From: risamy@epix.net (Amy Schatz) Newsgroups: alt.tv.x-files.creative Subject: New: A Darkened Sky - [1/6] Date: 20 Sep 1995 03:49:01 GMT Sorry about that first post. I hit the wrong button. Hello! My name is Amy. First of all I've got to say that the caliber of writing in this newsgroup is quite exceptional, and I have told a couple of authors that via e-mail. Secondly, as do the rest of us, I love the X-Files and think it is the best show on television. This is my first posting to this newsgroup although I was writing long before the X-Files was ever on television. I hope you like this story. It originally started out as a way for me to vent my feelings after seeing the season finale. I never really intended anyone outside of my family to read it, but I'm feeling brave. Story Note: This obviously takes place after the episode "Anasazi" and is my take on what happened. Also, I know this story is kind of late in coming, but I've been having some trouble with my Internet provider. Anyway, I it should be read before the season premiere because after that we'll all know what happened. Also this story does contain romance between our heroes. I know some of you don't like it, but I kind of like seeing Scully and Mulder together. Anyway, if that kind of thing makes you sick, I suggest you stop reading now. **Disclaimer: The X-Files and the characters of Mulder, Scully, Skinner, and Melissa Scully are property of FOX Broadcasting and 1013 Productions. They are borrowed respectfully and gladly. Agent Black is my own creation. *The lyrics from the songs "The Wind" and "So Blessed" are from Mariah Carey's "Emotions." Please send all comments and constructive criticism to: risamy@epix.net And now, on to the story. ------------------------------------------ A Blackened Sky Part One: The Wind The wind has taken you ~ You're free finally at peace ~ So still you lie ~ Leaving your cares behind ~~ The pain is gone ~ Gone with the spirit in your eyes ~ Now you're wandering around ~ Above us ~ Looking downward ~ As we cry You've flown into the wind ~ Escaping all the hurt within ~ Took to the sky ~ Leaving the world behind ~~ So young to die ~ How could you let it all pass you by? And to the wind go so many dreams ~ That you held inside ~ Now you're just a memory ~ Burning in my mind ~ My mind . . . So young to die ~ How could you let life pass you by? ~ And now you'll never know I loved you ~ And now you'll never know I cared I really loved you ~ And now you'll never know You'll only fade ~ Into the wind . . . The wind seemed to sting her eyes as she walked towards the building. Her head was pounding to quite a deliberate pace, she thought. It was just enough to cause pain, which she was more than used to, but not enough to elicit staying home. And staying home was exactly what she wanted to do. Stay at home and cry forever. However, she knew that she couldn't do that. She had to go on...somehow. But how could she do that, without him? Looking around her at the trees and sky, she felt that emptiness well up in her again. It was the same emptiness she had felt at the funeral. She shivered remembering everyone staring at her, pity in their eyes. She didn't want to be pitied. She just wanted him, but he was gone. And all that was left were his memories and the emptiness that threatened to engulf her whole soul. She sighed, realizing she would probably feel that way for the rest of her life. she thought. Suddenly, the trees and sky came back into her mind and she noticed how devoid of color and life they were. The sky seemed white and diaphanous, as it were a mask. The trees were washed out and did not look real to her. Nothing felt real without him, she knew that now. Suddenly, something he had once told her flitted across her mind, and she heard his voice so clearly. How she wished to hear his voice again. But, she never would. She knew that. Pushing the door open, she walked into the J. Edgar Hoover building and proceeded on to the elevators. She didn't want to be here. All she saw was him. All she heard was his voice. Every sight and sound brought back memories that were now too painful to bear. Entering the elevator, she waited as the doors closed, and she pushed the button for the basement. She sagged back against the walls, and took a few deep breaths. Just getting this far was a feat for her, but she knew that the biggest test was yet to come. His office. she corrected herself, Wiping a stray tear from her cheek that she hadn't felt fall, she added mentally, The doors whooshed open, and Scully stood in the elevator, preparing herself. She hadn't been to work in two weeks, and he had been gone for three. She didn't want to walk in there and see all the things that had been his: the posters, papers, files, his computer. Could she handle it? She breathed again. She had to. Scully walked forward and down the hall, down to the very end. Standing before the door, she pulled out her key, and slipped it into the lock. Slowly, she opened the door, and the stale air rushed towards her. Stepping inside, she closed the door, and breathed in deeply. It smelled of mildew, old paper, books, sunflower seeds, and *him.* Through everything else, she could pick out the smell of his cologne, his clothes, his shampoo, and just him. Blinking hard to stop tears from forming, she walked over to her desk and turned her computer on. If she did nothing else today, she had to at least check her e-mail. She knew that she should check his as well, and tell everyone what had happened, but she didn't think she could do that. Not today. When? When could she sit down and write letters to friends and colleagues, reporting the death of her best friend? Sinking down into her chair she thought maybe she could do it in about sixty years. Upon finding nothing of interest in her e- mail, she turned the computer off, and decided that she would start to organize some of his things. Some she would send to his mother, some she would donate to the FBI's archives, and the rest she would take home with her. She had already been given Mulder's extra FBI ID badge, and that, she kept under her pillow at night, and carried in her purse during the day. It may have been foolish, but it made her feel better; like he was still close to her. She just needed to feel him. * * * An hour later, the phone on Mulder's desk rang, and she jumped. Pushing her hair away from her face, and wiping at her teary eyes, she picked up the receiver. "Scully," she managed to say, without displaying her emotions, and her closed throat. "Agent Scully, this is Skinner. I didn't think I'd find you there." "Well, sir, there is a lot here. I couldn't just let it...sit here," she mumbled. "Agent Scully, don't push yourself too hard. When you have time, I'd like to see you up in my office." Scully was on her feet. "I'm on my way, sir," she said. Skinner heard the line go dead before he had a chance to respond. He sat back in his chair, and rubbed the bridge of his nose. He was worried about Agent Scully. Mulder had died only three weeks ago, and already Scully was back on the job and cleaning out his office. He knew that some people dealt with grief and loss by immersing themselves in their work, but this was too much. He hoped that the decision he had made was the right one. He also marveled at a simple fact: He never knew how much of an impact Mulder had made on all their lives. On Scully's life especially. Skinner picked up his phone again, and pushed a button. "Ms. Wilson, would you please send in Agent Black." He set the phone down, and seconds later, Agent Andrew Black walked into his office. Skinner looked meticulously at this man. He had been hand-picked by the Assistant Director. Agent Black was fairly