From: ephemeral@ephemeralfic.org Date: 21 Jul 2001 00:42:49 -0000 Subject: In Dreams (1/1) by Sandy E. Source: direct Reply To: s_eckard@yahoo.com In Dreams (1/1) Classification: MSR, Angst Spoilers: Existence, Season 9 Opener Possibilities Rating: G Summary: What could be a "twist" for the November 4th Season opener? What really happened in Existence? Disclaimer: They aren't mine, of course, but here's my take. Synopsis: Scully contemplates her fate. She felt the sweetness of the moment slipping into her body softly, slowly, like a rich treat. She felt his lips touch hers, and for the first time in quite a while, she was at peace. Content. Opening her eyes, she smiled up at the love of her life, Fox Mulder. Not that she knew when, where, or at just what moment she had defined love for herself-- but she just knew in her heart that this was all she had ever needed. And, as she reached up to touch his face, free of worries, free of fear, she just knew this was what she had always wanted. Dana Scully stepped away from Mulder, letting him enjoy the act of holding his child. The sight of them in the soft golden glow of her bedroom made the scene perfect. All was fine with William, all was fine with Mulder. Perfect. She moved back to the bed as he murmured sweet nothings to the baby, never letting his eyes leave the baby's face. William was enamored of his father, as if he knew, too, that this deep voice and these strong hands were special. Precious. She felt decadently happy and couldn't stop the smile that spread across her face. She knew the joy radiated from her eyes, from her heart; it was so totally unlike her to be this happy, this open. This was the life she had wanted: one free of demons, full of bright possibilities for the future. Serene. Mulder had placed the baby in the bassinet while she'd been daydreaming, and she didn't think anything of it when he joined her on the bed. This was how it had been right before he'd picked up the phone, right before they'd been drawn once again, closer to the flame, right before they'd heard Billy Miles' voice on the other end of the line. Hell. A sharp pain, a prick of fear shot from her heart to her stomach. Where had that come from? She regulated her breathing and focused on Mulder, moving those thoughts to the back of her mind. Not now, no ugly memories to spoil the beauty of this moment. Mulder leaned in to kiss her, one hand stroking her hair softly, one palm caressing the side of her cheek. It wasn't a lusty kiss, just a soft caress, an unhurrried caress promising more. A lifetime of more. He deepened the kiss and thoughts swirled slowly, like snowflakes drifting lazily to the ground on a winter's morning. She closed her eyes and enjoyed just long moments reveling in the feel of his touch and the inhaling his essence, the unique flavor of Mulder that she'd known too little of. Heaven. Once again, she was content, the moments blending together as they continued touching, caressing, kissing. She could do this forever. His words reverberated in her mind, "The truth we both know." Truth. Through her lashes, she saw a sparkle, a light. Turning just a bit, she opened her eyes out of curiosity. Gone. She was still in her room, still sitting on the bed. However, Mulder was not kissing her. He was not there. Empty. The same silence that she had embraced earlier as peaceful now mocked her, fixing her to the spot. She felt like she was drifting, as if sitting in water rather than her bed. Another flash of light from the doorway caught her attention, and she recognized the figure in the doorway. Melissa. But she wasn't alone. Next to a concerned Melissa stood Monica, weeping softly, inconsolably. Melissa made eye contact, remaining silent. Choice. Looking down at her hands resting in her lap, Dana Scully realized that this was not what she had believed. Lies. Or was it? This moment seemed real, felt real. But was it? A small voice--her conscience--took in the scene: Mulder, carefree; baby, healthy; Dana, content. This was the perfect life, what everyone wished for. Isn't it enough? She raised sad, mournful eyes to meet her sister's gaze. Oh, no. This is not happening. I've worked so hard, I've given everything, she whispered. I deserve this. We deserve to be happy. Paths. Melissa, nodding, finally spoke. "The truth we both know." Scully nodded, a tear following a crooked path down her face and spilling onto the soft, golden comforter. "You can stay here, Dana, and have your perfect life." She walked over to her sister and touched her shoulder. "Or you can choose another path. Only you now can make this decision." Faith. Dana reached down and touched the cross around her neck. "I don't know if I have enough strength to fight anymore." She bowed her head. "I...can't." Melissa cupped her chin in her hand and tilted her face to her own. "Yes, Dana. Yes, you can." She closed her eyes, wishing, just for a moment, that this could be true. That they could have a moment of happiness. But, she knew this was not a choice she could make. He needed her. They both needed her. The tears, this time, fell like raindrops on the bed as she weeped for a path that was never meant to be. Fate. A voice called out to her and a new pain, this one physical, vied for her attention. "Please, Scully. Please don't leave me." A hoarse plea, murmured over and over again. She thought she felt rain, but realized the salty wetness was tears. Mulder's tears. Leaving the dream was hard, but she pushed forward toward the pain, toward the sound of his voice, until the noise--and pain-- obliterated everything else. Darkness. Light filtered in slowly as she opened her eyes to unfamiliar surroundings; the sterile, white trademark of a hospital room soon filled in the holes. Other pieces of the puzzle fell into place quickly as she turned to the sleeping figure to her left. Reaching out with the small ounce of strength she had, Dana touched Monica's hand. Quickly, she raised swollen, red eyes and a pale face to hers, meeting her gaze for only a second before fixing on something beyond her. "Dana, we were so worried. Thank God." A movement from the right made her slowly turn to see Monica's focal point, John Doggett. "Hey, there. You really had us all worried. How do you feel?" "My baby." The words came out not as a question but a truthful declaration. Through a new round of sobs, Monica tried to find the words. "Oh, Dana, I tried." She squeezed her hand almost painfully. "There were so many..." Her voice drifted off as she once again relived the horror of those hours. "Mulder." This part came out as a whisper. She knew the answer to this as well, but she was hoping beyond hope. John answered her this time. "He was here for three days--day and night. He wouldn't leave your side." He cleared his throat before continuing. "He left a few hours ago when the nurse said you seemed to be stabalizing." He shook his head. "I don't know where he went. He wouldn't tell me anything." She looked at the ceiling, white and colorless. Yes, this is the path, the struggle. "I know." She looked at both the agents in turn. "I know, and that's all that matters." Dana Scully closed her eyes again, this time in sleep. For a few moments, she could once again feel the happiness surround her, cover her in a warm cloak of contentment. In her dreams, she could see Mulder's love; she could hold her baby. She could have another life. --end-- Author's note: I was browsing The Haven the other day and was extremely intrigued by a cryptic message about Season 9 beginning with a "Sixth Sense" style. Hmm, I thought, where would a twist work? What scene might lead us to an alternative ending? After rewatching a few times (a hardship, I know!), I paid more attention to the "space" between Mulder frantically searching for Scully in Georgia and the "happily-ever-after" ending; this is a moment to play with. Here's one intrepretation. Although I, too, wish for a happy ending, with a cooing baby, an adoring Mulder playing Dad, and an estatically content family, I think the X-Files is more about angst and the pursuit of truth. This "take" on the ending would, actually, be one possibility for Season 9 that could work. What do you think? Thanks for reading! I'd love feedback! You can email me at s_eckard@yahoo.com