Hey guys,
Sorry that once again I have not posted in a while. I'm so sorry for that but I have been blocked. Hopefully no longer though. Thanks to those who have encouraged me to keep writing, I promise you won't have to wait another month for an other update. Please read, enjoy and let me know what you think.
Shaking his head, at himself, Jesse tried to pull his attention back to the horse he was currently grooming. Thinking about last night was not helping the morning fly by any quicker, and it made his "date" with Lexa this afternoon seem really far off. Earlier this morning, he had taken his time getting ready, hoping to see her before this afternoon. But no such luck. Instead he had enjoyed his morning cup of coffee with Anna, listening to her as she excitedly filled him in about the annual dance coming up, and all the preparations she had to get underway. By the time his coffee was finished, he had already been roped into helping set up the dance floor, and the musical equipment. Then saying good bye to Anna, and reminding her to tell Lexa to meet him at 2 in the stables, he left and headed down to the stables.
Now here it was only 11:30, and Jesse felt as if his shoes were on fire. Picking up the brush and pick he had been using, Jesse closed the stall door behind him, as he fallowed Cat towards the tack room, to store his equipment. Fallowing her into the room, Jesse walked past the saddles, and put his brush with the picks, and his pick with the brushes. Cat, tongue in cheek, silently fixed her friends little mess up, all the while watching him with an amused little smirk. Jesse stood standing in the middle of the room, his hands empty, just staring at the saddles with a look of impatient frustration clearly covering his handsome face.
His attention having been caught by the saddles, Jesse's mind immediately went to his ridding date with Lexa this afternoon. Thinking about how long he had to wait, Jesse felt a scowl flitter across his face, as he glanced down to his watch, to once again check the time.
"That's it!" Cat announced, throwing her hands up in agitation. "Stop looking at your damned watch every blasted, two seconds!" The petite blond marched over to her astonished friend, grabbed his wrist, and wrestled the leather band from his arm. Shoving the watch deep in her jean pockets, she put her hands on her hips, tilted her head, and with clear exasperation order him to "Spill it!"
When Jesse just continued to look at her in shock, Cat took her hands off her hips, and gently grasped his hands in hers. Realizing there was no way for the offending watch to annoy her anymore, her voice was much calmer when she again asked him to "Please spill."
"What is up with you? And why have you been looking at your watch every few minutes? Do you have a hot date or something?" Cat asked her teasing smile suddenly turning to one of understanding when she saw his cheeks start to redden in embarrassment. Realizing that something had indeed happened between Jesse and the women he had been in love with for months, Cat once again took his wrists in in her hands, and pulled him out of the tack room, across the stables, an d over to the ladder that lead to the hay loft. Giving him a slight nudge, Jesse climbed the ladder, Cat right behind him. Once they were sitting comfortably on the hay stacks, Cat gave him a pointed stare, telling him with out words that she wanted to know everything and that she wanted to know NOW! Finding that look scarily similar to Shalimar's the molecular found himself grinning. Shaking his head in amusement at himself, and the people he chose as close friends, Jesse cleared his throat, and proceeded to tell Cat the basics of what had happened last night between him and Lexa, and their date for this afternoon.It was about quarter to two when Lexa grabbed her light jean jacket , left her room, and headed downstairs to meet Jesse. Reaching the bottom. She took a moment to stop and check herself in the mirror. She had decided to wear her hair up in a pony tail today, but already the heat, had caused little curls to fall out and frame her face, and her checks flushed healthy in the heat. She was wearing her oldest and dearest pair of jeans, that would shock most of her friends if they ever saw her in them. Stressed white in the butt, thighs and knees, they looked almost as old as they were, but they hugged the Brunet's lower half, in a way that had inspired many a men to dream. Finishing of her assemble were a pair of old, white running shoes, and plain, white scalloped-neck tank top, and another old favorite of hers, a navy blue, zip up sweater. Once her quick survey was done, Lexa found herself looking into her own, reflected, amused eyes. She looked like a happy, and approachable, young women. The world, nor anyone else's life, was resting in the hands of the women in the mirror. In fact the only thing that appeared to be on this omens mind was spending the afternoon in some sort of enjoyable, and normal fashion. Shaking her head, at herself, Lexa decided not to ponder the change she saw in herself anymore as she headed thought the kitchen, out the back door and down the hill towards the stable.
Her conversation with Shalimar this morning had really helped her more then she had thought possible. For the first time, in as far back as she could remember, Lexa felt the first, tentative bonds of a lasting friendship with another women. And the knowledge of that trust, and camaraderie lifted a great burden of loneliness and distrust from her slim shoulders. Lexa started to realize that she could trust mutant X, not just Jesse but all of them, completely. The need to look over her shoulder was no longer a constant worry for her, because she finally had people she trusted to do it for her.
Lexa made her way down the rest of the hill, her steps noticeably lighter, as she headed towards the stables where she was to meet Jesse. She slowed her graceful gait, as she entered the stables and looked around for Jesse. Not seeing him anywhere, she headed down the stables corridor towards the training area, where she had first seen Jesse riding Rohan. Sure enough as she drew closer, she heard the unmistakable sound of Cat's laughter, quickly fallowed by a deep, chuckle of Jesse's. Lexa steps, halted, as she once again found herself battling back the green horned monster of jealousy. Resolutely she swallowed back the anger, and walked the rest of the way out of the stable.
Jesse heard her steps, just moments before she walked out of the stables and into the sun. All of his excitement and eagerness died, as he saw her shadowy figure walk towards him. In their place, Jesse was filled with fear, apprehension, and doubts. What if she had enjoyed their kiss last night? Jess asked himself, momentarily forgetting the slight tremor he had felt last night when she had been in his arms. Or what if she had reverted back into the old, cold Lexa? Stealing himself, to what he would see when she emerged out of the stable and into the light, Jesse silently vowed it would not matter, and he would just work away on her like he had for the past year.
Needless to say, when Lexa finally walked out of the stable and into the sunlight, Jesse was not ready for the sight that greeted him. Instead of the guarded and cold Lexa he had half expected, the Lexa who emerged was one he had been dreaming of for months now. She was beautiful, graceful, and above all, with out the walls that had been her constant companion for as long as he had known her. Looking at her, Jesse realized for the first time, she was really showing him the true Lexa. And what he saw took his breath away and almost brought him to his knees. The women before him wore clothes that fit her like a glove, showing of her fabulously toned body. But it was not that he focused his attention on, but on the clothes themselves. They were old, comfortable clothes. Ones she had obviously had for a long time, were informal, and not black. With his survey of her wardrobe down, he slowly brought his gaze up to her face and took in the noticeable changes there. Her hair was up, little curls tumbling around her nape, and framing her face. The afternoon sun teased out hints of red, from the dark mass, and made her eyes sparkle like the river that flowed in the nearby river. Her face had little makeup on, but the sun had brought color to her checks, and Jesse found himself thinking that if someone could harness the sun's rays to sell as a beauty product they would find themselves very rich men. But it was the happy little smile that clung to her lips, that jess found the most attractive. It transformed her face into a thing of relaxed contentment, and Jesse prayed that he was at least part of the reason for it being there.
Turing back to the horse he had been saddling, Jesse double checked to make sure that the saddle was firmly secured, before he walked around the horse, and towards Lexa and Cat, who had started chatting.
Lexa could feel Jesse's piercing gaze on her back, as she stood talking to Cat, and was having a hard time keeping up her end of the conversation, while her insides hummed in excitement. The look Jesse had given her when she had stepped into the sun, that intense and hungry look, had made her knees turn to jelly. Cat gave her a sympathetic smile, as if understanding how effected Lexa had been by Jesse's look, and leaned in closer to whisper stealthily, "He has been a nervous wreak all day. Whenever he wasn't starring of into to space, he was asking for the time."
When Cat leaned back, Lexa smiled warmly with her. Feeling for the first time, some sort of friendship, with this women she had been disliking because of jealousy.
"Thanks" Lexa responded, the knees seeming to regain some of their former strength know that she knew Jesse wasn't quiet as in control as he wanted her to think. Two could play this game, she thought, a mischievous smile curling her lips.
Cat's own smile widened at the look on the brunet's face. Jesse, you are in for some fun now, she mussed to herself. Seeing the man in question approaching behind Lexa, Cat straighten her face, raising her eyebrow in warning to the women in front of her. Lexa slightly nodded her head, in acknowledgement, just seconds before Jesse placed his hand on her lower back, and led her in the direction of the horses.
Sioned and Rohan had both already been saddled, and were standing around shifting impatiently from one hoof to the other, waiting for their riders to mount them so they could take off. However Lexa's riding experience, was to put it mildly, very limited and she was not that comfortable around horses. One Pony ride at the tender age of nine and one memorable try on a mechanical bull were not the best teacher either, Lexa mused as Jesse presented her horse to her.
"This beauty is named Tobin." Jesse introduced, running his hands lovingly down the mares, gleaming black coat. His caress was meet by a happy whine, and a gentle head butt. Smiling at Lexa, Jesse reached out and grabbed her hand, bringing her closer to the mare. "Tobin is an exceptionally gentle mare, and believe it or not, sister to that beast over there." He jerked his head in the direction of Rohan, who was pawing at the ground restlessly, his desire to be moving evident with every move of his powerful body.
Lexa marveled at the difference between the two siblings. Where Rohan seemed all power, strength, and energy, Tobin was a study in grace, tranquility, and beauty. Looking in to the dark, intelligent eyes of Tobin, Lexa felt most of her reservations slip away. Stepping to Tobin's side, Lexa reached up to grab a hold of the saddle horn. Placing her foot in the stirrup that Jesse held steady for her, she swung her long leg up and over the mare, so she was sitting astride the beautiful horse. Smiling she took the reins from Jesse, and basked in the glow of pride that clearly shone from his eyes. Letting his hand rest a little longer then necessary on her knee, Jesse gave her one more smile, before he strode over, and mounted Rohan. With a gentle squeeze of his knees, Jesse and Rohan trotted out of the stable area, Lexa and Tobin fallowing behind them, and headed off in the direction that some of the hands had indicated.
What should have seemed like an awkward silence fell upon the team mates, but they were both to caught up in the beauty of the surrounding land to remember what had happened between them last night. The majestic trees rose over them, shading them from the hot afternoon sun, and giving the forest an oddly magical feel, with the few beams of light that emerged from the thick foliage. The song of birds, buzz of insects, and the other assortment of forest noise, blended with the movement of the nearby river, creating a melody that demanded relaxation and quiet from all who entered, and helped to change the dynamics of the two mutants relationship. For the first time Lexa and Jesse relaxed completely in each others company. Both finding solace in the forests magical setting, and in each others company.
Seeing a mother doe and her little fawns, Lexa silently reached out and put a gentle hand on Jesses arm silently bringing his attention to the deer's. When Jesse saw an eagle soaring high above them, he took Lexa's hand in his a gestured skyward.
Their ride continued in such a fashion for nearly an hour, neither breaking the almost holy silence of the forest, instead sharing gentle touches, and smiles. They past cave after cave, finding no sign of the shadow chasers, Michael Gray or any other human for that matter. Feeling his stomach growl with hunger he realized it was about time for supper and they would have to start heading back soon. Wishing he had his watch to know the exact time, Jesse craned his head skywards, to judge the positioning of the sun. when he looked back down he noticed Lexa starring at him, a bow arched and her lips turned up in a smirk. Blushing slightly, Jesse shrugged and gave her a heart warming smile. Then breaking the silence that had been their constant companion since they started, Jesse spoke up, his voice sounding almost unnaturally loud.
"The last cave is suppose to be up here on the right, higher in the cliffs. We'll check this one out, then head back home for dinner." At that moment his stomach chooses to once again let it's need for nourishment be known, and Lexa laughed out loud at the loud growling noise.
When they approached the cave, Jesse felt a little stab of disappointment that this portions of their ride was almost over. He had enjoyed the easy comradery with Lexa and did not want the afternoon to end. Dismounting, he tied Rohan's reins to branch, and stepped over to assist Lexa off Tobin. Putting a hand up on Lexa's hip, Jesse drew closer as she slowly drew one leg over the horse, till she was standing one legged in the stirrups. Placing his other hand on her other hip, Jesse effortlessly lifted Lexa down on the ground.
Feeling both feet hit the ground, Lexa turned around to thank Jesse, only to find that he had not yet stepped back. Finding herself flush up against him, she tried to take a step back, only to realize she was trapped between him and Tobin. Looking up into his eyes, she felt her middle quicken at the desire that deepened the color of his eyes. Realizing he was probably going to kiss her, Lexa waited for a little surge of fear, surprised when all she felt was an answering leapt of hunger. Trapped in the depths of his eyes, Lexa took that little step forward, once again bringing her body up against his. Tilting her head back, her eyes clashed with his, as Jesse lowered his head towards her.
Just before his lips brushed hers, Jesse caught something slithering on the ground, out of the corner of his eye. Recognition surfaced just as the horse started to rear. With out time to think, Jesse spun around, placing himself closer to Tobin, and pushing Lexa out of the way just as the powerful horses hooves hit him in the shoulders, sending him to the ground. Hard.
"Oh my god! Are you okay?" Lexa asked as she picked herself off the ground and rushed over to the ground where Jesse was lying.
"Yeah, I'm fine." The truth was he felt as if he had just been hit head on by a cement truck, but he wasn't going to admit it. Gingerly he rolled his shoulders, wincing at the bruising he could already feel forming. "How about you? Are you okay? She didn't get you did she?" As the thought that maybe he had not pushed her completely out of the way and that she could have been hurt, Jesse forgot all about the pain in his shoulders. Sitting up he started to run his hands over her, looking for broken bones, blood or any other sign of pain. He was so panicked that he did not realize she was smiling till her first laugh bubbled over.
"What? What's so funny?"
"You are. Here I am perfectly fine, cause you pushed me out to the way, and you're all concerned about me. When it is YOU who just got their ass kicked by a horse."
The laugh died in Lexa's throat as she saw the look in Jesses eyes. For a moment their eyes held, and Lexa could have sworn she saw something like love flicker in the blue depths. Then as soon as it appeared, it was gone, and Jesse was standing up, offering her a hand up.
"Well we better be getting back, I don't want Mindy and Anna getting worried if we don't get back when we're suppose too." Jesse said as he walked over to Rohan their one remaining horse, Tobin having run off scared by the snake.
"And how am I suppose to get back? Walk?" Lexa asked, as she shaded her eyes turned around looking for her horse.
"We'll just double up on Rohan."
Lexa raised her eyebrows and sent Jesse a saucy look. "Okay Rocky, help me up"
Jesse walked over to Lexa, and helped her put her foot in the stirrup, as she rose up and swung her other leg over the horse.
"Hey, I'm getting better at this." Lexa exclaimed happily as Jesse passed her the reins. Then just as she started to remove her foot from the stirrup, Jesse grabbed hold of the horn in front of her and in a astonishing feat of strength and grace, swung onto the back of the horse. Lexa mouthed dropped open and was just able to contain her awe of appreciation, when Jesse's other arm came around her and took control of the reins.
As Rohan started forward, Lexa was too entranced by the feeling of being in Jesses arms to pay attention to anything else. She always forgot how tall he really was. But now she could feel his warm breath on the her ear, and a solid wall of hard man behind her. She tried to concentrate on the surroundings, but all she could think about was the arousing sensations of his breathe against her ear. Before she realized what she was doing Lexa was wondering what it would feel like to have his breath on other parts of her body.
Meanwhile Jesse was having some problems of his own. When he had suggested sharing his horse, he hadn't thought about the fact that he would have Lexa pressed up against him. Being around her was hard enough for his body to handle, but having her practically sitting in his lap was slowing driving Jesse crazy. With the every sway of the horse her bottom would rub up against him, and Jesse lost a little more of the battle against his desire. Trying to clear his mind, and hoping to help with his growing arousal, Jesse took a deep breath of air. Damn! The only thing that helped to do was breath in the scent of her. As he exhaled in a rush, he felt Lexa shiver.
"Are you cold?" he asked, instantly concerned, he reached behind him for the saddle blanket, and wrapped it around her.
Anything but cold, Lexa weakly nodded her head yes, and answered "Thank you," when Jesse wrapped the blanket around her.
"It will probably take us longer to get home then I had planned, since we only have one horse. So we will probably miss diner." Jesse stated in an attempt to distract his mind, since his body was hell bend on ignoring him.
"That's okay. I'm not very hungry anyways." Not for food anyways, Lexa silently amended "but I will miss dessert. We were going to have homemade ice cream and apple pie."
Lexa laughed as Jesse groaned and dropped his head onto her shoulder. "Apple pie? Why did it have to be tonight? I love apple pie!"As time went by Lexa slowly relaxed into Jesse's arms. As she rested her head back on his shoulder, she smiled at the silly story he was telling her about himself and Shal, when he first joined Mutant X, and they had snuck out to go to a club. They both got rip-roaring drunk, and when trying to sneak back in, they got caught by Adam. After Jesse finished his story, he wrapped the blanket tighter around the sleeping brunette in his arms.
"Night Lexa." he softly whispered, brushing a kiss against her temple. As he straightened up the saddle, careful not to wake the women in his arms, Jesse looked to the sky, just in time to see the first of the shooting stars. Smiling to himself and thinking of what he wanted, he realized he already had it. Lexa in his arms.