Well it is time for my first Disclaimer/authors note.
First off, none of the mutant X characters belong to me, only cute little Mindy, the loving Anna, and the brisk rancher Jack (among others)
Second the lyrics sung by Lexa in this chapter do not belong to me either. They were written by L. Payne, and sung by the great and wonderful, king of rock n' roll, Elvis Presley. The song is called 'I Love You Because', in case anyone was interested. However the original melody is not used in my story, instead it is whatever you imagined it to be.
The third and final author note for this chapter is a very important one. If any of you haven't heard it appears as if MUTANT X HAS BEEN CANCELLED. There are a few petitions circling around, and I urge everyone to sign them at least once. We still have time to change things. You can find a great petition, and more info at www.puremx.com If you have any other questions please feel free to email me.
Oh and as always, please review to let me know what you thought, and so I can get an idea of how many people are reading this. Take care, and enjoy!
* * *
CHAPTER 8
"Aunt Lexa. Can you sing me a lullaby?"
All snuggled into her bed, it was hard to believe that just one hour ago, this little girl had just realized that her father was gone forever. Jesse had held her, and Lexa, outside till their tears had subsided, then lead them inside afterwards. Lexa had taken her niece upstairs and had run her a warm bubble bath. The bath had seemed to do the trick, and by the time Lexa had brushed Melinda's hair, and dressed her in a flannel little mermaid nightgown, the little girls eyes were dropping in exhaustion. Lexa smiled to herself at the sight of her niece all curled up, hugging her favorite teddy bear, and sucking her thumb. Lexa knew what a battle was going on in the household, to stop the little girl from sucking her thumb, but she didn't have the heart to deny her anything at the moment.
"Okay sweetie. Any song in particular?" Lexa asked as she sat down on the bed in front of Mindy.
"Sing the one you always used to sing to daddy, when you two were younger."
Lexa smiled a sad, sweat smile, remembering all the times she had song to Leo. Rather to comfort him, or herself, it didn't matter, all the mattered where the wonderful, and tender memories that accompanied it. Tucking the Frilly, pink, comforter closer around Lexa, cleared her throat before she started, to sing the lyrics she had memorized long ago, and her and Leo's own personal melody to go with it.
~~~~I love you because you understand dear~~~~
~~~~Every single thing I try to do.~~~~
~~~~You're always there to lend a helping hand, dear.~~~~
~~~~I love you most of all because you're you.~~~~
Lexa's voice, beginning rusty from disuse, started flowing beautifully clear and strong through the air of the small room. So wrapped up was the brunette, in the song, that she did not hear the footsteps out side the door, or the soft gasp of shocked delight.
~~~~No matter what the world may say about me,~~~~
~~~~I know your love will always see me through.~~~~
~~~~I love you for the way you never doubt me.~~~~
~~~~But most of all I love you 'cause you're you.~~~~
Jesse stood in the door way transfixed by the sight before him. Lexa was sitting on Melinda's bed, one hand holding the little girls, while the other, stroked the child's curly hair. And she was singing. A beautiful song about unconditional love and acceptance. It was times like this when Lexa exposed her vulnerable side that Jesse found himself just wanting to hold Lexa, and never let her go. To let her know, that she was protected, cared for, safe. Sighing he leaned his head against the door frame, crossed his feet at the ankle, and folded his arms across his chest.
~~~~No matter what may be the style or season,~~~~
~~~~I know your heart will always be true.~~~~
~~~~I love you for a hundred thousand reasons,~~~~
~~~~But most of all I love you 'cause you're you.~~~~
As Lexa's voiced faded away, she looked down at the sleeping child, and felt such a huge leap of emotion with in her. One part love, for this perfect little angel, and one part grief, that her brother would never get to see her sleeping like this again. Leaning down, she tenderly kissed the little girls forehead, and briefly turned her nose into Mindy's hair. Breathing in the sweat scent of child, Lexa silently promised to her brother, that this little girl would grow up protected, warm, safe, and loved. She would never have to sleep in a park at night, or sell here soul to stay alive. She would grow up with a family, a home to go to at the end of everyday, and she would never learn what it was like to be constantly checking over her shoulder.
