Post "Divided Loyalties" for Mari.

(written right after her request for it, and finally prepared 2 years later)

"So they're home, safe and sound." Jesse said when Shalimar walked into the computer area and sat down next to him.

"Yeah, they're home, but something happened that neither of them wants to tell me about."

"Shal, whatever happened was for the mission."

"You didn't like it when Lexa slept with Blake for the mission. Thinking about what might have happened while they were our there is making me crazy."

"Shal, Brennan isn't Lexa, don't compare them. If not knowing is bothering you that much go talk to him about it. Make him tell you what happened."

"I'll do that." Shalimar said as she stood up. "Thanks Jess." she kissed him on the cheek and then walked out of the room and went to Brennan's room.

Shalimar hesitated a moment but then knocked on the door and waited for him to answer.

Brennan opened the door to find Shalimar standing, waiting on him. "Hey, Shal."

"We need to talk."

"It's late. Can't we talk about this tomorrow?"

"No, we can't. What happened between you and Lexa?"

"Shal, it was a mission."

"What happened between you and Lexa?"

"She kissed me, several times; but it was nothing."

"If it was nothing why didn't you tell me."

"Because I didn't want you to over react."

"Over react! I don't believe you!" Shalimar turned on her heel and began to walk down the hall.

"Shalimar, wait!" Brennan called.

Shalimar continued to walk down the hall.

"What's wrong with her?" Lexa asked as she walked into the hall.

"This is all your fault!" Brennan yelled and then went back into his room and slammed the door.

The next morning.

Shalimar walked into the kitchen for breakfast, but when she saw Brennan she turned and went back to her bedroom. On the way she ran into Jesse.

"Shal, what's wrong?"

"They kissed, Jesse. Doesn't that women ever get enough men?"

"Shal, don't let it upset you. I'll go get us some breakfast and then we'll eat in the rec room and watch a movie."

"Thank you, Jesse."

"I'll be there in just a few minutes."

"OK."

Shalimar walked to the rec-room while Jesse went to the kitchen.

"You just had to kiss Lexa didn't you." Jesse asked in disgust when he saw Brennan.

"So you've been told."

"Do you have any idea of how much Shalimar is hurting because of you?"

"Jess, it was a mission, I don't feel anything for Lexa."

Jesse remained silent while he finished getting his and Shalimar's breakfast and then turned to go. "You may not feel anything for Lexa, but from what I've seen you don't feel for Shalimar either." he went to the rec room and sat down on the sofa next to Shalimar.

"I put in Men In Black. I'm more in the mood for a comedy." Shalimar said.

"Whatever you want to watch today."

Shalimar smiled and laid her head against Jesse's shoulder.

Jesse gently kissed the top of her head. They sat eating and laughing at the movie. From the door way Brennan stood watching them.

Two weeks later

Brennan walked into the rec room and found Shalimar reading. He walked over and sat down next to her on the sofa. "Shal, can we talk?"

"I don't want to talk to you, Brennan."

"Shal, I'm sorry. I've wanted to apologize since I told you what happened, but you've avoided me for the last two weeks."

"You hurt me, Brennan"

"I never meant to, Shalimar, please forgive me."

"I forgive you , but it's going to take a long time for you to earn my respect again."

"I'll do anything to earn your trust again."