From: XFMnS4ever@aol.com Date: Sun, 19 Aug 2001 15:26:04 EDT Subject: All Or Nothing fanfic Source: direct Title: All or Nothing Spoilers: None. Classification: XRA/X-File Romance/Angst Rated: NC-17 Characters: These characters do not belong to me. They belong to 20th Century Fox, Chris Carter, 1013 and the X-Files. I do not make money off of this. I have no money so please do not even bother to sue me. It's all for fun and pleasure anyway. Author: Please e-mail me at xfmns4ever@aol.com and tell me what you think! Any comments, good or flaming, are appreciated! :D Subject: After a lover's death, can Scully help Mulder forget and love again? *************************************************************** FBI Headquarters Friday, May 18, 2001 "Hey Scully, where are you going for vacation this year?" "I haven't decided yet Mulder. My uncle left me the keys to his condo down in North Carolina or I thought I might go to Destin, Florida for the week. What about you?" Laughing he said, "You know me, Scully....no rest for the wicked. I probably will not take a vacation this year." "Mulder, you have to. They will start docking your pay. I know why don't you come with me to my uncle's condo?" "You coming onto me Scully?" "In your dreams Mulder....in your dreams," she laughed. "You know that doesn't sound like a bad idea." Two agents walked through the door laughing at a joke they had just heard. "What doesn't sound like a bad idea?" asked Agent Reyes. "Scully has asked me to go to her uncle's condo with her for our yearly two vacation." upset about this idea. "What are you doing this year?" asked Scully directing her question at Agent Reyes and Agent Doggett. "Well, I thought I would take Monica here to the beach or to the mountains....that is if she wants to go.", he asked questioningly looking at Agent Reyes. Mulder and Scully both seemed puzzled at this thought; although, Mulder was somewhat annoyed with Agent Doggett for asking Agent Reyes. He had grown very fond of Agent Reyes recently and didn't want to see her hurt by Agent Doggett. She seemed to have the same beliefs as him and he felt a close bond or connection with her. he thought. It seemed they had grown close in his absence those months. Not that he minded because even though he had originally had feelings for Scully, he made sure that he thought of her as only a friend because he was afraid if they crossed that personal line that it could ruin their friendship and he didn't want that. "John, I would love to go to the beach with you.", she said as she quietly looked directly at Agent Mulder while saying this. Mulder noticed this and smiled at Agent Reyes. "Hey Scully, I hate to think that I was overstepping my bounds, but what do you think about the four of us staying at your uncle's condo for the two weeks?" "No Mulder, you are not overstepping your bounds. I think that sounds like a great plan. For once we are thinking alike and not arguing over one of your's or Agent Reyes' crazy theories." They all laughed and began made plans to meet that Sunday evening at the rental car place and drive to North Carolina from D.C. *************************************************************** Sunday, May 20, 2001 Somewhere between D.C. and Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina Scully and Mulder were laying in the back seat both asleep. Scully had her head laying on his shoulder. Agent Reyes looked back and noticed how peaceful they looked in slumber. From what she had heard from other agents at the Bureau, John in particular, Agent Mulder often had nightmares and didn't sleep well. It seemed as if Scully was his "sand-woman" as opposed to "sand-man" she mused. He looked so handsome as he slept. She saw him rouse and open his eyes and smile up at her. She smiled back at him. "Where are we Agent Doggett?" "We are about to reach Wilmington. Not too much longer Agent Mulder." Suddenly Scully stirred awake and lifted her head. She was only inches away from Mulder's perfect full bottom lip. Startled she back away blushing. He noticed the electricity surrounding them. Agent Reyes looked at Agent Scully and wished she could have that connection with Agent Mulder. She really liked him. She didn't know how opposites could attract like Agent Mulder and Agent Scully. The one thing she did know was that she was jealous of Agent Scully. She had the "love and trust" of her partner. Agent Reyes only had the "trust" of her partner. She looked over at John. He was handsome enough, but there was just something about Agent Mulder that made her heart skip a beat. Maybe it was his way-out-there theories. She was the same way. People had laughed at her when she was in the field down in New Orleans and talking about her "spiritual beliefs." John broke her thoughts. "Hey does anyone need a break for a bit?" "Yes, I could use one Agent Doggett. Hey, Mulder why don't we move up front and let Agent Doggett and Agent Reyes sleep for a while." "I'm not tired. You can stay back there with John if you like. I get car sick sitting in the back seat," Agent Reyes said. Mulder chuckled to himself as she got "the look" from Scully. "Okay. Soon the car was moving again with Mulder in the front seat in the passenger's side. Agent Reyes was driving, but Mulder noticed she was not paying very good attention to the road. Soon Agent Doggett and Agent Scully were asleep on opposite sides of the car. "Agent Reyes, you seemed preoccupied. Anything you care to talk about?" "No....yes. Nevermind." "What is it Agent Reyes. It's not about Agent Doggett's son is it?" "No, that lead didn't pan out so we are back to the drawing board on that case, but I had it reopened without John's knowledge. I would really like to keep it that way." "Don't change the subject on me. Really, what's bothering you?" "I have noticed recently how close you and Agent Scully are. I wish John and I could be like that." Mulder quietly eyed her keeping his thoughts about their partnership to himself. Finally he spoke. "Scully and I have been through much more than you and Agent Doggett. Perhaps one day you will be that way. It's a trust issue." She laughed. "Forgive me Agent Mulder, but I wasn't born yesterday. I think I can tell when two people are in love with each other." "In love?" he asked incredulously. "Agent Reyes, Scully and I are just friends. That is all we ever have been. By the way, why the sudden interest in my life? You jealous?", he grinned and he knew he shouldn't play with her head like this, but he just couldn't help himself. She looked over at him seriously and spoke, "Yes I am. I really like you Agent Mulder. We are so much alike, you and I. No one really understands either one of us or our beliefs. We just seem to go out on a limb. People have laughed at us both. Do you ever wonder what things would be like if you and I had been partners on the X-Files from the beginning?" Mulder was stunned. He didn't know what to say. He quietly looked at her and said "Yes Monica, I can call you Monica can't I?" "Yes you can call me Monica. But I have been told not to call you Fox by Agent Scully so I guess Mulder it is", she smiled. "Yes, I have often wondered how things would be different if you had been the one to walk into my office that day instead of Scully." She had taken a hand off the wheel and laid it down on her knee resting her arm. He reached out and thread his fingers through hers. She jumped and looked over at him, not sure what to expect. At that moment, he heard Agent Doggett awaken and looked back. "We have about another 5 minutes and we will be there." "Agent Scully, it's time to wake up." She stirred and smiled up at Agent Doggett. "We there already?" "Yeah, I think you slept the whole trip here." he laughed. Agent Reyes looked down at Mulder's fingers threaded through hers, afraid of what the other two agents would see, but he just smiled and winked at her and didn't make an attempt to move his hand. He absently rubbed his thumb along her hand. She didn't know if he knew what he was doing to her, but she was beginning to think she needed to move her hand herself. He was making her crazy. *************************************************************** Sunday, May 20, 2001 Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina - Scully's uncle's condo Agent Doggett and Mulder unloaded the bags and took them inside while Scully and Agent Reyes looked out off the deck at the ocean. "Thank you for inviting us Agent Scully. It is beautiful here." Once inside, Scully remembered there were only three bedrooms. Mulder was gracious enough to take the couch. "I insist. Besides I sleep on the couch at home and how uncomfortable can it be Scully?" They got everything settled in and Scully and Agent Reyes began preparing dinner while the guys laid back and watched a ballgame on television. Scully laughed to herself. This was a funny sight she though to herself, all top of the class FBI agents acting down to earth at home. Kersh wouldn't have believed it if he could have seen it himself. Mulder was sitting on the small couch alone and Agent Doggett was in the chair. Monica had finished prepping the salad and went to sit on the couch. Scully watched them closely. Mulder moved his feet immediately and Agent Reyes sat close by....closer than Scully would have liked, but what business was it of hers if Mulder wanted that to happen. They were just friends after all, but dammit she was jealous. Mulder began telling her a joke and she laughed like a damn school girl with her first crush. And dammit he laughed right along with her. The longer Scully stood there and chopped the chicken, the harder the clever went down. Mulder turned to stare at her to find out what the commotion was about. She immediately felt her face turn red and looked away. She couldn't let him see what she was so upset about. He got up from the couch and went to the kitchen. "Scully is everything okay?" "Yeah, Mulder, I'm fine." God, he hated that phrase. He knew she was lying to him. "No you're not. What gives?" "Nothing Mulder, nothing at all." "Suit yourself", he said as he shrugged his shoulders and returned to the couch. He sat himself closer to Agent Reyes. Agent Doggett had fallen asleep in the chair and I went over and covered him up with a blanket and went back to the kitchen. I had seen enough so I went outside and sat on the deck watching the seagulls. I wished I had brought some bread to feed them with but there was no way in heck I was going back into that beach house just yet. There is no telling what was happening between Mulder and Agent Reyes. Oh what the hell, I walked to the door and was stunned by what I saw. My stomach dropped to the bottom of my feet. There on the couch was Mulder and Agent Reyes cuddling. I discretely tried to slip in unnoticed, but I had been caught by Mulder. I ran up the steps to the bedroom and locked the door before he could get up the steps. He followed me. "Scully, dammit, open the door" he said as he pounded. "Leave me alone Mulder." "Not until you tell me what the hell is going on with you." "I told you I'm fine dammit." "Scully, you either open this damn door or I will bust it down with my foot." Slowly she made her way to the door and he heard the lock click open. She opened the door and stared at him. Her eyes were red and she had been crying. "Scully, what the hell is going on with you?" "You want to know Mulder? You really want to know what the hell is going on with me? Well, I'll tell you. I am jealous as hell of that bitch downstairs." "Scully, WHY?" "I feel like she is horning in on MY territory." "Your territory? Is that what I am to you Scully?" he quietly asked. "No Mulder. I just thought....well I guess it doesn't matter what I thought. I was wrong. I'm sorry I acted like such as an ass. What you do with your life is your business." "You're right Scully, it is my business. You know I am going to have to explain your actions and why I am up here now to her." "No Mulder, I will and I will apologize also. I didn't mean to interrupt your time with Agent Reyes. I am going to take a walk on the beach so you can be alone if you want. I will see if Agent Doggett wants to go too." "Thank you Scully. I appreciate it." "Don't mention it," she sadly said as though things had definitely shifted between them. He had made his position on their partnership known. It was nothing more than friendship and partnership and wouldn't go any further as much as she had hoped it would. They made their way back downstairs. Agent Reyes was standing at the bottom of the steps with Agent Doggett staring at her in concern. "Everything okay Agent Scully?" "Yeah I'm fine now and I am sorry for my earlier situation." "That's okay Agent Scully." Scully turned to Mulder and said "Good luck." "Agent Doggett would you like to go for a walk on the beach with me." "Sure Agent Scully, I would like that very much." They went out the door. "What the hell was that about?", she asked. "I'm not really sure Monica," but deep down he did and just couldn't say. He reached up and pulled back a piece of loose hair clinging to her cheek. "You are so beautiful." He cupped her cheek and reached his lips to hers and kissed her softly. Her hands found their way around his back. I think I need to check on dinner she said breathlessly. He chuckled amazed that he could do that to her. "What is so funny?" "You just seemed to have your breath taken away? Did I do that?" Playfully she answered, "Yes Agent Mulder you did. I have wanted you to do that for a long time." "Really?" "Yeah, ever since that day I called you about the case on Luke Doggett and you came into the file room and I was up on that ladder and I looked down at you. You took my breath away and you didn't even kiss me and I wondered then what it would be like to have your lips on mine. Now I know. You leave me breathless just looking at you and kissing you." "Wow, I had no idea. If I had known how nice it would have been I would have done it that day.", he grinned. "Well, considering we hardly knew each other then, I probably would have decked you." she laughed. "Don't forget dinner or we will have to order take-in and I know how much Agent Doggett and Scully hate that idea." He walked behind her to the kitchen and penned her up against the cabinet while she was trying to reach a bowl. "Mulder what are you doing? Dinner is going to burn if you don't let me get this bowl." "Let me get it for you", he said seductively as he slid his frame up against her back side. She went limp and weak and he had to catch her. His right hand was sprawled on her rib cage right underneath her breasts. "You okay?" "Yeah, I'm okay. Just don't sneak up on me like that. I wasn't expecting that." He turned her around and kissed her more passionately than before. Suddenly they heard a noise and turned to find Agent Doggett and Scully standing behind them. Agent Doggett looked furious. Before he knew it, Agent Doggett had him by the shirt. "What the hell are you doing with her?" "None of your damn business." Scully and Agent Reyes stepped in between them and calmed the situation down. Scully turned to Agent Doggett and spoke softly. "I think I have seen this coming for a long time. You should accept it as I have had to." "Why the hell should I accept this?" He looked at Agent Reyes. "Monica do you know what you are doing? Who you are getting yourself involved with?" "Yes John, I do and like he said, it is not your business. I am a big girl and can take care of myself." Things quickly calmed down and Scully spoke up in a more jovial tone rested in her thoughts from her walk. "Let's eat. I'm starved." Slowly Agent Doggett backed away, yet cautiously still unsure of what to expect. Mulder reached up for the bowl and handed it to Scully. "Here, that is what we were after. We need it for the salad." "Is that what you call it now?" she chuckled. She had come to terms that Mulder was right about this situation. It was not hers and John's business. It was Mulder's and Agent Reyes' business and theirs alone. And who was she to stand in the way of Mulder's happiness. Hell, maybe he might finally decide to settle down and raise a family and get his head out of the X-Files for a while. Wishful thinking she thought as she soon heard Agent Reyes, Mulder and Agent Doggett talking about a case they had recently found from this area. It seemed as if there was a nutcase on the loose raping and killing women. This nutcase had a particular penchant for dark-haired women that looked like Agent Reyes so they had all taken their guns and badges with them on this vacation to make sure nothing happened while they were there. You couldn't be too sorry in a place where there was someone disturbed running around. "The table is all set." "Thanks John." He stared at her in amazement. "Do you realize you just called me John for the first time?" "Yeah, I think I did, didn't I?" "Yeah, I liked it Agent Scully." "Really?" "Yes I did." "Well, why don't you call me Dana." "Okay Dana." She really liked the way it sounded when he said it. She walked to the door of the condo in time to see Mulder throwing up bread crumbs to the seagulls and Agent Reyes laughing as he fell up the steps. She laughed too. "Time to eat everyone." Dinner went better than expected considering the circumstances. Everyone talked about this case that had been mentioned in the news. Of course, Mulder being Mulder, just couldn't not have someone send any X-Files cases that resembled this one while on vacation. "Hey Mulder I forgot to tell you, this came earlier." "What is it?" "The X-Files cases you asked for." "Oh, thanks Scully." Mulder volunteered to clean up the dishes after eating and everyone else retired to the living room and watched television. As he was putting away the dried dishes, someone came up behind him and rubbed their hands along his sides. He sucked in his breath and with his eyes closed turned to kiss her without looking thinking it was Monica. He kept his eyes closed as he sucked on her bottom full lip and entered her open mouth as she was giving him access. He deepened the kiss and finally he heard her moan. As soon as he realized what he had done, he saw himself staring Scully in the face. He had kissed Scully and they both liked it! Oh shit, what if Monica had seen, he thought. "Scully, what the hell are you doing?" "Sorry Mulder, I was trying to get your attention. I wasn't expecting you to do that," she said quietly. "It's okay Scully, but it can't happen again." "I know. I'm sorry." (But secretly she wasn't.) "What did you need Scully?" I was wondering if we could go for a walk on the beach before bedtime. I need to discuss something with you." "Sure Scully. Let me get our flashlights and guns. We can look for crabs." They went out the door quietly and started walking down the beach. Finally Scully spoke softly. "Mulder I just wanted to let you know that I am happy for you if this 'thing' works out for you and Agent Reyes. I have wanted to see you happy for a long time and you seem that way now. I just wish it could have been me making you that happy.", she said wistfully. He stopped and turned her to face him. "Scully, we can't do this. You know why. They would separate us and I couldn't live without working with you. You have saved my ass more times than I care to admit. You are my other half that I am missing. I couldn't handle it if I had to lose you because they separated us. Do you know what I mean?" "Yes Mulder, I understand and I feel the same way. Maybe even a little more than I care to admit about that too, especially to you." He opened his arms and embraced her tightly taking in the fragrance of her hair. "Scully I would kill anyone who hurt you. I love you, but not the way you want me to. I can't do that. I can't risk it." "I love you too Mulder. And I understand if things were different, if our lives were on different paths, things might work, but they can't the way they are now. Thanks for helping me see that. I really hope you are happy with her." "Thanks Scully.", he said sincerely. They were walking back when they heard gunshots coming from the condo. They started running up the steps and pulled out their guns. When they reached the door they cautiously opened it and found Doggett down on the floor. He had lost a lot of blood. Scully bent down an took his pulse, but couldn't find one. Scully fell in a heap upon Agent Doggett's chest. Mulder didn't hear her softly crying, but instead heard the back door shut, but couldn't find Monica anywhere. He rushed to the back door and noticed a figure carrying her down the road to a waiting car. He tried to follow it, but they drove off and left him standing there. "Damn, I should have never left her alone!" Scully sucked up her breath and wiped away the tears and asked "Mulder, where is she?" "Scully, someone has taken her." "What the hell am I going to do?" "We WILL find her Mulder. I promise." Mulder stared at her looking like a lost puppy dog. The ambulance arrived and took Agent Doggett away in a body bag. "I am sorry about Agent Doggett. I know that you two were very close. If there is anything I can do please let me." "Mulder thank you for being concerned about me, but we have to find out who took her. I need to help you." "Scully, I'm okay. I know we will find her." "I have already called A.D. Skinner and he is on his way down to help with the investigation." They went back up to the beach house to look for clues. They searched until A.D. Skinner arrived an hour later, finding nothing left behind by the perpetrators. A.D. Skinner had them relieved and while searching the living room he noticed an earring and blood from a possible struggle. He bagged it and had it sent for prints. *************************************************************** Monday, May 21, 2001 Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina - Scully's uncle's condo Mulder and Scully awoke to A.D. Skinner's questioning eyes. They guessed it was their embrace in the same bed that made him do this, although they were fully clothed and neither looked like they had slept well. Last night Mulder had tried to tell Scully it was okay, that he would be fine, but she wouldn't hear of him sleeping alone and having nightmares. That is what she told A.D. Skinner and he had believed her. "Agents, we have found a clue." Mulder shot up in the bed. "What did you find?" "An earring left behind. Must have been pulled off in a struggle with the perpetrator because there is blood on the chair." "Did you find a match?" "Yes, his name is Donald Tucker. We found all kinds of information in the system. He does have priors listed. We sent some people to pick him up." Mulder got out of the bed and started to head for the shower. He stopped and realized he should ask Scully if she wanted to go first. "Scully do you want to start." "No Mulder get ready and go down to the station with Assistant Director Skinner. You need to get there." A.D. Skinner was puzzled by that and didn't understand what the hurry was for Mulder. He would have thought Scully would have wanted to go first since Agent John Doggett, her partner for many months had been killed in the line of duty. He wasn't about to ask though. A few minutes later Mulder stood outside the bathroom, showered, shaved and ready to head out the door. Scully walked up to him and squeezed his hand and spoke, "We will find her Mulder, I promise. If it is the last thing I do for you, I will find her." Skinner was at a loss for words. They walked out the door after Scully said she would get a ride with one of the cops still at the scene looking for more clues. Once in the car, Skinner finally spoke. "Agent Mulder would you care to tell me why it is so important to you to find Agent Reyes? I was under the impression that you two haven't worked together very much since you are down in the basement office and she works for the VCS." "Well sir, that is where you're wrong. We have a worked a few cases together. I have found myself falling for her." Skinner's eyes bugged out unable to comprehend what Agent Mulder had just told him. "What about Agent Scully?" "What about Agent Scully sir? She and I are just partners and friends. What does she have to do with this? Well aside from the obvious. I tried to get her to let me take her home and get ready for Agent Doggett's funeral, but she wouldn't hear of it. She insisted on staying here and helping me find Monica." "Oh so you and Agent Reyes are on a first name basis?" "Yes we are." "Well, I hope you know what you are doing." "I do sir, I do." *************************************************************** Monday, May 21, 2001 Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina - Police Station They reached the police station in record time. "Which one of you is A.D. Skinner?" "That would be me. Did you get him?" "No sir, there was no one at that address. It seemed to be an abandoned apartment building." "Damn!" "Calm down Agent Mulder." "Don't tell me to calm down. We have nothing else to go on!" "Yes we do sir." He left a note behind at the abandoned building. It was addressed an Agent Fox Mulder." "That me! Where's the note?" Mulder placed his hands in the latex gloves to save any evidence before the detective handed him the note. He read it and then finally spoke. "The note tells where she is at, but Tucker wants me to come alone." "Mulder, you cannot do that! We have to be there for back-up," Skinner said. "Dammit sir, I have to! I can't risk taking the chance that anything will happen to her. I can't lose her now. I just found her." "Okay Mulder, we will do it your way for now, but until you leave for the destination, we will wire you so we can at least keep in radio contact with you." "Fine," Mulder said quietly as he spoke quietly and rubbed his hands over his face, the tension and worry for Monica definitely showing there. He looked up and saw Scully standing in front of him rubbing his hair and giving him silent encouragement with her eye contact. "What is this I hear about you going by yourself without back-up Mulder? You know that can't happen. What if something happens and you both get hurt? I couldn't bear it if something happened to you too." Suddenly Mulder realized what she was talking about. She had already lost Agent Doggett to this madman Tucker and if he was to go in without back-up and anything happened to him, she would be devastated. "Scully, it is a chance that I have to take. Please understand." "I think I can Mulder, but it isn't easy." *************************************************************** Monday, May 21, 2001 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina "Well, well, well...lookie what I found me." "Keep your hands off me." "What did you say bitch?" "I SAID keep your hands off of me." SMACK. "Nobody, and I mean NOBODY, especially some bitch tells me that." Her head jerked at the reaction that he had just caused. After coming to again, she assessed her situation, which at the moment looked very grim. She suddenly remembered the incident at the condo. "What did you do to him?" "To who sweetpea?" "Agent Doggett, and please DON'T call me that!" "Oh, he will be taking a long nap for eternity. Sorry, but I had no choice, he wasn't going to let me have you so I had to kill him." "You bastard!" "Mulder will kill you!" "Shut up bitch, just shut the hell up!" He was pacing and angry. Finally he came up behind her and started to stand her up and then threw her on the bed, her hands still tied behind her and her feet bound. He untied her legs and tied them back again to the bedposts and then proceeded to do the same to her hands. "What are you going to do to me?" "That's nothing for you to worry about sweetpea. Just lay back and enjoy yourself. I know I will," he leered at her. Finally, the doorbell in the remote area rang. It could only be the elusive and illustrious Agent Mulder he had heard so much about. He went to the door and opened it sticking out his gun to Mulder's chest. "You armed? You bring anyone with you?" "No, I am by myself." "Come in...you are just in time to watch me take her." Mulder seethed and shouted, "I am NOT going to let you do that to her." They entered the darkened bedroom and Tucker spoke and said "You can't stop me. Come sit in the chair." Mulder did as he was told and found his arms and legs being tied behind him. Tucker finally turned the lights on and Mulder squinted his gaze and readjusted his vision in time to see Monica tied to the bed by her arms and legs. He struggled, but Tucker had tied him too tight. "What the hell do you want with her?" Tucker chuckled, "Well I would think THAT would be obvious Agent...and you know the fun in all of this is that YOU get to watch me take her." Mulder gasped as Tucker made his way over to Monica and started to climb on the bed and unbutton her shirt. He was so angry he thought he had almost broke loose, but it was just his shirt being torn at the cuff he was feeling. Tucker pushed back the shirt and undid her bra. He turned to Mulder and spoke, "You enjoy seeing me take your woman?" "Shut up you sick bastard! I am gonna kill you when I get a hold of you!" Tucker turned back to his task and started taking off her shoes and socks and cut the shirt and bra from around her back side. She was completely naked from the waist up and was uncontrollably sobbing. He then moved to her pants and unbuttoned them slowly and pulled them off along with her panties. She was completely naked now. Mulder was still struggling to get loose and grab Tucker's gun off the dresser while he wasn't looking. Finally, Tucker stood up and started over to the corner of the room where he turned on a video camera and pushed the record button. He walked back over toward the bed and started stripping his clothing. He was finally down to nothing and climbed on the bed and leered back at Mulder, whose hands were almost loose behind him. He placed himself over top of Agent Reyes and started to touch her and move his hands and hips over her body. "Stop it! Please sto.." "Monica?!" He had moved down and went inside her and she had passed out. He was moving up and down increasing his pace and Mulder couldn't get loose to stop him. Finally she awoke again and he was finished climbing off the top of her. She was mumbling and Mulder couldn't make out what she was saying. To him, it seemed she was in a catatonic state. Tucker walked to Mulder and started taunting him. "She was good. You wanna know how damn good she was?" Tucker looked down and smirked. "It must have been so damn good that it made you hard just watching me take her in front of you." "You're sick, you know that don't you Tucker." "I have been called worse. Of course you know what has to happen next. I drug you so you can't remember and then I kill her." He moved to her and shot her in the head. She laid there in the bed bleeding. He turned with a syringe and gave Mulder the injection so he wouldn't remember any of this ever happening. At least nothing up to the point where he and Agent Scully were coming back to the condo from their walk. After about two hours, he untied Mulder and left. Mulder awoke and saw Monica laying in the bed with a bullet to her brain. He ran to her and sobbed. He had to find a phone. What in the hell had happened here he thought? I don't remember nothing since coming back from walking with Scully. Skinner, Scully and the police detectives arrived quickly. They found Mulder sitting on the edge of the bed holding Monica in his arms sobbing, repeating over and over..."I love you, I love you, please don't leave me." Scully went to him and softly spoke, "Mulder, you need to put her down so the paramedics can try to help her." He finally looked up at Scully and said, "It doesn't matter Scully, she's dead. Gone. And I can never tell her how much I love her again." Scully helped him place her back on the bed and took Mulder into her embrace. God she wished she could take the hurt away for him, just like he had always done for her, just like when she came back being abducted and when he came to save her at Antarctica from being taken. This was enough for know. She knew that Mulder had lost much more than she had when both agents had been murdered. She and Doggett were just close friends and partners, but Mulder and Agent Reyes were about to become lovers. She knew this wasn't the time, but she actually envied the dead woman. Finally, Scully looked up at Mulder and saw the stone expression in his face. "I am going to kill him if I find him first Scully. You have to be with me so I don't do anything stupid and rash. Yet again, you will have to save me from myself. Please Scully, you understand don't you." "Yes Mulder, we will search for him together. And I promise you, I will not let you do anything you will later regret." *************************************************************** Friday May 25, 2001 Ocean Isle Beach - Scully's uncle's condo Mulder awoke to sunlight streaming in from the window where Scully had opened the curtains. She was sitting in the chair in the bedroom where he had slept watching him. He remembered he had been insistent on sleeping in the bed Monica had been sleeping in just to feel himself nearer to her and smell her while he slept, but Scully knew he would have nightmares. He always had since she had known him and this time was no different. She had heard him call her name early this morning and she came rushing in. "Mulder, it's okay, Mulder wake up, you were just having a bad dream." "I'm going to be okay Scully." She got up and moved away. "I am going to make some breakfast, you hungry?" "No, but fix something for yourself." He got up and made his way to the bathroom to take a shower and start the day. A day without Monica beside him. Would he be able to handle it. He wasn't sure. The phone rang beside the bed and he went to pick it up. "Scully residence." "Hello Agent Mulder, this is A.D. Skinner. We have a lead on where Donald Tucker is. I thought you would like to know so you come down and help head up the search for him." "I will be on my way shortly sir." About 30 minutes later, Mulder was dressed in his best Armani and tie and looked ready for a day at the office. Scully stepped into the bedroom and asked, "Where are you going Mulder?" "They have a lead Scully. They know where Donald Tucker is." "Mulder wait for me and I will come with you." "I can't take the chance Scully, what if he gets away again. I will call you a taxi and you can meet me here at this address. This is where Skinner said he would be." "Okay Mulder, but don't go without anyone for back-up, please," she spoke softly and caressed his cheek. He reached up and touched her hand and said "I won't Scully," and smiled at her for the first time since Monica had died. It caused her heart to drop. God he was gorgeous when he did that. Did he have any idea what he did to her? She didn't think so. He rushed out the door to the car and backed out of the driveway to head off to the address Skinner had given him. *************************************************************** Friday May 25, 2001 Calabash, North Carolina - abandoned house He pulled up and saw Skinner and the police detectives surrounding the house along with a few FBI agents, whom he recalled seemed to have a penchant for calling him Spooky. He was out of the car and speaking to Skinner within seconds. "Where is he?" "We have him holed up in this house. He isn't getting away and he has no hostages. We are just waiting for him to give himself up." "Let me go in." "Agent Mulder, not without Agent Scully. You promised her." "I know but I need to do this sir. If you are that concerned, please come in with me." "Fine." They cautiously approached the house and busted the door out. Tucker was sitting in a chair with a gun to his head ready to pull the trigger. He saw Mulder and immediately recognized him. "Come back to finish the job?" Tucker didn't notice Skinner moving in behind him. Mulder spoke, "I would like nothing more you bastard, but I would rather see you rot in jail for what you did to her and Agent Doggett and believe me, if I have ANYTHING to do with it you will." Tucker aimed the gun at Mulder and was ready to pull the trigger and Skinner pulled his trigger and shot him. Tucker sank to the floor out of the chair. Mulder looked up at Skinner and shouted, "Why did you do that?" "Agent Mulder he was going to shoot you. I had no choice!" "I know sir, but now he has taken the easy way out." "I am the one who has to live with this everyday." Scully had shown up to learn that Skinner and Mulder had went in the building together and Mulder had not shot Tucker, but Skinner had. She walked up to him and said, "Mulder, you know Skinner did the right thing. I would die if anything were to ever happen to you. You know when you were in jail for "killing" David and Amy Cassandra? I felt lost without you. It was like part of me was missing. It always is when you aren't there." "Dammit Scully, don't talk to me about this right now." "About what Mulder, how I feel for you. How I love you, but you don't love me the same way. Well it's all the hell I can think about it!" Mulder stalked off only able to think about Monica and what could have been with her. He was angry with Scully at the moment. She didn't understand what he was going through. She couldn't possibly. She and Agent Doggett had only been friends and partners. Nothing more. He had to make her understand, but he wasn't sure how to do it. *************************************************************** FBI Headquarters Six months later - Mulder and Scully's basement office They had walked on eggshells since they had been back from vacation. Well if you could call that a vacation. They had actually worked except for one day of that two weeks they were there. Scully knew Mulder had been upset with her because she was pushing him and she didn't know how to change things. She had backed off, but he still seemed like things were bothering him. He constantly talked about how Monica would have done things on cases and how he had to be a little more like her. He had snapped at Scully a few times without realizing it. She didn't ever say anything about it though. She knew he was still hurting from losing her. She was still very upset about Agent Doggett, but with time it was getting easier for her. Mulder just seemed to get worse as the days went on. Finally, one day down in their basement office while doing expenditure account paperwork she snapped. She had mentioned being hungry and having something to eat at a restaurant called Tresla Cafe and he yelled at her. "How in the hell can you do this to me?" "What the hell are you talking about Mulder? What have I done to you?" "You KNEW that is where I took Monica for our first date. Have you gone crazy?" He had picked up his jacket and got ready to reach for the door when she exploded. "Dammit Mulder, you have to stop thinking about her all the damn time. She isn't coming back. There is nothing you can do to bring her back!" Mulder snapped around and stared opened mouthed at her unable to believe this was his partner talking to him. He went back and sat down in his chair and began to sob. She walked to the edge of his desk and reached out to touch his shoulder and he angrily jerked her to him, wrapping his arms around her waist and burying his head in her stomach and sobbed quietly and soon she wrapped her arms around him and he stayed there until he cried himself out. He finally spoke quietly, "I am so sorry Scully. I can't imagine what I have been like to work with these past few months. I hope you can forgive me." "Mulder there is nothing to forgive. Would you like to get something to eat brought in instead? It was foolish of me to even ask you about that earlier place." "Yeah, some Chinese would be nice Scully." He reluctantly slid his hands down from their position and let her go. She went to her phone and called for the food to be delivered. Within 20 minutes, they both had chopsticks and were eating and talking about their next case. Suddenly, Scully changed the subject. "Mulder what are you doing Friday night?" He looked at Scully puzzled and said, "What I always do Friday night after I leave here," he grinned. Oh there was that damn smile again! She had to hold onto her desk as she was standing and about lost it like she did every time he made that smile. He definitely did NOT know what that did to her. She had to tell him soon! "Mulder how about doing something different. My high school reunion is coming up and I need an escort. Would you please take me?" Mulder hesitated, he knew they were just partners, but somehow this seemed weird, but it was the least he could do for her as she had saved his ass so many times. "Yeah Scully, what time do you want me to pick you up?" "How about 7:00 and we can go eat dinner at that new restaurant." "Sounds fine." It was time to leave so he picked up his trench coat and helped Scully on with hers and they walked out the door on the way to their cars. *************************************************************** Scully's Apartment Friday night - 7:05 p.m. "Dammit Mulder, where are you? We are going to be late for our dinner reservations.", she thought. Suddenly, she heard a knock at the door. She stood and smoothed out her short skirt which came just above her knees. She had splurged on this outfit since she didn't go to high school reunions or other such elaborate functions often. She walked to the door, looked out the peep hole and saw Mulder with that same smile on his face as the other day. She opened the door and when Mulder saw her he gasped. "Um, hi Scully, you look incredible!" "Thank you Mulder. Let me just get my coat and keys." He took the coat from her and placed it over her arms and pulled her back against him. She could feel his warm breath on her ear and his effect on her was making her feeling weak. "Scully, I have been meaning to tell you something that has been on my mind since our vacation." "Mulder, please don't do that. I have been through enough without you doing that," she said as she pulled away from his embrace. "Scully, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you." "You didn't Mulder, let's just go." He held open the door and followed her out. She fumbled with her key and he took it from her and locked the door and handed it back to. When she felt his hand touch hers she jumped. "Scully? Anything wrong?" "No Mulder, I'm fine." He had heard that so many times in the last few years. He hated hearing it. He knew she was not fine and wished she would talk to him about whatever was troubling her. *************************************************************** Green Tavern Restaurant Friday night - 7:30 p.m. "What do you mean you gave our table away?" "Sorry sir, but we couldn't wait for you any longer." "Are there any other tables?" "No sir, and the wait could be a long one." Mulder rolled his eyes and walked back to the door of the restaurant. "Scully, they had to give up our table." "That will teach you to be so late again Mulder. Well, I suppose we could always go to another restaurant where reservations are not necessary." "Yeah, let's do that." *************************************************************** Tresla Cafe Restaurant Friday night - 7:45 p.m. They got back in the car and he drove for about 15 minutes before Mulder realized that he had ended up in front of Tresla Cafe. Scully stared up at him not knowing what to expect. "Mulder, we don't have to eat here. We can find some place else." "No Scully, I have to do this. She would want me to. Let's go in." "Okay" she said quietly. He went to her side of the car and opened the door and helped her out of the car. That is why she was in love with Mulder so much. He was such a gentleman, even with all of his crazy theories. Oh my goodness, had she just said she was in love with him? She knew she loved him, but was she really **in love** with him? She really knew long before now, but the reality didn't settle into until this evening. He looked so handsome in his dark Armani suit with is baby blue shirt and dark blue tie. She realized that he had taken extra care on what he wore tonight for her so he wouldn't embarrass her at this reunion. He wanted it to be perfect for her. After all, you didn't see your classmates but once every 10 to 20 years if you were lucky. They walked in and were immediately seated a very private booth near the back of the restaurant. The waiter came and lit the candles sitting on the table. He left them with a menu and took their drink order. After a few moments of staring at Scully, Mulder quietly spoke, "Scully you are the most beautiful woman in this place tonight." She blushed. "Thank you Mulder." She had put down her wine glass and laid her hands on the table in front of her. Before she realized what was happening, he had began to rub her thumbs with his own. It was mesmerizing. She couldn't focus on anything but the man sitting in front of her. It has to be the alcohol. Finally, the waiter brought their order and they ate in quiet solitude. It was nearly time for the dance so Scully suggested they get going. Mulder left some bills on the table and helped Scully with her coat. He opened the car door and helped her in and walked to the driver's side and got in and drove away. *************************************************************** Scully's high school reunion Friday night - 8:50 p.m. He didn't say anything until they were at the high school and parked. "Scully before we get out of the car, let me ask you something." She looked at him intently. "Yes Mulder?" "Why did you want me to bring you to this reunion?" "Well, Mulder, who else am I going to ask?" she smiled and said. "That's all I needed to know." They entered the school and Scully seen her friend Elaine and walked up to her immediately. They chattered about things that had happened to them since high school while Mulder stood behind Scully and smiled at everyone. Finally Scully introduced him to all the people around them. She started talking with Elaine again and didn't notice it when Starla Harris, the beauty prom queen cheerleader bitch from hell, came up and started talking to Mulder. "Hi, what is your name." "Hello, I'm Agent Mulder. I am a friend of Dana Scully." "Oh just a friend and an FBI agent to boot...lucky for me," she said as she batted her eyelashes. "So Agent Mulder, would you care to dance?" Mulder noticed Scully turn around and he looked to her for approval. "Go ahead Mulder, knock yourself out. Just remember, the rest of your dance card is full and who you came with." He looked at Scully very strangely and wondered what she meant. He took Starla's hand and whisked her out on the dance floor. The song the DJ was playing the Endless Love by Lionel Ritchie. He held her away from him and swayed to the music. He noticed Scully watching them intently a few times and wanted to mention it when he went back over to the table. Finally, the song ended and she wanted another dance, but he declined saying he was too tired. They made their way back to the table. Starla looked at Scully and pulled her to the side and quietly said to her, "You have no chance with him. He will be mine before the end of the night." "I don't want him Starla. Besides he already has someone else on his mind. You don't stand a chance either." "What do you mean?" "Just what I said." Starla went off pouting, but all the night she tried her best to win over Mulder, but failed. Finally, the last three dances of the night were coming and Mulder walked up behind Scully and tapped on her shoulder and held out his hand. "I believe these dances are mine." She slowly followed him out to the dance floor and placed her tiny hand in his and he pulled her close. She bent her head down close to his shoulder and inhaled in his masculine scent. The music started and it didn't take long for Scully to realize that they were playing the song she and Mulder had first danced to, **Walking in Memphis** by Cher. The fact that the song was a little upbeat didn't keep them from dancing so close together. The song ended and she and Mulder seemed reluctant to let each other go, but they finally released each other and Scully walked over to the DJ When she came back he was still standing there and he took her in his arms and the music started playing again. "Why did you go to the DJ Scully?" "I asked him to play a song for you." "For me? What?" "Just listen and you will understand everything." "This song goes out to every guy who is in love with his best friend and partner in this room, but doesn't realize it. Enjoy ladies and gentleman!" Mulder backed away for a second and looked at Scully in surprise, but pulled her close when the music started. "Oooo. I know when she's been on your mind. That distant look is in your eyes. I've thought with time you'd realize, it's over, over." "It's not the way I choose to live and something somewhere has got to give, as sharing this relationship gets older, older." "You know I'd fight you, but how can I fight someone who isn't even there, I've had the rest of you, now I want the best of you, I don't are if that's not fair." "Cause I want it all or nothing at all, there's no where left to fall, when you reach the bottom it's now or never. Is it all, or are we just friends? Is this how it ends with a simple telephone call? You leave me here with nothing at all." "There are times it seems to me, I'm sharing you with memories. I feel it my heart, but I don't show it, show it. And then there's times you look at me, as though I'm all that you can see. Those times that I don't believe it's right, I know it, know it. Don't make me promises, cause baby you never did know to keep them well, I've had the rest of you, now I want the best you, it's time to show and tell. "Cause I want it all or nothing at all, there's no where left to fall, when you reach the bottom it's now or never. Is it all, or are we just friends? Is this how it ends with a simple telephone call? You leave me here with nothing at all." "Cause you and I had could lose it all if you've got no more room inside for me in your life." "Cause I want it all or nothing at all, there's no where left to fall, it's now or never. Is it all, or nothing at all? There's no where left to fall when you reach the bottom it's now or never. Is it all, or are we just friends? Is this how it ends with a simple telephone call? You leave me here with nothing at all or nothing at all. There's no where left to fall when you reach the bottom it's now or never. Is it all, or are we just friends? Is this how it ends with a simple telephone call? You leave me here with nothing at all." When the song ended she looked up at him and he had tears in his eyes and he finally spoke. "Scully, I had no idea you felt that way." He tore away from her and went to the DJ himself and soon settled back in for the last song. "Okay ladies and gentleman, this is the last song of the evening so pull your favorite gal or guy onto the dance floor and slow dance cheek to cheek. This song goes out to every girl who is in love with her best friend and partner in this room and knows it very well! Again enjoy the last song of the evening ladies and gentleman." -For all those times you stood by me, for all the truth that you made me see. -For all the joy you brought to my life, for all the wrong that you made right. -For every dream you made come true, for all the love I've found in you. -I'll be forever thankful baby. -You're the one who held me up, never let me fall, you're the one who saw me through, through it all. -You were my strength when I was weak, you were my voice when I couldn't speak. -You were my eyes when I couldn't see, you saw the best there was in me. -Lifted me up when I couldn't reach, you gave me back cause you believed. -I'm everything I am because you love me. Oooo baby. -You gave me wings and made me fly, you touched my hand I could touch the sky. -I lost my faith you gave it back, you said my star was out of reach. -You stood by me and I stood tall, I had your love, I had it all. -I'm grateful for each you gave me, baby I don't know that much, but I know this much is true, I was blessed because I was loved by you. -You were my strength (You were my strength) when I was weak, you were my voice when I couldn't speak. -You were my eyes when I couldn't see, you saw the best there was in me. -Lifted me up when I couldn't reach, you gave me back cause you believed. -I'm everything I am because you love me. Oooo. -You were always there for me, the tender wind that carried me, lighting the dark shining you love into my life. -You've been my inspiration, through the lies you were the truth, my world is a better place because of you. -You were my strength when I was weak (You were my strength), you were my voice when I couldn't speak (Oh, when I couldn't speak). -You were my eyes when I couldn't see, you saw the best there was in me. -Lifted me up when I couldn't reach, you gave me back cause you believed. -I'm everything I am because you love me. Yeah. -You were my strength when I was weak, you were my voice when I couldn't speak. -You were my eyes when I couldn't see, you saw the best there was in me. -Lifted me up when I couldn't reach, you gave me back cause you believed. -I'm everything I am because you love me. -Oooo. -I'm everything I am because you love me. "Mulder, what are you saying?" "Scully, it has taken me a long time to realize what a schmuck I have been. Scully, what I am trying to say is I love you." She pulled away and went out the door and stood in the parking lot. A tear slid down her cheek and she tried to wipe it away before he could come and see it. She felt him walk up behind her. "Mulder you have already said that to me and didn't mean it. Please don't tease me like that." "Scully, I am not teasing. It took me so long to realize it, but I think Monica knew from the very beginning. That is why she didn't pursue our relationship so hard like I wanted to. She knew I didn't just love you, but I was **IN LOVE** with you. She turned and felt the tear slide further down her cheek. Mulder lightly grabbed her arm and pulled her into an embrace. "Scully, please believe that when I say this I mean it. Scully, I love you so much. I don't know what I would do if anything ever happened to you to. Please don't let me find out. Please don't walk away from me ever again." Mulder reached down into his pocket and pulled out a velvet box and handed it to her. She stared incredulously at him. "Mulder is this what I think it is?" He smiled that devastating smile and said "Open it Scully." She opened it and he removed his grandmother's ring and bent down on his knee. "Dana Katherine Scully, would you please make me the happiest man in the universe and become my wife?" "Yes, yes, yes! Oh God Mulder yes!" She just about knocked him over trying to hug him fiercely and he brought both of them to their feet and was laughing. "Easy Scully, we don't want to damage anything." As the dance was ending, people started coming to their cars when Scully noticed Starla and her date, who was Howard, the dufus from an earlier class so she knew Starla didn't do too well after high school. This thought made her smile. She walked up to Starla with Mulder's hands on her shoulders. "I didn't really get a good chance to say hello to you Starla. By the way, you can be the first to congratulate Agent Mulder and myself. We are getting married." "What?!" "You heard her Starla. We are getting married, having babies and all the other stuff that goes along with it. I heard your comment to Scully after we danced and no offense, but blondes just aren't for me. I am partial to a certain red- headed FBI agent," he said as he winked at Scully and escorted her to the car and walked away from Starla and her date. They drove in silence to Scully's apartment, holding hands and cuddled closely knowing what would happen the moment they arrived at her apartment and the fact that they would have to call their families and make plans for the wedding, but in a way each looked forward to the challenge, albeit for different reasons.