tall, not as tall as Mulder had been, only about 5'10''. He had sandy brown hair, not dark brown. His eyes were a deep brown. They weren't hazel, as Mulder's had been. They were a warm, almond brown. Agent Black wore a dark suit, white shirt, and a sensible tie. He looked fit and very much in shape. He fit in perfectly with the Bureau and its standards. He was the exact opposite of Agent Fox Mulder. And that's exactly what Skinner had wanted. He hoped that things would go well. "Good morning, Assistant Director Skinner," said Agent Black as he took the seat in front of Skinner's desk that was farthest from the door. "Agent Black," said Skinner in greeting. "I'm glad that you were able to come so quickly. Thank you for any sacrifices you had to make." Black smiled easily. "It was no problem, sir. This assignment sounded urgent, and my duty is to serve the Bureau as best I can." Skinner nodded, and played with a pencil. He was nervous. He hadn't been on the receiving end of Agent Scully's anger many times, but the times he had been were enough. Black sensed Skinner's apprehension. "Sir, is something wrong?" Skinner looked down at his desk, and put on his best poker face. "I do not know how Agent Scully will react to this. I have not told her about it yet." "I'm sure she won't protest, sir." Then, Skinner did something that he rarely did. He smiled, albeit faintly. "And I'm sure, Agent Black, that you have never met Agent Scully." Just then, as if on cue, a knock came to the door. Scully stood outside breathing deeply, trying to look her usual, composed self; even if she felt none of it. She heard a muffled reply, and she opened the door. She walked into the brightly lit office, and took her usual seat nearest the door. For a split second, she almost looked over to her right, and expected to see Mulder sitting there. She did not. She did, however, see another man. A man she didn't know. She set her gaze back on Skinner, and sighed. "You wanted to see me, sir?" Skinner nodded, and seemed to consult some files on his desk. He just looked down to avoid looking at Scully's piercing blue eyes rimmed with red, obviously from crying. "Yes, Agent Scully. Since your excursion to New Mexico, and the consequences that developed, I have been debating one thing: whether or not to close the X-Files division." Scully's teary eyes went wide, and she sat forward. She couldn't bear this! For Mulder's passion in life to be closed down and swept under the rug was too much. It was also unfair. She and Mulder had done a lot of good during their time together. She would not let them close it down again. Not while she still lived. "Sir, you can't do that! Agent Mulder believed in the X-Files. I will fight this." Skinner smiled faintly again. "Agent Scully, you needn't worry. I have decided to keep the XFiles open, and you will become the Department Head." This was a new pain to bear. Mulder had been the Department Head. How could she take his place? It would be like erasing his memory. However, with her in charge, she could assure the X-Files' continued existence. She had only one answer. "Very well, sir. Is that all?" "No. Agent Scully, to be quite frank, I am concerned about you. You haven't been to work in over three weeks, and now that you have returned, too early for me, you look thin and sleep-deprived. You can't go on like this." Scully looked down at her burgundy suit, and her blouse of the same color. She did look thin, she knew that, but she just hadn't been hungry. And sleep, well how could she sleep when her mind was full of him? Scully looked back up at Skinner. "Yes, sir, but I'm feeling a little better. I'll be fine." Skinner shook his head. "No you aren't, Agent Scully. That's why I called in Agent Black." Scully's gaze flew to Black. Something was tugging at the corners of her mind. A thought; an idea. She didn't know what it was, but she did know two things: it wasn't good, and it would make her angry. "Why, sir?" she asked casually. Skinner took a deep breath, and got ready. "He will be your new partner." Scully sat still for long moments. She had never imagined this. As she sat there, her eyes grew dark, and rage welled up inside her broken heart. Her hands balled up into fists, and she looked straight at Skinner. She would not stand for this. "Sir, this is not acceptable," she managed to say with some form of control, even though it was through clenched teeth. Skinner held her petrifying gaze. "Agent Scully-" Scully took to her feet. "Sir, I cannot believe that you actually expected me to go along with this! I won't! Agent Mulder was the best agent in the FBI! No one can replace him!" Skinner's face went slack with military bearing. "Agent Scully, sit down." Scully had expended most of her energy with that tirade, and so she sank down into the chair. She did not, however, look at Black. "Scully, I know that you and Mulder were close, as close as any partners I have ever seen. And I know that you both went through a lot together. I also know that his death has hit you very hard." Black's heart lurched, and his gaze snapped to Scully. She looked totally lost and alone. Death? No one had told him about Mulder having died. Black thought that Mulder had simply left the FBI. Skinner continued. "However, Agent Scully, you cannot run the X-Files alone. It has become too much for one person. You need a partner. Most of your cases will require backup. I know you feel like you'd be betraying Mulder's memory, but that is not the case. You must go on with your life." Scully had been staring out the window through this lecture, tears threatening to fall. Now, she closed her eyes tightly, and fought to regain her composure. However, she did not, and tears fell from her closed eyes. Her fists again went into balls, and she breathed deeply. She tried to speak. "...Sir...I..." She failed. Black looked at her gently. She was a beautiful woman. Her hair seemed to be ignited in this light, so fierce was its red color. Her skin was pale, and she did look a bit emaciated. He had seen the power of her blue eyes, and knew that she was quite intelligent. He also saw, without a doubt, that Agent Fox Mulder had been Agent Scully's entire life. Finally, Scully opened her eyes, but didn't bother to wipe her tears away. She wanted Skinner to see them, wanted him to feel some pain, some guilt, some grief. "...Sir," she ventured again, "do I have any choice in this matter?" Skinner looked at her a little more softly. He did see her pain, and he felt pain of his own. Despite all their differences, Skinner had liked Mulder, and he, too, felt his loss. "No, Agent Scully, you do not." Scully stood, somewhat shakily at first, and straightened out her suit. Her head hung low, as Mulder's had so many times when he had been beaten, but she pulled hers up. She may *be* beaten, but she would not show it. "Very well, sir." Then, like a ghost in the night, she walked over to the door, opened it, and was gone. Skinner took off his glasses, leaned back, and sighed. He looked gloomily at Agent Black. "That went well." * * * Hours later, Scully was back in the X- Files office sifting through papers and other things. She had somehow managed not to cry this time. She liked to hold *his* things; things he had once touched and mused over. She was so engrossed in trying to make some order out of his disorder that she didn't hear the knock on the door. Outside the door, Agent Andrew Black stood and waited for Agent Scully to bid him entrance. He hadn't known that Agent Mulder had died, and know that he did know, and saw how much he meant to Scully, he felt badly for her. However, he also intended to complete his mission, and his mission was to be her new partner. He would not fail. Agent Black knocked again. Inside, Scully finally heard him, and put a hand to her forehead. Pushing her hair back, she sighed. "Come in!" she called softly and with a tired voice. The door opened and Black stepped inside. His brown hair cut to the Bureau's exact standards was combed perfectly. "Agent Scully, I was told I could find you here." Scully looked at him. She looked at his light brown hair and brown eyes. At his perfectly tailored suit, nice tie, and all of it without a wrinkle. "What can I help you with, Agent Black?" Black sighed. She sat at Mulder's desk, in Mulder's chair, amidst a plethora of papers, file folders, computer disks, videos, and a few other things he couldn't name. "Well, Agent Scully, we are to work together. I thought you'd want to get started." Scully found herself contemplating how insensitive men could be at times. She looked down at the desk and her eyes found Mulder's favorite pen. It was black with a caricature of Marvin the Martian on it. She picked it up and clutched it in her fingers. "Agent Black, as you can see I am in the middle of cleaning out..." She coughed to keep her composure. "...Of organizing Agent Mulder's things. This will take, at the very least, a few days. So, I don't think you'll have to come in until next week." Black nodded. This was a strong woman sitting before him. He gestured towards her and asked, "Was that *his* desk?" Scully looked down at the worn desk and her fingers traced one smooth edge. Curious, she almost felt as if she were touching him. "Yes." Black noted the affection in her voice. He wondered if perhaps, she and Mulder had been *more* than just partners. He sighed. He would never know. He retreated to the door, and stood on the threshold. "Very well, Agent Scully, I'll see you next week. I hope you're feeling better by then." Scully smirked. And then, Black was gone, and Scully was glad. She liked being alone with Mulder's things. She felt like he was there in the room with her, looking over her shoulder like he always did. Would she feel him there the rest of her life? She held his pen close to her and hoped she would. =========================================================================== From: risamy@epix.net (Amy Schatz) Newsgroups: alt.tv.x-files.creative Subject: New: A Darkened Sky [2/6] - sky2.asc [1/1] Date: 20 Sep 1995 04:05:19 GMT [See part one for disclaimers.] Two hours later Scully was in the elevator on the way up to the main floor of the J. Edgar Hoover building, hoping she wouldn't run into anybody. She couldn't stand any more people looking at her with sympathy saying how bad they felt for her. It only made her feel worse. The doors swished opened and she stepped forward glad that she was almost out. She ran straight into Agents Jill Alexander, David Martin, and Dennis Steele. They flocked around her like so many vultures and put on their sad faces. Agent Alexander offered her hand first, saying, "Agent Scully, we're so sorry about your partner." Scully politely accepted her hand, and forced a weak smile. "Thank you, Agent Alexander. I appreciate it." Next in line came Agent Martin. Scully had seen him at the funeral. "Agent Scully," he said as he patted her shoulder, "I know I told you this at...at the service, but I'm really sorry about Agent Mulder. He was a great guy and really brilliant about certain things." Scully nodded numbly at the dark haired man. All of this was bringing back memories that were now too painful to withstand. She looked to Agent Steele, hoping to hurry him along. Agent Steele was a blonde-haired man in his late thirties. He and Agent Martin were partners in the Violent Crimes section of the Bureau. "Scully, I know you probably are sick of hearing this, but I have to say it. I'm very sorry. I knew Mulder when he first came to VC. Like Martin said, he was really smart about certain things. Everyone will miss him." Scully smiled wanly, a little insulted by their comments. However, she was too tired and griefstricken to really think about it. She just wanted to go home. "Thank you. All of you," she said softly, her eyes on the floor. Finally, she walked away, and out the door. All three agents watched her go. They had never seen Agent Scully like that before. Agent Alexander shook her head. "They say she didn't cry at the funeral." Agent Steele nodded. "She didn't. I've seen people like her before. They hold it all in until they just totally break down." Agent Martin shook his head. "I've never seen Scully so quiet and withdrawn. From the looks of her I'd say she's on her way down." Steele agreed. "Yep, she's going down fast. I'll bet she hits bottom tonight." Alexander sighed. "It's too bad. They were such a good team. Now both their lives are ruined." * * * Scully opened her door and let her briefcase fall from her limp hand. Throwing her coat on the couch, she headed for the kitchen to make some tea. Later, as she sat on the couch sipping the hot brew, she suddenly had an intense desire to hear Mulder's voice. Setting her mug on the table, she walked over to the small table that held answering machine. Hitting the rewind button, she prayed that it hadn't been erased. Since she had been away for most of the three weeks since his death, she hadn't had many messages. She knew he had called her the night before she saw the secret government documents in his office. Suddenly, the tape stopped, and she pressed the play button. She scowled when she heard the first message, which was from her mother. Scully waited breathlessly for the second. Damn, that was from her sister! Now, the third. Her breath caught when she heard the voice. There was a soft pause, here. From the second she heard his voice, a moan had begun to well up in Scully's throat, and tears were in her eyes. By the time she heard the last sentence she had lost all control. Slipping down onto the floor, she lay there, her arms wrapped around her body. Terrible sobs racked her as she cried as she never had before. She had tried to hold it all in; had tried not to show how much she was hurting. But she was alone now, and she saw no point in putting up an act for herself. She was plagued by a loneliness and emptiness that would never go away. Only when death came, and she was reunited with him again, would the aching in her heart end. * * * The darkness seemed to engulf him. He saw nothing else, but he could feel, and he felt pain. He knew that something had happened near his right eye because a dull ache emanated from there. Also, the left side of his body seemed very tender, and his left shoulder felt like someone had punched him about two thousand times. He was in a sitting position leaning against a cold, damp wall, and he didn't know how long he had been there. He sat there, trying to conjure up his last moments in the light. Where had he been? He remembered waking up and looking into the concerned eyes of a beautiful woman with coppery hair. She had smiled and told him that everything would be all right. What was her name? And then it came to him like it had been whispered by an angel. *Dana.