Standing up Lexa ran one more loving head over the little girls head, before she re-tucked her, and turned on the little night light beside the bed. Turning Lexa caught of bit of movement out of the corner of her eye, and whipped around, her hands rising, lasers burning hotly in her hands. They died instantly when she saw it was only Jesse, just as she let out a breath she had unconsciously been holding. Glaring at him, letting him know how she felt about being crept up on, she stalked towards him, lightly pushing him out the door, while she semi closed it behind her. Motioning him to be quiet with a finger against her lips, she headed down the stairs, into the kitchen, and out onto the porch.
The night was another perfect example of the famous beautiful Montanan skyline. The sky seemed to go for ever, in its inky blackness. The twinkling of the stars that shone like diamonds, only accenting the darkness. The moon was virtually non existent tonight, with only a sliver of light to indicate that the moon was still indeed hanging in the nigh sky. However tonight the stars did not seem as far away as they always had before. Glancing over her shoulder, she realized she owed that to him. From now on when ever she looked to the night sky she would think of her brother, and he wouldn't seem as far away as he really was.
Turing her body around so she was facing him, she leaned back against the rail, the smooth wood feeling like carved marble under her hands. Looking at the man standing in front of her Lexa realized she now owed him a lot, and Lexa was not one to forgot those who had helped her. However this felt different then all other past debts had felt. It wasn't even that this was a personal debt, for she had those before. This one was just… different. Mulling over it for a minute in her head, Lexa was shocked to realized the reason this dept felt different was because she didn't feel indebted to him. She was grateful to him, but she didn't feel like she had to repay him. The only other people she had never felt indebted to were Anna, Jack, Mindy and Leo, her family. So when had she started to think of Jesse as family?
Jesse sat down in a wicker chair across from Lexa, and enjoyed the play of emotions that were crossing over her face. She had seemed to forget he was there, and Jesse was thankful for this opportunity to just look at Lexa. Not just her physical features, although they were nice. Very nice, Jesse amended as he did a double scan of Lexa's body. But this was a chance for him to study some of the changes that had occurred over the past two weeks. Her hair, and face had been kissed by the sun, making her blue eyes stand out more then other. Her makeup was softer around the eyes, and she didn't wear all black anymore. Although Jesse was honest enough to admit he missed the leather, it was nice to see Lexa wearing more causal attire of jeans and a shirt. But the biggest change in Lexa was in her eyes and her mouth. She was always smiling, and laughing, and her eyes held so much feeling and thoughts in their blue depths. With her walls coming down, more and more everyday Jesse was learning something new and beautiful about her. For example the other day, Jesse had come up to the house at lunch time, to find Mindy, and Lexa both covered in chocolate icing, giggling like mad, as they licked the beaters they had just finished using to ice the cake, they had just baked. Apparently Lexa loved to cook. She also enjoyed peanut butter and jam sandwiches, Saturday morning cartons, and country music. She could play the guitar, sing along to many of the Disney movies, and beat almost everyone at backgammon. However he much he had been attracted to Lexa before they came here, paled in comparison to the feelings he now had for her.
Both Jesse and Lexa came out of their private musings at about the same time, realizing they had been staring, saying nothing. Blushing, Lexa looked down at her shoes, breaking eye contact with Jesse, embarrassed at being caught staring, when her feelings were probably sketched all over her face.
Jesses blush went un noticed thanks to the couple of days worth of growth on his face. He however noticed the color that stained Lexa's check before she hid her face, and felt his mouth drop open in amazement. Lexa was blushing! A small chuckle escaped Jesses throat as he stood up and walked over beside Lexa.
Hearing his approach, Lexa lifter her now cool face up, to watch him as he approached. Lexa gracefully pushed away from the rail, and placed a hand on Jesse's arm to get his attention, and to signal that this was going to be a personal conversation. Steadying herself by taking a deep breath Lexa began.
