,," Shalimar stuttered looking down at her glass. "You look good."
"Yeah, you too." Brennan replied talking to Shalimar for the first time since their split. He was shocked at himself because he didn't think he would be able to say anything nice to her.
Silence consumed the table once again until finally after what seemed like an eternity Lexa, and Jacob came back to the table.
*End Flash Back*
"I'm so proud of you two, tear." Emma hugged Shalimar. "But that still doesn't explain how you ended up going out with him."
Shalimar told everything that had happened that morning to Emma and by the time she was done, Brennan was back from Mrs. Morgan's.
Brennan walked into the kitchen. Emma and Shalimar were laughing hystarically. "She told you that about Elzabeth right?" Emma couldn't stop laughing to respond so she nodded in reply. "Well did she tell you what Elizabeth said to her?" Emma Emma shook her head no, and Shalimar gave Brennan her 'I dare you to say it look'. "You know what Em, I'll let Shalimar tell you."
"Okay Shal, spill." Emma said still laughing.
"She told me I was pretty and that she wanted to be just like me when she grew up." Shalimar left out the part about Elizabeth wanting to have a hot boyfriend like Brennan when she grew up too.
"Hey Em, where are Jess, and Adam." Brennan said with a chuckle.
"Up in your office doing some computer stuff that I have no idea about, and don't want too." All three new mutants laughed, and Brennan headed upstairs to see exactly what the other two men were doing.
Walking over to the living room Emma, was shaking her head. "What?" Shalimar asked as Emma looked at her and continued it shake her head.
"Nothing, nothing at all." Emma sat down next to Shalimar on the couch. //Its just you and Brennan are so flippin' stubborn that niether of you want to tlak about what happened so you can get back together, since you two are obviously still in love.//
"What's going thtough that head of yours, and don't tell me nothing." Shalimar told Emma knowing that tone in her voice.
"I swear nothing is going through my head." Emma paused and thought about how she could get Shalimar off her back. "Okay, okay, I'll tell you but you aren't going to like it."
"Well, spill it out."
"I was just thinking about how stupid you are for letting Bren get away. I mwan jacob's great but Brennan, well Brennan's better than ever. He's got a great place, great job, and I'm sorry for saying so but Lexas is pretty great too. Not to mention Brennan is a family man without the family. I was also thinking about how dumb he was to let you just leave but then again."
Emma was cut off by Shalimar. "I don't know why I bother asking you about what you're thinking because half the time I don't want to know."
Smiling at her victory Emma leaned over and grabbed the buttons for the t.v. off the coffee table. That's when she noticed Shalimar's bare finger. "Hey Shal where is your engagement ring?"
"In my pocket." Shalimar said calmly.
"Why is it in your pocket, a rock like that deserves to be worn."
"I put it there this morning when I took a shower. I ve just been to lazy to put it back on." Shalimar said not really knowing why she had taken it off earlier. All she knew was that it had to do with a Mr. Brennan Mulwray.
"Aren't you going to put it back on?" //What the hell are you hiding Shal?//.
Not saying anything Shalimar reached into her pocket and pulled out the ring, and put it back on her finger. "Lets see what movies Brennan owns, shall we?" Shalimar changed the subject."
"Nah, lets just watch Aladdin. I haven't watched that in a long time, and we both know Brennan will have that one."
"I really don't want to watch that," proteted Shalimar.
"Oh come on Shal."
"Fine, but I'm only giving in becsuse I'm too damn tired to argue with you." Emma smiled and got up. She walked over to the wall of movies Brennan had beside the television. They were in alphabetical order which shocked Emma. She scanned the 'A' section once, twice, three times but to no avail. Emma turned around to face Shalimar. "He doesn't have it."
"That can't be right, it's his favourite movie." Shalimar sated even though she knew Emma was already aware of what she had told her.
"See its not here." Emma pointed to the 'A' section.
Shalimar scanned it over and couldn't believe that Brennan didn't have it. //How can he not have Aladdin, he lives by that movie.// It hit Shalimar at that moment why Brennan didn't have it, but she wasn't about to tell Emma.
(An hour later)
Emma, Jesse, and Adam got a hit of a bunch of new mutants in the area, and took off in search of them leaving Shalimar, and Brennan alone once again.
Shalimar got up from her spot on the couch and headed updtairs figuring Brennan was in his office. As she walked up the stairs she could hear he was on the phone.
"Alright I'll see you tomorrow night then," a pause, "I love you too sweets, ciao." Brennan looked up from his desk to find Shalimar leaning against the door frame.
"May I come in detective?" She joked standing up straight.
"Of course detective, please, take a seat." He joked ack causing them both to laugh.
Shalimar walked in and sat down across from Brennan. "Big enough desk for you?"
"No, I wanted a bigger but,," Brennan trailed off laughing. "So did you want to work on the case?"
"Sure, since there's no distraction at the moment. I'll be right back then." Shalimar got up and went to get her folder on the case.
While she was gone Brennan had brought everything up on his computer, and put the chair that Shalimar was sitting on back where it went, on the other end of the desk next to him.
"Ready to solve this case?" Shalimar asked as she walked back into the room, and took a seat next Brennan.
"Most definantly." He responded.
"Um, before we start could I put some music on, it helps me to think?" Shalimar asked when she spotted the stereo in the wallunit across from Brennan's desk.
"That's fine, I normally listen to music myself when I'm working."
"I doubt you listen to what I'm about to put on." Shalimar walked over to the wallunit and opened the glass door. Turning on the power Shalimar looked back at Brennan when she heard what station the stereo was set to. "Since when do you listen to classical?"
"Since about two years ago." Was all Brennan said. "I take it this is what you were going to put on." He assumed.
"Yeah I was." Shalimar walked back over to the desk.
"I didn't know you liked classical either."
"I never used to,,, I just picked it up recently."
After and hour of straight working Brennan and Shalimar decided to take a break, even though they were getting close to solving the case.
"This is my favourite piece." They both said at the same time.
"Would you like dance?" Brennan asked extending his hand towards Shalimar.
"I thought you'd never ask." Shalimar took Brennan's hand as they both stood up and started to dance to the sounds of Mozart Smphony Number 40.
(Downstairs)
Adam, Emma, and Jesse walked into the loft, and were stunned when the classical music filled their ears.
"Where's that coming from and where are Bren, and Shal?" Jesse asked.
"It's coming from upstairs. I'll go check it out." Emma said running upstairs towards the music.
A minute later Emma ran back down. "You guys have to see this, and grab the camera." Emma pointed to the camera on the table near the door.
Boh men ran towards Emma, Adam handing her the camera when they reached her.
"Quiet or they'll notice." She received two blank stares. "Just look."
Adam, and Jesse peered into the office and when they seen Brennan and Shaalimar their jaws dropped. The three stood there for a few minutes unnoticed byt the other two. Just before the song ended Brennan dipped Shalimar, and Emma decided at that moment to take a picture.
The song ended and Brennan helped Shalimar up. That's when they heard clapping coming from the door. "Bravo, bravo." Adam cheered as Emma and Jesse smiled. Brennan and Shalimar however just blushed and avoided each others glances.
Brennan then shyly turned off the stereo. "How did everything go?"
"Great." Adam answered. "Um, Brennan I just wanted to let you know you'll have your house back soon, and that we'll all head over to the beach house later on." Adam told Brennan as Emma and Shalimar walked out of the room, Shalimar still blushing.
"Adam, I told you before you can all stay herem and if al goes as is, if you still want me to, I can come back to the team."
"Really, what about work?"
"I've discovered a few things today about the case I wasn't aware of before." Brennan looked over at Jesse.
"Talk to Emma." Was all Jesse said as he walked out the door.
"So do you still want me as part of the team?"
"Of course. I wouldn't have it any other way." Adam shook Brennan's hand and they both headed downstairs.
(Brennan's Room)
"What the hell was that? Aren't you supposed to be engaged?"
"I am, and I love Jacob very much. Brennan and I were just having a little fun, and you could have at least told me that Brennan was my partner on the case at work."
"He's your mystery partner?" Emma asked shocked.
"Yeah."
"I honestly didn't know."
"Well then you should have at least told me he was cop."
"Hey I'm not the messanger." Emma sat down next to Shalimar.
"Yes you are and you always have been."
"Yeah, well like you said some things change."
"Whatever." Shalimar laughed it off. "So how did things go?"
"Good, Adam says we'll be back at Sanctuary in no time if we keep going at this pace."
"I'm not going back to Sanctuary until I find those cocky bastards who did this to me." Shalimar referred to her injuries that still were not fully healed.
"We'll find them Shal don't worry." Emma gave Shalimar a slight hug. "Anyways back to you and Brennan." Emma was cut off by a knock at the door.
"Come on in." Shalimar said knowing full well who was about to enter the room.
"Hey I just wanted to let you both know that I convinced Adam to stay here, so you don't have to worry about packing."
"Brennan this is your,,," Emma was once again cut off by Brennan. "No arguments, so zip it Em." Shalimar snickered and immediately shut up when Emma gave her an evil stare.
(Next Day – Loft)
It had been a very eventful day especially for an elemental, and feral. Brennan and Shalimar had been busy working on the case all day, and it was starting to get late when Brennan noticed the time.
"Oh man!"
"What is it, what's wrong?" Shalimar asked.
"I need to,,, get ready to go." Was all Brennan said.
"Okay, I won't ask." //I bet he's going out with Lexa.// Shalimar thought bitterly. //Well at least he didn't rub it in my face. He's really grown up, or he just can't joke with me.//
Brennan got up and headed off to his room tp get changed. He had to hurry, unless he wanted to be ;ater, which he obviously didn't. He had just lost track of time. It was exactly how it used to be, whenever he spent time with Shalimar nothing else seemed to matter.
(Half Hour Later)
The other four members of Mutant X were watching Survivor when Brennan walked downstairs, dressed in a Versace suit, hair gelled back perfectly, which brought out his amazing dark brown eyes.
"That's a good look for you man." Jesse told him as he turned his head away from the television. Jesse's comment caused the others three to look over at Brennan. Shalimar and Emma's mouths dropped. They had seen him dress up before, but nothing like this.
"Very nice Brennan." Adam said quickly turning back to the t.v. as he was really into the show.
"You clean up nice. Don't you think Shal?" Brennan froze at Emma's comment not knowing what Shalimar was going to say.
"Very nice indeed." Shalimar couldn't help but smile.
"Glad you all like. I'll be back later. Ciao." Brennan grabbed his keys off the counter, and headed out the door.
"I want all the details when you get back." Emma said loudly after Brennan's retreating form.
"Since when does he say ciao?"
"Someone's jealous." Emma said under her breathe.
"I head that." Shalimar said turning her attention back to the t.v. even though the show wasn't what was on her mind.
"Feral hearing, huh." Emma pouted. "I heard that too." Shalimar announced getting up.
A half hour later Shalimar came back downstairs and sat on the couch next to Emma.
"What were you doing up there?" Emma asked.
"I was talking to Jacob about the wedding plans."
"You'er starting them already?" Emma was shocked that things were moving so quickly between Shalimar, and Jacob.
"Yeah Em, I love him, and he loves me so why not?"
"Because,,, Oh nevermind." Emma wasn't even going to try and get through to Shalimar. Even though she knew deep down that it was because of Lexa, and Brennan that Shalimar had suddenly decided to take the next step with her engagement.
"Because why Em?" By this time Adam and Jesse had put on a movie and were staying out of the girls conversation.
"I said never mind."
"Come on Em just tell me."
"Shal, really it's nothing." Shalimar gave Emma a stern look. "It's nothing because I forgot what I was going to say." Emma said with a straight face.
"Fine I'll leave alone for now Mrs. Kilmartin."
"Good."
(Same time – Across Town)
Brennan and Lexa werwe sitting in a restaurant across town enjoying their meal, and each other when Lexa saud something that shocked Brennan.
An hour later Brennan walked back into the loft and slammed the door shut. He kicked off his shoes and undid his tie, and continued ti walk towards the back of the loft where everyone was talking.
"Hey Brennan you okay?" Shalimar asked as she was the first to see him.
"Yeah, I'm peachy thanks for asking." Brennan said with an attitude as he continued to walked towards the back door.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" Jesse asked.
"Nothing just leave me alone!" Brennan took off his socks as he reached the deck. He was followed by the other four.
"Why don't you just tel us what's wrong Bren." Shalimar said agrevated because of his sudden attitude towards her.
"Don't call me that, you lost that right a long time ago, Shal." Brennan turned his back to group.
"What the hell is wrong with you? You were fine earlier." Shalimar got no answer.
"It's none of your damn business so go the hell away!"
"How about no! I don't give a damn who you are, were to me I won't take your bullshit for something I didn't do." Shalimar was now pissed. Seeing a battle erupting the other three walked back inside knowing that the other two needed to clear the air.
"You wanna know Shalimar, you really want to know? My girlfriend just broke up with me so just leave me alone, you're good at that. Oh yeah, and while you're at it stop flaunting your engagement ring all over the place because its ugly, and worth about two cents." Brennan turned his back to her agin fuming.
"I don't have anything to say to you right now." For some reason his words hit her. "Except that tjos ring is worth a hell of a lot more than you could ever afford, and at least I didn't get dumped, twice." Shalimar knew she had basically just slapped Brennan across the face with her words, but at that moment she didn't care.
"Whatever, it's not like I care you ever did care about you anyway. Oh and I could afford a thousand of those rings but it's not like I'd ever buy one for you." Brennan retaliated.
"Yeah well I never cared either. That is I never cared about you, you self concedded prick!" Shalimar stormed back inside.
"Yeah that's right go cry to your play boy fiance. See if I care." Brennan stomped down the deck stairs and headed towards the beach house.
Seeing Shalimar storm upstairs and Brennan take off into the darkness, Emma and Jesse knew they had to step in.
"I'll go talk to Brennan and you go talk to Shal." Emma told Jesse as Adam headed upstairs staying out of all of it.
Emma had managed to find her way to the beach housse in the dark but when she got there Brennan was no where to be found. She comtinued on her way down the beach. She heard something moving just ahead of her. Taking her chances Emma walked towards the sound, when she got closer to felt an extreme mount of pain, and she knew she had found Brennan.
Emma silently sat down next to the man she considered her big brother. He was lying on his back, hand behind his head acting as a pillow, legs stretched out infront of him.
"I really just want to be left alone right now." He said knowing full well who was sitting next to him even though he never took his eyes off the stars in the sky.
"We both know I'm not going anywhere so amuse me and tell me what happened."
"My girlfriend broke up with me, period."
"Bren just tell me so I don't have to pry."
Silence filled the air for a few minutes. "She's moving to Washington. She got a new job out there, it's a great career move for her. I could, would never stop her from that so I told her I'd go with her. She told me she didn't want me too. Said I finally had my family back. I told her she was apart of that. Then she told me she wouldn't let me give anything up for her, and that she loved me but a long distance relationship between us. Me being me I told her it could but I knew she was right, and we both know how I hate being wrong."
"What aren't you telling me?"
"I told you everything."
"About what happened with Lexa, but why did you lash out at Shalimar?"
"It still hurts Emma. Having her here in the home I bought for both of us to start a family. Not to mention spending all this time with her working on the case. God Em it hurts so bad I want to scream because of the pain. I'm mad at her Em for leaving me, breaking my heart, but I hate myself for not going after her, and explaining everything.
"You still lover her, and you're jealous of Jacob."
"Of course I still love her. I'll love her my whole life but none of that matters. As long as she's happy I'll be happy for her. Emma was speechless. "You're shivering you should you should go inside before you get sick." Brennan told Emma as he gave her his jacket. Emma sttod up and dusted off her pants.
"You coming?"
"No I'm going to stay awile, clear my head."
"Brennan it's cold enough to snow, and being by the water makes it even colder. I don't want you getting sick either."
"I'm going to sleep in the beach house so just go inside. I promise I'll be fine, I do this all the time."
"Fine but take your jacket back and don't stay out to long." Emma bent over and gave Brennan his jacket back and kissed him on his forehead.
"Goodnight Em."
"Night Bren."
(Same time – Inside)
"Shal please let me in."
"No. Jesse just go away!"
"I'm not leaving so either you let me in or I'll phase through the door."
"Shit!" He heard her say, knowong she forgot he could do that.
Shalimar opened the door, and he knew instantly she had been crying. "Want to talk about anything?"
"There's nothing to talk about."
"Sure there is."
"Like what?"
"Like why you feel like beating the crap out of Lexa."
It took her a moment to respond. "I just want him to be happy Jess. I want him to have what I have."
"Why, because you still love him." She nodded.
"But that doesn't mean I like him, infact I hate him. I don't know if this makes sense at all but I hate loving him."
"It makes sense, but..."
"But what?"
"Nothing, nevermind." Jesse stood up to leave seeing that Shalimar was about to hit him. He got all the way to the door before she spoke.
"I hate him Jess. I hate him so much." She started to cry. Jesse walked back over to her, and held her in a hug.
An hour later Jesse walked into the room he and Emma were ising. He walked in and seen Emma reading a magazine.
"Hey honey, how did everything go with Brennan?"
Emma told Jesse everything and Jesse did the same. Awhile later they were asleep in each others arm.
(Next Morning)
Adam awoke early the next morning to the beeping of his lap top. He jumped out of bed, and answered the call. A few mintues later he dashed into Emma and Jesse's room unknowingly awaking Shalimar.
"Emma, Jesse wake up we have an emergency."
"Adam it's only five a.m." Emma stirred.
"It's about the group of new mutants that attacked Shalimar. I found their location." Emma nad Jesse were now fully awake and paying close attention. All the while Shalimar was listening outside the door. A half hour later Jesse was prepping the Helix for tke off, and Emma, and Adam were busy writing two notes. One for Brennan, the other for Shalimar.
As soon as Emma, Jesse, and Adam left Shalimar ran downstairs fully geared up and ready to kick some ass. Just as she was heading out the door she heard someone call her.
TBC
A/N: I hope the long chapter makes up for my lack of reviewing. Please review as I would really like to know if you all still like it.
Chapter 5
(Brennan's Room – Next Morning)
Shalimar awoke to feel the satin sheets beneath her. // How did I end up here? I thought I fell asleep in the beach house. There's no way Emma could have carried me, and Jesse already went to bed, which leaves, he wouldn't have, would he? He must have, but something tells me Emma got him to.// Shalimar thought as she got up, and went into the bathroom to take a shower. The odd thing was, she didn't care that Brennan had carried her to bed. In fact after last night, seeing, and being around Brennan again she questioned herself on why she ever broke up with him.
Shalimar stood in front of the mirror, and lifted up her shirt just enough to see her mid section. It was still black, and blue, and sore as hell. //Those little bastards are dead!// A half hour later Shalimar got out of the shower , feeling a lot better than she had when she got in. She stepped out of Brennan's room, and just as she was doing so Brennan stepped out of his office.
"Damn it!" He yelled not knowing that Shalimar was standing there since his head was still buried in the folder he was reading. He walked down the stairs still starring at the folder in his hands. Shalimar followed him downstairs. He walked into the kitchen and threw the folder onto the table as he walked over to the fridge.
Shalimar sat down at the table and looked at the folder. It was labeled, "Serial Killer, John Doe." It was the same case she had been working on before she left.
Brennan turned around, and was shocked to see Shalimar sitting in front of him. "Hi." He said still shocked to see her. Before last night he hadn't seen her at all.
"Hey," she answered trying not to laugh at the cute expression on his face.
"Ah, sorry, I just well...well...you know." He stuttered.
"Yeah," she laughed as she couldn't hold it in any longer.
Just seeing Shalimar laugh, Brennan burst out laughing himself. If he hadn't known better he would have thought they were a bunch of high school students. Finally their laughter died down, and Shalimar remembered the folder that was still on the table.
"Um, Brennan...how did you ahh...get this file...it's ahh...classified?" Shalimar finally got out.
"This is the case I'm working on. I'm sure Emma told you I'm a cop."
"No, actually she didn't." At that moment Shalimar was having mixed feelings. A part of her was happy to finally know who her partner was, and even more happy to know that it was Brennan. But on the other hand she was pissed that it was Brennan because she really didn't want to work with him outside of Mutant X.
"Well, yeah I am. Um, how did you know that this case was classified?"
"I know because," Shalimar paused trying to choose her words. "Because I'm well...a cop too...and I've been working on this case for the past six months."
Brennan just stood still trying to process what Shalimar had just told him. "That means that...that we're.."
"Partners." Shalimar finished for him.
Not knowing what to say, Brennan said the first thing that popped into his head. "Uh, did you want some orange juice, it's all that left?"
"Please." She answered as he turned around, and grabbed a glass out of the cupboard, and then opened the fridge once again. Not meaning to but out of old habit Shalimar scanned him over just like she used to. // As sexy as ever.// She quickly dismissed the thought as she looked down to see the ring on her finger. Before he turned back around Shalimar slipped the ring off her finger, and dropped it into her pant pocket.
"Here ya go." Brennan gave Shalimar the glass of orange juice. "So you're a cop to?" Brennan sat down across from Shalimar at the table.
"Um, yeah, I guess since Emma didn't tell me you were a cop she didn't tell you either." Brennan shook his head no, wondering why Emma for the first time since he met her kept her mouth closed.
"So you're the person I was supposed to be meeting?" Brennan stated finally putting two, and two together.
"That would be me." Shalimar smiled taking another sip of her orange juice.
"It all makes sense now, why you had to leave because of a 'death in the family'." Brennan air quoted the last part causing Shalimar to laugh once again. Shalimar couldn't stop smiling. But not because of Brennan's air quotes, but rather because of him, Brennan Mulwray. Even after everything they had been through he could still make her laugh, and make her forget about everything else.
Sometime last night they had forgotten about what happened in the past and decided to move on. It felt weird to both of them but at the same time it felt good to be back in each others presence. Even if they both deep down blamed the other for what happened.
"Yeah well the team needed me, and since I'm always there for the team ..." The phone rang cutting Shalimar off. Brennan ran over to the living room where the cordless was.
"Hello." He answered walking back into the kitchen and sitting back down.
"Oh, hi Mrs. Morgan," a pause, and then, "It's no problem at all. I have to go anyway. Same as usual I suppose." Another pause and then, "Okay I'll be over a little later then to drop it off." Brennan put the phone down, ending the call.
"Sorry, that was one of my neighbors. Amazing woman, she's 83, widowed, and is still always so happy." Brennan explained to Shalimar since she was giving him a weird look.
"I see, I see." Shalimar took another sip of her orange juice. "So what's her usual then?" Shalimar asked not sure of if she wanted the answer to her question.
"Eggs, two percent milk, white bread, and whatever else she asks me to get."
"That's real sweet of you." Shalimar said genuinely.
"She takes care of me, I take care of her. She's kind of like my mom, no, grandmother." Brennan corrected himself.
There was a bit of an awkward silence before Shalimar finally spoke. "So if you have some time later, did you want to go over the case so maybe just maybe you can help out the team." Shalimar added the playful jab.
"That would be great, maybe we could actually solve this case."
"Sounds good to me, and since Adam won't be let me going anywhere, whenever you're ready we can talk about everything, as in the case."
"Perfect, um, I'll go shopping now then when I get back we can swap info." Brennan got up, and got ready to leave when he looked back at Shalimar fiddling with her empty glass. "You want to come, get out of the house?"
After thinking for a minute Shalimar finally answered. "Sure anything beats sitting around here doing nothing for the third day in a row, and you know how I can get when I have nothing to do." They both laughed as Shalimar walked towards Brennan. Grabbing her coat, and after putting on her shoes they both walked out the door into the garage.
"So," Brennan said cutting the silence.
"How have you been?" Asked Shalimar not knowing what else to say.
"Pretty good, busy, you?"
"Same," Shalimar answered, and then once again silence consumed the SUV.
Although neither of them would admit it this whole being friends thing was killing them both inside. However they both knew they had to be civil if they wanted to solve this case, and so that Brennan could come back to Mutant X and help them out so that they could all go back to living their lives.
(An hour and a half later – On the road)
"I still can't believe that you and Jacob were best friends, and I can't believe that you never told me of all people about your high school days."