* Her name was Dana. Somehow that name meant everything to him. Everything that forced him to fight for life was connected to that name. Images of blue eyes and pale skin clouded his mind. Images of holding her as she cried in his arms came to him. Suddenly, his own name came to him. He knew who he was. He was Fox Mulder, and the woman with the blue eyes and red hair was Dana Scully, his partner. God, it felt so good to know who he was. Finally, after so long, his memories were slowly drifting back to him. Where was he? That was something he wasn't sure he wanted to know. Suddenly the sound of metal on metal filled the air, and a piercing beam of light entered the small room in which Fox Mulder was being held. Mulder covered his eyes with his hands, and squinted, trying to make out the figure who approached him. However, it was useless. He had been in the dark for so long, he was practically blind. The man's expensive shoes clacked on the cement floor as he approached Mulder. Once he was close enough, the man spoke. "Well, I suppose that by now, you know who you are?" Mulder swallowed, and tried to coax his voice into use. He hadn't spoken out loud in so long. How long? "Yes...but the question...is, who are you?" There was enough light in the room for Mulder to see the corner's of the man's lips curl up into a wicked smile. "You don't need to know that, Mulder. However, you know things that *we* need to know. I hope you'll cooperate." Mulder, even in his degenerated state, managed a lopsided smile. "You know I won't." The man seemed to accept this. He stood and silently made his way to the door. He stopped when he was halfway through. "Very well, Agent Mulder, have it your way. However, I do think that there is one thing you should know." "What's that?" Mulder asked. The man smiled again. "*She* thinks your dead." * * * Some time later, Scully was awakened by the ringing of the phone. Gathering herself up from the floor, she reached for it, and somehow managed to say hello. "Dana? This is Melissa. Are you okay?" Scully had pushed herself up to lean against the door. "No, Melissa, I am not okay." "Dana, I had to call you. Just a little while ago, I felt something very strange ." Scully pushed her hair away from her swollen eyes. "What kind of a feeling, Melissa?" Scully heard her sister sigh. Scully knew that Melissa was 'sensitive' to certain things and people. After Scully had awoken from the coma, Melissa had told her that she had felt Scully struggling between life and death. She also said that she had felt Mulder's deep pain. "Well, I'm sure that it had to do with Fox." Out of habit Scully said, "Not Fox, Melissa, Mul..." She trailed off, remembering. Melissa continued. "Dana, this is too much to talk about on the phone. Can you meet me somewhere?" Scully eye's widened. "Right now, Melissa?" "Yes. How about near the Potomac?" Scully's heart lurched. That was where she and Mulder used to sit and talk. "All right, Melissa. I'll be there in about an hour." =========================================================================== From: risamy@epix.net (Amy Schatz) Newsgroups: alt.tv.x-files.creative Subject: New: A Darkened Sky [3/6] - sky3.asc [1/1] Date: 20 Sep 1995 04:06:46 GMT The night air was cold for May, but Scully didn't really feel it. As she walked along the Potomac, her whole soul was filled with Mulder. She remembered the long silent moments that they had spent together here. The times that they didn't have to talk because they were so close. She wiped a stray tear away, and vowed that it wasn't fair. He was so young to die. She was too young to be without him. She wondered if perhaps, this was where his spirit spent most of its time. Waiting here to see if she would come. "I miss you, Mulder," she said softly. She sat down on 'their bench' and waited for her sister to appear. Scully wondered what Melissa had felt. Did she feel that Mulder's spirit was trapped in a state of limbo? That he was alone somewhere? That he wasn't at peace? Scully hoped that wasn't the case. She wanted Mulder to be happy, wherever he was. And even though she was a skeptic, she had still been raised with certain ideals. She believed that someone's spirit went to a better place. She wanted Mulder to be, finally free and at peace. He deserved that much. Everyone did. "Hi, Dana." Dana looked up when she heard the soft voice of her older sister. "Hello, Melissa. Sit down." Melissa stood above Dana, her brow knitted in concentration. She brought her hands out and held them above the bench. Seconds later, her confusion vanished, and she sat down next to her sister. "This was where *you* used to meet, wasn't it?" Dana made a vow, right then, that she wouldn't break down in front of her sister. She nodded. "Yes. Mulder has...Mulder *had* trouble sleeping. He'd come down here all the time. Sometimes, he'd ask me to come with him. What is this all about, Melissa?" Melissa pushed absently at her hair. "Earlier tonight I was reading, and I just suddenly got this feeling." Dana took a deep breath. "What kind of a feeling?" Melissa looked at her sister. "How are you feeling, Dana?" ana allowed the change of subject. She could tell that her sister needed to work up enough courage to tell her. She sighed. "Like a piece of my soul was ripped away. How about you?" Melissa's eyes softened. "Oh, Dana, you have to let this all out. I saw you at the funeral. You didn't even cry; not one tear. Personally, I don't know how you did it." Dana's gaze became stern. "Melissa, I was not about to cry in front of all those people. I didn't want to look like I was anything more than an agent who had lost her partner." Melissa couldn't understand this. "Why not? Obviously Fox means much more to you." Dana felt the tears threatening again. She blinked to keep them back. She tried to speak, but found that her throat was closing in. "...Of...course he did." Melissa sensed something in her sister. Something that was buried deep. "What is it, Dana? What is making you feel such terrible regret?" Suddenly tears were rolling down Dana's cheeks, and her eyes took on such a look of sadness that Melissa heart broke. "I never..told him..." she mumbled. Melissa took her sister's hands. "Told him what, Dana?" Dana looked out at the water as it reflected up onto the buildings. The wind blew softly, and almost seemed to whisper his name. <...Fox...Fox...Fox...> Dana summoned up all her courage. She had to tell someone. "I never told him...I loved him. He's gone, now, and he'll never know. He'll never know." Melissa patted her sister's back. "I'm sure he knows, Dana." Dana shook her head, and pulled away from her sister. Wiping her eyes, she said, "No, not that way. I *love* him, Melissa." Melissa had to smile at this. Did Dana think that she and Fox had been fooling people? Anyone with eyes could see that they were in love. "Dana, I knew that when I first met Fox. He was so scared for you. I never saw anybody love someone as much as he loves you." Dana nodded, but then she thought about what her sister had said. Melissa's previous statements floated back into her mind. "Melissa, why do you keep talking about Mulder in the present tense?" Melissa looked away then. "That's why I called you down here." Scully's eyes widened. "Melissa...." "Dana, every spirit has a life force; a feeling. And certain people like me can feel that force. When a spirit moves on from this life, the feeling changes. When a spirit is still here, the feeling is unmistakable. Tonight, I felt Fox's spirit. He is still alive." The world seemed to be spinning around her. Dana put a hand to her forehead to steady herself, but that didn't help. "He's still alive? Are you sure?" Melissa nodded. "Yes. I haven't felt him until now. He must have been too far away. Either he was unconscious or he couldn't remember. Things like that can make a spirit appear to be gone from life. But, he's not, Dana. He's alive and he's close." Dana pushed off of the bench, but found that her legs wouldn't support her. She sank down onto the grass. Mulder was alive? She couldn't believe it, didn't want to. What if it wasn't true? She couldn't mourn for him two times; that would destroy her. But what if it *was* true? What if she could touch him again, and tell him...? Composing herself, Dana looked up at her sister and a faint smile played at her lips. "Melissa, if this is true, you have no idea what it means to me." "What are you going to do, Dana?" Dana stood up, and pulled her coat around her. "I don't know, but I *will* find the truth." =========================================================================== From: risamy@epix.net (Amy Schatz) Newsgroups: alt.tv.x-files.creative Subject: New: A Darkened Sky [4/6] Date: 20 Sep 1995 04:08:13 GMT Part Two: So Blessed Lying beside you ~ This joy is so deep ~ I reach out and touch you ~ Tenderly ~~ Looking inside you ~ My world is complete ~ I struggled to find you ~ Now I'm free Precious love ~ Burning so deeply ~ Shining completely ~ For you So blessed ~ Amazingly ~ Touching you now ~ Awakens me ~ You are my heart ~ My everything ~ Feeling you now ~ Is all I need Adrift in a moment ~ So sacred and pure ~ Alive for you only ~ I am yours ~ As you touch me so sweetly ~ And you whisper my name ~ I feel how you love me ~ We are the same Precious one ~ Don't ever leave me ~ Forever need me ~ This way So blessed ~ Amazingly ~ Touching you now ~ Awakens me ~ You are my heart ~ My everything ~ Feeling you now ~ Is all I need Stay with me ~ Beyond the end ~ I treasure you ~ You made me whole again So blessed ~ Amazingly ~ Touching you now ~ Awakens me ~ You are my heart ~ My everything ~ Feeling you now ~ Is all I need... Dana walked into the X-Files office the next morning with a purpose in mind. She intended to find Mulder. She sat down at his desk with every file and report that pertained to the New Mexico incident spread out before her. It was obvious that she must have missed something. There must be a clue in these pages that she hadn't seen. She was determined to find it. An hour later Agent Black knocked on the door. Scully was so engrossed in her reading, that she barely heard him. "Come in." Black walked in carrying a box. He set it down on Scully's desk and looked at her. She was leaning on one elbow reading some file. Many others were spread out around her. "New case?" he asked hopefully. Scully did not look up at him. "Not really. What are you doing here, Agent Black. I told you I wouldn't need you until Monday." Black nodded. "I know. I just thought I'd bring some of my things in. I guess you'll want *his* desk, eh?" Scully was about to answer him when her computer beeped. Scully rose, recognizing the sound. She was receiving some new e-mail. She walked over to her desk, and brought up her mail. Looking at the messages, she saw one new one. She clicked on it and the full message was displayed. Scully looked up to see Black standing a discreet distance away. Scully read the message once, and then, when she thought she had imagined it all, she read it again. Scully looked up at Black, her eyes full of tears, and said, "Actually, Agent Black, I'd hold off on bringing your things in. If you'll excuse me...I have to go." That said, she stuffed all her reports and files into her briefcase, grabbed her coat and purse, and ran out of the office. Black was confused. So, he went over to her computer and looked at the e-mail message that was still on the screen. It read: From: anon10134265 To: dscully@fbi.gov Agent Scully, *We* know that you are in possession of some...sensitive reports that were given to you by Agent Mulder some three weeks ago. We have a proposal and there will be no negotiation on this point. We know that you believe your partner, Fox Mulder, to be dead. He is not. We are holding him. The proposal is this: If you want to see him alive again, bring the afore mentioned files to a meeting place which will be told to you in a later communique If you do not bring the files, ALL of the files, or if you do not come alone, Agent Mulder will be killed. It is up to you to decide. Agent Black turned the computer off and gathered his things from the desk. Walking out the door, he didn't know what to do. If he told Skinner about this, then Agent Scully's cover would be blown. If he didn't do anything, Scully could get hurt. However, as he walked down the hall, two thought were in his mind. Somehow, by some strange luck, Agent Mulder had evaded death again. And where could he find a partner as loyal as Dana Scully? * * * Mulder's head was swimming. As he sat against the cold wall he wondered if he would get out of this little predicament. He certainly did know how to find the worst kind of trouble. If this had been a normal case, he would have said that he would escape. But, that would only be because Scully would find him and rescue him. But, if what that man had said was true, then Scully thought he was dead. Mulder envisioned his funeral. He saw Scully sitting in the first row that was reserved for family, and she was alone. She was alone because he had no family. At least none that would admit it. However, right behind Scully he saw her sister, Melissa, and Scully's mother. At least they cared about him. They liked him, well, maybe not Melissa. Then he saw Skinner at the podium, talking about what an interesting person Mulder had been. Then he saw Scully come up and talk about what a great partner he was, and how she would miss him. He did not see her crying. He didn't think she cared *that* much. Oh, he knew that she cared about him, but would his death really disrupt her life in the great scheme of things. He didn't think so. He knew that if anything every happened to her, his life would be over. But she was stronger. He needed her much more than she needed him, and he knew it. Just then, he heard the familiar sound of the door opening, and the sound of expensive shoes on metal. Soon, the man stood before him. "Good afternoon, Agent Mulder." Mulder squinted up at the man. The light bothered him. He could see much better in the dark. "Oh, is that what it is? Being in here, I wouldn't know." "I wanted to see if you had reconsidered your earlier position." Mulder smirked. "Not in this century." The man nodded calmly, as if he had expected such an answer. "Very well." Then Mulder heard the man pull something out of one of his pockets. The man knelt down next to Mulder, and handed him something, It was box shaped and felt smooth. "What's this?" Mulder asked. "It's for you." Mulder grinned sarcastically. "But we hardly know each other. Shouldn't a first gift be paper?" The man did not smile. "Just push the 'play' button." Mulder realized, just then, that he held a small recorder. Through instinct, he found the 'play' button and pressed it. A loud crackling was heard, and then the sound of a voice. Melissa's voice. And then came the sound of a voice that meant everything to Mulder. Scully's voice. "How are you feeling, Dana?" Melissa asked. Mulder heard a long pause, and then Scully answered. "Like a piece of my soul was ripped away. How about you?" This remark made Mulder's heart feel warm. She really cared about him. "Oh, Dana, you have to let this all out. I saw you at the funeral. You didn't even cry; not one tear. Personally, I don't know how you did it." "Melissa, I was not about to cry in front of all those people. I didn't want to look like I was anything more than an agent who had lost her partner." Mulder's earlier thoughts were confirmed by this remark. However, what he heard next made his heart ache terribly. "Why not? Obviously Fox means much more to you." "...Of...course he did." "What is it, Dana? What is making you feel such terrible regret?" "I never..told him..." she mumbled. "Told him what, Dana?" "I never told him...I loved him. He's gone, now, and he'll never know. He'll never know." Fox heard her crying, then, and couldn't believe what he had heard. Scully loved him? "I'm sure he knows, Dana." "No, not that way. I *love* him, Melissa." "Dana, I knew that when I first met Fox. He was so scared for you. I never saw anybody love someone as much as he loves you." Mulder wondered if *he* had been that obvious. "Melissa, why do you keep talking about Mulder in the present tense?" "That's why I called you down here." "Melissa...." Mulder smiled at this remark. He was sure that Scully was giving her sister 'the Look.' "Dana, every spirit has a life force; a feeling. And certain people like me can feel that force. When a spirit moves on from this life, the feeling changes. When a spirit is still here, the feeling is unmistakable. Tonight, I felt Fox's spirit. He is still alive." "He's still alive? Are you sure?" "Yes. I haven't felt him until now. He must have been too far away. Either he was unconscious or he couldn't remember. Things like that can make a spirit appear to be gone from life. But, he's not, Dana. He's alive and he's close." "Melissa, if this is true, you have no idea what it means to me." "What are you going to do, Dana?" "I don't know, but I *will* find the truth." The man reached over and stopped the tape. "So, you see, Agent Mulder, that your partner has discovered that you are alive. We knew that she would be skeptical, but today, we confirmed the fact. We told her to bring all the MJ-12 documents to us, or you would be killed. We think she will comply." Rage overwhelmed Mulder, and he tried to get up, but found that the pain in his side was too great. He sat back, breathing hard from his exertion. "She won't do it." The man smiled and stood up, taking the recorder. "Oh, really? You heard how distraught and vulnerable she is. You heard what she said. She loves you. She already thought she lost you once, and now she has found out that you're still alive. Do you really think she'll risk losing you again?" The man left Mulder with the million dollar question. The only problem was he already knew the answer. =========================================================================== From: risamy@epix.net (Amy Schatz) Newsgroups: alt.tv.x-files.creative Subject: New: A Darkened Sky [5/6] Date: 20 Sep 1995 04:09:28 GMT Scully walked quietly into the bank and up to the cashier's desk. She waited in line until her turn arrived. As she looked around the bank, all she saw were lots of bored people waiting in line. It was amazing that most of them weren't asleep. Soon, she was standing in front of the clerk. "I'd like to open a safe deposit box, please." The clerk nodded and began to type away on her computer. "All right. Name, please?" "Dana Katherine Scully." "May I see your driver's license, please?" Scully handed over her license and waited. The woman typed some more, and then stared, confused, at the screen. "This is strange..." she said softly. "What?" asked Scully, fearing the worst. "I've never seen this before. It says that I have to ask you what the password is, before I let you open the box." She looked up at Scully. "Well, I guess I better do it. Do you know the password?" Scully sighed, happy that her security system had worked. "Yes. It's 'Spooky.'" The woman raised her eyebrows. "Okay, let's go," she said as she grabbed a ring of keys from a peg. The minute she left, another clerk took over her position. Scully followed the woman into the back of the bank. Scully kept calm. She was sure that she was being followed and watched at every moment. She had to act normally. Soon, the woman and Scully stood before a large steel door. The woman opened it, and she and Scully walked inside. They walked almost to the end and came to a stop before box 7908. "Do you have the key?" the woman asked. Scully nodded and displayed the key. "Okay," said the woman as she slid her key into the lock. Then, Scully put hers in the other, and the box came out. Handing it to Scully, the woman said, "When you're done, just replace the box." Scully nodded again and proceeded on to the viewing rooms. Once inside, she opened the box. Inside was a thick stack of papers. The cover page read: Warning! Top Secret! Smiling with relief, Scully took the papers,and slipped them into her briefcase. She then closed the box, replaced it, and left the bank. * * * That night, Scully sat in her apartment, the files on the coffee table. She knew that they would call. Looking over at her clock, it read 9:08 pm. She heard the cars passing by and she saw the reflection of the moon on the window. She even heard the wind outside her apartment, as summer came in. But in her mind, all Scully heard, all she saw, was Fox Mulder. As she thought about him, a single tear ran down her cheek. She could hardly believe it. It made her heart sing, but it was still hard to believe. Now, all she dreamed about was touching him, holding him, telling him what she always should have. She heard a knock at her door. Her heart pounded in her chest. Would they come right to her door? She didn't think so. Who else could it be? Looking out the peephole, she saw Agent Black. Sighing, she unlocked the door. "Great, this is all I need," she said tiredly. She opened the door. "Agent Black. What can I do for you?" Black stood there, a little uncomfortable. "Is it true?" he asked softly. Scully was confused. Maybe it was because she hadn't slept in about two days. "Is what true, Agent Black?" Black looked around himself. "May I come in, please?" Scully wasn't sure what to do. She was positive that *they* would be calling soon. In the end, she decided that discretion was the better part of valor. "Very well, Agent Black." Once inside, Black pressed the issue. "Agent Scully, I asked you if it were true." Scully put on her best innocent face; one she had learned from Mulder. "What, Agent Black?" Black sighed in frustration. "Is Agent Mulder alive?" Scully felt like the wind had been knocked out of her. "Agent Black, I do not appreciate your supposed humor. My partner has not been dead a month." Black rolled his eyes. "Scully, I think we both know that that's more than true. He is still alive, isn't he?" Scully's eyes flicked to the MJ-12 documents, and she said, "I'm not sure." Black followed her gaze, and saw the documents. He also saw the warning printed on them. However, Scully was fast, and before he could get to them, she had them held close against her chest. "Agent Scully, what are those?" Scully became rigid. "I can't tell you, Agent Black." "Why not? Because I'm not your partner?" Scully shook her head. "No. If you knew what these files contain, it could put you in danger. It's bad enough that I know. Look what happened to Mulder. *They* wouldn't hesitate to kill you if they thought you posed a threat." Black smirked. His vision of the government was a group of people dedicated to helping the public. He had no idea of the government that Scully and Mulder had come to know and fear and despise. "*They*? I don't know what you're talking about." "Good. Let's keep it that way. Now, could you please-" She was cut short by the ringing of the phone. Scully practically ran to the phone, but stopped to compose herself before picking it up. She breathed deeply a few times. "Scully," she said calmly, in her usual voice. "Good evening, Agent Scully. Do you have the requested information?" Scully looked at Black, then down at the documents. "Yes. Do *you* have what I want?" She heard the man laugh. "Yes. You will go, alone, to the corner of Third and Grant Streets and deposit the information in the mailbox there. Be there in thirty minutes, and leave after you have done your part. When we have been assured that you have cooperated, you will get what you want." Scully did not like the terms. "How do I know that you'll keep up your end of the deal?" The man laughed again. "That's the beauty of this, Agent Scully. You don't know. You'll have to trust me." Scully heard the line go dead. She looked at the phone ruefully. "How can I do that, when you have the only person I *do* trust?" Black looked at her curiously. "Who was that? What was that about a deal?" Scully was already putting her coat on, and grabbing her keys. "I can't tell you, Agent Black, and if you really want to help you'll do one thing." Black followed her out the door. "What's that?" As Scully locked the door and headed out of the building she said, "Don't tell anyone what you just heard or saw." Then, she left Black standing there, alone, on the front steps. * * * An hour later, Scully returned to her apartment, minus the MJ-12 documents. She was glad that Agent Black was no longer there. As she trudged up the steps and to her door, she prayed that she had done the right thing. She hoped that they would keep their word and let Mulder go. She couldn't imagine losing him again. It would be too hard. If it happened again, she feared she would lose her whole soul, and the will to live. Scully collapsed onto her couch, rather Mulderesquely, and sighed. She wondered what *they* were doing right now. Were they letting Mulder go free, or were they preparing to kill him? Scully closed her eyes and tried to fall asleep. She was tired. She hadn't slept in a very long time. But her mind kept returning to Mulder, and wondering if she had done the right thing. Finally, after a few minutes, Scully fell into a agonizing, restless sleep.She never saw the car headlights flash by her window. She never heard the car engine slow down and stop. * * * Mulder sat in the car quietly. He had no idea where he was or what was going on around him. His hands were tied behind his back and he was blindfolded. Actually, he was glad for the last part. He had spent so much time in the dark, he didn't know if his eyes would ever return to normal. Mulder did know, however, that there were three men in the car with him. And he knew that they were evil. He could sense it. It radiated off of them like an odor. The man who had spoken to Mulder earlier, turned around in the passenger's seat. "So, Agent Mulder, I assume you know that *she* did it." Mulder's face had no expression. He knew what the man spoke of, and it angered him that *they* had won again, but he wouldn't let them know that. "Yes. I suppose her cross to bear in life is to know and care about me. It's really too bad. She could have gone places." The man nodded. "Well, we shouldn't keep her waiting. After all, she did keep up her end of the deal. I wouldn't want her to think that I'm *untrustworthy.*" This said, the man opened his door, stepped out, and opened Mulder's. "Come along, Agent Mulder. It's time we delivered you to your rightful owner." As the man helped Mulder out of the car, Mulder said, "Yes, master. Did you bring my papers along? I am pedigreed, you know." The man ignored all of this. Since Mulder's side and left shoulder were still wounded, he had some difficulty getting out of the car. Soon, though, they were walking up the steps. They entered the building, and arrived at Scully's door. The man stood Mulder in front of the door, and said, "I'm sure you haven't learned anything from this, have you, Agent Mulder?" Mulder nodded. "Oh, sure. I've learned that being held captive in dark places isn't really my thing. How about you?" The man sighed. Boy, was he glad to be getting rid of this guy. He could just drive you nuts. He almost pitied Agent Scully. "Okay, Mulder, just forget about it. But, remember this. We'll be watching you, and maybe next time, we won't be so forgiving." Mulder smirked. "Oh, you mean this was you holding back? Well, then, thank you." The man shook his head and rapped hard on the door, then slinked out of the building. Mulder stood there before Scully's apartment, blindfolded, tied, with various wounds, and hoped she was home. =========================================================================== From: risamy@epix.net (Amy Schatz) Newsgroups: alt.tv.x-files.creative Subject: New: A Darkened Sky [6/6] Date: 20 Sep 1995 04:11:26 GMT And finally, the end . . . * * * Scully was awakened by the sound of knocking. She was immediately up, her heart in her throat. Could it be him? Or would it be *them*, coming to finish the job by killing her, too? She didn't know. She only hoped that the person on the other side of the door was Mulder. The only man she ever loved. Scully didn't bother to look through the peephole. Whoever it was, it was. Slowly, she put her hand on the doorknob, and as she opened the door, time seemed to shift into slow motion for her. The door swung towards her, and slowly, the form of a man was revealed to her. A man wearing a blindfold. A man- "Mulder!" she called out. Scully stood there for a moment. Her knees were shaking wildly. Her stomach felt queasy, and she was sure that tears were rushing down her cheeks. But, she was in such a state of euphoria that she barely noticed. She couldn't believe that he was standing there before her. It seemed impossible. She had attended his funeral. Mulder's lips curled into a smile upon hearing her voice. He wanted to reach out and take her in his arms, but that was out of the question. Besides, with the blindfold, he probably passionately embrace the door. Scully leapt forward and encircled her arms around his neck. As she did, her tears turned into full sobs, and she buried her face in the crook of his neck. Mulder winced slightly, and felt a new shot of pain from his shoulder and side, but it hardly compared to the joy he felt at feeling Scully near him. He stood there for a few moments, out in the hall, and let Scully cry. Then: "Ah, Scully, why don't we go inside before we make a scene worthy to be a *Dynasty* cliffhanger?." Scully let go of him, reluctantly, and led him inside. Once she closed the door, she turned around and took his blindfold off. Then she went to work on untying his hands. The minute they were untied, Mulder forced his eyes open, and had to squint terribly. There weren't many lights on in the apartment, but for Mulder, one was too many. Scully stood there looking at him. Suddenly, the room seemed to spin, and her legs felt like rubber. Mulder saw her wavering. "Scully?" Scully reached around her to find the couch. "I think I need to sit down," she said softly. On her way to the couch, she almost fell down. Once she was sitting, she breathed deeply, and looked up at him. "What was with the blindfold?" Mulder was still trying to adapt to the light. He was leaning against the door. However, he didn't miss Scully's physiological state at seeing him alive again. He shrugged at her question. "I don't know. I guess they didn't want me to see where the Batcave was." Scully's lips moved into a weak smile. She was still recovering from the fact that Mulder was *really* alive. But, hearing his humor again was too much. Her head bowed down, and she cried silently. Mulder slowly walked towards the couch. He saw mostly a big blur, but he could distinguish things. As he made his way, he mumbled, "Now I know how Han Solo felt." He came down next to her, and looked at her. He couldn't believe that she was this upset over him. He also wasn't sure what to do. Oh, he knew what he wanted to do, but what she wanted wasn't as clear to him. In then end, Scully made his mind up for him, and wrapped her arms around his lean torso. As she did, she touched that sensitive spot on his side, and he winced. Scully felt this, and looked up at him. "What?" Mulder shrugged. "Something happened to my side and my eye. My left shoulder hurts, too, but I know how that happened, and *who* did it," he said smiling. Scully was already unbuttoning his shirt. He looked down at her curiously. "Hey, Scully, don't get fresh. We haven't even gone out on a date." Scully smirked. "In your dreams, Mulder." But what she was really thinking was, She pushed his shirt off of his shoulders, and bent down to look at his side. A nasty burn was revealed to her that encompassed a fairly large area. It was at least second degree, but it had happened a while ago. "What is it, Scully? Has a big bug been gnawing on me?" Scully smiled, and gently touched the damaged skin. "No, but you were burned pretty badly. It must have been in the fire. Do you remember any of it?" Mulder shook his head. "No. I just remember waking up in a dark room, and for a while I didn't even know who I was. Finally, it came back to me, and I remembered you." Scully, who by now felt confident that she could walk without falling, got up and headed for her bathroom. As she walked she said, "I'm honored." Mulder waited for her to return. When she did, he heard her opening a jar. "What are doing, Scully?" "It's burn cream. I know it's a little belated, but it's better than nothing. You're going to have another nice scar, Mulder." He sighed. "Acquiring new and interesting scars is my hobby. I'm going to start a club called Scars'r'Us." Scully spread the cream gently over the burn, and Mulder did his best to withstand the pain. When she was done, She put his shirt back on, but didn't button it all the way. They sat in silence for a while before Scully spoke. "Mulder, when I thought you were dead...I just felt like...like my life was over." Scully let him digest that thought before she continued. Also, she had to work up enough courage to tell him what she promised herself she would. She just never thought she'd get the chance. She had it now, and wasn't about to let it pass. Even if he laughed in her face, at least he'd know, and she'd have told him. He reached out and took her hand gently. Pressing it to his chest, he said, "I know, Scully. If I could have let you know, and prevented you from going through that, I would have." She nodded. "I know you would have. I spent a lot of sleepless nights thinking one thing, Mulder. I decided that if I could ever just see you for a minute again, I would tell you something. And I hated myself for not saying it before you...well, you didn't, but I still have to say it." Mulder said nothing. He merely waited. He knew what she was going to say, and he intended to let her say it. She looked deeply into his hazel eyes, and knew she could lose herself in them, or be lost without them; lost in the dark. "Mulder, I don't know how you feel, but the during the time you were...gone, I came to realize something. And I'm not trying to put any pressure on you. I just have to say this. I love you." A large, warm smile spread across Mulder's face, and he pulled Scully close. She gladly came close to him, and wondered what his response would be. After a few moments, he said, "Scully, I really wish I could see you right now, but I can't, so I'll have to imagine how beautiful you look. No one ever told me that before. Nobody ever really loved me. It means a lot to me that you said it. It means a lot that you feel it. I love you, too." Scully felt the tears coming again, and she didn't try to stop them. "Mulder, if I ever lost you again, I couldn't take it." "You won't, Scully. You won't. Besides, I think I really annoyed the guys that were holding me. I don't think they'll be too eager to have me again." "Was it bad, Mulder?" He closed his eyes, and sought out his memories, which were the only things he could see clearly at the moment. "Yes. I was kept in this dark room for a long time. I don't know how long I was there. But the whole time, the only thing that kept me from going crazy was you. I just kept thinking about you and I felt better. I pretended I was with you and not where I was. It really works. If you really concentrate, your mind can take you somewhere else." Scully looked up at him, and lightly brushed her lips against his. "I'm sorry I didn't find you sooner." Her kiss burned on his lips and he wanted more. He leaned down and kissed her passionately. She responded and soon they were locked in an embrace. Scully pulled away and pointed to his side. "What about your burn?" Mulder smiled, still holding onto her hand. "I can hardly feel it." She rolled her eyes. "I'm sure." She stood up, pulling him up as well. "Where are we going?" he asked curiously. Her hand felt warm and good in his. Scully smiled. "To the bedroom." Mulder smiled wickedly. "Ooh, boy, did they send *me* back on the right night." Scully chuckled. "Not tonight, Mulder. Some night, but not tonight." Mulder frowned. "Scully, I really don't feel that bad." They reached her bedroom, and she began to rifle through her drawers. She found a pair of his sweatpants and a t-shirt. Handing them to him, she headed him towards her bedroom, saying, "Give it up, Mulder." While he was changing, Scully changed into a long silk nightgown, and then sat on the bed waiting for him. He sure was taking a long time. Suddenly, she remembered. He couldn't see! She headed for the door, and opened it. He had managed to get the sweatpants on, but the shirt was thoroughly confusing him. "Could you help me please?" he asked. Scully stepped forward, and grabbed the shirt, twisting it around so his head slipped through the neck hole. He was able to get his arms through fairly easily, and soon she was leading to the bed. He sat down, and suddenly found himself to be very tired. Scully had left to make sure that everything was locked and bolted down, he presumed. Soon, she returned, and handed him a glass. "What's this?" he asked. "It's to wash down these aspirins," she said as she dumped two into his other hand. "Aw, come on Scully..." "Mulder, just do it," she said. "You'll feel better." "I can think of something that would make me feel better..." Scully sighed. "Mulder, don't make me get rough." "Ooh, would you really?" He didn't wait for a response. He knew better. He downed the aspirins and half the glass of water. He handed her the glass and he heard her set it down on the table. Then he felt Scully pushing him down onto the bed. He let her. He *was* tired. He heard the light switch off, and soon after, he felt her slip in beside him. She snuggled up close to him, and touched his cheek gently. "I feel so lucky to have you; so blessed," she said softly. Mulder, who could now see a lot better in the dark smiled. "I hope you always feel that way. You know, Scully, there are lots of guys who would be better for you than I am." Scully nodded. "I know, but I don't love *them*." He smiled and bent down to kiss her. Soon afterwards, he was asleep, and Scully sighed contentedly. She was just starting to realize that he was really back with her. He was really alive. She felt like she was whole again. And all she needed was to touch him, to feel him near her, and she was safe and happy. Her love for him was all encompassing and unconditional. She loved him with her whole soul, and would do anything for him. She got closer to him, and pulled the covers up around them. Out in her living room, the phone rang once, and then the answering machine picked it up. The caller was Agent Black. Back in her bedroom, Scully and Mulder never heard him. They had long since fallen asleep in each other's arms. The End. Well, that's the end! I hope you enjoyed it! Anyway, we'll all find out how it really goes in about three days. And please tell me if you liked this, or if you have a question or comment. By the way, I am working on a much longer story that I hope to have finished soon. If anyone likes this story, I may begin to post my longer one already. However, it does need to be edited. Anyway, it's called *Spellbound*, so look for it soon. Happy Season Premiere! Just three more days! Amy (risamy@epix.net)