Disclaimer—See Chapter One
A/N: I'm so sorry for the late posting, I'm still working on this one, and it's slow going because of a busier-than-usual schedule. Sorry about that! Thank you so much Anne, Kerry, Carly, Courtney, Rachel, ShalFan, hi, mxangel, blackpanther, Chris, MariShal, mfkngst, Rain. I can't thank you enough for all your encouragement!! Mayra, glad you laughed! Thank you! Fiery Feral, thank you! Can't wait to read your story! CatJerica, oops, I never knew the order of their bedrooms! :) Thank you! I wish I wasn't so rushed in writing this story, it's not coming out quite like I had hoped, but here's the next chapter for you anyway. It's a longer one at least! :) Thank you!
"…When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash…"
Twas the Chaos Before Christmas—Chapter Two
Shalimar didn't know how much longer she could stand it. Even though he was across the table from her, Brennan's gaze seemed to burn into her, scorching her skin every time he looked at her, which judging from the way her body felt flushed with heat, was quite often. She hastily took another swallow of orange juice.
"You ok, Shal?" Jesse paused mid-sentence, glancing at her askance as she drained her glass in one long gulp.
"Yeah, I'm just tired," Shalimar murmured, realizing how true it really was. "I didn't get much sleep last night."
"Ah," Jesse nodded as he took a bite of toast, "That explains the sounds I heard."
Shalimar immediately froze, deep red spreading high across her cheeks.
"Er...sounds?" Brennan finally managed to squeak out.
"Yeah," Jesse barely looked up from his plate as he continued eating. "I got up to get a glass of water and could hear Shalimar from all the way out into the hallway."
She couldn't look at him; she didn't know if she would start laughing hysterically or die of mortification.
"That's why I checked on you the first time, Shal." Jesse finally looked up from his food to glance at her sympathetically. "It sounded like you were having a nightmare."
Relief flooded her. "Uh, yeah. I had quite the dream last night."
Brennan snickered until Jesse frowned at him in reprimand. "Sorry." He straightened in his chair, eyes almost daring Shalimar as he looked straight at her. "So, what was your dream about?"
Shalimar narrowed her eyes back at him. "Nothing."
"Huh, that's too bad," Brennan casually lifted a forkful of eggs into his mouth. "Because I had quite the dream last night as well, for a moment there I thought perhaps we were dreaming about the same thing."
"Not very likely, Brennan," Jesse answered automatically, focus already back on his breakfast.
Lexa grinned, "Besides, Shalimar had a nightmare; it doesn't take a genius to figure out what you were probably dreaming about."
Brennan frowned at Lexa as she chuckled.
"So," Shalimar cleared her throat as she hastily changed the subject, fighting the blush still threatening to raise, "Everyone done eating? We still have a lot of work to do yet today."
"I know." Jesse groaned, "We've been waiting for you, remember?"
Brennan's eyes again fastened on Shalimar's in wicked amusement. "Can't believe we both overslept."
The cad. She raised her eyebrows. "I'll just have to make sure I don't dream again tonight."She smiled in satisfaction as Brennan squirmed slightly in his seat.
"So what's the plan?" Jesse drummed his fingers impatiently on the table. "How long do you think this will take?"
"Do you have somewhere else to be?" Lexa laughed at his obvious reluctance.
Shalimar felt her body respond as Brennan's foot suddenly brushed against her leg from under the table. She peeked at him from under her lashes, sucking in a breath as his toe rose further up to caress her knee.
"I've got work to do on the computer," Jesse's attention was still on Lexa. "And I wanted to head into town later."
Shalimar's breath shuddered as Brennan's toe suddenly disappeared, body protesting the loss of connection.
"What for?"
Lexa's voice hummed faintly in her mind, eyes glued on Brennan as he pushed back from the table and stood up. His jeans...She swallowed. They were riding low on his hips, and as he stretched his arms over his head, she caught a teasing glimpse of black boxers and firm stomach muscles. She sighed as his shirt settled back into place and her view disappeared.
"...Christmas shopping."
"Huh?" She blinked, turning towards Jesse as she realized he was looking at her. "What did you say?"
Jesse shook his head. "I said I need to do some Christmas shopping. How long do you think your decorating will take?"
"Oh." She found her eyes drawn back toward Brennan. "Why don't you go ahead and go now."
Jesse looked at her incredulously. "But yesterday you insisted we all help--"
"Hey, Jess," Brennan interjected, "You sure you want to argue this one?" He smiled as Jesse's mouth clamped shut. "You might as well go too, Lexa."
Lexa looked back and forth between Brennan and Shalimar for a moment. "Sure." Her voice hinted at amusement.
Shalimar tore her eyes from Brennan, flustered again as he shot her a suggestive smile.
"Shalimar," Jesse got up from his chair, placing his hand on her forehead. "You sure you're ok? You look flushed."
She was going to kill Brennan. "Fine," She managed to squeak out.
"Ok, see you later then." Jesse shook his head, pressing a quick kiss to the top of her head before following after Lexa.
The table was quiet as footsteps faded and then there was the slight rumble as the engine of the helix sounded.
"No dreams tonight, huh?" Brennan finally spoke.
Shalimar threw her napkin at him, laughing as it hit him upside the head.
"Hey, Shal." Brennan's eyes suddenly deepened, causing her stomach to flutter nervously.
"Yeah?"
"You really want to decorate right now?"
She caught her breath as he smiled ather,smiling back. Before shecould think beyondthe bloodpounding in her ears, they werejumping up from the table and stumbling down the hallway, almost knocking over the Christmas tree. Brennan caught it with one hand, shoving it back upright before continuing past. Ornaments swayed dizzily back and forth as the tree blinked happily after them.
Jesse eased back in his seat as he set the autopilot, turning toward Lexa. "I'm telling you, there's something wrong with her, she's not acting herself lately."
Lexa's lips twitched. "No kidding."
"You know what it is?"
Lexa laughed. "Don't worry, you'll figure it out."
Sanctuary's halls didn't get decorated. Boxes in various stages of unpacking littered the lofty space, waiting as the morning stretched on into late afternoon. In the corner of the workout room, next to the tanning bed, bubbled a large Jacuzzi. Two heads lay propped against its side, relaxing in the fragrant steam. The faint scent of vanilla lingered in the air, and scattered candles lent a romantic light, casting flickering shadows across the room. When Jesse had suggested a Jacuzzi when they were remodeling a few years ago, Brennan hadn't been overly excited at the idea. Water wasn't normally his favorite thing, but there were times when he made an exception to those feelings; this being one of them. He sighed appreciatively as Shalimar settled her back more firmly against his chest and ran her hands up and down his arms as they circled lightly around her.
Shalimar smiled as she turned slightly, curling into Brennan's chest, yawning. She felt like she could fall asleep, she was so tired and so relaxed at the moment. Brennan's arms tightened around her as she leaned her head into the crook of his shoulder, marveling at how well they fit together. This day was like a gift, the first time they could really relax together and not worry about being interrupted. For a few hours at least, she mused, shivering as Brennan's fingers began tracing the strap of her bikini.
"This is nice."
She squeezed his arms in agreement.
"You know, ever since I learned the last time I did this was with your clone, I've had this desire to try it again." His arms rose, lifting her hair off her neck and kissing the hairline with gentle nudges. "With the real you of course, since I recognized all the...possibilities."
Her shoulders shook as she chuckled, lightly elbowing him as she leaned further against his chest. "Big difference this time, Brennan." She turned in his arms, pressing a soft kiss into his mouth as she ran her hands languishly up his wet chest. "I'm not trying to kill you right now."
Brennan groaned as shivers of arousal ran down his spine. "I wouldn't be too sure of that, Shalimar." He tightened his hold on her, both suddenly freezing as Jesse's voice hollered, interrupting them yet again, in person this time.
"Jesse!" Shalimar hissed the obvious. "He's coming this way!"
"No kidding," Brennan grumbled as she pulled back, head tilted, listening, tensing as his footsteps neared.
"Get down!" She pushed frantically on Brennan's head.
"What?" He sputtered as she almost shoved him under the water.
"Shalimar?" Jesse's voice came from around the corner.
"Brennan!" She tugged again on his arms.
"Why me?" Brennan balked rebelliously, staring down at the water.
"Do you really want Jesse to find you in all this?" She raised her brows, gesturing to the scented bubbles and glowing candles surrounding them.
Brennan dunked under without another word.
Shalimar smirked as she turned towards the door. "Hey, Jesse," She casually greeted him as he poked his head around the corner, leaning her arms over the side.
"Hey, Shal." Jesse stopped short as he walked into the room, looking around in surprise. "Wow, romantic." He teasingly crossed his arms. "You look like you're waiting for someone."
"Maybe I am," She answered suggestively, mouth curving into her trademark smile, teasing him. Brennan glowered at her from under the water, and her smile widened further.
Jesse looked taken back for a moment, shaking his head and laughing after a beat. "Uh-huh. I can see you've been hard at work while I was gone."
She laughed. "You weren't supposed to be back yet. I was planning on being hard at work when you walked in."
"Busted." Jesse grinned back. "This will be even better if I find Brennan laboring away, decorating the halls."
She laughed again, leaning her elbows against the edge, resting her chin on her hands. "Not sure where exactly he is right now." She winced as she accidentally bumped Brennan under the water. "He's ah, probably hiding out somewhere, I'm sure."
"Wait until you see what I found today." Jesse's eyes lit up as he held up his shopping bags.
"Ah, sure." She lightly kicked Brennan's hand away when he tugged impatiently on her foot. "Why don't I come find you in a little while?" She smiled at Jesse as he nodded in agreement. Her shoulders relaxed, releasing breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Brennan's hand tugged again, with desperation this time.
Need some air down here, Shal.
She could practically hear his thoughts, and she found herself holding her breath again as Jesse turned away. Brennan yanked harder on her leg, and she slipped slightly, catching herself with her elbow on the edge of the tub as Jesse turned at the splash, starting toward her in concern.
"Shalimar?"
"Oops, clumsy me." She quickly pulled herself back up, waving Jesse off. "Go on, I'll come find you soon."
"Ok," Jesse shot her a strange look as she glared down at the water. She quickly looked back up at him, smiling innocently. He shook his head, turning away.
Brennan came surging up as soon as her fingers tapped his head, gasping and sputtering with exasperation. "Shal!"
"Sorry, Brennan." She ran her hands along his chest as he grumbled. Her lips quirked as she took in his pitiful appearance, hair plastered to his scalp, skin bright pink from the heat. "You ok?"
"Yeah." His own lips quivered as the humor of the situation finally hit him. "Just don't expect me to generate sparks anytime soon."
She grinned, ignoring the tempting innuendo as she pushed his dripping hair back off his forehead. "Thanks, Brennan."
"For what?"
"For never letting me get bored."
He shook his head, laughing as his hands lifted out of the water and framed her face. "I think that's supposed to be my line." He lowered his head, pressing a soft kiss against her smiling lips. His thumb stroked her cheek, and she shivered at the wet touch, leaning in and kissing him back. They were silent for long moments, lost in the taste of each other, reluctant to let go. Her fingers curled, feeling the familiar wave of dizziness as he deepened the kiss, stomach dropping and fluttering, pulse slamming madly in her throat. She hummed with disappointment when he eventually pulled back, resting his forehead against hers with a raspy breath.
"I can't get enough of you, Shal."
Her heart stopped, then pounded erratically again at his confession. Her fingers slid across his strong jaw, rasping against afternoon stubble, and then tangling in the hair at the back of his neck. She felt heady with awareness; awareness of him; awareness that someone could walk in at any moment and catch them. He pulled her into a hug, burying his head in her shoulder, arms holding her tenderly, firmly. Anticipation rolled off him in waves, and she trembled, sensing his nervous energy. His mouth opened, closed, then opened again.
"What is it, Brennan?" She finally whispered, pressing a kiss into neck
He pulled back, searching her gaze, brown eyes dark with emotion. "Shal, I--"
"Hey, Brennan!"
They both jumped as Lexa's voice came hollering down the hallway. Not again. Brennan glared murderously toward the doorway. Shalimar's eyes widened as she heard a footfall and realized just how close she was to finding them. Without thinking, she took a deep breath and disappeared under the water just as Lexa rounded the corner.
Too late, she realized what Lexa would find.
"Well, well," Lexa's brows raised as she stopped in her tracks, lips twitching as she caught the fragrant scent of vanilla and a hint of something flowery.
"You got a problem?" Brennan crossed his wet arms defensively, refusing to show embarrassment.
"No, no problem." Lexa's hands landed on her hips. "Just wanted to get your help moving some heavy boxes, but never mind, I can see you're busy." She smirked and turned on her heel, dark hair floating out behind her. Shalimar's head popped back up just as Lexa's laughter could be heard echoing back towards them. She couldn't help it, she joined in.
"Come on, Brennan." She stood up, smiling widely as she held out a hand. "We better get out there before they start comparing stories."
Evening shadows fell long across Sanctuary by the time they finally got around to decorating. Jesse had purposely dimmed the overhead lighting, and Christmas lights sparkled with holiday cheer. Shalimar yawned hugely, rubbing her eyes as she stared down at the final box of decorations. After working for several hours, they were finally almost done. She was exhausted, but the effort had been worth it. Sanctuary had never looked more beautiful. Pine garland and holly were strewn everywhere possible, white lights twined around the fragrant boughs, tying in perfectly with the huge tree they had put up yesterday. One more strand, and all the lights would be hung. She bent over, pulling the tangled strand of lights out of the box, frowning as she worked on a stubborn knot in the cord.
"You look tired." Brennan's hands fell on her shoulders as he came up behind her, rubbing gently.
"Yeah." She smiled as she leaned into him slightly. "I think I'll sleep well tonight."
He smiled against her hair, hands sliding unobtrusively down her arms, cupping her elbows. "Ok if I join you? Just sleep, no…dreaming."
She chuckled, leaning further back into him to whisper in his ear. "Too bad." She heard his sharp intake of breath and grinned at him over her shoulder before reluctantly stepping forward, out of his embrace. "Want to help me hang the last of the lights?" She spoke in a normal voice.
"Sure." Brennan readily agreed, watching as she stepped onto a waiting ladder, admiring the curve of her hip as she paused halfway up to look at him over her shoulder.
She grinned as she caught him looking at her, indicating him over with a flash of her eyes. He stepped over, holding the lights for her as she climbed higher up.
"Careful, Shalimar," Jesse paused to look up at her as he walked by. "That ladder's in bad shape. I keep meaning to replace it."
"Don't worry," Shalimar called back to him as she strained to reach to her right to hang the light strand. "I've got it all under control." She grinned in triumph as got the light strand in place. "I never fall."
She twisted on the ladder, about to climb back down when the entire thing shuddered and with a loud crack, dropped from beneath her.
One minute she was in the air, and the next she was falling.
She blinked, barely able to form the thought in her mind before she crunched to the ground, lights tangling around her and creating a loud clatter on the slate. "That didn't hurt too badly," She mused to herself, just as a chunk of ladder came down on top of her. Pain exploded as something struck her head; she heard the running of feet and then all went dark.
"Shalimar! Shalimar, please wake up."
Faint pleading was the first thing she became aware of, the desperate tone coming across even in the roaring darkness of her head. Brennan. He sounded scared. She sought out his voice, turning her head toward the sound.
"Shalimar?"
His voice hitched, and her brows furrowed at the fearful hope. What was he so afraid of? She forced one eye open, squinting as a blurry patch of dark swarmed over her. It took her a moment to realize it was Brennan's head. She blinked tiredly; he smiled tumultuously at the action.
"Shalimar."
Another head swarmed into view, and she recognized the fuzzy blonde head as Jesse. His warning of the ladder came back to her just as she remembered her undignified fall. She groaned, pushing herself into a sitting position.
"Hey, hey," Hands tried to still her movements. "Careful."
She ignored them both, throwing her legs over the edge of what she recognized as one of the lab beds. She had been out long enough for them to carry her to the lab. She frowned grumpily at the thought, gripping the edge of the bed as she fought the dizziness. It felt like her stomach was going to come up through her nose.
"You need to lay back down, Shalimar."
She grunted at Jesse's words, not moving.
Brennan and Jesse exchanged resigned glances. They knew better than to argue with a stubborn feral.
"You feeling ok, Shal?" Brennan decided to try a different approach.
"Yeah," She moaned as she held her head. "I'm fine, just embarrassed. I can't believe I fell. I never fall."
"So you said." Jesse reminded gently, looking up from the scan he was studying. "But accidents can still happen."
She rolled her eyes. "Whatever. All I care about right now is getting into my own bed." She yawned hugely, wincing at the pain in her head, wanting nothing more than to be alone at that moment. "I think I can sleep for a week."
"Sorry, Shalimar." Jesse clucked his tongue as he closed out the scan. "Can't let you do that."
"What?" She stared up at him. "Why not?"
Jesse smiled at her petulant tone. "I'm sorry, but you've got a mild concussion. I'll need you to stay awake for me for a while."
"What?" She repeated flatly, fighting the dragging sensation on her eyelids. "For how long?"
Brennan winced, recognizing the moody glint in her eyes. A tired, crabby feral was even worse than a stubborn one.
"How long, Jess?" She glared at him when he didn't answer immediately.
Jesse cleared his throat. "About eighteen hours."
Eighteen hours?! Shalimar stared at him as if he had sprouted a second head, eyes narrowing until he squirmed slightly in his seat.
"Come on, Shal," Brennan tried to cheer her up, placing an arm around her shoulders. "It's not that bad. Time will go by before you know it."
"We'll help keep you company." Lexa spoke up for the first time from across the room. "We won't leave you alone for a minute."
Shalimar wilted, burying her head in Brennan's shoulder with a shuddering groan.
It was going to be a long night.