From: Alone Gunman Date: Sun, 12 Jul 98 09:06:39 -0500 Subject: Out of the Ashes...Phoenix (REVISION REVISION REVISION) Date: July 11, 1998 Subject: Mulder/Scully Romance From: provira@bellsouth.net Time Frame: Before "Fight the Future" Spoilers: The End Disclaimer: All characters, the X-Files, etc. belong to Chris Carter, 1013 Productions, and Fox Television. I make no profit, of any kind, from them. Rating: PG-13 OUT OF THE ASHES...PHOENIX by Alone Gunman As the rage and shock disappears... Seven years...a lifetime of work...consumed, ironically, by my greatest fear. Char, soot, ash, and water remains. All I have left is her. She is my strength. She is my hope. She is...my life. I have known this for a long time. Never showing til the time drew dire, and then, only the least hint, holding her hand, kissing her cheek, hoping she knows. Six years...the investigations...reduced by flames. The heat, the smell of smoke, all that remains. I am here...for him. I am his comforter. I am his protector. I am...his. I denied this truth for a long time, until death drew near. Ambiguously writing my feelings hoping he understands. Offering myself as his savior, a final gesture, never coming to pass. THE LUNACY, OF DUALITY, FEARING THE REVEALING OF ONE'S SELF TO ANOTHER. The walls are gone, literally and figuratively. Is this the end...? AD Skinner calls us to his office. We hold hands, relying on each others' strength, walking silently, knowing the inevitable. He releases my hand placing it on the small of my back as we enter the AD's office. "Agents Mulder and Scully please have a seat.", Skinner walking around his desk. Sitting down he continues, "The word from the Justice Department...The X-Files are shut down, for now." We look at each other quizically. Mulder turning back to Skinner, "Sir, what does "for now" mean?" Skinner gets up and walks around his desk sitting on the corner. "The final decision hasn't been made due to the circumstances surrounding the "Gibson" case and the fire. The preliminary investigation of the fire indicates arson. The kidnapping of Gibson and the murder of the shooter lends some creedence to your theory pertaining to the boys'ability and their ties to the X-Files." ,Skinner folding his arms. "Sir, what is our status?", I ask looking up to AD. "As of two weeks from today, I'm detailing both of you to VCS. Until that time you're on vacation." I sigh a sigh of relief. I get a reprieve. I live a little longer. "Agent Mulder...", Skinner gets my attention. "Sorry sir. You were saying.", I give him my full attention. "Stay out of trouble and go by the book. I repeat...Go - by - the - book. That will have a lot of bearing whether the X-Files are reopened or not. Dont't screw up. Neither of you can afford it.",Skinner emphasizing the point. He continues, "That will be all concerning this matter, however, I do have something else to speak with both of you about. This has nothing to do with the Justice Department and it's "off the record". It is of a personal nature." Now what? "I'm keeping this simple. What you do in your personal lives is none of my business. But let me give you some advice. If I see the change in your relationship so do "they". Skinner concerned. "What change in our relationship? We're still professional.", I ask acting dumb. Skinner looks directly at us, "Agent Scully, you know exactly what I'm talking about. So does Agent Mulder. It seems everytime I call either you or him the other is there no matter the time, day or night. I see your actions, the concern, the protectiveness, the self sacrifice. You may deny this to me, even to yourselves. It doesn't matter. If you are not careful "they" will use it against you." Skinner returns to his desk, "Think about what I said. I'll see you in two weeks." As we look at each other leaving the AD's office we know he's right. OUR TRUTH IS...OUT THERE Time a factor, our fate unknown, do we dare cross unspoken boundaries? Limbo... I attempt levity, "So, Scully, what are you going to do on vacation?" Scully stops deadly serious, "Mulder, this is no joke. Everything is at stake. The X-Files, our careers, and our rela....partnership are jeapordized." I apologize as we continue walking to the garage. She's right about our relationship. I open the car door for her and she gets in. As I start the car and drive there is a tension between us. It's strange, I'm not repulsed, but drawn to her. I see the worry on her face as she looks at me. I reach out my hand a gesture... As I look at him, seeing his concern, he reaches his hand to me and I take it mine. I'm closer to him than I've ever been. It is comforting in this time of urgency. I choose my words carefully, "Mulder we've been through a lot over the past five years. Through all the unexplained phenomenom, the monsters, the mutants, and the conspiracies we've always pulled through. We'll get through this." I squeeze his hand not sure I believe my own words. There is another subject needing our attention, but there's no easy way to approach it. The warmth and strength of her tiny hands amazes me. "Scully you're right. We will get through this.", I repeat her words reenforcing them. Something else troubles her. For a moment she's a million miles away. "G-Woman are you hungry?", I ask breaking her trance. She jokes and asks if "I'm buying"? And if I am she's "famished". Normally I'd pick a Chinese resturaunt. Not tonight, we both need some relaxation. I know. Maybe a little wine and music is just what the doctor needs. I see the wheels turning in his head. He's up to something. I don't believe this. He is crazy. "Torelli's? Mulder you can't afford this place. Look how crowded. We'll never get in.", I'm in shock and disbelief. He smiles saying nothing as he valet parks the car. He takes my hand as we walk past waiting patrons. I don't like this. Once inside, Mulder excuses himself and whispers to the maitre'd. The maitre'd disappears as Mulder returns. He grins, taking my hand telling me to "relax". In a scene out of "The Godfather", a short man, with gray hair and olive complexion, wearing a pinstripe suit, complete with carnation, looks our way. A smile engulfs his face. He runs over wrapping his arms around Mulder. He speaks in a thick Itallian accent, "Bon giorno, bon giorno. Fox my boy howa you been. Why you no come an a see me more, eh? Who is this beautiful senorina?" He kisses my hand introducing himself, "Anthony Torelli ata your service, dear lady." Mulder introduces me, "Uncle Tony this is my partner, Dana Scully." Mr. Torelli asks us to follow him. He leads us to a private booth and he sits with us. "Lasta time I see youa, Fox, itsa beena so long I don't remember. I'm Fox's adopted uncle." Mulder interupts, "It's a long story." Mr. Torelli turns to Mulder, "Whatsa matter? You ina hurry? Ora you scared I takea your girlfriend?" "Uncle Tony, I told you, she's my partner.", Mulder interjects. "You say thisa beautiful girl isa your partner? She notta your girlfriend? Mulder still looking at Mr. Torelli, "Uncle Tony, we work together." He gives Mulder a strange look then slaps him in the back of the head exclaiming, "Stupadio! A beautiful girl like this notta your girlfriend. Whatsa matta with you? You blind or something? I'm blushing trying not to laugh. Mulder, to my surprise, takes my hand, then turns to Mr. Torelli, "Well, we're working on it." Mr. Torelli sees Mulder take my hand, "Well, ata least you gotta nuffa sense to hold the pretty lady's hand. Verya nice to meeta you Missa Dana. I hopea I no embarass you. Fox, you need to be embarassed. Anything youa need letta me know." As Mr. Torelli gets up I hear him yell to the maitre'd, "Carlo, a bottle of champagne for my nephew and hisa girlfriend." The maitre'd serves the chilled champagne and hands us each a menu. He gives a few minutes to decide. "We're working on it, huh." I can feel Scully giving me the eye even though I keep my face buried in the menu. "Well...uh...um, I had to say something.",thinking is that the best I can come up with? Scully pulls down my menu. She has a serious look on her face. "Mulder we're at a crossroads.",as she sits closer to me, she continues, "Not just the X-Files, us too." Looking into her eyes I see the aprehension. Putting my arm around her I try to calm her fears. "Dana, I'm here for you anytime and everytime you want or need me. I always will." I swallow hard. "I think you feel the same way about me I do you." I brush my hand to her cheek. "I think about what Skinner said and it's a double edged sword. We can go on acting, and that's what we're doing acting,like our relationship is purely platonic when others see what we deny. Or, we can be truthful to ourselves and each other. I love you and "they" know." Mulder asks the maitre'd to give us a few more minutes to decide. He says he'll come when we're ready. The brief pause gives me time to gather my thoughts. I face him, tears welling in my eyes, "I love you, too. I know "they" know. My tone turns serious, "That's why our love is dangerous. It is a double edged sword, but for a different reason. FBI rules are clear on consorting so we must use discretion around others. Secondly, since "they" know they will continue to use us against each other. To continue searching for the truth requires extreme caution. We must agree on our relationship." Time stands still. Our hearts are one. We agree on a non physical relationship because the risk is too great. We do allow ourselves one brief moment. I lean my head down to her. I look up to him. I feel her gentle warm hands on my face. I tenderly cup his face in my hands. I feel her soft lips touch mine. I feel his lips touch mine, his breath quickening. I feel bliss and pain at the same time. I tell her,"I love you." over and over through my tears, never wanting to let go. He holds me tight as we cry together. He repeats,"I love you". I love him so much it hurts. They have never felt love like this before. Their kiss bittersweet not knowing when they can show their love again. THE SERENITY OF LOVE, KNOWING EACH OTHERS' HEART We fought the monsters again. Our search for the "truth" the lever that reopens the X-Files. In the process I almost loose what is most precious to me. A new beginning... I try to push her away for her own safety to give her a chance for a normal life. She refuses to leave my side using the excuse,"If I quit they win." As she holds my hand I gentley squeeze her hand. It's my way of letting her know, "I love you, too." The X-Files has a new beginning...as do we. END. I'd like some feedback, get your thoughts. I'm at provira@bellsouth.net The Lone Gunman