Disclaimer: I don't own Mutant X.

Adam's Eve

Personal thoughts

Chapter 9 - Complete

They didn't really expect anything else and were now quite attentive.

"I need to ask you all a very important question." He looked each one in the eye then continued. "What would you think about Evie joining the team?" He saw them all drop their jaws. "I know it's sudden but she'd be a great asset here. I can help her with her research. We can train her physical and mutant abilities." He spoke fast getting it all out before he started to second guess himself.

"You really do love her that much, huh?" smiled Shalimar.

"I really do." There he admitted it, lowering his head and looking at his hands. After only a brief silence he looked up sharply and eyed each one of them again. "But that's not enough. You all have to be in total agreement. We're a team and there's nothing more important than the team, so if anyone has any doubts, now's the time." He waited apprehensively for their response.

They all looked at each other then back to Adam who was starting to sweat.

Smiles spread across all their faces. Shalimar, again, was the first to respond. "I think she'll be a perfect addition to the team."

Then Brennan, "Yeah, I think she's great.

Emma had move into Jesse's arms and said, "I think it's wonderful and about time, too."

Adam looked to Jesse for the final vote. "Go for it, Adam. We've been an odd number for too long.

"Great!" he said smacking his hands together. "You guys are terrific. I'll ask her over dinner." He turned and bolted for his room to change as the others just giggled.

Evie sat in the guest room staring at her image in the mirror, trying to sort out her feelings. One minute, I'm trying to sell my proposal to the government for funding. After getting refused, I have the best time of my life with this man I just met but somehow it feels like I have known him forever. Then those people kidnapped me and told me to complete my research under guard. I thought all hope was lost and I would never see any one again especially not him. I couldn't believe it. In what seemed like a scene out of an old movie he was suddenly there to rescue me. He was fighting for…me. When I saw him get stabbed I felt the world had finally caved in around me. I don't like to use my powers. I don't understand them. His wound was terrible, plus the fact that his body was sore from those shock sticks. I didn't know if I was strong enough to heal him? I couldn't just let him die. Not while I thought there might be a chance. He had done so much for me. I had to try. Finally, today…he's been even more wonderful, as if that were possible. His friends, this place, his mission all speak of the depth of compassion and inner strength of this man. Yet, all that pales when he looks at me. It's as if he can see right into my soul. The slightest touch of his hand sends shivers up my spine. When we're together I feel… Her thoughts froze along with her body as realization penetrated her soul. complete.

Later

Adam knocked softly on her door.

"Come in."

He opened the door slowly and saw her sitting at the dresser. His eyes widened as he beheld her. Shalimar had given her a change of clothes and she had taken her hair down from its twist. He had only seen her dressed as the professional. Now, her wavy hair flowed gently just past her shoulders. Her lab coat was replaced by a sleek black sleeveless dress that gracefully fell over her slim figure. She stood as she saw him enter. At first he didn't speak. All he could do was gaze at her beauty.

"Hello, Adam," her soft voice called to him.

"You look beautiful," he said as he slowly approached her.

She looked down and blushed as he came up and took her hand and raised it to his lips gently kissing it.

"I have dinner waiting downstairs, but before we go I need to ask you something." He led her to two chairs in the corner of the room. He took a deep breath and looked into her eyes. He saw her smile and now he was the one who drew strength from her to continue.

"Evie, I want you to consider staying here, in Sanctuary and joining Mutant X." He saw the shock in her eyes and heard her gasp. Afraid she misunderstood he continued quickly. "This room could be yours. You can conduct your research here. We'll get you everything you need. I could help you. You could be a part of the team. You could help me with my work." He stopped as he saw her turn away from him and close her eyes.

"I could do my research? Here?" Suddenly she snapped her eyes back to him. "You would help me? Why?"

"Because the committee was wrong. Your theories are sound and I believe we could make it work." His eyes showed confidence.

She smiled, believing him. Then panic. "Stay here? Join the team? But Adam, I'm not strong enough." She turned back to him with doubt in her eyes.

"Yes, you are. I saw you break away from that guard. You instinctively knew what to do. We can train you to defend yourself."

"We? What do the others…?"

"I already asked them. They want you to stay..." he looked down and added, "almost as much as I do."

As he looked up at her, she saw the hope in his eyes as he awaited her answer. Could it be? she didn't dare let her hopes up, but those eyes and that smile, how could I refuse? "I would like to stay, very much."

Releasing the breath he didn't realize he was holding, he smiled and reached for her hand as he stood. "Dinner is waiting."

Through dinner they spoke about setting up a lab and having her train. The air was filled with excitement as they made their plans. After dinner they went to find the others. The team was in the rec. room listening to a new club CD laughing and enjoying a "quiet" evening. As Adam and Evie came into the room, arm in arm, Jesse lowered the volume.

"How was dinner?" Emma asked expectantly, as they all gathered around the couple to hear some news.

Adam smiled so wide it looked as if he would burst. "Evie has agreed to stay and join the team."

The girls both hugged Evie as a round of chorused approval circulated.

Evie, pleased to be accepted, looked to each one, "Thank you for allowing me to stay and being willing to help me learn."

"Well, you may not be thanking us when your training starts," chided Brennan.

Emma immediately pounded his arm. All laughed as he grabbed his arm in pain and looked to Evie. "See?" he asked, making his point.

Shalimar reached for Evie's hand as reassurance. "Now the team'll be whole."

Just then the music on the CD changed. Emma ran to the controls and raised the volume. "Slow dance," she announced as she returned to wrap her arms around Jesse. He smiled and kissed her as they started swaying to the music. Brennan and Shalimar were already lost in each others arms.

Adam turned to Evie. He was so happy that he could think of nothing but holding the woman who filled him with joy. "May I have this dance?"

There's that smile again, and those eyes…Will I ever be able to refuse this man anything? Evie just smiled and took his extended hand.

Emma, who sensed the elation in Adam's heart as he pulled Evie close to him, nudged the other couple and all four smiled as they saw what Adam didn't have to express. Now they all felt…complete.

The End

No

The Beginning of Something Beautiful