"Jesse…"here she paused to wetten her lips, before she continued. Jesse watch jealously was the little pink tip darted, out and over Lexa's bottom lip before pulling back in the wet, warm cavern of her mouth. Swallowing hard, Jesse pulled his gaze back to Lexa's, achingly aware of her soft hand on his own forearm. "jess, I wanted to thank you for what you did tonight. For what you did for Mindy…"Lexa paused again, "And for what you did for me. You were there when I needed it, and I won't forget that."
Looking down into Lexa's eyes, Jesse wanted to tell her there was nothing he wouldn't due for her, but didn't think this was the right time. If he said anything like that she might pull back into herself, and build up those walls again. And Jesse didn't know how he would be able to deal with that. So instead, jess replied, "Your part of the team now Lexa. Your welfare concerns us all, and we are all here if you ever need us." Silently cursing himself for being a coward by hiding behind the 'team', Jesse decided to do something.
"But if you wanted to make it up to me, come with me tomorrow afternoon for a ride through the country." Seeing that she was going to say no, Jesse tried a new angle. "Cat hasn't completely let me in yet about Grey, but she did tell me that he was an out doors guy, who loved roughing it. That made me think that if he came her searching for cat, he would probably hide out in the caves that can be found through the hills. I asked some of the hands, if they new of any good hiding places, and got a couple a good suggestions. I thought that we should scout it out, and get a better lay of the land. Sound good?" Jesse asked, knowing full well it did. The truth was he had been planning on checking the caves out by himself, but bringing Lexa with him was sure to make it memorable.
Lexa seemed to realize that this was indeed a good plan, and there was no way to get out of it with out raising embarrassing questions. "Okay when do we leave?"
"Tomorrow afternoon sometime when I am finished all my chores in the stable. I will send someone up to get you. It shouldn't take more then three hours, so we will e back in time for supper."
"Fine. You'll take care of all the details?" Jesses nodded his head, "Okay, well then I am off to bed. It has been a long day. Night." with that Lexa moved to step around Jesse, only to find herself come into contact with a hard, warm male chest. Her eyes darted up to his, and then down to her toes. Lexa had felt this coming and was helpless to do anything about it. Jesse was going to kiss her. And Dear god, did she want him too, but she had already shared so much more of herself with him, then she had any other man. And Lexa was so afraid of what would happen if she shared this too, with him.
Jesse didn't know what he had been thinking stepping in front of Lexa like that, but all he knew was what he had felt. And he had felt a desperate need to hold her, to keep her in his company. Maybe it was his heart simply paying back his head, for refusing to tell her how he felt. But none of that mattered now, for the action was already done. Jesse knew there was no way neither his heart, head, or body, was going to let him step aside now. And judging by the lack of surprise in Lexa's eyes before they had looked down, she realized something was going to happen too.
Slowly bringing his hands up to her face, Jesse cupped Lexa's jaw, gently lifting her chin so she was forced to meet his gaze. Tenderly he ran the pad of his thumb over her full bottom lip, causing little flames of desire to dance under her skin. Then he slowly lowered his lips so they were only an inch from hers. With his eyes still open on hers, he gently brushed their lips together. Once, twice, right to left, until he saw her eyes start to darken with desire. Then he caught her bottom lip between his teeth. Her moan of pleasure shot a spear of pure lust straight to his loins, and he finally brought his mouth down on hers. His tongue slipped into her mouth seeking the taste of her, while his hands moved around her. One into the glory of her rich tresses, the other to pull her body even closer, up along his.
Trembling, Lexa's mind cleared of everything but the storm building inside her, Reaching up she wrapped her arms around Jesse's neck. Her hands dived into his hair, as she tried to pulled herself up even closer still to his body. Lexa's sense were completely clouded by him. All she could smell, taste and feel was Jesse. Never had she been so effected by a single kiss. And it scared the hell out of her. With thoughts of self preservation on her mind, she ripped herself out of Jesse's arms.
Looking up with equal parts amazement and fear at the similarly unsteady Jesse, Lexa mumbled "I have to go." as she rushed by him, heading for the sanctuary of her room, and another night filled of restless sleep and unending dreams.
* * *
First off, none of the mutant X characters belong to me, only cute little Mindy, the loving Anna, and the brisk rancher Jack (among others)
Second the lyrics sung by Lexa in this chapter do not belong to me either. They were written by L. Payne, and sung by the great and wonderful, king of rock n' roll, Elvis Presley. The song is called 'I Love You Because', in case anyone was interested. However the original melody is not used in my story, instead it is whatever you imagined it to be.
The third and final author note for this chapter is a very important one. If any of you haven't heard it appears as if MUTANT X HAS BEEN CANCELLED. There are a few petitions circling around, and I urge everyone to sign them at least once. We still have time to change things. You can find a great petition, and more info at www.puremx.com If you have any other questions please feel free to email me.
Oh and as always, please review to let me know what you thought, and so I can get an idea of how many people are reading this. Take care, and enjoy!
* * *
CHAPTER 8
"Aunt Lexa. Can you sing me a lullaby?"
All snuggled into her bed, it was hard to believe that just one hour ago, this little girl had just realized that her father was gone forever. Jesse had held her, and Lexa, outside till their tears had subsided, then lead them inside afterwards. Lexa had taken her niece upstairs and had run her a warm bubble bath. The bath had seemed to do the trick, and by the time Lexa had brushed Melinda's hair, and dressed her in a flannel little mermaid nightgown, the little girls eyes were dropping in exhaustion. Lexa smiled to herself at the sight of her niece all curled up, hugging her favorite teddy bear, and sucking her thumb. Lexa knew what a battle was going on in the household, to stop the little girl from sucking her thumb, but she didn't have the heart to deny her anything at the moment.
"Okay sweetie. Any song in particular?" Lexa asked as she sat down on the bed in front of Mindy.
"Sing the one you always used to sing to daddy, when you two were younger."
Lexa smiled a sad, sweat smile, remembering all the times she had song to Leo. Rather to comfort him, or herself, it didn't matter, all the mattered where the wonderful, and tender memories that accompanied it. Tucking the Frilly, pink, comforter closer around Lexa, cleared her throat before she started, to sing the lyrics she had memorized long ago, and her and Leo's own personal melody to go with it.
~~~~I love you because you understand dear~~~~
~~~~Every single thing I try to do.~~~~
~~~~You're always there to lend a helping hand, dear.~~~~
~~~~I love you most of all because you're you.~~~~
Lexa's voice, beginning rusty from disuse, started flowing beautifully clear and strong through the air of the small room. So wrapped up was the brunette, in the song, that she did not hear the footsteps out side the door, or the soft gasp of shocked delight.
~~~~No matter what the world may say about me,~~~~
~~~~I know your love will always see me through.~~~~
~~~~I love you for the way you never doubt me.~~~~
~~~~But most of all I love you 'cause you're you.~~~~
Jesse stood in the door way transfixed by the sight before him. Lexa was sitting on Melinda's bed, one hand holding the little girls, while the other, stroked the child's curly hair. And she was singing. A beautiful song about unconditional love and acceptance. It was times like this when Lexa exposed her vulnerable side that Jesse found himself just wanting to hold Lexa, and never let her go. To let her know, that she was protected, cared for, safe. Sighing he leaned his head against the door frame, crossed his feet at the ankle, and folded his arms across his chest.
~~~~No matter what may be the style or season,~~~~
~~~~I know your heart will always be true.~~~~
~~~~I love you for a hundred thousand reasons,~~~~
~~~~But most of all I love you 'cause you're you.~~~~
As Lexa's voiced faded away, she looked down at the sleeping child, and felt such a huge leap of emotion with in her. One part love, for this perfect little angel, and one part grief, that her brother would never get to see her sleeping like this again. Leaning down, she tenderly kissed the little girls forehead, and briefly turned her nose into Mindy's hair. Breathing in the sweat scent of child, Lexa silently promised to her brother, that this little girl would grow up protected, warm, safe, and loved. She would never have to sleep in a park at night, or sell here soul to stay alive. She would grow up with a family, a home to go to at the end of everyday, and she would never learn what it was like to be constantly checking over her shoulder.
Standing up Lexa ran one more loving head over the little girls head, before she re-tucked her, and turned on the little night light beside the bed. Turning Lexa caught of bit of movement out of the corner of her eye, and whipped around, her hands rising, lasers burning hotly in her hands. They died instantly when she saw it was only Jesse, just as she let out a breath she had unconsciously been holding. Glaring at him, letting him know how she felt about being crept up on, she stalked towards him, lightly pushing him out the door, while she semi closed it behind her. Motioning him to be quiet with a finger against her lips, she headed down the stairs, into the kitchen, and out onto the porch.
The night was another perfect example of the famous beautiful Montanan skyline. The sky seemed to go for ever, in its inky blackness. The twinkling of the stars that shone like diamonds, only accenting the darkness. The moon was virtually non existent tonight, with only a sliver of light to indicate that the moon was still indeed hanging in the nigh sky. However tonight the stars did not seem as far away as they always had before. Glancing over her shoulder, she realized she owed that to him. From now on when ever she looked to the night sky she would think of her brother, and he wouldn't seem as far away as he really was.
Turing her body around so she was facing him, she leaned back against the rail, the smooth wood feeling like carved marble under her hands. Looking at the man standing in front of her Lexa realized she now owed him a lot, and Lexa was not one to forgot those who had helped her. However this felt different then all other past debts had felt. It wasn't even that this was a personal debt, for she had those before. This one was just… different. Mulling over it for a minute in her head, Lexa was shocked to realized the reason this dept felt different was because she didn't feel indebted to him. She was grateful to him, but she didn't feel like she had to repay him. The only other people she had never felt indebted to were Anna, Jack, Mindy and Leo, her family. So when had she started to think of Jesse as family?
Jesse sat down in a wicker chair across from Lexa, and enjoyed the play of emotions that were crossing over her face. She had seemed to forget he was there, and Jesse was thankful for this opportunity to just look at Lexa. Not just her physical features, although they were nice. Very nice, Jesse amended as he did a double scan of Lexa's body. But this was a chance for him to study some of the changes that had occurred over the past two weeks. Her hair, and face had been kissed by the sun, making her blue eyes stand out more then other. Her makeup was softer around the eyes, and she didn't wear all black anymore. Although Jesse was honest enough to admit he missed the leather, it was nice to see Lexa wearing more causal attire of jeans and a shirt. But the biggest change in Lexa was in her eyes and her mouth. She was always smiling, and laughing, and her eyes held so much feeling and thoughts in their blue depths. With her walls coming down, more and more everyday Jesse was learning something new and beautiful about her. For example the other day, Jesse had come up to the house at lunch time, to find Mindy, and Lexa both covered in chocolate icing, giggling like mad, as they licked the beaters they had just finished using to ice the cake, they had just baked. Apparently Lexa loved to cook. She also enjoyed peanut butter and jam sandwiches, Saturday morning cartons, and country music. She could play the guitar, sing along to many of the Disney movies, and beat almost everyone at backgammon. However he much he had been attracted to Lexa before they came here, paled in comparison to the feelings he now had for her.
Both Jesse and Lexa came out of their private musings at about the same time, realizing they had been staring, saying nothing. Blushing, Lexa looked down at her shoes, breaking eye contact with Jesse, embarrassed at being caught staring, when her feelings were probably sketched all over her face.
Jesses blush went un noticed thanks to the couple of days worth of growth on his face. He however noticed the color that stained Lexa's check before she hid her face, and felt his mouth drop open in amazement. Lexa was blushing! A small chuckle escaped Jesses throat as he stood up and walked over beside Lexa.
Hearing his approach, Lexa lifter her now cool face up, to watch him as he approached. Lexa gracefully pushed away from the rail, and placed a hand on Jesse's arm to get his attention, and to signal that this was going to be a personal conversation. Steadying herself by taking a deep breath Lexa began.
"Jesse…"here she paused to wetten her lips, before she continued. Jesse watch jealously was the little pink tip darted, out and over Lexa's bottom lip before pulling back in the wet, warm cavern of her mouth. Swallowing hard, Jesse pulled his gaze back to Lexa's, achingly aware of her soft hand on his own forearm. "jess, I wanted to thank you for what you did tonight. For what you did for Mindy…"Lexa paused again, "And for what you did for me. You were there when I needed it, and I won't forget that."
Looking down into Lexa's eyes, Jesse wanted to tell her there was nothing he wouldn't due for her, but didn't think this was the right time. If he said anything like that she might pull back into herself, and build up those walls again. And Jesse didn't know how he would be able to deal with that. So instead, jess replied, "Your part of the team now Lexa. Your welfare concerns us all, and we are all here if you ever need us." Silently cursing himself for being a coward by hiding behind the 'team', Jesse decided to do something.
"But if you wanted to make it up to me, come with me tomorrow afternoon for a ride through the country." Seeing that she was going to say no, Jesse tried a new angle. "Cat hasn't completely let me in yet about Grey, but she did tell me that he was an out doors guy, who loved roughing it. That made me think that if he came her searching for cat, he would probably hide out in the caves that can be found through the hills. I asked some of the hands, if they new of any good hiding places, and got a couple a good suggestions. I thought that we should scout it out, and get a better lay of the land. Sound good?" Jesse asked, knowing full well it did. The truth was he had been planning on checking the caves out by himself, but bringing Lexa with him was sure to make it memorable.
Lexa seemed to realize that this was indeed a good plan, and there was no way to get out of it with out raising embarrassing questions. "Okay when do we leave?"
"Tomorrow afternoon sometime when I am finished all my chores in the stable. I will send someone up to get you. It shouldn't take more then three hours, so we will e back in time for supper."
"Fine. You'll take care of all the details?" Jesses nodded his head, "Okay, well then I am off to bed. It has been a long day. Night." with that Lexa moved to step around Jesse, only to find herself come into contact with a hard, warm male chest. Her eyes darted up to his, and then down to her toes. Lexa had felt this coming and was helpless to do anything about it. Jesse was going to kiss her. And Dear god, did she want him too, but she had already shared so much more of herself with him, then she had any other man. And Lexa was so afraid of what would happen if she shared this too, with him.
Jesse didn't know what he had been thinking stepping in front of Lexa like that, but all he knew was what he had felt. And he had felt a desperate need to hold her, to keep her in his company. Maybe it was his heart simply paying back his head, for refusing to tell her how he felt. But none of that mattered now, for the action was already done. Jesse knew there was no way neither his heart, head, or body, was going to let him step aside now. And judging by the lack of surprise in Lexa's eyes before they had looked down, she realized something was going to happen too.
Slowly bringing his hands up to her face, Jesse cupped Lexa's jaw, gently lifting her chin so she was forced to meet his gaze. Tenderly he ran the pad of his thumb over her full bottom lip, causing little flames of desire to dance under her skin. Then he slowly lowered his lips so they were only an inch from hers. With his eyes still open on hers, he gently brushed their lips together. Once, twice, right to left, until he saw her eyes start to darken with desire. Then he caught her bottom lip between his teeth. Her moan of pleasure shot a spear of pure lust straight to his loins, and he finally brought his mouth down on hers. His tongue slipped into her mouth seeking the taste of her, while his hands moved around her. One into the glory of her rich tresses, the other to pull her body even closer, up along his.
Trembling, Lexa's mind cleared of everything but the storm building inside her, Reaching up she wrapped her arms around Jesse's neck. Her hands dived into his hair, as she tried to pulled herself up even closer still to his body. Lexa's sense were completely clouded by him. All she could smell, taste and feel was Jesse. Never had she been so effected by a single kiss. And it scared the hell out of her. With thoughts of self preservation on her mind, she ripped herself out of Jesse's arms.
Looking up with equal parts amazement and fear at the similarly unsteady Jesse, Lexa mumbled "I have to go." as she rushed by him, heading for the sanctuary of her room, and another night filled of restless sleep and unending dreams.
* * *