Disclaimer—See Chapter One
A/N: When I wrote this chapter, I had it in the back of my mind that this was not only the final chapter for the story, but for the series as well. With that in mind, my goal was to weave familiar scenes and familiar settings from all three stories in this series together, showing how they've come full circle; this was the result. This chapter is extremely long, (actually the length of three normal sized chapters!). I don't know if I quite accomplished what I envisioned for this finale, but I hope if nothing else you will be able to recognize the emotion I wanted to convey, and I hope you won't be too disappointed. For those kind enough to ask, I will be back as soon as I can with another story; however it may be a little while as I've been asked to help with a Virtual Season Four project alongwith other authors from this site. I have three episodes that I am due to write by Christmas, so I will be busy! The Virtual Season will be posted starting in January at the MXLOS site; that's about all I know, I'm sure the project leaders will share more information soon. I hope to be back to post a one-shot Christmas fic in the next few weeks, and then will be back here again in January. I've also just added another new video clip to my little site, for those that like to watch those. Thank you so much for staying with me through the journey. I appreciate you all more than words can say!
A/N II: Thank you so much to the following, without whom I could not have kept going. Your feedback inspires me and challenges me each and every time. I cannot thank you enough. Viviana, once again your faith in me kept me going when I felt like giving up. Thank you for your encouragement. Mari, my friend, your honesty and your love for these characters is an invaluable combination. Thank you for sharing your time, your ideas, and your insight. Rogue, thank you once again for your beta'ing help. From one perfectionist to the other, I appreciate it so much!:) Thank you. Garfieldlady, thank you for your never-ending support and comments! Fiery Feral, I can always count on you for feedback, thank you so much for that! CatJerica, I love that you got so attached to Chester! :) Thank you so much for everything! Mayra, I'm so glad you shared your thoughts with me throughout the story; I'll do my best to keep you guessing! :) Thank you! Mfkngst, thank you for your amazing reviews! Rain, I think you were the first to guess what was happening, thank you from one writer to the other! Quadrantje, thank you so much for all your feedback and your questions! KT, your insights and encouragement mean so much, thank you! Brennan's Angel, thank you! I'm so glad you liked the descriptions! Jessica, thank you for following me through all my stories! Blackpanther2288, your feedback is always so encouraging, thank you! Melodie568, thank you for reviewing! Lady Alexandra, thank you for your support! To all who left such wonderful and thoughtful reviews: Redhead2, PoisonousBlaze, Alxi, Cristina, Tikigurl293, hybridangel04, dusted, lauren13, Colleen, Rachel, Meg, mxfan214, Trex Kitten, and to anyone kind enough to review this last chapter--thank you all so much!
All Things—Chapter Seventeen, Epilogue to Emotions Series
Cold had again taken a massive grip on Sanctuary. Bare branches sagged heavily, buried under a thick blanket of snow and ice. Fresh powder fell; fat, lazy flakes that slowly filled in scattered footprints and washed things anew. And as the hibernating creatures burrowed down, turning over in their cozy dens with a tired snort before settling back in for the long winter months ahead, so did Shalimar.
Muffled sound was the first thing her conscious mind registered, eyes still firmly closed in sleep. Despite her best resolve to sleep in that morning, the sound intrigued her, and she poked her head out from the many layers of warmth, smiling at the faint squeaks of rubber soles on slate and the good-natured ribbing between the men in her life. They were playing basketball, Brennan protesting as Jesse took advantage of every opportunity to remind him of how badly he played. Warmth spread through her at the familiar sound, a reassuring sign that normalcy had finally returned. She exchanged glances with Chester as the little dog lifted her head from where she was cuddled into her side and looked up at her, nodding in agreement before throwing the covers back over their heads. It was a good day to sleep in.
"Ha-ha! I win!" Jesse thrust his chest into the air with pride, laughing as Brennan shook his head adamantly, opening his mouth. Jesse cut him off. "And don't you dare say that I cheated, you're the one sneaking in powers!"
"I did not!" Brennan mock threw the ball at Jesse, smirking as Jesse fell for the rouse and flung his hands up to catch the nonexistent ball. "I think we're gonna need a rematch." He shifted his weight, resting the ball on his hip.
"Sorry, bro," Jesse shook his head. "You still need to take it easy; it's only been a few days."
"I have been resting." Brennan complained. "Shal and I have hardly left our room for two days."
"Uh-huh." Jesse crossed his arms as he quirked an eyebrow. "Since when have either of you ever been that good of patients? It doesn't take a genius to figure out what kind of resting you've been doing."
Brennan's lips twitched. "I refuse to answer that."
"Right." Jesse laughed. "Seriously though, you still need time to heal. You've been through hell lately."
"Yeah." Brennan sighed. "Thanks for all your help and everything, man."
"You too, I couldn't have made it through these last few days without you." They clasped hands, hugging briefly.
"Now," Brennan slapped Jesse's shoulder, "How about that rematch?"
"Can't do it." Jesse shook his head, smiling at Brennan's persistence. "Anyway, I promised Lexa I'd help her with breakfast this morning."
"But it's her turn to cook."
"So?" Jesse raised an eyebrow. "Besides, you don't really want to eat her cooking, do you? It's aw--"
"Watch it, Kilmartin."
Jesse's voice trailed off as Lexa suddenly appeared behind him, finger trailing down his back as she circled around him. "Ah, hi." He offered her a smile as she came to a stop in front of him.
"Hi." She stared back at him, lips quirking as he shifted nervously. "You were saying?"
"Uh," His hands landed on her hips. "It's awfully early to eat a big meal yet?"
"Uh-huh." She rested a hand on his cheek, ignoring Brennan as he snickered behind her. "That's what I thought." She grinned at Jesse as he shrugged sheepishly. "What do you think, Brennan?" Her voice rose to include the man behind her.
"He's all yours, Lex." Brennan chuckled, throwing the ball into the air, pouting as it bounced off the rim.
"You hear that?" Lexa ran her hands down Jesse's chest. "You're all mine."
They smiled at each other, again ignoring Brennan as he groaned behind them. Jesse's arm slipped around her waist, smoothly turning her toward the kitchen. "Let's go...cook."
Her lips quirked again. "You in the mood for something sweet...or spicy?"
"Argh!" Brennan clamped his hands over his ears, heading down the hallway, leaving them laughing as they watched him escape.
Slumber had once again taken over, the faint rumble of voices and laughter lulling her senses. The slight dip of the bed roused her, and Shalimar's eyes flew open as the covers were slowly peeled back.
"Hey." Brennan's grinning face loomed in her vision.
"Hey." She lifted her head off the pillow, giving him a quick kiss before gently tugging the comforter out of his hands and throwing it back over her head.
Brennan rolled his eyes, leaning over so he rested his arm on the other side of the lump under the blankets. "Time to wake up, Shal."
"No."
He tugged again on the blanket, laughing as her fingers tightened their grip, holding it firmly in place. "Come on, Shal."
"Un-huh."
He gave up the tug-of-war with the top of the blankets, grinning as he instead ran his hands under the blanket from the side.
"Brennan!" She squealed as his cold fingers brushed down her thigh. He laughed; latching onto a kicking ankle and pulling her out, laughing harder as a tiny second lump suddenly jumped and whined.
"Come on Chester!" Brennan called to the little dog as she poked her head out from under the rumpled comforter, running his hands up Shalimar's sides and resting them on her waist as she blew strands of hair out of her eyes and stared grumpily up at him. Unintimidated, he gave her sides a teasing tickle, smiling when she laughed and sinking down into her arms when they rose up to circle around his neck.
"Good morning." He buried his nose in her hair as she pulled him down into a hug.
"Hmm, good morning." Her fingers dug into his shoulder blades as he started kissing her exposed collarbone. "Hey Brennan?" She captured his roaming face, giving him another kiss.
"Hmm?"
"You stink."
He pulled back in surprise, teeth flashing white as he grinned back down into her twinkling eyes. "Basketball."
"Yeah," She pushed gently against his chest, smiling wider as he reluctantly released her. "Go shower."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah." He dropped a final, lingering kiss on her upturned mouth. "Join me?"
"Hmm," She glanced over at Chester as the dog sat patiently on the edge of the bed, watching them. "What do you think, Chester?"
The little dog whined.
"I agree." Shalimar grinned at Brennan before pulling the blankets back over her head.
"I'm so abused." Brennan gave a longsuffering sigh as Shalimar giggled. He shook his head, giving her toes a quick squeeze through the blankets before pushing up off the bed, stripping out of his sweaty clothes, pulling clean boxers out of his dresser, and padding toward the bathroom. Shalimar heard his retreating footsteps, peeking her head out to admire the view, sighing when he disappeared from sight. She waited until she heard the sound of running water, and then smiled, giving Chester a quick pat on the head as she sprang from the bed.
