The truth Behind…
SUMMARY: I know, I said the sixth was the last one… but I changed my mind. Set just after 'a breed apart'. Adam and Emma go on a holiday, a beach, full moon, a priest… need I say more????? Hope you'll enjoy.
Disclaimer: The characters… (you know the rest…)
Review and feedback: pretty please...
Chapter 7: no beginning, no end…
Gabriel was out of his stasis pod and the mutations of his children were getting out of control. Adam's worst nightmares were starting to take shape and he was powerless in front of the disaster ahead of him.
The scientist felt tired from life, from his fight against Gabriel and Eckhart. For the first time, years were weighing down on him making him regret some of his life choices. Where did the young enthusiastic man he used to be, disappear? He rubbed his temples trying to ease the throbbing headache that had started a few hours ago. For the third time, he reread the scans and blood analysis of Emma, Shalimar, Brennan and Jesse without really being able to concentrate on it. His thoughts kept on drifting towards Gabriel and Shalimar. The thought of loosing her to Ashlocke was making him sick. He should have been able to do something.
Focusing back on the computer he stared at the analysis displayed on the screen, their DNA structure had evolved like nothing he had ever seen before increasing their abilities to a point where they might become dangerous. He needed to find a way to stabilize their mutation and quickly before it could kill them. Adam closed his eyes refusing to even consider the possibility to loose Emma or any of the others.
Emma watched her lover sitting in his lab visibly focused on a computer screen, his shoulders slumped in defeat. Their friends had gone to bed a few hours ago, exhausted after their fight against Ashlocke. Shalimar was still trying to cope with what he had done to her and she doubted it would easy.
She had stayed awake partly because of her worry about Adam, partly because she wanted to meditate and learn how to control her new ability. Guilt and even fear were coming from Adam; their intensity so strong it made her shiver. Gabriel's escape had affected him more than he had let on earlier. The near loss of Shalimar had crushed his heart. She had felt his pain and guilt so strongly it had made her cry. Silently, she went by his side and put a glass of wine in front of him. Her hands came to rest on his shoulders in a comforting way. Seeing what was on the screen, she felt the urge to reassure him.
"Please, stop torturing yourself."
Adam looked up at his soul mate, his only light in this nothingness, and turned back to the screen. Not for the first time, he wished he could run away with her; protect her from this world he had created. One of his hands came to rest on top of hers, the other taking the offered glass. They both just stayed without a word reading the reports displayed on the computer screen, each of them finding comfort and strength in the presence of the other. After a few minutes, he broke the silence.
"Emma?"
"Yes"
"I think we should take some holiday. Just a few days; get away from this place."
Emma mischievously smiled at the thought of spending time alone with him. A little respite would do them good.
"What do you have in mind?"
Cold water landed on Emma's bare back waking her up and making her yelp in surprise. It was soon followed by a cold hand placed on the small of her back. Playfully, she moved to counter her opponent, only to find herself held captive in Adam's arms. A happy laughter escaped her lips mirroring his amused expression. Seeing Adam smiling, joking and sometimes acting like an impish teenager was something she had never dreamt of witnessing.
"So, where have you been? And what is your excuse for waking me up in the middle of a rather pleasant dream?"
Adam laughed and rolled them in the sand so that she was pinned beneath him. He leaned forward brushing her lips tenderly. After a few seconds, Emma parted her lips allowing their tongues to brush and the kiss to deepen. Her hands found their way to his neck, pulling him even closer. They broke the kiss a moment later completely breathless.
"I called Sanctuary to be sure they were alright and…"
Adam kissed her once more never letting her the time to answer.
"I've prepared a surprise for tonight."
He gently kissed her collarbone while brushing his left hand up her thigh sending fire through her body. The contrast between his cold hands and her sun-warmed skin elicited a shiver from Emma. The man had always been able to wreck havoc in her mind. 'What are you up to this time?'
"A surprise?"
"Hum, hum… and you're not allowed to read my mind. Now about your dream…"
"Adam, how am I supposed to walk with a blindfold?"
He slid a hand around her waist, brushing his lips on her earlobe causing her to shiver. Swiftly he scooped her up in his arms. Emma wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her head in the hollow of his neck.
"Who said something about walking?"
She felt herself being lowered in a car seat and inwardly smiled as Adam fumbled trying to fasten her seatbelt. Nervousness drifted to her when their lips brushed for a feather light kiss. Why would Adam be nervous? Realization hit her like a bomb; tonight would be the first time they would make love. Emma nervously swallowed. It would not be her first time and yet… she felt like it was.
Adam started the car and they left for a place unknown to Emma. A few minutes later, the car stopped and she could hear waves crashing on the beach. Somehow, she was familiar with the sounds and feelings surrounding her. Without a word she got rid of her shoes, unbuckled her seatbelt and opened the door. Before she had the time to set her foot on the ground she was in his arms again.
"You know that I can walk."
"I know honey."
Emma started to protest but was interrupted by a breathtaking kiss. He let go of her legs and her bare feet came in contact with warm sand. Carefully he removed the blindfold letting her take in the sight of a full moon rising above the ocean. Adam wrapped his arms around her waist drawing her closer to him.
A wave of love crushed her heart, he had remembered. Words were caught in her throat and she had to fight back tears of happiness. He had prepared everything, a fire, a blanket spread on the sand, wine and food. The young woman spun in his arms so that they were facing. Brown eyes locked with blue ones exchanging a promise of sheer love. Hesitation and doubts left her instantly; she knew that this complex man with all his doubts, his weaknesses, his flaws, his past errors, his gentleness, his untamed love for her, was the second half of herself. She would never be able to live without him. The words were on her lips before she had the time to think.
"Adam, marry me."
He smiled, took a step away from her and reached for her hands. Without a word, he took something out of his pocket, put it in her palm and curled her fingers around it. Emma breathed deeply and closed her eyes knowing, what she would find in it. They had thought alike again. No words of agreement were needed, their soul and heart longed for that union. She uncurled her fingers finding a simple platinum band with an uncut octahedral red diamond on its middle. Adam took the ring and put it on her finger gently kissing her.
"When?"
Her impatience made him smile. Without a word, he made a small sign and a man hiding in the shadow with two other people.
"What about now? I'll understand if you're…"
She silenced him with a kiss knowing that it would be their only chance.
Everything was like a wonderful dream, a dream in slow motion where every sensation, emotion felt right; Emma heard the priest pronouncing the sacred words. Adam and her said 'I do' and exchanged wedding rings, their eyes never leaving the other. They signed the papers closely followed by their witnesses. After the congratulations, they left the newly wed alone on the beach.
Adam wrapped his arms around his wife in a tight embrace and lovingly kissed her temple. The happiness he felt was like a surreal gift, a precious and rare gemstone created only for them. Silently he vowed to himself to protect her at any cost even if it meant his death. Peaceful silence stretched between them as they watched moonlit waves crashing on the beach. After a few minutes, they sat on the blanket, Emma between his legs, leaning in his embrace. For the first time in years, her heart and soul were at the right place.
"Thanks my love, thanks for having remembered; for knowing how I wanted our wedding to be; for accepting me the way I am."
He kissed her cheek lovingly wondering what he had done to deserve such happiness.
"I should be the one to thank you. You gave my life a new meaning. You give me hope."
Emma softly laughed. If they started to fight to know who was the luckiest of the two, their life would take quiet an humorous turn.
Adam woke to the pleasant and unusual sensation of another warm naked body snuggled against his. He smiled and wrapped his left arm closer around Emma's waist. The young woman happily sighed in her sleep, getting even closer. He pushed himself up on his elbow trying not to wake her up. He felt happy just watching her sleep, a radiant almost seraphic smile gracing her lips. She looked so peaceful. Diverting his gaze from his wife Adam watched the small opened cabin and the beach in front of them. They had left Sanctuary two days ago to go to the Bahamas. Adam smiled, he had used an important meeting with a government agent as an excuse; hers had been a family meeting. He couldn't wipe the grin off his face. Now they were married. He had not planned it to happened that way and yet… . The smile on his wife faces was his redemption. He stretched lazily and began gently nuzzling the hollow of her neck.
The young woman moaned in response not wanting to wake up. The nuzzling became butterfly kisses. Still eyes closed she moved a bit so that she was lying on her back. Instinctively she put her arms around his neck and pulled him to her for a kiss.
"Good morning Mr. Kane."
"Good morning Mrs. Kane."
Emma giggled now fully awake, happiness overwhelming her. She had still trouble believing she was officially his wife. This very moment felt too much like a dream. As if sensing her doubts Adam brought her closer to him, his breath tingling the skin in her neck.
"This is not a dream Emma and I'll spend the rest of my life proving it to you."
Their lips met sealing his promise and Emma knew deep down in her heart that along the bumpy road they would follow, they would be together.
Emma lovingly spread her white silk dress on her bed. A simple white gown she had bought years ago on an impulse and taken for her holidays. It was not meant to be a wedding dress, but still, it had been perfect. She closed her eyes remembering that day. Adam had been standing in front of her, bare foot on the sand, wearing cream colored clothes, his hair tangled by the soft wind. His smile had reflected only one thing, pure bliss. She could still remember the feeling of their entwined fingers, the priest telling them they…
"Emma! You're back. How was your family meeting? Did you have fun?"
The young woman was startled from her daydream by the voice of Shalimar. Reverently, she hung the dress in her closet before the other woman could see it. The honeymoon was definitely over. She slightly felt bad for having lied to her friends. Yet she had not completely lied to them. It had been a family meeting. She understood why Shalimar felt so anxious. Their respective relations with their families were not all good.
"Hello Shal. Yeah, it was great. Awfully great."
Emma couldn't wipe the broad smile off her face. She was just too happy to try to hide it. Quietly she resumed unpacking her suitcase, emptying its content on the bed. Suddenly, she felt someone grabbing her by the waist and hugging her from behind.
"Hello Brennan, I'm happy to see you too."
"How did you know it was me and not Jesse?"
"Jesse would never sneak on me like that. Besides, there's quiet a height difference between you two."
Seeing his surprised smirk, Shalimar could not contain her laughter. She went to Emma's suitcase and started helping her unpacking. Brennan was still holding Emma in his arms. With one hand the young man started brushing her hair aside, prepared to tickle her. A violet unmistakable mark on her neck, made him stop his gesture. His voice came out low for fear Shal would hear them.
"Emma, since when do you get hickey while attending a family meeting?"
"What?"
Emma freed herself hastily from his embrace and went to the mirror. It was there, a violet mark, marring the base of her neck. Meanwhile, an oblivious Shalimar found something in the suitcase further incriminating her friend. The young woman stared at the offending piece of clothing with disbelief holding it between two fingers.
"Emma?"
"Yes Shal."
"Is it yours?"
She diverted her gaze from the mirror only to find her friend holding at arm length one of her husband's boxers a devilish grin spread on her face. 'Think Emma, think and quickly!'.
"Oops, must have put it in the wrong suitcase."
Emma winced wondering what had possessed her to say such a thing. Quickly she reached for the underwear and abruptly tore it from the feral's hand. Within a few seconds, it disappeared in her underwear drawer. Brennan and Shal were watching her, amused grins on their faces. They had caught her. Trying to put on a brave face, Emma finished unpacking as if nothing had happened. The last clothes coming from the baggage was a man's cream-colored silk shirt. Her head instantly dropped in defeat.
"What was I thinking?"
'You were not thinking. Adam was lying on that goddamn bed trying to distract you. And he had succeeded.' Emma sighed wondering what else could go wrong. Thank god, the pictures were in Adam's luggage. Her two friends were whispering something behind her probably talking about the hickey.
"Emma, care to explain?"
The three friends were too wrapped in their little exchange to hear Jesse coming in Emma's bedroom.
"Explain what? Emma, how did your family meeting go?"
Hearing Jesse question about the family meeting only made the two others laugh. The young molecular watched his two friends laughing nearly to tears; Emma on the other side appeared completely distraught with a man's shirt in her hand. The question was out before he had the time to think or censor it.
"What are you doing with this shirt?"
Brennan and Shalimar's laughter only doubled. Lying was no more an option for Emma. After all, they already knew part of the truth, so she would give them a selective part of it.
"Oooookay. I was attending a family meeting, but I met someone. And that's the only thing I'll say."
The three mutants watched her with happy smiles, their laughter quickly dying.
"That's great Emma, why didn't you tell us?"
Before she had the time to answer, Adam interrupted them.
"Tell us what?"
He was casually leaning in the doorway hands in his pockets, watching his teammates and his wife with one of his shirt in her hand. From the look on her face and the color of her cheeks, she was in trouble. The temptation to tease her was too great to be ignored.
"From what you're holding, you must have been really distracted while packing."
Their three friends were holding their laughter, wondering if he would go far with his teasing and what her reaction would be. Emma flashed him an amused smile. 'You're in for a surprise Mr. Kane, if you think you can make fun of me and get away unarmed.' Using her power on him she sent him a picture of her utterly naked. Adam turned bright red and uncomfortably shifted a bit in the doorway. Time stretched between the couple. Feeling the tension between her two teammates, Shalimar felt the urge to say something, anything. The situation was making her uncomfortable.
"Emma met someone while attending her family meeting."
Adam smiled at Shalimar grateful she had interrupted the silence.
"Ah. Well, Emma when you're done unpacking, I'll need your help in the lab."
The Mutant X leader left them alone seemingly unaffected by the news. While going to the lab, Adam reflected that Shalimar's intervention had saved them. One more second in that room and he would have revealed the exact nature of his relation with Emma.
"We're sorry Emma. We didn't mean to embarrass you in front of Adam."
"No problem. I should not have lied to you in the first place."
The two boys hugged her and left to train. Shalimar just waited and sat on an armchair waiting for her to talk about her holidays an expectant smile on her lips. Whoever this mysterious man was he had affected Emma greatly. Her smile was beaming and she radiated peace.
"So, you met someone. Want to tell me how it was?"
Emma heavily sat on her bed still holding the shirt in her hand, finding comfort in its touch. What was she supposed to say? Shalimar was far from being stupid. She could easily guess who the man was if she gave too much details.
"I… We had a great time. It was perfect, everything was perfect." Emma stopped and locked eyes with her friend.
"It's really hard for me to be with someone with my abilities. I mean, I can feel everything a man thinks. I just… with him, everything is different."
"You can't read him?"
"I can read him but it's harder than with other people and when he lets me in, what he thinks of me, of us is just so perfect. I know his weaknesses, his errors and I accept them as he accept mine"
Shalimar watched her friend speaking of the man who visibly was her true love.
"You've found the missing part of your soul?"
"Yes I did."