From: Nessa Date: 30 Jun 2000 04:27:43 GMT Subject: NEW: "Matchbox Car" by Nessa, Rated G Matchbox Car Author: Nessa (MldrNScly@aol.com) Rating: G Category: V, MSR Spoilers: Everything up to "Sein Und Zeit" Archive: Spooky's and anywhere else, just let me know so I can visit on the weekends Feedback: I need it to survive! Summary: What took place the night Mulder's mother died that led Skinner to find Scully answering the door to his apartment the next morning? Disclaimer: They ain't mine...I know this, and I'm okay with it... Author's Notes: Wednesday, June 21, 2000: I wrote this on a break at work, and although it's not "song-fic" per-say, I'd like to think that a song inspired this little piece. It is the first story that I've ever written using specific challenges, which are listed at the very end. Thanks to Ben and Callie's Paw for this brilliant song! ~~~~ Cause I'm little and I'm lost And I know you can Remedy a cure for me And I want you to Rescue me Are you afraid of the monster in your bed? Are you afraid of the demons in your head? ~"Matchbox Car," Callie's Paw ~~~~ She watched him crumble before her own eyes with the news that his mother had indeed ended her own life. She had never seen him this way, nothing to this degree. His weakness and vulnerability frightened her. Scully remembered back to when she had learned of her father's death. She had thrown herself into the work without allowing herself the emotional release. She hadn't wanted Mulder to think she was weak. But, his outpouring of grief touched her very deeply. He was mumbling softly about his mother trying to tell him something. She wanted to say something that would make him understand her death, but she knew that wasn't possible. All she knew was that his mother had been dying of an incurable, painful disease. She chose to end her own life rather than cope with that much suffering. Scully was sure Teena Mulder hadn't realized how much suffering she was now causing her son. She whispered softly to him, words she hoped would help to ease his pain. She knelt before him on the floor lazily running her fingers through his hair listening to his sobs subside. She brought her hands to his face and steadied it before her. With a look she tried to convey to him how much she cared for him, loved him, and that she would be there for him when he was ready to discuss arrangements. His eyes shown brightly with unshed tears. He placed his hands over hers, and she knew her message had been received. He brought her left hand to his mouth and brushed his lips gently against her palm. His eyes shifted to meet her as he said thank you in a voice barely above a whisper. She kissed his forehead lightly then got to her feet. She held out her hand, and silently urged him to take it. She pulled him to her, embracing him tightly before leading him down the short hallway to his bedroom. He smiled at her, wiggled his eyebrows, and she playfully punched his arm. She knew the tears had ended, for now. He held open the door for her and she headed directly for his dresser drawers. From them she pulled a soft gray tee shirt and a dark blue pair of pajama pants. She handed him the pants and told him to put them on, and kept the tee shirt for herself. He smiled as he began to ready himself for bed. She turned and left for the bathroom to change. She removed her boots tucking her knee-highs inside, and placed them near the front of the couch. She continued on to the bathroom, unbuttoned her blouse, and donned the shirt that she knew would indirectly bring his touch. She inhaled his scent deeply and sighed, a selfish smile touching her lips. She tucked unruly strands of hair behind her ears, and pulled the tee shirt down over her slacks. She moved back toward the bedroom to find him already slipping out of consciousness. She walked quietly to the unoccupied side of the bed intent on retrieving a pillow. She also grabbed a light blanket off a chair in the corner of the room. She headed back toward the living room to take her spot on the leather couch. For years he had slept here and she could never understand how he did it. But, tonight none of that mattered. All that mattered was that she was close to him to shelter him from the nightmares that were sure to come. She heard him shift and turned to see that he had sat up, holding the blankets close. He gestured for her to come to bed with him, and when she shook her head and explained that it wasn't necessary, he pleaded with her. "Scully, please. You're all that I have left." His words broke her heart. She walked back over to the empty side of the bed and laid the pillow down beside him. She hesitated for a moment, her mind registering that this would be her first time in this bed, the first time she ever lay down beside him. He noticed her hesitation and gave her a reassuring smile. She undid the top button of her slacks and slid them down her legs. He pulled back the blanket, and when she climbed in, he offered it to her. She took it and tried to settle in. She knew it was going to be a long night for them both. At first, the distance between them seemed like miles. She stared at the ceiling, content to hear him breathe. Nervous energy radiated from every pore in her body. "Mulder," she said quietly, "you know I'm not going to go anywhere or leave you alone. We're going to get through this. You know that, don't you?" It was then that she heard him crying. Not hysterically as earlier in the evening, but the tears still came. "Thank you, Scully. Thank you for letting me need you." She took his hand and twined their fingers together. She pulled him close to her so that she could provide him with the warmth and comfort he needed. Soon the two of them drifted to sleep in the dull silence of his room. ~Fin~ This story came out of a personal challenge with these characteristics in place: -A story that could be rated G and still have our favorite duo end up in bed together. -Mulder had to in someway admit to needing Scully and he had to openly admit that she was all he had left. -Explain how Scully ended up spending the night at his apartment the night Mulder's mother died. "You'll never see Mulder and Scully romantically involved," Carter says."You'll never see Scully and Skinner romantically involved.And you'll never see Mulder and Skinner romantically invovled." TV Guide April 1996 Guess we proved him wrong?