Brennan made quick work of his shower, shivering slightly as cold air hit him when he stepped out, eyes closed as water ran in rivulets down his face. "Brrr." His teeth chattered as his hand reached for the towel, freezing when he found it missing. His eyes flew open.
The towel rack was completely bare.
He spun around, checking for his clothes.
They were gone as well.
"Shalimar!" He groaned, arms wrapping around himself as he started to shiver. "It's cold!"
It was suspiciously quiet through the closed bathroom door.
He pressed his lips together, taking a step forward, freezing again at the sound of crunching. He glanced down, surprised to see a plain white box with a jaunty red ribbon around it resting on the floor. What in the world? His brows furrowed, and he bent over, picking up the slightly crushed box. He shook it, eyes darting again to the closed door.
"Shal?"
She still didn't answer, so he shrugged, pulling off the lid. His eyes widened, lips twitching at what he found inside, laughing as he pulled them on.
"Very nice." Shalimar's eyes glowed appreciatively when he stepped out of the bathroom. "You like?" She smiled as he turned around, giving her the full effect.
"I love them." His finger beckoned her over; eyes rested on her own matching attire, smile widening. "I love you."
She grinned and ambled closer to him.
"Thank you," Brennan reached out, hands resting on her hips as she came to a stop against him. "How did you even find them?"
"Special order." She waggled her eyebrows as he bent and captured her lips in a thorough kiss.
From her corner of the bed, Chester groaned, tags chiming together as she scratched at her collar and shook her head. Hadn't they learned how to stay warm yet? She yawned, rear end pointing up into the air as she stretched and then circled a few times, before lying back down. Humans. It was a good thing she was here to show them what to do They should know better than to wear just flimsy bits of white material, even if they did seem to take great delight in the funny little shapes scattered across them. Humph. Pink hearts they called them. No matter, they would do no good in keeping them warm. She rested her head on her paws with a pitiful sigh. They had so much to learn.
Breakfast never happened.
Jesse and Lexa were nowhere in sight when Brennan and Shalimar finally emerged from their room to grab a quick snack before continuing to the weight room. Shalimar had pleaded with Brennan to let her get out and do something. After being cooped up inside Sanctuary for the past few days, she felt ready to crawl the walls. Her first choice was a walk outside, as she craved the crisp air she knew awaited her, but Brennan flat out refused to go outside because of her feet. It had taken all of her persuasive abilities to convince him to come with her to the weight room.
"A light workout, remember Shal." Brennan propped his hands on his hips as he watched Shalimar's eyes light up the minute she saw the punching bag.
"Yeah, I know." She rubbed her hands together in anticipation. "Tape or gloves?" she murmured to herself as she opened the supply cabinet.
"Gloves," Brennan promptly answered for her. "Your hands still need time to heal as well."
She rolled her eyes at his overprotective words. "I'm fine, Brennan." She frowned up at him as he reached over her shoulder and plucked her black gloves off the shelf, handing them to her.
"I still don't like this."
She tugged the gloves on, resting her hands on Brennan's forearms. "Don't try to take this away from me, Brennan. I need this; I need to get my life back."
His eyes flickered with emotion, and he clasped her hands, squeezing them through the gloves. "It's right here in front of you, Shalimar."
"Thank you," She whispered, swallowing at the sudden tightness in her throat.
"For what?"
"For understanding." She took a step back, lightly banging her knuckles together.
"I'm trying." He muttered under his breath as she stopped in front of the punching bag and settled into a defensive posture, hands flying out. He shook his head, moving forward to hold the swinging bag. She moved with fluid grace, and he marveled as he watched her. She glided as if in a dance, stepping lightly on her toes, eyes closed as her body followed its natural rhythm, hair streaming around her small shoulders with every forward jab. He could see the confidence return as time passed, and the pinched look slowly eased from her brows as the final tendrils of tension melted away. She smiled, and it brightened the entire room. He stared at her in awe; she was coming back into herself, and it was a beautiful thing to behold.
"Hey, Shal." He finally broke the intense silence.
She threw one more punch, hands stopping on the bag and framing it as she took deep breaths. "Yeah?" She finally opened her eyes.
He circled around the punching bag, hands squeezing her shoulders. "It's good to have you back."
A startled puff of air escaped her, smile widening as he tipped her chin up. "Even though I never left?"
"Even though you never left." He bent, lips brushing softly over hers. She pushed up on her toes, arms starting to reach around his neck, both laughing when the bulky gloves proved too awkward. He reached up and grasped her hands, pulling the black gloves off one at a time, pressing feathery kisses on each palm. She cupped his neck, tugging his head back down to hers, capturing his lips with fierce determination. He groaned in the back of his throat, hands sliding down her body to the back of her thighs, hoisting her up as she wrapped her legs around his waist. He walked them backward, falling against the wall as she continued her exploration of his mouth, hands threaded into his spiky hair.
"Hey, Shal!"
Simultaneously they groaned as Jesse's voice broke through the hazy passion. Reluctantly she raised her head, realizing after a brief moment that Jesse was calling her through her comlink. She opened her mouth, brows rising when Brennan suddenly clamped his hand over her mouth.
"Don't answer," Brennan husked at her inquiry, "He'll get the hint."
"But Brennan—" Her breath hitched, words trailed away as he pressed a persuasive kiss to the hollow of her throat. "Hmm, never mind." She reached for his lips again, pouting when he suddenly pulled away. "What?"
He smiled at her obvious disappointment. "I changed my mind," He paused as she began to nibble on his ear, "Maybe, ah, maybe you better answer him after all. Better to be interrupted now than later."
She quirked an eyebrow, fingers trailing enticingly up his chest and around his back. "Yeah, Jess?" She maintained eye contact with Brennan as she spoke.
Jesse's voice rumbled back a moment later. "I just wanted to see how you're feeling."
"I'm good." She lightly dragged her hands down Brennan's backside, grin widening as he bit back a groan.
"You're feeling ok? No more side effects?"
"No more side effects." She chuckled at his worry, smile faltering, fingers clutching Brennan's shirt as a sudden thought hit her. "Should there be?" Brennan's hands squeezed her shoulders in comfort.
"Not at all." Jesse spoke quickly, reassuredly, "Sorry, Shal, didn't mean to scare you."
Her shoulders relaxed, releasing breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Brennan's grip also loosened before folding her into a warm hug.
"Hey, Jesse." Shalimar's voice was muffled against Brennan's chest as her arms circled his waist, smiling as he kissed the top of her head.
"Yeah?"
"I never thanked you."
Jesse's smile came across in his voice. "It's no big deal."
"Yeah it is." She sobered slightly. "You saved me, you and Brennan both."
"I'm just glad you're ok."
"Me too." She grinned as Brennan's lips again began their exquisite torture on her ear.
"Have you seen Brennan?" Jesse's voice again came through the comlink.
There was a heavy pause.
"He's ah, he's here, Jesse."
"Oh, ok then." Jesse's voice reflected his sudden understanding. "I'll talk to you guys later then."
Brennan chuckled, his warm breath tickling her neck, tempting her with his nearness. She turned her lips mere inches, capturing his in a heady rush of emotion. "Thanks, Brennan." She leaned her forehead against his as they both breathed together for a moment.
He shook his head, hands lifting and framing her face. "I should be thanking you."
"Why?"
"Because you care so much about Jesse, about me, about us." His thumb stroked her cheek, and she shivered at the touch. "Because despite everything your mind was telling you, you listened to your heart and trusted me."
Her eyes dropped, mouth twisting slightly. "But I didn't, not for a long time."
"You did in the end, that's all that matters." He ducked his head to catch her gaze as his fingers tightened their hold on her face.
She reached up, resting her hands over his. "All those times you tried to convince me to trust you, to believe you, and I tried so hard, but the doubts always kept their grip." She stared into his familiar brown eyes, searching their warm depths. "It was when you said nothing that I finally heard you, and understood."
His brows furrowed, trying to follow.
She smiled, smoothing his wrinkled brow. "Love spoke where words couldn't, and I believed. Your love said it all, and it broke the hold that doubt had over me." She marveled at the way his eyes darkened with emotion. "You see, it was also a choice, and it was trust. Your heart sought for me, and found me, and allowed me to believe again."
He pulled her to him, pressing light kisses against eyes, her lids falling shut under his searching lips. "I love you, Shalimar."
"I love you too, Brennan, and that is what has saved us so many times."
He kissed her nose, then reached her lips, tasting them tenderly before moving down to her neck.
Her hands ran along his strong shoulders and down his arms, feeling the strength in them, remembering how he had shielded her from the monster in her final dream and took the blows that saved her. He hadn't given up until he found her again. They were connected, by choice, by trust, by heart. She ducked her head, capturing his lips again.