Brennan laughed at the expression on Shalimar's face. "How did you two meet?"
"Um, we worked together when I first joined the CPD. I was a field officer and Jacob was my partner. So how's you meet Lexa?"
"Oddly enough, the same way. We're here." Brennan announced feeling weird talking to his ex-girlfriend and love of his life about his new girlfriend. He pulled into Mrs. Morgan's driveway. Brennan opened his door and grabbed the grocery's from the back seat. "You coming?"
"Nah, I'll wait here." Shalimar answered.
"You sure this might take a few minutes."
Shalimar thought for a minute, "Alright I'll come." Shalimar opened her door, and stepped out closing the door she walked up the steps of Mrs. Morgan's house with Brennan.
Brennan rang the doorbell and a couple seconds later it opened to reveal an elderly woman with long white hair, and bright blue eyes.
"Hello Brennan, come on in." Brennan and Shalimar stepped into the house.
"Oh, Mrs. Morgan this is Shalimar Fox."
"Hello dear, lovely to meet you." Mrs. Morgan smiled and walked into the kitchen after Brennan.
"So that's her. That's the girl you let get away?"
"Yup that would be her." Not meaning to Shalimar overheard what was being said in the kitchen, and she realized that not only did she blame Brennan, he blamed himself too. However not only did she hear that she heard Mrs. Morgan smack Brennan on the back of the head, and she smiled knowing that, that meant Mrs. Morgan liked her.
A few minutes later Brennan, and Mrs. Morgan came out of the kitchen to find Shalimar still standing in the hallway near the door looking at some pictures on the wall.
"Ready to go?" asked Brennan walking towards Shalimar.
"Whenever you are." She answered looking away from the pictures and up at Brennan.
"Well it was lovely to meet you, and I hope to see you again." Mrs. Morgan gave Shalimar a hug. "Do me a favour, and make sure he doesn't get into to much trouble."
"I'll do my best." Shalimar smiled as Brennan gave Mrs. Morgan a hug.
Shalimar and Brennan walked out of Mrs. Morgan's and climbed back into the Escalade as they waved good-bye to a waving Mrs. Morgan. Brennan pulled out of the driveway and headed back towards his place.
Beep! Beep! Brennan's work radio started to beep. "Mulwray," he answered after pushing a button on the machine.
"I know it's your day off but we have a 312 on third, and Mavis, and all our field officers are busy at the moment." The voice on the other end of the machine said.
Brennan looked over at Shalimar, "would you mind?"
"Not at all, and I'd love to help where I can." Shalimar said wanting to see Brennan on the job even though she knew he was probably great.
"I'm on it over." Brennan pushed another button.
"Are you sure you want to come, I can drop you off if your sore?"
"No I'm fine, really, and I want to help."
(20 minutes later - Accident Site)
Brennan got out of the Escalade, and walked over to one of the officers with Shalimar walking at his side.
"James." The officer turned around.
"Oh good Brennan you're hear. There is a little girl over there sitting by the tree. Her father is in the ambulance in not to good shape, can you do me a favor and talk to her?"
"Of course." Brennan walked over to the little girl, Shalimar walking beside him. The little girl looked up at them with tears falling rapidly from her eyes.
"Hi there, I'm detective Mulwray but you can call me Bren okay." The little girl nodded , and for some reason she took to Brennan and gave him a hug. Brennan lifted the little girl up. "So what's your name?"
"Elizabeth, but you can call me Liz." She told Brennan. She then looked away from him, and turned her attention towards Shalimar. "You're pretty. What's your name?" She asked in between sobs.
"I'm Detective Fox but since you're so cute you can call me Shal." Shalimar said blushing at the Liz's comment.
"We need to ask you a few questions, is that okay with you?" asked Brennan calmly, stil holding Elizabeth in his arms. She nodded in response and they walked over to a bench that was near by.
Shalimar sat down followed by Brennan, who was still holding Liz. Elizabeth clung to Brennan as if he were her life line.
"So how old are you cuttie?" Shalimar asked.
Liz lifted her head off of Brennan's shoulder. "I'm five years old." She held up five fingers.
Twenty minutes later, after questioning Elizabeth, and getting her to go with Officer James, Brennan, and Shalimar were finally heading back to the loft.
"When I have a daughter I wasn't her to be just like Elizabeth."
"You were really great with her, and I think she had a crush on you." Smiled Shalimar.
"No, I think she just liked me because I bought her that teddy bear."
"Maybe, but she liked you before that. It was real sweet, and since when do you want kids?"
"For awhile now, and she like you too, cause your pretty." Brennan quoted Elizabeth in his best girly voice. Shalimar playfully hit his arm playfully, and laughed.
//I've missed these conversations. Maybe this being friends thing could work. I can't believe he wants kids. I did to stop doing this to myself.// Shalimar thought as she turned her attention towards the window of the Escalade.
(Brennan's Loft - 15 minutes later)
Brennan, and Shalimar walked into the loft carrying about half the groceries when they seen Emma sitting around the corner giving them the 'Where have you two been?' stare.
"Well to answer your question we went shopping since your husband ate everything. Then I had to bring Mrs. Morgan her groceries and then I got a call and we helped with an accident." Brennan finished putting the grocery bags down and headed back out for more.
"How did you know I was gonna...never mind." Emma started to help Shalimar figure out where everything went. A minute or so later Brennan came back in with the rest of the bags. He set them down before he spoke.
"Hey I forgot one of Mrs. Morgan's bags so I'm just going to go drop it off. I'll be back in a few minutes, and just leave this stuff, I'll put it all away when I get back." Brennan practically ran out the door closing it behind him.
"You actually went out with Brennan. I'm truly shocked." a pause and then "Well te;; me when this all came about."
"Last night at the club just after Adam left. You, and Jesse went off to dance, then a few minutes later Lexa went to the ladies room, and Jake went to get drinks, leaving me and Brennan alone, and we kinda talked a little.
*Flash Back*
Shalimar and Brennan sat in silence. Sharing an awkward glance up at each other they started to giggle a little bit. It hurt them both to see the other with someone else but they weren't going to tell each other that, and they certainly weren't going to talk about what happened between them. All this was said just looking into the others eyes even though it stung so bad they both wanted to run away, and cry.
"So,,, ah,,," Shalimar stuttered looking down at her glass. "You look good."
"Yeah, you too." Brennan replied talking to Shalimar for the first time since their split. He was shocked at himself because he didn't think he would be able to say anything nice to her.
Silence consumed the table once again until finally after what seemed like an eternity Lexa, and Jacob came back to the table.
*End Flash Back*
"I'm so proud of you two, tear." Emma hugged Shalimar. "But that still doesn't explain how you ended up going out with him."
Shalimar told everything that had happened that morning to Emma and by the time she was done, Brennan was back from Mrs. Morgan's.
Brennan walked into the kitchen. Emma and Shalimar were laughing hystarically. "She told you that about Elzabeth right?" Emma couldn't stop laughing to respond so she nodded in reply. "Well did she tell you what Elizabeth said to her?" Emma Emma shook her head no, and Shalimar gave Brennan her 'I dare you to say it look'. "You know what Em, I'll let Shalimar tell you."
"Okay Shal, spill." Emma said still laughing.
"She told me I was pretty and that she wanted to be just like me when she grew up." Shalimar left out the part about Elizabeth wanting to have a hot boyfriend like Brennan when she grew up too.
"Hey Em, where are Jess, and Adam." Brennan said with a chuckle.
"Up in your office doing some computer stuff that I have no idea about, and don't want too." All three new mutants laughed, and Brennan headed upstairs to see exactly what the other two men were doing.
Walking over to the living room Emma, was shaking her head. "What?" Shalimar asked as Emma looked at her and continued it shake her head.
"Nothing, nothing at all." Emma sat down next to Shalimar on the couch. //Its just you and Brennan are so flippin' stubborn that niether of you want to tlak about what happened so you can get back together, since you two are obviously still in love.//
"What's going thtough that head of yours, and don't tell me nothing." Shalimar told Emma knowing that tone in her voice.
"I swear nothing is going through my head." Emma paused and thought about how she could get Shalimar off her back. "Okay, okay, I'll tell you but you aren't going to like it."
"Well, spill it out."
"I was just thinking about how stupid you are for letting Bren get away. I mwan jacob's great but Brennan, well Brennan's better than ever. He's got a great place, great job, and I'm sorry for saying so but Lexas is pretty great too. Not to mention Brennan is a family man without the family. I was also thinking about how dumb he was to let you just leave but then again."
Emma was cut off by Shalimar. "I don't know why I bother asking you about what you're thinking because half the time I don't want to know."
Smiling at her victory Emma leaned over and grabbed the buttons for the t.v. off the coffee table. That's when she noticed Shalimar's bare finger. "Hey Shal where is your engagement ring?"
"In my pocket." Shalimar said calmly.
"Why is it in your pocket, a rock like that deserves to be worn."
"I put it there this morning when I took a shower. I ve just been to lazy to put it back on." Shalimar said not really knowing why she had taken it off earlier. All she knew was that it had to do with a Mr. Brennan Mulwray.
"Aren't you going to put it back on?" //What the hell are you hiding Shal?//.
Not saying anything Shalimar reached into her pocket and pulled out the ring, and put it back on her finger. "Lets see what movies Brennan owns, shall we?" Shalimar changed the subject."
"Nah, lets just watch Aladdin. I haven't watched that in a long time, and we both know Brennan will have that one."
"I really don't want to watch that," proteted Shalimar.
"Oh come on Shal."
"Fine, but I'm only giving in becsuse I'm too damn tired to argue with you." Emma smiled and got up. She walked over to the wall of movies Brennan had beside the television. They were in alphabetical order which shocked Emma. She scanned the 'A' section once, twice, three times but to no avail. Emma turned around to face Shalimar. "He doesn't have it."
"That can't be right, it's his favourite movie." Shalimar sated even though she knew Emma was already aware of what she had told her.
"See its not here." Emma pointed to the 'A' section.
Shalimar scanned it over and couldn't believe that Brennan didn't have it. //How can he not have Aladdin, he lives by that movie.// It hit Shalimar at that moment why Brennan didn't have it, but she wasn't about to tell Emma.
(An hour later)
Emma, Jesse, and Adam got a hit of a bunch of new mutants in the area, and took off in search of them leaving Shalimar, and Brennan alone once again.
Shalimar got up from her spot on the couch and headed updtairs figuring Brennan was in his office. As she walked up the stairs she could hear he was on the phone.
"Alright I'll see you tomorrow night then," a pause, "I love you too sweets, ciao." Brennan looked up from his desk to find Shalimar leaning against the door frame.
"May I come in detective?" She joked standing up straight.
"Of course detective, please, take a seat." He joked ack causing them both to laugh.
Shalimar walked in and sat down across from Brennan. "Big enough desk for you?"
"No, I wanted a bigger but,," Brennan trailed off laughing. "So did you want to work on the case?"
"Sure, since there's no distraction at the moment. I'll be right back then." Shalimar got up and went to get her folder on the case.
While she was gone Brennan had brought everything up on his computer, and put the chair that Shalimar was sitting on back where it went, on the other end of the desk next to him.
"Ready to solve this case?" Shalimar asked as she walked back into the room, and took a seat next Brennan.
"Most definantly." He responded.
"Um, before we start could I put some music on, it helps me to think?" Shalimar asked when she spotted the stereo in the wallunit across from Brennan's desk.
"That's fine, I normally listen to music myself when I'm working."
"I doubt you listen to what I'm about to put on." Shalimar walked over to the wallunit and opened the glass door. Turning on the power Shalimar looked back at Brennan when she heard what station the stereo was set to. "Since when do you listen to classical?"
"Since about two years ago." Was all Brennan said. "I take it this is what you were going to put on." He assumed.
"Yeah I was." Shalimar walked back over to the desk.
"I didn't know you liked classical either."
"I never used to,,, I just picked it up recently."
After and hour of straight working Brennan and Shalimar decided to take a break, even though they were getting close to solving the case.
"This is my favourite piece." They both said at the same time.
"Would you like dance?" Brennan asked extending his hand towards Shalimar.
"I thought you'd never ask." Shalimar took Brennan's hand as they both stood up and started to dance to the sounds of Mozart Smphony Number 40.
(Downstairs)
Adam, Emma, and Jesse walked into the loft, and were stunned when the classical music filled their ears.
"Where's that coming from and where are Bren, and Shal?" Jesse asked.
"It's coming from upstairs. I'll go check it out." Emma said running upstairs towards the music.
A minute later Emma ran back down. "You guys have to see this, and grab the camera." Emma pointed to the camera on the table near the door.
Boh men ran towards Emma, Adam handing her the camera when they reached her.
"Quiet or they'll notice." She received two blank stares. "Just look."
Adam, and Jesse peered into the office and when they seen Brennan and Shaalimar their jaws dropped. The three stood there for a few minutes unnoticed byt the other two. Just before the song ended Brennan dipped Shalimar, and Emma decided at that moment to take a picture.
The song ended and Brennan helped Shalimar up. That's when they heard clapping coming from the door. "Bravo, bravo." Adam cheered as Emma and Jesse smiled. Brennan and Shalimar however just blushed and avoided each others glances.
Brennan then shyly turned off the stereo. "How did everything go?"
"Great." Adam answered. "Um, Brennan I just wanted to let you know you'll have your house back soon, and that we'll all head over to the beach house later on." Adam told Brennan as Emma and Shalimar walked out of the room, Shalimar still blushing.
"Adam, I told you before you can all stay herem and if al goes as is, if you still want me to, I can come back to the team."
"Really, what about work?"
"I've discovered a few things today about the case I wasn't aware of before." Brennan looked over at Jesse.
"Talk to Emma." Was all Jesse said as he walked out the door.
"So do you still want me as part of the team?"
"Of course. I wouldn't have it any other way." Adam shook Brennan's hand and they both headed downstairs.
(Brennan's Room)
"What the hell was that? Aren't you supposed to be engaged?"
"I am, and I love Jacob very much. Brennan and I were just having a little fun, and you could have at least told me that Brennan was my partner on the case at work."
"He's your mystery partner?" Emma asked shocked.
"Yeah."
"I honestly didn't know."
"Well then you should have at least told me he was cop."
"Hey I'm not the messanger." Emma sat down next to Shalimar.
"Yes you are and you always have been."
"Yeah, well like you said some things change."
"Whatever." Shalimar laughed it off. "So how did things go?"
"Good, Adam says we'll be back at Sanctuary in no time if we keep going at this pace."
"I'm not going back to Sanctuary until I find those cocky bastards who did this to me." Shalimar referred to her injuries that still were not fully healed.
"We'll find them Shal don't worry." Emma gave Shalimar a slight hug. "Anyways back to you and Brennan." Emma was cut off by a knock at the door.
"Come on in." Shalimar said knowing full well who was about to enter the room.
"Hey I just wanted to let you both know that I convinced Adam to stay here, so you don't have to worry about packing."
"Brennan this is your,,," Emma was once again cut off by Brennan. "No arguments, so zip it Em." Shalimar snickered and immediately shut up when Emma gave her an evil stare.
(Next Day – Loft)
It had been a very eventful day especially for an elemental, and feral. Brennan and Shalimar had been busy working on the case all day, and it was starting to get late when Brennan noticed the time.
"Oh man!"
"What is it, what's wrong?" Shalimar asked.
"I need to,,, get ready to go." Was all Brennan said.
"Okay, I won't ask." //I bet he's going out with Lexa.// Shalimar thought bitterly. //Well at least he didn't rub it in my face. He's really grown up, or he just can't joke with me.//
Brennan got up and headed off to his room tp get changed. He had to hurry, unless he wanted to be ;ater, which he obviously didn't. He had just lost track of time. It was exactly how it used to be, whenever he spent time with Shalimar nothing else seemed to matter.
(Half Hour Later)
The other four members of Mutant X were watching Survivor when Brennan walked downstairs, dressed in a Versace suit, hair gelled back perfectly, which brought out his amazing dark brown eyes.
"That's a good look for you man." Jesse told him as he turned his head away from the television. Jesse's comment caused the others three to look over at Brennan. Shalimar and Emma's mouths dropped. They had seen him dress up before, but nothing like this.
"Very nice Brennan." Adam said quickly turning back to the t.v. as he was really into the show.
"You clean up nice. Don't you think Shal?" Brennan froze at Emma's comment not knowing what Shalimar was going to say.
"Very nice indeed." Shalimar couldn't help but smile.
"Glad you all like. I'll be back later. Ciao." Brennan grabbed his keys off the counter, and headed out the door.
"I want all the details when you get back." Emma said loudly after Brennan's retreating form.
"Since when does he say ciao?"
"Someone's jealous." Emma said under her breathe.
"I head that." Shalimar said turning her attention back to the t.v. even though the show wasn't what was on her mind.
"Feral hearing, huh." Emma pouted. "I heard that too." Shalimar announced getting up.
A half hour later Shalimar came back downstairs and sat on the couch next to Emma.
"What were you doing up there?" Emma asked.
"I was talking to Jacob about the wedding plans."
"You'er starting them already?" Emma was shocked that things were moving so quickly between Shalimar, and Jacob.
"Yeah Em, I love him, and he loves me so why not?"
"Because,,, Oh nevermind." Emma wasn't even going to try and get through to Shalimar. Even though she knew deep down that it was because of Lexa, and Brennan that Shalimar had suddenly decided to take the next step with her engagement.
"Because why Em?" By this time Adam and Jesse had put on a movie and were staying out of the girls conversation.
"I said never mind."
"Come on Em just tell me."
"Shal, really it's nothing." Shalimar gave Emma a stern look. "It's nothing because I forgot what I was going to say." Emma said with a straight face.
"Fine I'll leave alone for now Mrs. Kilmartin."
"Good."
(Same time – Across Town)
Brennan and Lexa werwe sitting in a restaurant across town enjoying their meal, and each other when Lexa saud something that shocked Brennan.
An hour later Brennan walked back into the loft and slammed the door shut. He kicked off his shoes and undid his tie, and continued ti walk towards the back of the loft where everyone was talking.
"Hey Brennan you okay?" Shalimar asked as she was the first to see him.
"Yeah, I'm peachy thanks for asking." Brennan said with an attitude as he continued to walked towards the back door.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" Jesse asked.
"Nothing just leave me alone!" Brennan took off his socks as he reached the deck. He was followed by the other four.
"Why don't you just tel us what's wrong Bren." Shalimar said agrevated because of his sudden attitude towards her.
"Don't call me that, you lost that right a long time ago, Shal." Brennan turned his back to group.
"What the hell is wrong with you? You were fine earlier." Shalimar got no answer.
"It's none of your damn business so go the hell away!"
"How about no! I don't give a damn who you are, were to me I won't take your bullshit for something I didn't do." Shalimar was now pissed. Seeing a battle erupting the other three walked back inside knowing that the other two needed to clear the air.
"You wanna know Shalimar, you really want to know? My girlfriend just broke up with me so just leave me alone, you're good at that. Oh yeah, and while you're at it stop flaunting your engagement ring all over the place because its ugly, and worth about two cents." Brennan turned his back to her agin fuming.
"I don't have anything to say to you right now." For some reason his words hit her. "Except that tjos ring is worth a hell of a lot more than you could ever afford, and at least I didn't get dumped, twice." Shalimar knew she had basically just slapped Brennan across the face with her words, but at that moment she didn't care.
"Whatever, it's not like I care you ever did care about you anyway. Oh and I could afford a thousand of those rings but it's not like I'd ever buy one for you." Brennan retaliated.
"Yeah well I never cared either. That is I never cared about you, you self concedded prick!" Shalimar stormed back inside.
"Yeah that's right go cry to your play boy fiance. See if I care." Brennan stomped down the deck stairs and headed towards the beach house.
Seeing Shalimar storm upstairs and Brennan take off into the darkness, Emma and Jesse knew they had to step in.
"I'll go talk to Brennan and you go talk to Shal." Emma told Jesse as Adam headed upstairs staying out of all of it.
Emma had managed to find her way to the beach housse in the dark but when she got there Brennan was no where to be found. She comtinued on her way down the beach. She heard something moving just ahead of her. Taking her chances Emma walked towards the sound, when she got closer to felt an extreme mount of pain, and she knew she had found Brennan.
Emma silently sat down next to the man she considered her big brother. He was lying on his back, hand behind his head acting as a pillow, legs stretched out infront of him.
"I really just want to be left alone right now." He said knowing full well who was sitting next to him even though he never took his eyes off the stars in the sky.
"We both know I'm not going anywhere so amuse me and tell me what happened."
"My girlfriend broke up with me, period."
"Bren just tell me so I don't have to pry."
Silence filled the air for a few minutes. "She's moving to Washington. She got a new job out there, it's a great career move for her. I could, would never stop her from that so I told her I'd go with her. She told me she didn't want me too. Said I finally had my family back. I told her she was apart of that. Then she told me she wouldn't let me give anything up for her, and that she loved me but a long distance relationship between us. Me being me I told her it could but I knew she was right, and we both know how I hate being wrong."
"What aren't you telling me?"
"I told you everything."
"About what happened with Lexa, but why did you lash out at Shalimar?"
"It still hurts Emma. Having her here in the home I bought for both of us to start a family. Not to mention spending all this time with her working on the case. God Em it hurts so bad I want to scream because of the pain. I'm mad at her Em for leaving me, breaking my heart, but I hate myself for not going after her, and explaining everything.
"You still lover her, and you're jealous of Jacob."
"Of course I still love her. I'll love her my whole life but none of that matters. As long as she's happy I'll be happy for her. Emma was speechless. "You're shivering you should you should go inside before you get sick." Brennan told Emma as he gave her his jacket. Emma sttod up and dusted off her pants.
"You coming?"
"No I'm going to stay awile, clear my head."
"Brennan it's cold enough to snow, and being by the water makes it even colder. I don't want you getting sick either."
"I'm going to sleep in the beach house so just go inside. I promise I'll be fine, I do this all the time."
"Fine but take your jacket back and don't stay out to long." Emma bent over and gave Brennan his jacket back and kissed him on his forehead.
"Goodnight Em."
"Night Bren."
(Same time – Inside)
"Shal please let me in."
"No. Jesse just go away!"
"I'm not leaving so either you let me in or I'll phase through the door."
"Shit!" He heard her say, knowong she forgot he could do that.
Shalimar opened the door, and he knew instantly she had been crying. "Want to talk about anything?"
"There's nothing to talk about."
"Sure there is."
"Like what?"
"Like why you feel like beating the crap out of Lexa."
It took her a moment to respond. "I just want him to be happy Jess. I want him to have what I have."
"Why, because you still love him." She nodded.
"But that doesn't mean I like him, infact I hate him. I don't know if this makes sense at all but I hate loving him."
"It makes sense, but..."
"But what?"
"Nothing, nevermind." Jesse stood up to leave seeing that Shalimar was about to hit him. He got all the way to the door before she spoke.
"I hate him Jess. I hate him so much." She started to cry. Jesse walked back over to her, and held her in a hug.
An hour later Jesse walked into the room he and Emma were ising. He walked in and seen Emma reading a magazine.
"Hey honey, how did everything go with Brennan?"
Emma told Jesse everything and Jesse did the same. Awhile later they were asleep in each others arm.
(Next Morning)
Adam awoke early the next morning to the beeping of his lap top. He jumped out of bed, and answered the call. A few mintues later he dashed into Emma and Jesse's room unknowingly awaking Shalimar.
"Emma, Jesse wake up we have an emergency."
"Adam it's only five a.m." Emma stirred.
"It's about the group of new mutants that attacked Shalimar. I found their location." Emma nad Jesse were now fully awake and paying close attention. All the while Shalimar was listening outside the door. A half hour later Jesse was prepping the Helix for tke off, and Emma, and Adam were busy writing two notes. One for Brennan, the other for Shalimar.
As soon as Emma, Jesse, and Adam left Shalimar ran downstairs fully geared up and ready to kick some ass. Just as she was heading out the door she heard someone call her.
TBC
A/N: I hope the long chapter makes up for my lack of reviewing. Please review as I would really like to know if you all still like it.
