Territory

Faint footsteps came from Brennan's room, of which Shalimar could hear only because of her feral hearing. From what Shalimar had heard, Brennan had been up since 1:30am. It was now 3am. At first it had annoyed her, the constant pacing back and forth and back and forth, but now it had seemed soothing, almost natural. The steady beat, unchanging and continual. Although Shalimar deeply craved sleep, she had saved up enough energy to walk, half-consciously, to Brennan's room. She knocked quietly on Brennan's door, loud enough for him to hear, but still quiet enough so as that she wouldn't disturb the others. Brennan arrived at the door, in answer to her knock.

"Hey Shal, you're still up?" Brennan asked, while letting Shalimar in. They both sat on the bed instinctively.

"Yeah well, I could kinda hear you walking around." She said with a tired yawn.

"Oh, sorry. I've got a lot of stuff on my mind. I promise I'll be quiet." Brennan whispered.

"No," Shalimar yawned again. "I'm up now. So what's going on in that head of yours?"

"Oh nothing. But you know that!" Brennan childishly smiled. Shalimar playfully nudged him in return.

"No, really. Usually you sleep like a rock, something's up." Shalimar pushed.

"Since when do you have me so well figured?" Brennan asked, looking her in the eye. Shalimar averted her gaze.

"Well, you know. We've lived with each other for so long now, we're bound to know these things." Shalimar reasoned, playing with her nails. Her powder pink nail vanish had begun to wear away. Fast.

"Fair enough." Brennan let out with a sigh and fell backwards onto the comfort of his pillows. Shalimar looked at him plainly. So many thoughts entered her mind. Happiness, laughter, but also times of sadness and loss. When they had lost Adam and Emma, Brennan, Shalimar and Jesse all had to be there for each other more than anything. Then Lexa came along and everything started moving at fast pace again. Shalimar felt that she never had time to mourn her lost friends. Then again, she would probably have her entire life for that.

"So, you wanna do something then?" Brennan asked, interrupting her thoughts.

"Huh?" Shalimar snapped back to reality.

"Do you wanna do something to pass the time?" Brennan said.

"Sure. What did you have in mind?" Shalimar asked, crossing her legs on her bed. A smug grin came from Brennan's face and Shalimar could tell what he was thinking.

"Oh no!" Shalimar smiled. "Absolutely not Mr. Mulwray!" Shalimar laughed and nudged him. Brennan laughed it off as he started tickling her. Shalimar fell into his arm on the bed and Brennan put his arm around her, keeping her warm.

"Brennan?" Shalimar whispered, looking into his eyes and Brennan connected with hers.

"Yeah." He replied.

"Is it ok if I just stay here tonight and fall asleep with you?" She almost purred.

"Sure," Brennan answered. "On one condition."

"I'm not taking anything off!" Shalimar smiled and now it was her turn to tickle him. Brennan tried not to laugh, but couldn't resist. She was so beautiful, strong and unpredictable. Brennan wanted her so much, but was scared he'd lose her friendship in the process. But sometimes, you need to see if you can get more out of something that could be really great.

"No. My condition is that tomorrow, you cook dinner for us." Brennan silently held his breath, awaiting his answer.

"Why Brennan, are you asking me on a date?" Shalimar inquired, praying inside that he was.

"Maybe. Would you be interested?" Brennan smiled.

"Absolutely. I must warn you though, I'm a terrible cook!" Shalimar laughed.

"Then you'll have to find a way to make it up to me." Brennan whispered in her ear. Smiling, they both surrendered to sleep with each other in their arms.