She was his, and he was hers.
It was to a very late supper, the sun setting lowly in the winter sky, when the four members of Mutant X finally sat down to eat. Time together was a sacred affair, and they sat next to each other, Brennan and Shalimar side by side, Jesse across from them, and Lexa next to him. It was silent as they ate, falling into a reflective mood as they savored the moment. Shalimar sat so close to Brennan so that her thigh touched his, and the kindling warmth of it pulsated through her. She exchanged tender glances with him, forking another bite of food into her mouth.
"You know what I was thinking about just now?" Jesse's voice caught their attention, and they all looked up at him.
"What's that?" Shalimar smiled at him as she took another bite.
"A while ago, when we were fighting to protect Lexa from that thing in her neck, Adam told me something I've never forgotten." He glanced at the dark haired woman as he spoke. "He told me when you care about someone, it means telling them all truths, even the ones you want to protect them from. There's such wisdom in those words."
"Our secrets." Lexa murmured in understanding.
"Exactly." Jesse smiled back at her. "It was when we shared everything with each other that it all finally made sense."
"All truths, for all the things we have yet to face." Shalimar whispered with determination as Brennan's thigh pressed again against hers in agreement.
The table fell silent for a moment.
"So," Jesse cleared his throat, breaking the silence as he glanced over at Lexa with a mischievous grin, "Who's ready for dessert?"
"Who made it?" Brennan bluntly asked as Lexa left for the kitchen, wincing as Shalimar elbowed him in the side. "Ow, Shal!"
She shook her head at his lack of subtly.
Jesse grinned. "We can serve it with the last of the kava, that stuff makes anything taste good."
"Maybe if you had a case of it," Brennan muttered under his breath, quickly leaning over to the side and shooting Shalimar a quick grin as he avoided her flying elbow.
Lexa returned a moment later with a rather pathetic looking cake, proudly serving it.
Jesse bravely took the first bite, grimacing slightly before forcing a smile. Brennan didn't even try, waiting for Lexa to look away before dropping bits under the table where Chester's tail hopefully wagged. Shalimar sipped coffee, delaying her first bite, almost spitting her drink out when she heard Chester suddenly whine in distaste from under the table and felt the little dog scamper back over her feet. Brennan heard as well, peering under the table to see the untouched dessert. He couldn't help it, he laughed outright.
"What?" Lexa looked perplexed when they both suddenly avoided her gaze, her lips twitching in secret amusement when they didn't notice.
Shalimar glanced furtively at Brennan, laughing again when she saw his eyes teary from laughter. She leaned into him as he pulled her into a sideways hug, pressing a kiss to her temple as the table fell again into a comfortable silence.
Finally, Jesse sighed, pushing back his chair and patting his stomach as he stood up. "I don't think I can eat another bite."
Shalimar watched as he exchanged a final smile with Lexa as she disappeared into the kitchen before starting to gather up the dishes. She stood up, helping him.
"You know what, Shal?" He accepted the plate she handed him, stacking it with the others. "We're very lucky." Jesse's voice was husky as he pulled her into a hug. "What we have, not everyone is fortunate to find in their lifetime."
She nodded against his chest, smiling as he pressed a kiss to cheek and then stepped back, noticing for the first time that Brennan had disappeared.
"I saw him sneaking toward the garage," Jesse smiled knowingly when he saw her looking around.
"Thanks," She swatted his chest as he walked by her, grinning as he paused to gather up the dishes, hastily dumping the rest of Lexa's dessert into a potted palm on his way into the kitchen. "Come on
Chester," She bent down to gather up the little dog as she looked quizzically up at her. "Let's go find Brennan." Chester's whole body squirmed at the name, quivering with excitement. "Yeah, I know how you feel." Shalimar chuckled, stroking the silky brown ear as she walked down the hallway and into the garage.
"Brennan?"
The outside door was closed, but she could still feel the slight chill in the room even as hints of snow and pine teased her nose. Clear and startling fresh, there was nothing quite like the scent of a snowy breeze. She loved that smell. Her eyes swept the room, noticing almost immediately that Brennan's coat and boats were missing. Hmm. She raised her eyebrows, prickles of awareness running down her spine. What was he up to? Long legs quickly crossed the room, and she kicked off her slippers, tugging on her boots instead. She winced slightly as the bottoms of her feet protested the hard soles, but she ignored the twinge of pain, fingers trembling with excitement as she grabbed her thick coat off its hook and thrust her arms into the downy warmth. Brennan was up to something, she could feel the energy in the air, could almost taste it as she licked her lips. Chester bounded with eagerness at her feet, and she grinned in agreement, tugging her red hat over her ears and draping a scarf around her neck as she reached for the door. It stuck, and she tugged harder until the hinges groaned, giving way in the crusty cold. She stepped through the doorway, catching her breath at the sight before her as Chester dashed madly into the night, nose to the ground. The moon hung heavily in the sky, round and swollen with fullness, casting a gentle light over the otherwise perfect darkness of the mountain at night. Pine trees swayed in the background, creating dancing shadows that for the first time in a long while felt wonderfully friendly and familiar. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath, taking it all in; her home. Brennan was near; she could sense his anticipation, and she smiled as she heard the distinctive sound of Chester's nose drawing long draughts of air, sorting out scents and casting them all aside except the one she followed. A moment passed and then came the dog's pleased whine as she found her intended target. Shalimar's lips curved into a wide grin as her eyes swept open, focusing on the sound; he was found. She paused; waiting to see what he would do next.
Brennan's head shot up as the sound of squealing hinges carried loudly in the cool air; someone was coming outside. He gave a quick, final pat to the rolled snow beside him before taking a few steps forward, halting in his steps and barely noticing as Chester found him a moment later. Shalimar stood in the open doorway, face tilted up as moonlight washed down upon her and bright light spilled out from behind her. In the otherwise darkness of the quiet night, she seemed to glow with ethereal mystery. Warmth flooded his body, blood pounding in his veins as he was struck anew at the sight; she was beautiful. Her eyes suddenly opened and turned right to him, finding him in the darkness, and he shook his head, taking another step, smiling back as he melted out of the shadows.
"Brennan?" Her voice called to him as he approached, and his grin widened, pleased she hasn't yet seen what was behind him.
"Hi." He dropped a kiss on her red nose, reaching up and tugging her hat down over her eyes.
"Hey!" She squealed with surprise as red wool covered her eyes and her feet were suddenly swept out from under her. She had the sense of being upside down before realizing she had been slung over Brennan's shoulder. Snow crunched beneath his feet as he turned and began to walk.
"Is this really necessary?" She calmly retorted, fingers rapping against his back.
He laughed, giving her legs a gentle squeeze. "You're not supposed to be walking outside yet."
She snorted. "Let's not forget who came out here in the first place."
He grunted in acquiesce, but kept walking.
"Brennan?" She wiggled slightly, smiling softly as she sensed the energy rippling just beneath the surface of his skin. Muscles rolled smoothly and she was suddenly airborne for a fleeting second and then she was held securely against his chest. He took a few more steps and then paused. Moonlight hit her as her hat was again raised, and she blinked her eyes, gasping and laughing as she suddenly saw what Brennan had been up to.
He had been busy.
Two snowmen stood side by side under the grove of maple trees, in the same place she and Brennan had sat many a time. One was large and sturdy, made with massive balls of snow and the other was smaller, hinting at curves as the snow was smoothly rounded. Securely fastened over the chest of the larger one, a red heart had been carefully shaped. She blinked back sudden tears as she recognized the ribbon she had used to wrap up Brennan's gift from that morning.
"Brennan," Her breath caught in her throat as she clutched his fingers
"Look," Brennan pointed with a pleased grin at an indecipherable mass of snow. "I even made Chester."
Laughter bubbled out of her, joyous and pure, and he wrapped his arms around her at the sound, hands reaching up and tugging her hat off her head, tossing it into the snow before burying his cold fingers into her thick mass of hair, turning her face up to his.
"I love you, Shal," He murmured softly, lips against hers.
"What about us?" Jesse's amused voice carried towards them, and Brennan groaned good-naturedly, pausing as Shalimar's hands grasped his shoulders, stopping him as he made to turn.
"I love you too," She whispered, hands sliding up his shoulders and running along his jawline, pressing a tender kiss against his mouth before releasing him and turning to greet Jesse and Lexa.
Jesse stood, hands on his hips as he surveyed the scene. "Aren't you forgetting a few people?"
Shalimar turned to follow his gaze before looking back at him. "No, I don't think so." Her lips twitched with suppressed laughter as he feigned outrage.
"Shalimar!" Jesse huffed, shaking his head as he grasped his chest. "I'm hurt."
"We can't have that," Lexa grinned as she bent and grasped a handful of snow. "Look, Jesse," She pointed with her chin, "They even made the dog before us."
Shalimar giggled as Jesse's eyebrows winged upward. "That's supposed to be a dog?"
"Watch it," Brennan wiggled his fingers in the air.
"Ah, harmless threat," Jesse grinned back, unfazed. "It's too damp out here for you, Sparky."
"If you boys are finished with your male posturing, you could give us a hand," Lexa spoke without looking up from the snowball she was rolling around the trees, exchanging smiles with Shalimar as she watched the scene with amusement.
"Good idea." Brennan uncharacteristically backed down, waiting until Jesse bent over to help Lexa push the growing snowball before letting loose, two tiny bolts of electricity flying through the air and making contact. "I couldn't help it, Shal." Brennan shrugged as Shalimar slapped his chest, catching her hand and pulling her to his side as Jesse and Lexa simultaneously straightened up, clutching their backsides and howling in surprise.
"You're asking for it," Lexa threw her fingers together, and three pairs of eyes turned to see a thin laser hovering inches from the larger snowman's head. "One more move from you, and the snowman gets it."
"Hey!" Brennan darted forward to rescue his creation. "Don't you dare!"
Time seemed to stand still for one glorious evening as the moon slid slowly across the sky, snuggling down in the blanket of downy clouds gently gathering. Thick snow began to fall, quietly sheathing the four figures laughing and playing in the snow, as if to shelter them from the world if only for one night. Chester seemed to share the sentiment, sitting on her haunches, stubby tail wagging as she watched over them.
Shalimar paused to catch her breath, face turning upward as she noticed the giant flakes drifting down from the heavens. She smiled, marveling at their crystalline perfection, unable to resist sticking out her tongue to catch one. She laughed as she missed and dashed forward, trying again.
"You need to stand still." Brennan's voice brought her face back down, and she reddened slightly at being caught in the act.
"What?" She brushed her wet mittens together in front of her, brushing off the clumping snowballs.
"To catch a snowflake," Brennan's voice was tender and deep as he came to a stop in front of her. "You need to stand still, let it come to you." He tipped his own face back, and she laughed as he stuck his tongue out without any reservation.
"Jush waid." His words were mushed as he spoke without moving. Just wait. She watched as a fluffy flake landed on his tongue. His face came back down, grinning in triumph as he bent and captured her smiling mouth.
His lips were warm, in sharp contrast with the base iciness of the melting snow on his tongue, and she deepened the kiss for a brief moment before reluctantly pulling away, glancing over her shoulder at Jesse and Lexa as they struggled to lift the huge head they had made for their snowman. Just wait, her eyes twinkled up at him with unspoken promise, and he grinned, pulling her close.
"It's like love," Brennan continued his conversation as if there had been no interruption. "It will come to you; you only have it let it."
They had been through so much. Shalimar's throbbed with the awareness of it all, arms tightening their hold around Brennan as Chester trotted up to them. She shook her head in amazement as their silence was eventually broken by quiet banter, gentle laughter that rose up through the mountain. She smiled, warmth washing over her as she listened to them; Chester curled up in a ball at her feet. Her family. She turned her eyes up to Brennan's. Her love. She wouldn't give them up for anything. She leaned against Brennan as he seemed to sense her thoughts and press his arm more tightly against her, hand capturing hers and lifting it to his lips, a tender kiss pressed into her palm as his eyes promised her his love.
So many minutes blurred, so many moments defined. He loved her through them all. Love, longed for, sought after, fought for, and tested beyond measure. It had been found in things best known to them, had become a thing more beautiful than mere words could ever say, and it pulsed around them through all things great and small with unspeakable wisdom. Love. She lifted her gaze to Brennan's as his fingers tangled with hers; eyes alight with the wonderment of what they had found.
No matter what their road, they had already won; it was the truth they had been heading towards all along. And they would take their steps side by side, for love had forged them together with blood and tears, and love had made them completely and utterly one.
The End!
"Of the uncertainty after all...that maybe the things I perceive...maybe these are only apparitions, and the real something has yet to be known. When he whom I love…sits a long while holding me by the hand, when the subtle air, the impalpable, the sense that words and reason hold not, surround us and pervade us, then I am charged with the untold and untellable wisdom of all things--I am silent--I require nothing further. He ahold of my hand has completely satisfied me." --Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass