From: "Barry Alberts" Date: Sun, 3 Jan 1999 12:54:08 -0500 Subject: submission Title- "She's Not Gone" Author- Lindsay Alberts Author's address: BarryAlberts@MSN.com- This story has been a major pain the butt, especially after my computer ate it. It's my first go at fanfiction, and I'm thinking of writing a sequel, so please give me feedback on either content or style, or what should happen in the next installment. Rating- G Category- Story- Mulder/Scully romance/friendship Spoilers- minor references to Chinga, Syzygy, Detour, Small Potatoes, Dreamland II, Pilot Summary: A young girl spends the night at Mulder's apartment, and Mulder has a bad time of it. Disclaimer: Mulder and Scully belong to Chris Carter, FOX, Ten Thirteen, blah blah blah. I'm just taking them out for a spin, and I promise they'll come back in pretty good shape. April is mine, however, so don't sue me over her. She's Not Gone "Mulder, its me." Agent Dana Scully spoke the familiar words into her cell phone. It seemed that the phone had become a permanent extension of either her hand or her ear. As if it mattered which. "Yeah, what is it Scully?" Across town, Agent Fox Mulder was also holding apiece of molded plastic to the side of his head. A routine occurrence. "Mulder, I need you to come over here and talk to someone. She may be our suspect." Mulder could hardly hear his partner's voice through the phone, due t the loud mess of background noise. It gave him a headache concentrating on what she was saying. "Okay." He barked into the phone, and hit the 'end' button, disconnecting Scully. He maneuvered across the police station he where he was currently located. Finally making it through the crush, he opened the door and stepped out into the crisp winter air. Halfway to his rental car, he paused, looking around. His deep hazel eyes darted, searching. His gaze dropped to his long black overcoat. Slowly, he reached into his suit jacket, and extracted his phone. He looked around him, as if to make sure no one was watching. Long fingers reluctantly dialed a number, 555-1013. "Hello." A female voice answered. "Scully, where are you?" XXXXXX Mulder marched into Substation B, otherwise known as where Scully was. He was having a pretty good day. After all, on his commute to the station, he had only run off the road twice. Of course, when he explained that to the owners of the car he had skidded into, denting their fender, they didn't seem to mind. Damn snow, he thought, stuff's pretty enough but is really lethal for cars. Scully spotted Mulder walking through the people milling around the station. Judging from his set jaw and drooping shoulders, she surmised his drive had been anything but relaxing. "Nice weather out there?" She smiled sweetly up at her partner. Mulder smiled at the pretty redhead standing before him. "Sure, we should have a picnic after work today." Scully ginned, and dropped her head. A piece of her golden red hair fell across her face. She looked up to find Mulder gazing out the window. "Really, you can stop grinding your teeth." Mulder shook his head. "Seriously, if we don't get out of here soon, we're gonna have to spend the night. And I know you're looking forward to that prospect." He waggled his eyebrows. Scully was back to business after their joking interlude. "Well, this shouldn't take too long." He pointed down the hall from where they stood. Mulder heaved a sigh, trying to focus. "Shoot." Scully looked down at her notes. "She's a fourteen-year old student at the local high school." Mulder made a face, one that indicated he was not pleased. "Jeez Scully, I didn't know we were dealing with a kid here." Scully raised her eyes to her partner's face. "Actually, she's very mature. You should have no problem dealing with her. Especially considering how good you are with children." Mulder decided to let that comment slide, since it was partly true. He looked around, looking for a way to escape, "okay, what else?" "Her name is April Hathaway, and she shouldn't be here." Mulder looked at his usually reserved partner. "How do you mean?" Scully eyed the police officers around her, and dropped her voice. "Well, frankly, I think they picked her up as a formality. This case wasn't getting anywhere, so they arrested the first possible, no matter how remote, suspect. Her." Once again, she gestured to the room down the hall. Mulder opened his mouth to speak, but Scully second guessed him, and cut him off. "But we have to question her. Bureau policy." Mulder nodded, as if to say, Well, if its policy. Scully held out her arm in an after-you gesture, and Mulder lead the way down the hall to the questioning room. Opening the door, Mulder peered inside to take a look at the person being held in custody. She sat at the metal table, her hands laid flat on top. Her eyes were closed, and a piece of her reddish brown hair had come loose from her short ponytail, and was tucked behind one ear. She looked older than her age. "April?" Her eyelids flew open at the sound of the voice, revealing bright hazel eyes, like those of Mulder, only a much greener shade. The eyes locked on Agent Scully's face. Mulder introduced himself. "April, my name is Agent Mulder, and I'm Agent Scully's partner." April's eyes flickered between the two agents in understanding. "April, Agent Mulder is just going to ask you a few questions." The girl's eyes darted towards Mulder. "I'm assuming these will be different questions from the ones that Agent Scully just asked me." Her voice was deep, but pleasant and harmonious, with a great amount of confidence. She knew what she was doing. Mulder looked towards Scully, and pursed his lips. Scully shook her head ever so slightly. Scully looked back to the suspect, who was sounding more and more like one. "No, he has questions of his own." April nodded. "Okay then." XXXXXX Two and a half hours later, Mulder had become just convinced, as Scully that April Hathaway had nothing to do with the case. She had answered all their questions very willingly, but it was obvious that she had not idea what they were talking about. Still, Mulder went through all the questions, looking for any possible connection. But he couldn't even find a paranormal way for the "suspect" to be involved in this particular case. "Scully," he whispered, pulling his partner into the far corner of the tiny room, "there can't possibly be any use in questioning this girl any farther." Scully opened her mouth to speak. Mulder held up his hand. "No, don't say it." He warned her. Scully gave an agreeable nod, and turned on her heel. Just as she was out of Mulder's reach, she said slyly, "Told ya so." Mulder alternately grinned, sighed, ran his hands through his hair, then stuck those hands in his pockets. Scully leaned on the table, opposite April. "April, we don't have any more questions for you. You're free to go." April stood up, gathering her coat. "Um, that's really good to know, but I kind of need a ride." Scully looked at Mulder. "Well," she began, at a loss for words. Mulder came to her rescue. "I'll give you a ride. Let me just go speak to someone for a moment." He stepped out of the tiny room, and strode down the hall to where Assistant Director Walter Skinner stood. "Hello sir, I didn't expect to see you here." Skinner shook his head. "How'd you know I was here?" "I saw you out the window, sir." "I came to pick up a report from Agent Scully but it looks as if I'm going to be stuck here for a bit." "How do you mean sir?" Skinner looked puzzled, as if Mulder had missed a very large loop. He gestured to the nearest window. The sill was piled high with thick, wet, snow. "Agent Mulder, it's snowing." Mulder nodded unhappily. Scully's head shot up as Mulder walked back into the questioning room. "Scully, we're stuck." He declared. "What?" Mulder sighed. "We're stuck, snowed in here. See for yourself." "No, no I trust you. Anyway, it was snowing pretty hard when you got here." Mulder grimaced at the memory of the commute. Scully rubbed at the back of her neck. Mulder cocked his head. "A little tense?" Scully turned around to find him gazing at her. "Yeah, it's been a long day, and I didn't get much sleep last night. But I'm fine." "Want a backrub?" Scully nodded, before the rational part of her mind could interfere. She was really drained, and could use a little comfort, especially from her partner. Mulder advanced toward Scully, his eye perfectly mimicking Scully's eye-brow-into-hairline look. Scully shot him one of her many patented glances, then broke into a smile. "Oh stop it." Mulder still played the part. "I'm not sure if this falls under the Bureau's policy on male and female agents consorting in the same room." Scully's smile became a full-fledged grin. "Try any of that tailhook crap on me Mulder, and I'll kick your ass." Now it was Mulder's turn to smile at the memory of those words, spoken while on an impromptu case. That had been a weird one, even by his standards. Moth men, spirits of ancient conquistadors. Then he remembered the night he and Scully had been stranded in the woods, his wounded body cradled in her arms, and her voice, albeit slightly off-key, as she sang "Joy to the World." He smiled a little nostalgic smirk to himself. Scully's voice brought Mulder out of his rumination. "So, do I still get a backrub?" Mulder dropped his head, and mumbled something that could have been mistaken for "sorry" as he placed a hand on Scully's shoulder. As soon as he began kneading, he could feel the tension in his partner. Almost instantaneously, she began to loosen up and feel better. "Umm." She moaned under her breath. Mulder's eyebrow shot up of its own accord. "Good?" He inquired. Scully closed her eyes. Her skin seemed to jump and dance under his fingers, even through the thick wool of her suit. "Very good," she breathed. Mulder was stuck by the power in her tiny shoulders. She was so petite in frame, just five foot three inches in height, but her shoulders were anything but frail. This merely served to reinforce in Mulder's mind just how strong his partner was, in mind and body. His musing were interrupted by Skinner's voice. How many times had that happened before in the last six years? Mulder and Scully leapt away from each other, managing only to look guiltier. Scully began tucking her short hair behind her ears, and Mulder studied his watch intently. Mercifully, