Disclaimer—See Chapter One
A/N: Well, here we are at the end of another story! This final chapter is extremely long and is really the length of several chapters put together. I debated separating them out, but felt it flowed much better all together and didn't want to lose the momentum or the emotion, so kept it this way. That is why there are fewer chapters in this story, although with overall length, this is actually my longest story yet! For those that asked about the European DVD's that show character backstories, including the one for Brennan where this plot idea came from, I unfortunately do not have access to the DVD's either. But I belong to a MX Yahoo Group where a European member was kind enough to post the backstories a few years ago, so I was able to go back into the email archives to find them. Also for those who have asked, I am not sure yet if I will do a sequel to this story. I imagine I probably will, but currently do not have a plot in mind. This story was intended to take place immediately before ep 222, so a sequel would have to branch off into an AU world before 222 or would have to pick up immediately after 222 with the death of Emma and the appearance of Lexa. Let me know if you have any requests! No guarantees, but I'll do my best. :) Blackpanther—you're right! I did make an error with Brennan not being able to ground himself on a metal catwalk! Oops! Thanks for catching that! Mayra, you caught the last little bit I was saving for this chapter! I think this one will answer your last lingering questions! CatJerica, lol, I debated about the "later"…you'll see what I decided. :) (Have to save some things for the possible sequel!) Thank you! I've got some projects I need to work on and my family will hide my computer if I don't emerge into the real world for a while so I won't be posting for a little while, but will be back as soon as I can later this summer, either with a sequel or something new. In the meantime, I just finished a new video and am working on another one, so if you like vids, please check them out! (AliasFan-MutantKitty, so glad you liked them, thank you!) Thank you all so much for your interest and your support and encouragement! I appreciate you all so much!
A/N II: Thank you so much to the following: Viviana, your emails and friendship mean so much to me, thank you so much for everything. Mari, once again this story would not exist if not for you. I cannot thank you enough for all the time you spent with me, brain-storming and sharing plot ideas and characters. This story is as much yours as it is mine. You are a true friend, thank you for being there. Rogue, your emails and beta help mean more than I can say. You are an amazing writer and person, and it is an honor to know you. Thank you! Audrey and Rachel, your emails and encouragement are always such a highlight. Thank you for everything! Blackpanther, I can always count on you for honest feedback, thank you! Fiery Feral, we made it through another story:) Can't wait to read your next one as well. Thank you so much! Redhead2, you have such a kind heart, and I thank you for sharing it with me! Mxfan214, your reviews are always so encouraging, thank you! Fire Feral, thank you so much for your support! AliasFan-MutantKitty, I love how you always take the time to see the details, it's so nice to know they're being noticed! Thank you! Mayra, thank you for asking questions and for sharing your amazing insight! Rain, from one writer to the other, thank you for noticing and understanding the subtle things. CatJerica, I love how you share your guesses and ask questions, it helps keep me on track with the plot:) Thank you! hi, thank you so much for so faithfully reviewing and sharing your thoughts! Saphire Ravven8, thank you for your words of wisdom and encouragement! Kerry, thank you for sharing your love of all things B/S! Meg, your reviews always made me smile, thank you! To all of you who took the time to leave such kind and thoughtful reviews: Jenn11, Donna Lynn, Cristina, Chris, Laura, Courtney, Rachel, Me, Anne, Jessica, SithelfJen, Kaela, Marie, Farah, hi again, goldilocks, ebony, EverlastingDynasty, sclub, AussieMXfan, x-Shalimar-x, Regan, Lisa, Nicole, Bren88, and to anyone kind enough to review this last chapter—Thank you all so much!
Traveling Souls—Chapter Fifteen
Sanctuary was still and quiet, evening lights casting a soft glow throughout the mountain home as Adam slowly wandered around its vast halls, running his hands along the cool walls, slowly making rounds. Everything was as it should be. He felt like he could breathe again for the first time since they had all initially left. Every mission had its dangers, its risks; he knew that more than anyone. But this one had been seeped in the past, bringing up memories long buried, old fears clashing with overwhelming burden. It was with relief that he brought his team home again.
He was tired of holding his breath.
He took a breath now, but couldn't seem to find comfort in it. It had been too close. While they were all safe now, sleeping soundly in the calmness of Sanctuary, he was painfully aware of how easily they might have had a different end, a different path. And it would be his fault. He had kept some secrets to protect them; afraid the truth would distract their focus and make them an easier target for the enemy. He had kept some secrets because of the dangers of knowing the truth; afraid their lives would be at even greater risk, of the war that could wage if they were aware. And he had kept yet more secrets because he wanted to give them the gift of innocence for as long as possible, illusive though it may be.
Illusion.
Misdirection.
Truth inside a lie, masking truth.
It was because of duty he had deceived them the first time, and it was because of love that he continued to do so now.
He sighed, forehead pressing into the coolness of Sanctuary's strong wall. They were growing up before his eyes. He didn't know how much further he would be able to lead them. More than they knew, they were his life. The day would come when they would stand on their own, and he knew he would swell with pride to see it.
He was afraid of that day.
"Adam."
A soft-spoken whisper drew his attention, and he lifted his head, unable to resist the smile that spread across his face at the knowing look Shalimar was giving him, her small slippered foot tapping chastisingly against the floor.
She grunted at his smile, fully aware it didn't quite reach his eyes, of the inner guilt weighing it down. "What are you still doing up?" The admonishment in her tone was countered with the gentle hand she placed on his shoulder.
"I should be asking you the same," Adam lifted a brow, eyes flickering to his watch. "You should be sleeping; your body needs the rest."
"I'm fine." She shook her head at his protectiveness, at the way he smoothly avoided her question, letting it go for now.
"What can I do for you?" Concern flickered across Adam's face as a new thought crossed his mind. "Do you need me to get you something from the lab?"
"No," Shalimar was quick to reassure him. He had already dragged each of them into the lab for complete work-ups, it was the first thing he had insisted they do when they got back.
"You'll tell me if you have any more pain anywhere?" Adam took her hands in his, examining them once more. She had torn them badly on the rocks. "Your foot---"
"I'm fine, Adam." She smiled in tender exasperation, looking at him pointedly. "It wasn't pain that woke me up."
He smiled at the way she redirected the question back to him. She was learning too well. He released her hands, shrugging. "I was working. I'm sorry if I woke you."
"That's not what I meant." She came up alongside him as he started walking again. "You'd tell me if there was something wrong?"
"There's nothing to be concerned about," Adam took stock of each bedroom as they turned the corner. "I was just wrapping things up." Jesse and Emma's rooms were dark, doors closed, as was Shalimar's. His eyes hesitated on the pool of soft light spilling out from under Brennan's door. "How is he?"
"He's good, he's asleep" She set a hand on his arm at his quiet inquiry, hating the guilt she could feel in him. It had been without question she had forgiven him, that she had understood his reasons. He was family, that was the most important thing to her, no matter what he did. She nodded at the lit-up room as they passed it. "That's actually Alex, he's sleeping in Brennan's room, at least for tonight."
It was on the tip of his tongue to ask where Brennan was sleeping, but he abruptly changed his mind; he'd rather not hear the answer to that one aloud.
They walked in silence for a moment.
Shalimar hid a smile at the hint of awkwardness radiating from Adam, guessing his train of thoughts, remembering their last conversation together. "I'm not confused anymore, Adam."
He glanced down at her with something akin to pride and chagrin. "So you're happy with your decision?" He gestured for her to sit as they entered the rec room.
"Yeah," She sank into one of the overstuffed chairs, shifting and pulling a pillow out from under her, setting it in her lap. "I did what you suggested, I considered all the possibilities, and I'm sure that this is the right one." She smiled softly and it lit up her entire face. "I couldn't imagine anything different now."
"Then I'm happy for you."
"Thanks, Adam." She met his gaze, grateful for his simple acceptance of the changes this mission had brought to their team. She knew it couldn't be easy for him, but he trusted their choices without question. She saw his eyes flicker silently back toward the bedrooms. "You should talk to him." Since they had gotten back, Brennan had been avoiding their leader, still too hurt and angry to deal with anything.
"In the morning," Adam nodded in agreement. "He needed some rest first. He's been through a lot."
"We all have." She tossed the pillow at him, standing up with a stretch, watching as he caught it with a smile. "Including you." She padded over to him, bending down to drop a kiss on his cheek. "Don't be so hard on yourself, Adam, you had your reasons. Brennan may not like it, but he does understand."
Adam stood as well, giving her shoulders a squeeze. "You should get some sleep."
She yawned, nodding, tightening the knot on her robe. "What about you?"
He smiled at her worry. "In a bit, I need to finish up some work first."
She frowned at him. "It wasn't too long ago you were unconscious, you need to get some rest as well."
He chuckled, pressing a kiss to her brow. "Soon, I promise. I just want to finish a few things."
Her brow furrowed. "The disk and the research were all destroyed. What's left?"
"I don't know, maybe nothing. There's been some activity in the last few hours; I've found references to the existence of a list of names."
"Like the one mentioned on the disk?"
"Possibly." Adam shrugged. "Somehow, I don't think this will be the last we'll see of the research."
A shiver ran down her spine at the thought. Eckhart had already shown what he would do to get it. At what cost would it all end?
"Hey, I don't want you to worry about it." Adam was quick to reassure her. "We'll deal with it if needed. For now, you need to get some rest."
"Yeah, yeah, I'm going." She chuckled wryly, turning away, pausing when another thought hit her. "Hey Adam?"
"Yes?" He looked up at her, returning the pillow to the chair.
"What about that precog, the one that gave the prophecy? Whatever happened to him?"
Adam grimaced slightly. "I've been tracking him in the database; the last known reference was that he teamed up with Ashlocke when he took over Genomex."
"He's a member of the Links?" Shalimar looked sickened at the thought. "Good thing his prophecies turned out to be harmless." She shook her head, padding back down the hallway.
Adam watched her disappear, face inscrutable.
He wasn't so sure about that.
Somehow she instinctively knew it was barely past dawn. A warm heavy leg rested across hers and a possessive arm cradled her close. A large hand was tangled in her hair and hot breath was heating her neck, just below her ear. Shalimar smiled. It had been without question that they would sleep in the same bed. After only a few nights of being together in the cave, they were already addicted to the feeling. It was amazing how much better they slept together than apart. And neither one was afraid to admit it. It was the next step that terrified her. There would be no going back.
Self consciousness had returned to her now that they were home again. It had seemed different in the cave, but here… She bit her lip, keeping her eyes closed when she felt him stir against her. There was the whisper of sheets as he came awake, the gentle intake of his breath when he realized where he was, and then his voice, rumbling in her ear as he whispered her name. She didn't move, couldn't move, luxuriating in the warmth of his body, shivering involuntarily when he pressed a kiss against her ear.
"Shal?"
He knew she was awake. No use prolonging it. She opened her eyes, surprised at the closeness of his face, smiling, inexplicably shy. Why was seeing him face to face in her own room suddenly so awkward?
"Hey," Brennan whispered, breaking her thoughts. "You're awake."
"Hey," She whispered back, tilting her head, looking down at him.
They were instantly aware of each other in a familiar way.
She smiled hesitantly, unsure where the shyness was coming from. They had slept close together in the cave, but something about being home and in a bed, her bed, made it seem more real. It was also the first time they were truly alone, she realized with a start. He was quiet, watching her, letting her process things. She smiled gratefully, reaching up to push the hair back from his forehead. When her fingertips touched his skin, the awkwardness vanished, and she lightly touched her other hand to his chest, unable to stop the satisfied grin from tugging on her mouth. She was in bed with Brennan.
"Good morning." He smiled back, nose nuzzling hers for a moment, head dipping to run a trail of kisses down her neck.
Her hands slipped into his hair when he began moving lower, feeling it brush and tease against her skin. She squirmed, laughing breathlessly. "Brennan, that tickles."
She knew she was grinning like a fool.
He lifted his head and grinned back, drawing a line of kisses along her collarbone, and then back up her neck to her lips. She kissed him back and it wasn't about fear or awkwardness; it was about what had been between them, what was between them still. The tenderness and sweetness, and the longing and tension that they'd never put into words.
He reached up, touching her cheek, smiling. "This isn't as weird as I thought it might be."
"What?"
"Us. In bed together."
She quirked a brow, teasing him. "You thought about it?"
"Maybe." His mouth twitched. "Did you?"
"Maybe."
He chuckled, playing with the tangled bits of hair framing her face, capturing her hands as her fingertips ran down his cheek, scraping against his stubble. He pressed a kiss to her knuckle. "Your skin's healed nicely."
"Yeah." She smiled as he gently rotated her hand, pressing his lips against the palm, heart skipping a beat. She dragged her free hand down the side of his neck, scraping his skin lightly, causing him to swallow convulsively. "And how's your back?"
"Uh…" Brennan suddenly found it difficult to focus as her hand continued moving. "It—it's good."
"That's good."
"Uh-huh."
Her palm stopped over his heart, feeling it pound beneath her fingers. Her tongue darted out, licking her lips, throat dry as his eyes dropped and landed on her mouth. Her own pulse slammed madly in reply, eyes falling shut as he watched her intently, head lowering slowly back down. His lips explored hers, gentle, soft, loving. She felt something inside her melt, responding more deeply. It felt strange and wonderful and crazy to be with him this way. Exciting and new because she'd never known him like this before, and warm and familiar because she'd known him for forever. Her hands found their way to his shoulders, kneading the muscles.
Brennan groaned her name, his controlled gentleness exploding, kissing her with more desperation. He rolled her, pressing his body along hers, cupping her head in both his hands, kissing her until they were both breathless. And then his mouth left hers again, wandering across her face, kissing her cheeks, her eyelids, her lashes. Her hands slid down his shoulders and over his back, lightly tracing the line of his spine, having a hard time breathing as he pulled back to look down at her, his heart in his eyes.
She couldn't get enough. Impatient, she tugged on his head, pulling his mouth back down to hers. His touch was electrical, searing her with tiny shivering jolts that ran down to her toes as they rolled again. His fingers combed through her hair, holding it back as she leaned down to press a kiss into his shoulder, opening his senses, wanting to imprint it all indelibly in his mind.
Shalimar brandished her teeth against his clavicle bone as his hands tightened in her hair, drowning in the taste of him, the feel of him.
He was here.
At last.
She smiled. It was about time.
Whatever had been keeping them apart all those years had disappeared. She could tell by his eyes he felt it too.
You get it now. I love you. It's as simple as that.
He smiled back as if she'd said it aloud. A smile of wonderment and amazement that lit up his eyes and his face and sent a wave of warmth crashing through her. He smoothed her hair back, tucking it behind her ears, running a finger along the line of her forehead, tracing her eyebrows and then her nose. She leaned into his touch, kissing his finger as he traced her lips. His expression changed again as he twisted his hands back in her hair, guiding her down, lips tangling with hers.
"Brennan."
They sat bolt upright as Adam's voice sounded in their ears.
"Brennan, we need to talk."
She groaned, slamming back down onto the bed in disbelief. She was the one who told him he needed to talk to Brennan as soon as morning came. She groaned again as Brennan plopped back down beside her on his back. They lay side by side, breathing hard, hearts racing.
Adam called again, a tinge of impatience in his voice.
"Yeah, I'm coming." His voice wasn't quite steady when he finally managed to answer.
They lay in disbelieving silence for a moment.
"I don't know if I'm ready to face him, Shal."
"Just talk to him."
"I'd rather stay here."
She laughed, half in amusement and half in frustration. She felt his hand touch hers, then slide to link with her fingers. When she gently squeezed back, he rolled towards her and pressed his face into her shoulder.
She softly stroked his hair, already knowing what he was going to say.
Later.
Yeah.
Brennan paused outside Adam's office, strangely nervous. He had been avoiding him since they got back, unsure where to even start. Between the dangers of the mission that still left his mouth dry when he thought about it, to the new relationship with Shalimar that left his gut twisting with fear and elation, to the shock of finding he had a brother, to the sharp betrayal of knowing Adam had known all along, he was a wreck. He hesitated in the shadow of the doorway, watching the older man as he paced the room. This was Adam, his mentor, so why couldn't he just talk to him? Trust. The answer came to him in a whisper of boiling emotions. I trusted him. He blew out his breath, beads of sweat dripping down his back despite his recent cold shower. Could he believe what Adam said? A wrench of fear struck him. Could he handle the consequences if he didn't? He watched silently as the older man paced, noticing for the first time the tired slump of his shoulders, the rumpled clothes indicating he hadn't slept. Belief. Trust. Fear. This man had saved him. This man had deceived him. The muscle of his jaw flexed, unresolved feelings, heart clenching with a mixture of anxiousness and longing. He wanted things to be right again. He wanted to trust in this family they had carved out together. He wanted to forget the confusion, the frustration. Damn it, he wanted to be back in bed with Shalimar. He took a step into the room, pausing in the doorway when Adam swung around and met him face to face. He knew he could see the anger and anguish reflected in his eyes, he couldn't hide it. Adam gestured for him to enter and sat on the edge of his desk, leaning forward and rubbing his face tiredly. Brennan sank into a nearby chair warily, eyes studying the other man's profile. It was so familiar to him, and yet, it was the face of a stranger. Exhaustion and defeat were etched into every line of his face. With a start, he noticed a few threads of gray hair at his temple.
Adam getting gray.
The sight hit Brennan harder than anything that had spilled out during his emotional tirade.
Jesse pulled his head out of the fridge, taking a swig from the orange juice bottle, almost choking in startled surprise when two hands suddenly reached out, grabbing his backside. He managed to swallow, eyes gleaming in understanding when a slim figure pressed against his back, voice giggling softly into his ear.
"Uh-huh," He caught her hands as they slid around his front, tugging on one arm and pulling her in front of him. "And what's gotten into you?" He couldn't help but laugh at Emma's infectious grin, setting the juice down with a deliberate hand when she quirked a teasing brow, stalking forward when she backed up a step, her back hitting the fridge. Jesse's smile widened, arms landing on either side of her, pinning her in. "Someone's feeling good today." He was relieved to see her smiling again. She had been so subdued the other day, and he hadn't been able to read her, eyes strangely distant. It had scared him more than he realized.
"I am," Her eyes twinkled up at him as he leaned down, giving her a warm kiss. "It's good to be back home," She sobered slightly, a flash of darkness in her eyes that disappeared before he could recognize it. "I just want things to go back to normal."
"Normal?" He raised his brows, arms brushing deliberately up and down her sides, cajoling a smile back to her face.
"Well, almost normal." The light was back in her eyes, and she pushed up on her toes, capturing his lips. "I think some things were due for a change around here."
"Mmm, I like that." Jesse's hands landed on her hips, pulling her closer, lips following hers as she slowly edged sideways to the counter.
After a moment, she broke the kiss, flashing him a quick grin as one hand darted out, stealing the orange juice from the counter and ducking under his arm with a laugh.
"Oh I see how things are going to be," He shook his head, crossing his arms as she lifted the bottle with a taunting grin. Pulp sloshed merrily as she waved it around. "You realize I can't let you get away with the juice now, don't you?"
She smiled, eyes darting past his shoulder to the door. "Hey Shal, want some orange juice?"
"Oh yeah, like I'm really going to fall for that---Umphf!" Jesse's voice choked off with a startled yelp as another hand playfully slapped his backside. He rolled his eyes at the explosion of giggles as Shalimar sauntered past him.
"I'd love some." She flashed him a grin over her shoulder, stopping next to Emma by the fridge.
"Men," Emma gave a longsuffering sigh, "They just make it too easy."
Jesse rolled his eyes again at the fresh onslaught of laughter, pouting until Emma came back, wrapping her arms around his waist, hugging him. Her shoulders shook with laughter until he couldn't help but join in. With both hands, he framed her upturned face, pressing a warm kiss to her smiling mouth. Some things were new alright.
And some things never changed.
Shalimar was still chuckling to herself when she left the kitchen a little while later. While they had eaten breakfast together, they had made plans for a day of relaxation. After this last mission, they all deserved it. She was looking forward to a day spent with her family, without the worry or fear that had plagued them recently. There was still much unknown, still much to work out. She sighed as she remembered Adam's closed expression from last night or the look on Brennan's face when he had left to go meet with him. But no matter their problems, they were still a family. And that would keep them together. She lifted her chin. She would make sure it did. A niggling sense of worry pressed against the back of her mind, and she recognized it as fear. Fear her family might be too torn apart by secrets and anger, too damaged by stubborn emotion to forgive or understand.
They had been talking a long time.
She had to know what was going on. She turned the corner towards Adam's office, foot pausing mid-air at the sight before her, eyes unexpectedly misting. She blinked and eased back, fingers pressed to her mouth, surprised at the battery of emotion as she peered silently around the corner, inordinate relief washing giddily over her.
They were going to be alright.
Of course they were. She shook her head, swallowing tightly as she watched Brennan's broad frame pull back from the fatherly embrace, face strangely solemn as he held out a hand and Adam shook it. They exchanged a few more words, Brennan's head bobbing as he nodded along with Adam, and she strained forward, struggling to hear. A slight clearing of throat, and she froze, slowly lifting her eyes from the two men, meeting a set of brown ones across the adjacent hallway.
She wasn't the only one eavesdropping.
She grinned as Alex winked at her before stepping out and joining Brennan and Adam. She continued to watch as the three men talked, face alight as they chuckled, slapping shoulders and turning to walk away.
Right toward her.
With a small squeak, she ducked back around the corner and scurried away, unable to stop the wide smile from growing across her face.
Her family was back.
Emma sat with her photo album spread across her lap, carefully filing away her latest pictures. "Someday, you'll thank me for taking these," She laughed as Shalimar plopped down beside her with a bored groan, blowing grains of sand off the page as the wind blew through the trees, rippling the water. She turned her face up to the warm sunlight with a sigh. "This was a good idea." She squinted one eye back open to glance at the feral as she grunted beside her. "What?"
"Did I really agree that an entire day lounging on the beach would be fun?"
Emma had to laugh at Shalimar's exaggerated sigh of despair. "Three hours of doing nothing but lying in the sun starting to get to you, huh?"
Shalimar sat back up, resting her chin on her knees, wrinkling her nose. She could already feel the sunburn starting to develop, and she knew she would probably be freckled as well. "Somehow, this wasn't quite what I imagined."
Emma laughed again as Shalimar's eyes drifted, glaring over at the backs of the four male members of their teams.
They were studiously absorbed in a competitive game of touch football.
The first hour had been hilarious, Emma and Shalimar declining to join in and opting to relax in the sun instead, watching and laughing as the men ran back and forth. Evenly matched, they slipped and slided their way back and forth over the same stretch of beach, never quite able to accomplish much.
And then the powers began.
The second hour was equally amusing as fierce competition drove them to further and further desperation, neither side wanting to be the first to admit defeat.
And yet they still got nowhere, running aimlessly back and forth over the now well-trampled stretch of beach.
By the third hour, touch football had turned into tackle football and then into an all out power struggle, with Jesse massing just as Brennan rammed into him and Alex freezing Jesse as he tried to run a touchdown. The more the molecular pumped his legs, the more Alex concentrated on keeping him still, resulting in Jesse being suspended a few inches off the ground, legs frantically moving, face shocked and then determined and then resigned when Brennan and Adam couldn't stop laughing at the sight.
Shalimar snorted as Emma gleefully snapped a picture. She pursed her lips, thinking for a moment. "Come on," She suddenly brightened, grabbing Emma's hand, pulling her to her feet. "We can't let the boys have all the fun." She grinned back over her shoulder at Emma, eyes twinkling with mystery and a hint of challenge.
Emma couldn't help but grin back, despite the wriggle of apprehension running down her back. The last time she had seen that look she had ended up on the losing end of a bet. She pushed the thought aside. "What?" Her grin widened. "What are you thinking?"
The smell of barbeque hit them like a physical wall, comically bringing them to a dead halt mid-run.
The football fell from forgotten fingers with a large splat into the sand.
Alex's nose twitched as he sniffed the air. "Do you smell that?"
Brennan stomach growled in response. Suddenly, he was ravenously hungry and the smell… His mouth watered, and he licked his lips.
Jesse was already zipping away from them like a rabbit, Adam not more than four steps behind him. "I can smell it!" He bubbled, turning to face them without losing a step in his stride. "It smells like pizza! Can you smell it? It's heavenly!"
"It's steak!" Adam countered, mouth stretched in the widest grin they had ever seen from him as he broke into a jog. "Medium rare, oh, and potatoes, little baby red ones…"
Alex and Brennan exchanged glances, simultaneously taking off after them.
"Ohh, I'm so hungry!"
The four men stopped dead in the middle of the beach, pushing each other aside as they crowded around the little grill pit.
It was empty.
Immediately, Jesse's delighted face slipped into one of overwhelming disappointment. "Where's the pizza?"
A laugh came from across the barbeque pit.
Shalimar and Emma sat cross legged on one of the beach blankets, playing a card game.
"Is it time to eat already?" Emma fought to keep an innocent look on her face as Shalimar smirked behind her cards.
"But…but I smelled pizza. I know I did." Jesse stood with slumped shoulders. "I'm so hungry…"
Behind him, Brennan groaned, pressing a hand over his growling stomach. "It smelled so good."
"Emma…" Adam crossed his arms, the first to figure it out.
"What?" She calmly laid down a card, studiously ignoring the glare of four hunger-induced men.
"Do you have any idea how hungry I am now?" Jesse flounced down onto the blanket next to her with a pout.
She picked up a new card from the deck. "I hope so. I'm famished."
"Very funny." Brennan glowered as he sank down next to Shalimar, eyes drifting back to the cold pit. "This was your idea wasn't it?"
She tried to look offended, but failed, laughing outright instead.
"Someone should cook supper." Alex's voice was muffled as he spoke up from under the towel where he was scrubbing his sweat-soaked hair. "I vote for burgers." His tone took on a longing note. "Or fish."
"I volunteer Jesse and Brennan to do that," Shalimar stated matter-of-factly.
"I second that nomination," Emma supported with a mischievous grin.
"Nominees elected." Adam finalized, dusting sand from his hands with a flourish. He sat down in a nearby beach chair, picking up a book. "Let me know when it's ready."
Alex dropped his towel, eyeing Shalimar and Emma with an evil grin. He took a deliberate step toward them.
"Oh no you don't!" With a shriek, the girls were off, cards forgotten, kicking up sand in Jesse and Brennan's face as they tore down the beach, Alex fast on their heels.
Jesse crossed his arms defiantly. "What just happened, Brennan?"
"I think we just got suckered into cooking." He leaned back and stared morosely at the cold fire pit.
Jesse huffed, peering into the cooler sitting by the beach blanket, making a face at the frozen meat stacked inside. He slammed the lid shut, staggering under its weight as he picked it up, hauling it closer to the grill. "Remind me again why we're letting them do this?"
"I don't know, man," Brennan laughed, slapping his shoulder. "Either we're crazy or it must be love."
Jesse dropped the cooler with a large thud. Fine white sand billowed up in his face, stinging his eyes. "I vote for crazy."
Brennan's laugh rolled over the beach, mingling with the wind.
Behind his book, Adam grinned.
Shalimar pounded down the beach, flashing past flowering bougainvilleas and down the open sand. The clear, cool air filled her lungs and the sharp smell of salt from the ebbed tide rose to meet her with a slap against her bare feet. She heard sploshing noises behind her and knew Alex was right on her tail. Without breaking stride, she flung her shirt over her head, laughing as it whipped back to hit Alex in the face. She flashed him a grin as he roared, ripping it away, laughing as Emma did a little hopping dance beside her as she kicked off her skirt. Stripped down to their swimsuits, they plunged into rippling water, shrieking at its coolness.
Up at the barbeque pit, Brennan and Jesse exchanged amused smiles as another larger splash came from the vicinity of the water, followed by another. Both were followed by peals of female laughter.
"Get 'em, Alex!" Brennan couldn't help but goad them on as he slapped a slimy piece of frozen fish on the grill. It hissed and spat back at him as he shoved it closer to the coals. In response, he heard a rolling laugh that he knew was Shalimar's, lighter and more bubbly than anything he'd heard from her in a days. Another shriek of laughter and he couldn't resist, dropping the tines and strolling down to the edge of the water.
"Come on in, Brennan! The water's cold, but calm!"
He found her treading water, grinning from ear to ear, having the time of her life. Brennan found himself grinning back, admiring the way the water shimmered off her bare arm as she waved at him. He waved back, shaking his head as she turned to Emma and gave her a playful slap of water. Emma returned it, and instantly a water fight broke out, their laughter and splashing filling the air around them.
"Hey, Brennan! Your fish is burning!"
Brennan gave her a final wave as he turned back toward the grill, deciding with a small grin that he'd rather watch the water fight than participate in it anyway.
Within an hour, the smell of food had lured them all back. Now that he and Jesse had gotten the hang of it, Brennan was enjoying manning the grill. There were definite benefits to being the cook, he decided with an evil grin as he and Jesse snuck yet another bite of tenderly seasoned fish, watching as the others impatiently gathered hungrily around the makeshift table Jesse had set.
Shalimar was slouched low on the sand on the other side of Adam's chair, talking quietly with Alex. Whatever they were talking about had her smiling, and she laughed quietly as Alex took over the conversation again. The two of them looked as if they'd been friends for years, shoulder to shoulder, comfortable in their own little bubble. Brennan didn't mind being left out at all. He watched Shalimar with a fond smile, content to see her so happy. Occasionally, her eyes sought Brennan's, watching him put pieces of meat on the grill. The delicious smell would catch her nose and make her stomach growl. She made a face at Brennan as he shoved a juicy hunk into his mouth with a wink. He found himself laughing again.
Half an hour later, the food was finally ready. Jesse stood by the blanket, pouring wine and handing glasses to Adam and Emma. Alex was tugging a sweatshirt over his damp head, sitting down with all the gusto of a starving man. Brennan cranked his head, looking for Shalimar, spotting her lying on a beach towel, enjoying the last bits of streaming sun. The slim line of her body was accentuated by the brilliance of the day, and his eyes followed the smooth curves of her body, imagining the taste of her skin.
"She sleeping?" Jesse set the last plate down, startling Brennan out of his daydream. "You want me to wake her?"
"I got her." Brennan gestured for them to begin eating, taking his time walking toward her, enjoying the cooling sand between his toes and the way the warm breeze played through her hair. The sunset slipped into a watery horizon, leaving only a thin ribbon of orange to highlight the inky blue sky.
It was a soft spring evening. A spray mist hung over the water, dimly glowing in the setting sun. The smell of salt and wet sand wrapped around her. She took a deep breath and it filled her lungs. She loved it here. She could smell him, she realized. The lingering masculine aroma floating on the evening air, mingling with the fragrance of the mesquite from the fire, the smell of grilled fish, and the slight cinnamon smell of burning candles. For a few minutes, Shalimar let her eyes half-close as she watched him approach out of the corner of her eye, aware of the electric charge crackling through the air between them.
As if sensing her eyes, he turned his gaze away from the water and back to her. He joined her on the towel, edging closer until he was in her space. His presence filled her nose. His scent, his warmth, she sat up, edging even closer, watching as he gently lifted the ends of her hair and let them drift through his fingers, then let his hand drop. His eyes rose to meet hers again, and the look in them raised the hairs on the back of her neck.
"Hi," She whispered in greeting, nudging his shoulder with hers.
He didn't answer, but kept looking at her. She had the odd feeling he was memorizing her face. His eyes dropped to her mouth. She waited, sure he would kiss her, but he didn't. Instead his hand lifted and touched her face, his fingertips light on her cheekbone.
"Freckles," He finally whispered, a smile in his voice.
She smiled back, a little sheepishly. "Yeah."
He smoothed his fingers across the freckles on either cheekbone, then slipped his hand into her hair, cupping the nape of her neck, gently stroking her earlobe with his thumb. She raised her hand to cover his, tilting her head into his palm.
"Are you as hungry as I am?" His voice had taken on a husky timbre. He hadn't meant anything suggestive, but she laughed at the way his question came out. He smiled back, and they stared at each other. The moment stretched. His eyes were so dark, so unreadable, so familiar. With the slightest pressure on the back of her neck, he drew her up with him, fingers spreading out over her scalp as he tucked her head under his chin. His other arm slipped around her, cradling her against his chest.
After a moment, he turned them, walking them back toward the others. His hold loosened, but he caught up her hand, splaying her fingers between his as they approached.
They tore into their dinner with pleasure. The fish was delicious, so were the side dishes they'd prepared. Voices murmured, laughter loud as they ate ravenously. Emma sighed in contentment, letting the sound wash over her senses. Beside her, Jesse reached to pick up his wine, his elbow touching hers. The low table was comfortable for her, but Jesse didn't seem to know where to put his feet and the few inches between his thigh and hers seemed to lessen every time he shifted restlessly. She smiled at him in amusement.
"Adam," Alex broke the comfortable silence, looking down when the others recognized his change of tone and watched him expectantly. "Have you heard from any of your contacts on Eckhart's possible location?"
"Nothing yet." Adam paused to take a bit of corn. "Even before this last mission, he's been pretty quiet."
"I wish we could have heard the rest of Dr. Shaw's messages on the disk." Alex chewed his lower lip, deep in thought. "Maybe we could have learned more."
Brennan exchanged glances with Shalimar, unsure where Alex was going. "What do you mean?"
Alex shrugged, not making eye contact. "I don't know, I just can't help but wonder if we could have learned more about those experiments or what exactly happened in that facility all those years ago."
"What are you thinking?" Emma's brow furrowed as she stared at Alex, confused by the feelings he wasn't fully blocking from her.
"I was just thinking about Michael."
"What about him?" Emma's voice went flat at the mention of his name, remembering all he had done to her.
Jesse felt the shiver run through her, and squeezed her hand. "It's ok, honey."
She smiled appreciatively at him, turning back to Alex as he answered her question.
Brennan leaned in close to Shalimar. "How come you never call me honey?"
Shalimar bit back a smile, dropping one hand to his thigh, the tips of her fingers pressing lightly.
Out of the corner of her eye she could see Brennan swallow, hard.
She pressed a little harder, not needing to hear his soft intake of breath to know his response.
"Actually," Adam picked up the conversation. "I think Alex may be onto something. I suspect Michael may have been one of the results of the failed experiments. We all saw the way he was, and he was beyond anything we've ever seen before."
Not quite human. The thought struck Shalimar, and she shivered, grateful he couldn't hurt any of them ever again. Brennan's hand landed on top of hers, and she knew he was thinking the same. She turned her gaze back to Alex, sudden unease striking her at his expression. He looked…dangerous. "Alex?"
His face cleared at her soft inquiry, smoothing into calm lines. "Let's change the conversation, huh?" His eyes took on a slightly evil gleam. "I seem to remember Jesse mentioning something about baby stories?"
"Uh, no, that's ok." Brennan hastily interrupted as Adam opened his mouth, causing the others to laugh.
Shalimar swirled her wine around in her glass, staring down at it. She laughed with the others, but watched Alex out of the corner of her eye.
He caught her gaze, smiling back, but it didn't reassure her. "I'll light a fire for us," He stood, moving to where Brennan and Jesse had stacked firewood earlier. In a short amount of time, he had a little fire going. They settled around the small fire, sipping their wine in comfortable silence. The wood was slightly damp, making hissing noises as it heated and expanded, crackling as it burned, sending the sharp smell of mesquite into the air to mix with the heavier scents of the flowers and water.
Shalimar took another sip of wine, finding herself staring at the fascinating play of the firelight on the golden hairs of Brennan's wrist and tried to concentrate on the uncertain vibe she was picking up from Alex. The fire slid lovely warm fingers of light over the skin of Brennan's face and arms. She inched a little closer, reaching out to trace their patterns on his wrist with her fingertip. He was watching her intently, and she shivered a little. It was chilly with the sun down, and the dampness was settling on her skin. Brennan felt it, leaning forward to push another log onto the fireplace. For an instant, the fire glowed golden around his face and hair. Silhouetting him. The line of his cheek…his mouth… Her own mouth went suddenly dry. She took a sip, pulling her gaze away from his lips and looked up at the moon. The water view with the moon was breathtaking, the water dark and mysterious as waves lapped softly in the distance. Dark and mysterious. She risked another glance at Alex. He was watching the flames too. He looked at her sadly, and her heart skipped a beat. He was saying good-bye. She shook her head mutely, eyes brimming up with tears.
In the darkness, Brennan couldn't see her, but he picked up on the vibe between them. "Ok, now what?"
Alex sighed, "I'm sorry, Shal, but I have to."
"What?" Brennan's voice rose as he caught the reflection of Shalimar's tears. He stood to his feet, pulling her up with him protectively.
Alex looked away, shaking his head.
The others stopped talking, staring at them.
"He's leaving." Emma finally spoke for them.
"What?" Brennan blinked. He hadn't been expecting that. "Why?" Firewood popped loudly, and he flinched.
"I have to, Brennan." Alex had stood by now as well. "This isn't over for me, not yet. I have to keep looking for Eckhart."
"No, it's too dangerous." Brennan shook his head, "Stay here, and we can look together."
Alex smiled wistfully. "I wish I could, Brennan. But the team has other responsibilities."
"We can help you." Adam came up behind Alex, resting a hand on his shoulder.
"Thanks, Adam." Alex smiled gratefully at the older man. "But I need to do this alone. I don't know if I can explain, but I'm connected to him. As much as I hate him, I feel like I'm connected to him." He paused, meeting all of their quiet gazes. "The bastard raised me, used me and countless others. I can't stop until he is brought to an end. I remember hearing screams as a child, I have to wonder if it was from those murdered people in the caves. I have to do this, I need to do this, it's like I was meant to."
Adam stared hard at him for a long moment, firelight casting them in eerie shadow. Finally he nodded, holding out his hand. "You'll let us know if you need anything."
"Yes, thank you." Alex shook his hand, ignoring Brennan's protest. He moved quietly to Jesse and then to Emma saying good-bye to them as well.
"No," Brennan shook his head more firmly as Alex approached him next. "I don't like this."
Alex stopped in front of Shalimar, glancing between her and Brennan as they stood side by side. He smiled, taking her hands in his. "I've had a hard life, Shal. If not for you, I fear I would have succumbed to the darkness long ago. You saved me back then you know."
She felt the tears again, welling up from her throat to burn in the back of her nose, and she bit her lip hard to stop them. She wouldn't cry in front of him. She nodded. "You saved me too," She managed, "I was…I still…" She shook her head and her eyes filled with tears despite her efforts to hold them back.
"Hey, hey," Alex lifted a hand to frame her face. "I didn't mean to make you cry. You're going to make me cry too." He tried to rub the tears away with his thumb, but it only make her cry harder. She bit her lip, tears running down her cheeks.
He pulled her into a hug, whispering and she nodded against his shoulder, clenching to his shirt for a moment before taking a shuddering breath and letting him go. She took a step back, lifting her chin and smiling at him, mouth trembling.
Alex smiled back, holding her gaze for a moment before turning his eyes to Brennan, who stood stoically waiting. They stared at one another until Alex held out a hand. Brennan stared at it for a moment before slowly lifting his own. Their hands clasped in a strong, firm grip, and then they were hugging.
"Take care of her." Alex's voice was choked as he pulled away.
Brennan roughly cleared his throat. "You'll let us know when you get somewhere?"
Alex blinked rapidly, looking away over the dark water. "You got it."
He left without another word.
They watched him leave. Shalimar slid her arms around Brennan to rest on his back and rubbed her cheek against the rough cotton of his sweatshirt. She buried her nose against him and took a breath.
Suddenly his arms tightened around her and he was hugging her hard. She hugged him back, just as hard. His arms were so tight she could barely breathe, but she didn't care. She felt him rub his face against her hair.
"I love you," He whispered, very softly.
"I love you too," She whispered back, burrowing more closely into him, opening her mouth against the cotton, breathing in his warmth.
"Let's ah, let's walk." Brennan cleared his throat, pulling her along with him as he turned away from the firelight. When they had wandered far away enough, Brennan stopped, looking out over the water.
Beside him, Shalimar inhaled a lung-full of salty air. Her eyes were wide and moist. "He'll be ok, he's strong."
Brennan nodded, scissoring his lower lip between his upper teeth. "I know."
She continued, wanting to reassure him. "He does have four mutant types after all."
"Three." His eyes eased back to hers, almost hesitantly, and he examined her surprised face. "Come here, you're freezing." Before she quite realized what he was doing, he wrapped his arms around her and held her close, rubbing his hands over her arms and shoulders to warm her.
Three? She put her hands against his stomach and pulled a little against him. "Brennan…"
"I was trying to figure out how to tell you," He said softly.
She relaxed a little, shutting her eyes and breathing in his smell, waiting.
His hands continued rubbing gently over her shoulders and arms, chasing away the chill. "Adam told me this morning. Apparently together we represent all four mutant types, but for me, one is dormant."
"You're feral as well." She was quiet, listening as his heart pick up a beat.
"Not really." Brennan corrected, "Adam says the feral genes are dormant, that they give me some natural strength and agility at most."
She moved suddenly, pulling away to meet his dark eyes. It was chilly away from his body. She didn't know what to say, but somehow it all made sense. Her lips curled slightly at the possibilities.
He chuckled softly at her look, sliding his arm around her shoulders. She slipped back into his warmth, tucking her arm around his waist as they continued walking.
They walked without talking, the only sound the muffled rush of the surf as they turned around, heading back toward the others.
"I told him, Shal, about the mists."
He was full of surprises. She glanced over at him, trying to read his expression. "What did he say?"
His face twisted into a smile. "He still insists everything that happened with the mists is all scientifically explainable."
She had to smile at that, knowing Adam and the nature of his beliefs. She was quiet a moment, watching their footsteps in the sand as they walked back over them. "And you? What do you believe?" Brennan hesitated. He was looking down at their prints too. "I don't know if we'll ever really know for sure what it was that we saw."
She raised her eyebrows at him.
Wordlessly, he shook his head, and his eyes dropped to her mouth. He raised his hand and gently stroked the side of her face. "Shal," He whispered, his eyes holding hers, mouth working noiselessly. His eyes, fives inches from her pinned her with a look so full of a complicated mix of emotions, of anxiousness, and yearning, and heat…
His eyes.
Filled with intense gentle love.
She stared into them solemnly. She should have known.
She nodded, and she let it go.
She lifted her own hand, softly touching his face, cupping his cheek and stroking the line his closed lashes made against his cheekbone with her thumb. She leaned forward slowly and pressed her lips against his before pulling away, heading back down the beach. He made a grab for her and caught her by the hand, linking their fingers together, letting her draw him along with her as she began walking again.
"Traveling souls."
The words were so soft, she might have only imagined them. She glanced back over her shoulder at Brennan, and he tightened his hold on her fingers. Her eyes drifted back to their footprints, partially erased by rolling waves, slowly washing away their path, making way for a new one. Traveling souls. That's what it was all really about. The universe had more than one road, more than one fate. It was up to them to make their own choice, to choose their own road. Their souls had connected while traveling this journey. With each other and maybe, she thought as she glanced over at Brennan's shadowed face, just maybe even with others.
She paused, smiling as cold water rippled over her bare feet, leaving sand between her toes. Beside her, Brennan watched as well, and understood.
She stayed where she was, one arm around Brennan, watching the waves roll over their toes, growing breathless at the coldness. It made her feel alive. She felt him lean closer, his breath warm across her mouth. Then she felt his lips press the gentlest, softest kiss imaginable on the inner corner of her closed eyelid. She reached up for him, and he kissed her again.
He was getting good at kissing her. The way her lips moved against his was quickly becoming addictive, as was the flutter at the base of his stomach when she pulled him closer and deepened the kiss. And how it took her a moment after the kiss ended for her to collect herself enough to talk again.
He loved that.
She laughed giddily until he pressed his mouth against hers again.
Home.
The firelight was low, crackling warmly when they returned to their family. Emma was sleeping in Jesse's arms, nose pushed into his shoulder, stirring slightly when Jesse lifted his head to smile, welcoming them back. She muttered something in her sleep, and he grinned, pressing a long kiss into her red hair, glowing like a sunburst in the reflected light. Adam had gone back to reading, smiling at them over the top of his book as they settled back down by the fire. Brennan sat down first, and Shalimar climbed into his lap, leaning back on his chest. As she settled against him, her weight brought with it a familiar warmth, and he pulled her a little closer. Her head fit snugly into the crock of his elbow, and he tenderly kissed her forehead as her eyes fell shut, sleeping in his arms. It wasn't before long that her eyes darted under her closed lids, her lips curving into a smile as she curled in more tightly against him. She was dreaming. The thought made him smile. They were back to where it had first started, that night when she had held him after his dream.
Only this time, it was peaceful.
Brennan tenderly kissed her forehead. "Dream in sunlight, Shal."
His whispered words touched her, and she smiled, hearing him even in sleep, knowing the moment he believed, heart and mind racing toward new possibilities. He lifted their twined fingers and pressed a kiss against her knuckles. They had undergone much on this journey of discovery together, only to learn their choice had already been made. It had been made long ago when something within one recognized the other. They were connected, and they shared the same road.
Firelight winked and wind stirred, catching up long strands of her hair until it wrapped around them both in a golden halo. Light mists moved across the water, rippling the calm surface in a steady drone until Brennan fell asleep as well, forehead coming to rest against hers, moonlight bathing them in a gentle glow.
And in his dreams, he found the other half of their combined soul.
The End!
"To undergo much, tramps of days, rests of nights…to look up and down no road but it stretches and waits for you…to take your lover on the road with you…to know the universe itself as a road—as many roads—as road for traveling souls." --Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass
