From: "T Harding" Subject: Cleansing Rain I (1/4) NC-17 by Teresa Harding Date sent: Thu, 17 Jul 1997 15:13:09 +0800 Cleansing Rain I (1/4) Posted: 11 July 1997 by Teresa Harding Comments : This is my first piece of X-files fanfic I've posted. I hope you enjoy it. Any and all comments are welcomed at marlin @upnaway.com Disclaimer: The characters mentioned in this story belongs to Chris Carter, 10-13 Productions and Fox. No infringement intended. Rain is mine and mine alone however. Category : S R A Rating: NC-17 for consensual sex Spoilers: Tunguska Keywords: Romance Mulder/Other Summary: Mulder meets a mysterious woman who has the power to banish his shadows and introduces him to an organisation that may help him find his answers. -------------------------- Cleansing Rain I (1/4) by Teresa Harding -------------------------- Mulder took another swallow of his drink, wincing as the fire hit the back of his throat. He had decided that this week was one to forget. First Skinner had gone off at him for not completing paperwork and then he had to contend with Scully in one of her little-Miss-Scientist moods, watching her discount the truth for the facts once again. But Mulder knew the dangers of drinking alone. He had watched his father for years destroy the family from the bottom of a glass. So he had headed to his local bar, even though he drank alone, it wasn't the same. He didn't see her walk in, didn't even notice her sit down next to him but he did notice the low husky voice that requested a scotch from the bartender. He looked up at her as she took her first drink, noticing the fine white skin, the eyes that were so dark they looked black, and her ruby red lips as her tongue darted out to taste the scotch before she drank deeply. He didn't know what compelled him to speak but before he knew it he said "Definitely a week to forget". He hadn't even turned his head to look at her as he said this. He was even more surprised when she answered, "I think I have an idea how bad." He looked up then and caught her looking at him in the mirror behind the bar. "I don't think so". "Try me". She ordered another round for them both and turned slightly to face him. Her posture a challenge for him to continue, to tell her his pain and frustrations. It was a challenge that he didn't back away from. Over the course of the next three hours he told her of his work and the problems that had brought him here tonight. She didn't laugh at him or ridicule him as he detailed his life. She only looked at him with acceptance. She told him she worked for a private company that specialised in security, how her work took her places she never thought existed and how she had seen things that couldn't be explained. Mulder thought to himself that this woman must surely be a mirror of himself, he felt lost in her understanding and her eyes. He knew that for at least an evening the shadows would disappear. *********** They took a cab back to Mulder's place, he couldn't believe that he had brought her here. For all he knew, she could be a spy but when he looked at her all thought vanished. He could only concentrate on the touch of her hands on his skin as they rode the elevator to his floor, the feel of her pressed against him as he unlocked the door and finally the feel of his lips on hers as he pulled her against the now closed door. They made love slowly, unhurried. He could scarcely remember an encounter like this in his life. Her hands were everywhere as she undressed him, pulling his jacket from him and unbuttoning his shirt with agonising slowness, drawing her tongue over each piece of skin she had uncovered. He did the same, unbuttoning her dress until it hung free from her shoulders, revealing her body clad in black silk and stockings. She allowed him to remove the dress, her bra and finally her panties but insisted on keeping her stockings and heels. She knelt in front of him, teasing him with warm breath as she removed his shoes and his pants. Finally drawing his silk boxers from him. Once naked she let him lead her to the bedroom where their exploration continued. He couldn't remember the last time he felt so complete, so whole as when he sank into her depths, bringing them both to ecstasy in a wave of light. He pulled her close, not wanting her to leave, *Christ, he didn't even know her name* he thought to himself. She stayed and they made love through the night, whispering thoughts and feelings to each other. The sort of talk that he had always found hollow before but now demanded, trying to make her a part of his soul before the morning came. His last thought before slumber claimed him was " How can I live without this, without her". ********** Scully entered Mulder's building, they had received a case during the night and she had been unable to reach him. She rode the elevator to his floor and cursed him silently for making them late and making her feel like a bitch this week. As she exited the lift she saw a woman exit Mulder's apartment. She did so silently and strode towards Scully with a languid stride and a teasing smile to her lips. Scully noted that she was around 5'8, bobbed black hair, pale skin and a lean graceful body that spoke of power and softness at the same time. She walked past Scully, not noting her presence and entered the lift. Scully stood stunned in her wake for a moment and then continued to Mulder's door. She knocked softly. Not getting an answer she let herself into the apartment. It was dark with only the morning's rays filtering through the glass. All was quiet. She proceeded slowly into the bedroom, pushing the door open gently. She peered through the doorway and was confronted with the sight of her naked partner, his lean body and fine musculature exposed before her eyes. He wore a dreamy smile of contentment and had one arm outstretched as if reaching for something. "Mulder, wake up", She said gently Mulder awoke slowly to the feeling that the place next to him was empty, that she was gone. He felt Scully in the room and kept his eyes shut for a moment, savouring the lingering scent of his mysterious woman on his skin. Mulder opened his eyes and looked at Scully, following her eyes he covered himself with the sheet and asked. "What are you doing here, It's the weekend". His voice low and husky with sleep. "We have a case and you haven't been answering your phones." "I was busy". "I noticed." "What?" Mulder said, his mind still clouded by sleep. "I saw her leaving your apartment". "She's gone". He said is as a statement and not a question. He was oddly pleased that she had stayed till morning. "Looks like she left you a note", Scully pointed to the folded paper on the nightstand. Mulder picked up the note. Not wishing Scully to share this he asked he to please go make some coffee. When she had left and he could hear the sounds of her in the kitchen he unfolded the note. It read To My Lover, I am sorry that I could not wake in your arms. I haven't felt so safe or wholein a longtime and I know you felt the same. I will find you and we will be together again in the near future. Rain ************* Go to part 2 Cleansing Rain I (2/4) By Teresa Harding marlin@upnaway.com See part 1 for Disclaimers All comments appreciated and craved for. _______________________________________ It had now been two months since his encounter with the mysterious woman named Rain. He found her name to be ironic because that was what she was, a cleansing rain, washing away the dirt and grime that had coated his heart and mind. He knew that Skinner and Scully were worried about him. But they needn't have bothered. He hadn't felt this fresh and alive in a long time. The only cloud was the thought that maybe he wouldn't see her again. Mulder left Skinner's office, he had no idea what the meeting was about but he had recorded it in his memory and would play it back later. His mind was too busy replaying his night with Rain, not just the sensations but the whispered words. As he approached his office he noted that the door was slightly ajar. He flattened himself against the doorframe, drawing his gun, wary and cautious. He entered the office and was surprised when he saw Rain sitting in his chair with her feet crossed delicately on his desk. "Hello lover". He stood there looking at her for a moment, she looked the same but was clad in a black trenchcoat that was cinched at her waist, stockings and heels. The rest was hidden by the coat. "How did you get in here?" He asked, wary. Rain stood and crossed the distance between them. Running her hand lightly over his tie she replied " I can go anywhere and I wanted to be here with you, now". The last word was said in a silky growl that went straight to Mulder's groin. With that she leant up and pulled his head down to hers, their lips meeting in a soft caress that soon turned urgent with desire. Their hands skimming over clothing, wanting the feel of skin. Mulder broke away suddenly, "Not here". With that he grabbed her hand and pulled her from the office and to his car in the parking lot. As he reached for the handle of the passenger side door, he heard the whisper of material on material and turned. Before him was Rain with her trenchcoat undone and wearing no more that he had observed earlier. "Now!" With that she thrust him against the side of the car, her mouth and hands busy with uncovering him. Mulder tried to bat her hands away. *My God, I'm being seduce in the FBI carpark* but Rain's urgency soon became his as she pulled away the last of the clothing to expose him to her. Mulder spun her round until he stood before her, drinking in the wanton sight of her spread against the car, her skin glowing in the soft light. Rain pulled him to her, urging him to enter her, to fill her. Mulder entered her in one stroke, pulling her tight to him. He could feel her hardened nipples through his shirt as she rubbed against him. He shifted her down the car until she was seated on the bonnet. Mulder pulled her legs around his waist, drinking in the sight of Rain with her head thrown back in pleasure as she moaned his name. "Oh God Fox, Harder" The sound of her crying his name pushed him further along until his voice joined hers, no longer caring if the AD himself was standing next to him as he felt her tighten around him as she came, dragging his climax from him. He slid from her and stood back, drinking in the sight of her as he straightened his clothing. He helped her back onto her feet. Silent, unsure how to tell her of what he felt. That it was like the night in his apartment, that she had bewitched him and that she had lightened the shadows. They stood there for a moment, their only connection her hand on his cheek. She leant forward and kissed him softly. "I have to go now". "Stay". "I have a flight to catch but we will meet again Fox". He started to pull her to him but the spell was broken by the voice of AD Skinner, "Agent Mulder, I need to speak to you." The lovers looked at each other for a moment and then Rain walked away, passing the AD and was into the elevator and away before Mulder could catch his next breath. "Sir". "You've got a new case, it looks like the Bounty Hunter is back". The AD looked over Mulder, taking in the rumpled appearance, much different than the crisp Agent who had been in his office less than an hour before. "Who was that woman?" "I don't really know sir". ********** The case that the AD had assigned them took them to New York City. The Bounty Hunter was at work but this time instead of killing clones he was killing humans. So far there had been 7 killings across the country. The last being a leading ethics researcher. The killings had no connection and no apparent motive. Mulder wracked his brain trying to find a link between the victims, they ranged from researchers to a house wife. The victims had no connections. The only thing they had in common was that they were upstanding citizens. What was he missing, what did the Bounty Hunter want with them? The only lead they had was that he was seen last at a half-way house near the docks. They decided to stake it out, hoping that he kept the appearance that was familiar to them. Around midnight on the 4th night, they saw him leave the building. They had begun to doubt that he was there at all. Mulder exited the car to follow him on foot, Scully was to take the car. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a shadow detach itself from the corner of the building and follow the Bounty Hunter. They tailed each other like this for at least an hour. The Bounty Hunter remained on foot, single minded in his pursuit of his quarry. Mulder was never able to get a good look at the shadow following, a few times he had thought they had lost him. Mulder saw the Bounty Hunter enter a park and they followed, careful to remain out of sight. When he caught them in a clearing he took a step back in shock at the scene in front of him. Krychek was talking to the Bounty Hunter. It was not a pleasant conversation from what he could gather from the amount of shouting. Mulder wasn't sure about what to do. Their previous attempts to apprehend the Bounty Hunter had been unsuccessful. As he stood there in indecision, the Bounty Hunter made a move. He pounced on Krychek, knocking him to the ground. He flipped Krychek over and had a hand raised, the steel spike visible in the moonlight. He brought his hand down but before he could complete the arc, the shadow was standing beside him, holding his arm immobile. "I can't allow you to do this, he is under my protection". "You will not interfere in this". "Wrong, the innocents must be protected". And with that a flash of steel was seen and the Bounty Hunter slumped over the prone form of Krychek. Mulder stood stunned, that voice, it couldn't be. Not with Krychek. Please no. The shadow helped Krychek to his feet as the body of the Bounty Hunter started to dissolve. They started to move off when a voice shouted "You're under arrest, FBI" and Scully could be seen holding her gun trained on the pair of them. To Mulder time seemed to have slowed as he saw the shadow raise a gun at Scully. "I can't let you do that, he is under my protection". The stalemate seemed to last forever as Mulder made his way to the bunch. His gun trained on his lover. "Rain, put the gun down." He shouted, his heart breaking as he did so. "I can't Fox, he's under my protection." "He killed my father", he shouted, the world reduce to these two lovers "I can't, please forgive me. There are things going on that you aren't aware of". "Tell me". "Not here, please, let us go and I'll find you and explain. Believe in me Fox, Believe in us". And with that Krychek and Rain ran into the night. Mulder knocked Scully aside as she bought her weapon to bear on the retreating figures. "What the hell do you think you're doing, they're getting away." "Let it go Scully, please. For my sake." With that Mulder walked into the night, tears streaming down his face as the shadows returned once more. ******************** Go to Part 3 Cleansing Rain I (3/4) By Teresa Harding marlin@upnaway.com See part 1 for disclaimers All comments welcome ----------------------------------- FBI HeadQuarters AD's Office "Would you like to explain why you let a known felon escape." AD Skinner stood behind his desk shouting at the hunched figure in front of him. Skinner looked at the man in front of him. It was as if all life had left Mulder. There were dark circles under his eyes and he looked like he hadn't slept in the week since that evening. Scully sat beside him, quiet and resentful that he had let her sister's killer get away. Mulder looked up at Skinner. He said nothing but his eyes were full of pain and hopelessness. It was as if his demons were eating him from the inside out. "Scully reports that you know the unknown assassin, that she called you Fox for Christ sakes and that you knew her name. What is your relationship to her?' Mulder looked up at this. Scully hadn't made the connection and he didn't want her to know. "Can I talk to you privately Sir." "Agent Scully, you are dismissed". Scully sat there, astounded. She rose stiffly and exited the room. When she was gone Skinner sat in his seat and said "You know this woman, don't you?" Mulder looked up and quietly said "Yes, but I didn't know who she was". He proceeded to tell Skinner of how he met her and the events since then. He included how he felt because he needed to believe that he was right about her. He went on to tell Skinner how she was in the building the day he assigned them the case and that he had walked by her in the carpark. He finished by saying, "She was my lover, I need to believe in her. She said that she will contact me and explain. If I can get her to agree, will you be there." He looked up then, like a little boy lost who desperately needed his father. Skinner was silent for a moment then nodded his head. "You said that she was in the building that day, the security cameras probably caught her on tape." He looked over and saw that Mulder was blushing, he knew now that his first guess about that day was the right one. "I'll have the tapes released to you and you can lift an image. Maybe we'll get lucky and find her". With that he dismissed the young Agent. ************** Mulder pulled the records for that day. The guards at the front door had not issued a pass to a woman meeting Rain's description. The cameras were of slightly more help. There was no record of her entering or leaving the Hoover building but she was captured on the cameras in the carpark. They were captured by the cameras in the carpark. Mulder found it reassuring that he had evidence that she existed. It was like a dream come to life. He knew that Scully and Skinner had seen Rain but it seemed more real seeing them on the video in front of him. And the images before him helped him to believe, believe that she was telling the truth. That she wasn't a spy for the Consortium and just using him. He needed to believe that she could chase the shadows away and make him whole. It had only hit him in the last week how empty his life was, how he existed in a vacuum that held no warmth and light. She had brought this to his life and he needed it like he needed oxygen. He finished erasing the tape, he didn't want to be the FBI video boy of the month and ran the picture he had lifted through the computer. He managed to find a licence for her and read the name, Rain Mascot. He ran the name through the database and wasn't surprised when her files came up classified. As far as he knew, even Skinner didn't have the necessary clearance for this file. He wracked his brain for a solution and picked up his phone, dialing as he did so. "Byers, turn off the tape". ***************** Two days later he was standing in front of the Lone Gunmen. His appearance still that of a haunted young man. "Scully told us what happened, is she really your..." Byers let the sentence hang. Not really expecting an answer, not really wanting one. "What did you get". "Rain Mascot's real name is Rain Lang, 33yrs old, Graduate from the University of Cambridge in Linguistics and Cryptology. Recruited by the CIA when she was 25. Worked in various overseas posts until 30 and then she disappeared. There is no record of her either leaving or entering the country at this time." "What do you mean she disappeared?" "She was working at the embassy in Berlin and then one day she disappeared. There has been no record of her until now. " "So you haven't found a way to find her". "No". "Can you tail me, keep me under surveillance?". "What", they chorused together. "I know that she is close, keep an eye on me, help me find the answers." "OK" Frohike replied "but this will cost Agent Scully's mobile number." ******* Three days later Midnight The Lone Gunmen sat hunched in their "inconspicuous" van, watching Mulder as he visited his father's grave. So far there had been no sight of the mysterious woman that had captured Mulder's heart. "Do you really think they're lovers" Frohike asked "That's none of our business," Langley replied. "A woman has just entered the Cemetery." Byers supplied, halting the burgeoning discussion. "That's her ", Frohike confirmed. "She's approaching Mulder". ************** "Fox", Rain called out softly as she stopped next to Mulder. Mulder looked up at her, his eyes drinking her in. Looking for the slightest hint of betrayal. When his eyes found none he replied in kind "Rain". They turned and started to walk to a nearby garden. Each not willing to speak, to open themselves to the hurt they new must surely follow. When they were finally seated Mulder turned to her and said. "I didn't think I'd see you again". "I gave you my word Fox." "Did you let Krychek go?" "Yes, he no longer needs my protection. He is safe for now." "Why?" "It was my job, I'm sorry if I've caused you pain" "I need those answers you promised, my boss needs them too. Will you meet with us?" "Yes, it is time that you were made aware of us, of our organisation.. We'll meet at your friends place, the ones who are tailing you, two days from now." With that Rain stood to go, she got as far as the edge of the clearing when Mulder grabbed her arm. "I have to know, were we real?" "Yes, Oh God yes, I love you. You bring the light into my world, you make it safe. Everything that happened between us was the truth." With that she reached gently for his face, tracing the curve of his lips with her finger. She stepped closer until their lips touched, "I love you" she whispered. The truth of her confession washed over Mulder, cleansing him, leaving him feeling reborn. He pulled her deeper into the kiss, trying to convey to her all that he felt, that he too loved her. The twirled round, hugging and laughing as their joy washed over them, whispering their love to each other. Rejoicing in the truth of their union. Their tender caresses soon turned to passion and it wasn't long before Mulder had backed Rain against a tree, kissing her deeply as he did so. ************** The Lone Gunmen sat in their van stunned. She knew about them, she knew they existed.They looked at each other mutely. "Looks like we'll be having company", Byers said. The he continued with "Turn off the video Frohike, give them some privacy. " "But what if something happens". He protested. "We're all adults here, we know what will happen, turn it off and the audio". "But". The look on Byers face stopped him and he turned to comply. ************** The lovers were wrapped up in each other. Both had forgotten the men watching them as they sought to meld together, to become one. Mulder was awash in a sea of sensation as Rain whispered "Let me touch you, let me do this for you". Rain slowly drew her hands over Mulder's crotch, massaging the bulge there, caressing lightly. She slowly kissed her way along Mulder's jaw, following the curve up to his ear as her hands busied themselves with his shirt. She felt Mulder tremble under her as she suckled at his neck, running her fingers lightly over his nipples. She felt herself grow wet at the low moans he was issuing. Mulder was dimly aware that she was no longer at his neck, that she was in fact kneeling before him, unbuckling his pants as she prepared to pleasure him. He sagged against the tree in anticipation as he felt himself become exposed to the night air. A low moan breaking forth as he felt her mouth engulf him. Mulder felt reality fade as he became lost in the mass of sensation that was breaking over him but he managed to hold on as he wanted to make Rain feel the same way. To watch her writhe and buck under his hands and mouth. With that he pulled her up gently. Looking at her with desire glazed eyes to wash away her confusion as he turned her back to the tree. He proceeded to pleasure her. He drew his tongue over the planes of her face, leaving no inch of her mouth unexplored. He nuzzled at her neck and ears, delighting in the moans that elicited from her. Smiling he inched his way lower until he had removed her top to nuzzle at her breasts, sucking them to fullness. His hands unbuckling her trousers and pulling her free of them. He stepped away then. Basking at the sight of her passion filled gaze and flushed skin in the moonlight. It was his turn to drop to his knees in front of her. Lightly tasting of her sweetness. Arousing them both with her response, so wild and uninhibited as he sucked and licked at her core. Teasing her with his fingers at her opening. Mulder felt her start to shake and knew that they would come together. With that he stood up quickly, pushing her up until he was encircled by her completely, buried deep in the warmth that was Rain. They stained together as they both spiralled higher until with hoarse cries they fell together over the edge into climax. They both sank to the carpet below them, wrapped together in a tender embrace. Murmuring endearments and telling each other how they banished the others demons and made their lives lighter in spite of all they faced. They lay there for sometime, listening to each other's heartbeats and not wanting to leave the warm embrace they shared. Rain was the first to pull away. "I've got to go, I have to get things ready for the meeting". Mulder nodded, understanding. "I'll see you there". As she walked out of sight he called out "I love you Rain". *********** Go to part 4 Cleansing Rain I (4/4) By Teresa Harding marlin@upnaway.com -------------------------------- For Disclaimers see Part 1 All comments and suggestions welcome, especially if you want part II ***************** 2 Days Later Mulder's Apartment 11 PM The apartment was quiet, the air gently charged with a sense of anticipation. Mulder slowly paced the length of his livingroom, wasting time until he needed to leave to make the meeting at the Gunmen's office. He knew in his heart that Rain was working towards the same goal as his, the truth. But he knew that she approached it from a different angle, an angel wrapped in light, contrasting sharply with his image of Krychek as the fallen angel and that they now fought side by side. Would Krychek drag her to his level or would she raise him up and deliver him unto salvation. Mulder knew that Krychek hadn't killed his father but he knew that he could never forgive the man for Scully's abduction. Mulder came to a stop, taking deep breaths into his lungs, fortifying himself for the journey ahead. He had just reached his front door when he heard someone knocking. He pulled the door open sharply, seeing a figure disappear into the elevator. He started out of apartment, intent on pursuit but his foot kicked the parcel that had been propped against his door. Mulder reached down for the parcel. It was the mandatory plain brown. Mulder stepped back into his apartment, flicking the light on as he did so. He checked the parcel but there were no identifying marks and he knew from experience that there would be no fingerprints either. He tore open the parcel. Inside was a video cassette. Mulder crossed to the video and pushed the tape in, cuing the television as he did so. The sight that greeted him his skin crawl. He barely made it to the bathroom in time to throw up. He stood up and ran cold water over his face and arms. *No, it's not possible, dear god no*. Mulder walked swiftly to the video. Punching the tape out and left his apartment with a bang as the door flew shut under the combined weight of fury and anguish. ********** Lone Gunmen's office 1PM Mulder pulled up outside the Gunmen's office, noting that Skinner's car was still parked out the front. Mulder didn't remember the drive over so far away were his thoughts. Mulder exited the car and banged on the door. After a moment Byers answered the door. "She's not here". "I know". With those simple words he conveyed a mountain of information and he saw Byers eyes widen with understanding. Mulder walked past Byers and into the main room. He didn't acknowledge the presence of Skinner or the other Gunmen, instead he crossed to the bank of electronic equipment and inserted the tape. Pressing play as he turned his back on the screen. "I just got this in the mail". His voice flat, tightly controlled. The images on the screen showed Rain strapped to tables in a laboratory. They were screaming incoherently as a black oil was poured over her. Instead of coating her, the oil seemed to be absorbed by her skin. Mulder recognised it immediately. The Black Cancer. A male voice cut across the screams, it addressed Mulder directly. It told him of their capture and how for a price they may go free. The price being Mulder's co-operation in an experiment. It seemed that they needed people who had prior contact with the Black Cancer and due to a certain Russian agent there was a current shortage. The voice promised to return Rain relatively intact as long as he agreed. The voice didn't detail the cost of failure. Everyone in the room was well acquainted with how the game was played. Mulder collapsed into a chair, hiding his face behind his hands. He scrubbed furiously at his face, as if he could tear a solution from himself. He knew that he would go. He knew the moment he first saw the tape that he would go to her regardless of the price. He had failed Scully and would not make the same mistake now. All flinched as the sound of ringing filled the now silent room. Mulder reached for his mobile phone knowing that the caller would be the same person that had Rain. Mulder listened silently as he was given the location to meet them. The only sound he made was a yes to silgnal his participation. "I'm going". He said this without looking up. The room unnaturally quiet, as if it was holding its breath waiting for him to voice his decision. No-one spoke. There were no objections, no protests. With that Mulder stood too leave. As he left the building he heard Skinner call to him. "Be careful Agent Mulder". The words sounded silly to Mulder. So incongruous to his current position but he knew that they had to say something. Had to convey to him that they understood and wished they could share his burden. But Mulder knew from experience that his burden's were his and his alone and given enough time he would accept those of others. Experience had taught him that this was what he deserved. So Mulder walked into the night, into the waiting arms of his enemy. Like Daniel facing the Lions except these lions weren't content only with wining. Hey strove to control you, to rob you of all that you held dear and they had come for Mulder once again. ************** The End Stay tuned for Cleansing Rain II