Chapter 2

Disclaimer: I don't own Mutant X or it's characters. Seeing how Season 3 was a complete disappointment, it's hardly surprising. Only Peter Mohan could ruin such an awesome show that way. I blame him.

It was funny how Sanctuary could be so quiet at times. Somehow it struck Jesse as a little odd. Just the silence and him.

Jesse knew that Brennan was usually doing something and making noise, but he had forgotten just how quiet it would get when the elemental wasn't around. Shalimar was asleep in her room, and Lexa...the new team leader – who Jesse still knew would never replace Adam – was out on a date with Brennan.

Lexa and Brennan had been doing the we-have-a-mutual-attraction-but-we-denied-it-until-now kind of dance, and Shal had almost exploded with the intensity of the feeling she had sensed emanating from the two of them. The feral had almost threatened Brennan to ask Lexa out, and Brennan had known better than to argue with a feral.

Jesse hummed to himself as he worked on the computer, updating Sanctuary's security as he usually did. He was in an excellent mood today, and for good reason. For the first time in months, he had been able to have a good night's sleep, free from the nightmares of Emma and Adam dying at Naxcon.

"When daytime turns to night,

When the moon shines bright,

When you're tucked in tight,

When everything's all right..."

Shalimar's arms suddenly slid around him, and he grinned. "You wake up late today for a reason?" he asked.

"No date last night...I have no excuse this time."

"Uh-huh."

"So, where are Brennan and Lexa?"

Jesse grinned, and said, "Well, they went out last night on a date remember...they still haven't come back, and I for one don't want to intrude on their privacy and find out what they are, or were, doing."

"Since when did you become a saint, Jess?"

Jesse just smiled. Shalimar slid into the new computer chair to sit on his lap. There were times when he missed the surfer chair Adam had installed in Sanctuary. Right now, with the feral he loved more than anyone else in the world sitting in his lap, was not one of those times. He began to sing under his breath again, his fingers leaving the keyboard to wrap around Shal.

Shal froze in his arms, and he stopped singing immediately. "Shal? What is it?"

"That song...where did you hear it, Jess?"

"I don't know," replied Jesse, puzzled. Then he smiled. "But I like it. It's...soothing. Nice."

Shal twisted in his arms to smile at him. "Really?"

"Yeah. Why?"

Shal smiled as she rose and wrapped her arms around Jesse's neck. "Oh, no reason. I just like the tune." A beat, and then, "You still having nightmares, Jess?"

"Nope." Jesse smiled happily. "Not a single one."
Shal smiled too, relieved. "Good. Let's keep it that way. You were starting to look like a panda wearing Lexa's makeup."

Then the feral turned and headed for the kitchen, laughing as she neatly dodged the pillow Jesse threw at her back.

Okay, shout-outs to those wonderful people who reviewed - thanks a whole bunch!

Freakngel - Glad you liked it sis!

ReganX - You can count on more Shal/Jesse stories from me, as soon as my exams end!

KatKnits00 - Nice to know you loved it.

brigitta1 - Thank you!

Capricornus - I love Brennan/Emma, but since she's dead (Grrr...Mohan!), maybe some day I'll think up a way to bring her back!One can only hope... Hope you can live with the Brennan/Lexa pairing in this chapter for now?

anonymous - LOL! I found your review the most hilarious of the lot. Thanks for the feedback...btw, who told you Bren/Shal were supposed to be together? Your opinion, and I respect it...but I'm a girl who thinks that Paradise is and always will be Jesse and Shalimar. For that matter, I hate Jesse/Lexa as well.

aniki19 - Well, the incest is your opinion, but incest is only when blood relatives have sex. Shal and Jesse aren't even related, even though they are close. I am continuing, this fic will have lots of Shal/Jesse fluff, and I'll see what I can do about your idea in a later chapter if I can. winks Wish me luck!

And on a final note...review, people! I live for the feedback! And remember - Shalimar and Jesse belong together forever!