From raquelm@urjwc.ucla.edu Fri Feb 28 18:56:49 1997 Subject: EP> VR - Permanent Vacation (1/1) From: Raquel Montoya Date: Fri, 28 Feb 1997 16:56:49 -0800 -------- And now, ladies and gentlemen, here's Leslie's first ever EP story! As Kermit used to say. "Yea-a-a-a!" -- Raquel xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Permanent Vacation 1/1 From: L. Mantle Rating: PG for good measure Disclaimer: The X-Files and the characters portrayed therein are property of C. Carter, FOX & 1013 Prod. No copyright infringement is intended. Category: VR Summary: Exploring the possibility of Scully wanting to leave Mulder and the X-Files and what Mulder's reaction would be. This is written from Mulder's perspective. Timespan: It begins during the episode "Never Again". But the begining is all that is similar. This is my first EP story so here goes.... Permanent Vacation By Lesley Mantle She's so aloof today, Mulder thought. I wonder what the problem is. Scully and him were in the office going over some facts about the new case. She seemed very unconcerned at the crime scene. Mulder was slighty worried and begining to get a little pissed off. He decided to test her to see if she was paying attention, "So I think this guy was abducted by aliens, and he's probably not even who he says he is ..... he's probably a clone." No response. "One of thousands." She wasn't even looking at him. "mmm hmmm" Scully replied. "Aren't you even going to argue with me?" She finally looked up, "About what?" "Dammit Scully, I'm trying to get some work done here and you're acting like you couldn't care less." Now he was pissed. "What is your problem?" Scully scanned the office from left to right, "Why don't I have a desk?" she asked slowly. Mulder threw his pen on the desk and said, " That's your area over there." while pointing to the computer across the room. "You mean after four years I can't get a desk or even my name on the door?" she asked a little faster. "Scuuulllyyy......." Before he could say anything else she stood up. "I feel as though I don't get any respect from you." "Perhaps you would like to take some time off for a vacation." Mulder suggested. Scully looked at him with a cold stare. Those blue eyes that he loved so much cut through to his soul. "Perhaps I need a *permanent* vacation." And with that, she stormed out of the office. "What the hell does that mean?" Mulder wondered to himself. --------------------------------------------------------------------- He worked the rest of the day alone. He was kind of glad nothing big happened being that Scully wasn't there to help him. That's OK, he thought. She needs some time to herself. As Mulder worked on his computer, he thought about what Scully had said. She was right. She went above and beyond the call of duty and he never praised her for it. He decided at that moment, that the next time he saw her, he would be sure and thank her for her commitment to the job. But what did she mean by *permanent* vacation? I'm sure it was nothing, he decided. She'll be alright after a day off. I mean, she surely wouldn't walk out on him and the X-files that quick. Would she? He felt a slight anxiety attack coming on. As he searched his desk for a bottle of Maalox, he wondered why his stomach was suddenly turning tumble sets. Must have been something he ate. No! He decided to be honest with himself. What would he do if Scully quit the X-files? That's what was bothering him. "I don't think I can function without her." He said aloud, surprising himself. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- The next morning Scully walked into the office and stood before Mulder's desk. "Good morning." Mulder said with a smile. Scully didn't smile back. In fact, he noticed, her eyes had a sadness about them. "Mulder, I've made a decision." Mulder swallowed hard. "About what?" he asked meekly. "About myself." she replied. She leaned on his desk, looked around, then spoke again. "I had a long talk with Director Skinner yesterday. He obtained a transfer for me to work at the training facility." "Why!?!" he asked as he shot up from his chair. "Because I decided that I don't want to do this anymore." She was almost yelling at him. She stood straight up and folded her arms. "I've spent my whole life following behind a man. I thought I was changing my life by working here with you but...." She peered down and shook her head. "Its the same thing all over again." She had unhappiness written all over her face and for this he felt responsible. He couldn't argue with her right now. "Well, if that's what you really want..." his voice trailed off. She stared in his eyes for awhile before she turned and walked toward the door. Mulder followed right behind her. "Goodbye Mulder," her eyes looked down as she reached for the door. "Wait!" he heard himself exclaim. There was something in him that was not willing to let her leave. As if some "force" had taken over, he quickly grabbed her hands and said, "I don't want you to go." He couldn't believe he said it, but it was true. What if he never saw her again. He couldn't bear the thought of never being able to tell her how beautiful she was or how much she meant to him. Scully slowly looked up toward him and with her head cocked to one side she breathed, "Its a little too late for that now Mulder." "No, no. There's something I need to tell you. I should have told you a long time ago." He still had hold of her hands and now her bright blue eyes were looking straight at him. Mulder took a deep breath. "When you were abducted, I thought I was never going to see you again. I mean, I hoped. I mean," "I wasn't going to stop looking. But at the time I promised myself that I would never let you go again. He took his hands and cupped her face with them. "Scully," "you mean everything to me." He began caressing her cheeks with his thumbs. "You're the only one I trust. We've been through so much together. I just don't want to lose you again." "Mulder..." He put a single finger over her lips to silence her. "Wait. Before you say anything..." He lowered his lips to hers and kissed her ever so gently. Scully drew back slowly and looked him up and down. Mulder could see the kiss affected her by the redness in her cheeks. Then he noticed her smile. Not only on her face but in her eyes as well. "Mulder, what I was going to say was, *I love you too*" Now it was his turn to smile. He pulled her toward him and held her tight. He couldn't remember feeling as happy as he did at this moment. "I promise I'll get you a desk if you stay." he said softly in her ear. "What makes you think I'm going to stay?" she kidded. He giggled, then said, "Then I'll chain you to the desk if I have to." They both laughed before they kissed again. This time the kiss was more passionate and Mulder pulled her closer. Oh yeah, Mulder thought. From now on, this woman is going to have all of my respect. He finally pulled away and gazed into her smiling eyes. "I love you Dana Scully." It felt great to be honest. -End- I hoped you liked my first endeavor. I don't mind constructive criticism. Lesley