Disclaimer: I don't own Mutant X or X Men.

Note: Wow, I can't believe the support. You are all so wonderful. I'm just telling a story I wish I could live. It pleases me to know that it is being enjoyed so much. Thank you for all the encouragement and anticipation. It only furthers my inclination to continue. I hope I can always keep my world interesting enough to have you wish to visit often. It is the greatest compliment to know you come back. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Redhead2

Imaginary Friend

Chapter 16

Lisa moved closer to them and knelt, lending Brennan her support.

Jesse looked up at her with a smile until he noticed that her sleeve was stained. "Lisa, you're bleeding."

Adam moved to her side immediately and reached out to touch her arm. With a smile he whispered, "I'm sorry about this," and proceeded to enlarge the already present tear.

"It's nothing…really…I'm ok. I'm more concerned with Shalimar."

"Well, it really isn't too bad." Adam motioned for Jesse to stay by her. "As for Shalimar…we need to find out more." He stood and raised his hand closer to his mouth.

"Kitty, we have Shalimar. She's safe."

"Oh, Thank God," came a grateful sigh.

"Has Bobby made any progress with Cassandra?"

"Well, they're sitting in the park. They talked about being mutants. She told him what her powers are; nothing more than we already knew. I think he tried to kiss her once or twice. It doesn't seem like she's resisting at all."

"Ok, thanks." He looked back at his wife. "Bob,…listen. We have Shalimar safely with us but we have to know what Cassandra is doing to her; specifically what she's been projecting into her. See if you can get her to open up more to you. She knows you were with Shalimar in the store. Try talking about your friends here and tell her you don't really like Shal. See if she falls for it." Adam turned back to the others. "Brennan, take her to the Helix. I'm not leaving her in this room. The sedative I gave her will have her out for about 4 hours. Jesse, let's get Lisa up there, too. I can stitch that wound while we wait. Evie," he offered his hand as they were the last to leave and lock the rot gut room.

Bobby chuckled and began his ploy. "I'm sorry," he said when she looked questioningly at him. "I was just thinking about my cousin. Ya know how I told you that he and I always found trouble? Well...he seems to live in it. He's got himself a group of friends that are always causing him trouble but for some reason he doesn't care…Ya know he's got a wife? She's a really sweet little thing. He can do no wrong. She worships him."

Kitty smiled as she listened.

"Hey, Kit…" Jesse called to her as he sat listening in the Helix.

"I hear him."

"Well, he walks all over her and it's all because of these friends. It's really a shame. And when I'm here we go out a lot. I try to be extra kind to her to make up for the way he acts."

"How extra kind?" Jesse asked with mock suspicion in his voice.

"Bobby and I are very close. That's all I'll admit to." Kitty smiled slyly.

"It's really all his friends. He wasn't such a bad guy before. Don't tell him I told you but he's a mutant like me." Bobby whispered. "Well, not ice but he can make a fountain dance the mambo." They laughed together at the thought. "His friends are wild. There's this guy and his wife, really bad news. He's big and can turn himself into rock. And his wife…pretty sort of…but her temper is like a wild animal. She gets claws and growls…man…I said something about her hair once and she nearly ripped me apart."

"Shalimar," Kitty wanted to explain to her before she got upset with Bobby.

"She's unconscious, Babe. Adam had to sedate her" Jesse understood and turned to see Brennan with all his attention on the covered beauty beside him. "Brennan understands."

"She's a feral," Cassandra offered. "They can be very unpredictable."

Bobby turned to her with recognition, "Wait…you know her. You were talking to them when I saw you in the supermarket."

"Well, I came across them there and thought I had recognized her myself. Then I realized it was from the wedding." Cassandra hoped he bought her lie.

"Yeah, well…for as mean as she is to Katie, Jesse's wife…Oh she makes me so mad," Bobby's face grew dark and his eyes became distant as his voice dropped. "I wish…I wish I could see her pay." Shaking himself and brightening as he turned back to his date, he amended, "I'm sorry. I get carried away sometimes. It just makes me so mad…but why don't you help me forget about them." He leaned in for a kiss then moved away slightly. "Mmm, kisses like that could make me forget about everything." He kissed her again. This time Bobby inched closer and gently but firmly embraced the apparent object of his desire. Long, did his lips caress hers. Slowly, did he pull her ever closer. When finally he distanced his lips from hers it was only to gaze deeply into her eyes.

Cassandra had completely melted. Never had anyone kissed her like that. Even after he removed his lips her eyes remained closed and a look of utter surrender played about her face.

"Cassandra," he whispered against her neck as he began to nuzzle and kiss. "Let's go somewhere…more private."

Shocked that he would even suggest such a thing, she blinked and stared with her mouth hung open. "Please," he pleaded. "I've had enough of the park and…I want to kiss you…(kiss)…here…(kiss)…and here." He smiled when her head fell back exposing the front of her long neck. Slowly he pulled away and stood to his feet never taking his eyes from hers. Once on his feet he offered his hand to help her rise then pulled her close to him as they made their way back to the car.

"Adam," Kitty reported after a few minutes, "The car's in motion."

"Good. We'll be waiting for them when they arrive."

"What do we do when they get here, Adam?" Jesse asked. "She's just going to agree to let Shalimar go?"

"I doubt it. We'll try to convince her that we can help her if she'll accept it. Beyond that, if she still wants to be obstinate, we'll have to skip to plan B."

"What's plan B," Lisa wondered, innocently.

Jesse chuckled under his breath and went to check her bandage. "Adam spends so much time coming up with plan A there rarely is a need for a plan B so we never have one."

Adam had cleaned the wound on Lisa's arm. He looked at Evie then back to Lisa with a smile. "Did Jesse's display of power frighten you?"

Jesse had an idea where Adam was going and stood with a grin.

Lisa turned to look at Jesse as he stepped toward her. "Frighten me? No. Amazed me but…certainly not frightened me. I know he wouldn't hurt me." She smiled when he placed a hand to her shoulder.

"I'm glad to hear that. Then would you object to being witness to one of Evie's powers? She can heal this wound in a matter of seconds. I'm happy to stitch it for you if you'd prefer but there'll be a scar."

Lisa looked at Adam. These people are remarkable. He seems so kind. "I'm grateful for whatever you can do. I would love to know more about all of you. You are all such incredible people."

Evie moved closer as Adam smiled and stepped back. "This won't hurt at all," she said as her hands began to shimmer over Lisa's arm. When the wound was healed the simmering stopped.

"Wow. Thank you so much. That was miraculous." Lisa looked at her arm and grazed two fingers over the place that was cut just a few seconds ago.

"You are very welcome," Evie smiled back.

During the ride back to the Club, Cassandra watched Bobby drive and wondered, Can I make it light enough to just…

Bobby glanced at the girl beside him then smiled and put his hand on her thigh. She's beautiful, he thought warmly. Then as if smacked, a new thought came. Fighting hard to keep his hand where it was and not change the expression on his face, Where on earth did that come from? Did she do that? Had to be. I couldn't really be falling for her. Jubes would…The filter…is it not working? Better be on my guard. He turned another smile to her and met her eyes for only a moment. "You're so beautiful. Have I told you that yet today?"

"Bobby…" she smiled and turned away. At that moment a song began playing on the radio. "Oh, this is one of my favorite songs."

"See…another thing we have in common." Bobby smiled and caressed her leg. "I've never met anyone like you. Do you believe in Fate?" He glanced and saw the quizzical look on her face and chuckled, "No, it's not a line. I really do believe there is someone for everyone. You just have to be open for the opportunity when it presents itself. Think about it…What are the chances that we would both be in the same places in two different states just a week apart?"

I didn't do that… Cassandra thought. He really does like me…He's so handsome…

"Ya know, when we get back, the club won't be opened yet. It's still too early. Are you going to show me where you live? Or are we just going to sit in an empty bar?" He smiled cunningly when he saw the doubt leave her eyes.

When they arrived, he got out of the car and whispered, "We're here, but give me some time. I've almost gotten her to open up."

He opened the door for her and she led him silently into the club and up to her room. "Well, there isn't much to it," she said as she turned the key in the lock. "I've only been here for a week."

When they were both through the door, Bobby locked it. Without warning he spun her around and pinned her against it, kissing her passionately. He wasn't surprised that she wasn't really fighting him.

She thought he was moving fast but she was in heaven. His attentions were making her feel like she could fly. Oohh,…but…Moving too fast.

Coming up for air, he panted, "Cassandra, I love… whoa boy, hold that thought …kissing you," and began a new onslaught of kisses and caresses. He had to hold back the cringe he felt from his own guilt and hearing Kitty gasp over the com. Oscar…just think 'Oscar'

She had to slow this down. What would he do if he knew…everything? Cassandra thought for a while. If he really loves me, it'll be ok. But if he doesn't…can I control him . Closing her eyes and trying to think clearly as he kissed her neck, she sent…

Bobby slowed down his ministrations then stopped completely. He turned and walked further into the room. "It's a really nice place but it's getting warm. Mind if I open a window?"

"No, not at all," she smiled satisfied with herself.

A cool breeze rushed in and whipped Bobby in the face. Hey…did she just turn me off? He took a deep breath to clear his mind.

Cassandra came up behind him and wrapped her arms around him. Pressing herself against his back and letting her hands play across his muscular chest, she listened to his heart beat…fast. "Remember that girl you told me about. The one I recognized from the wedding. You said she was mean to your friend Katie."

Bobby turned in her arms and leaned against the window sill, putting his arms around her waist. "Yeah, her name is Shalimar."

"Well…" her smile was altogether different than before. "I have something to tell you about her."

Jackpot Bobby thought. You guys better be listening.

TBC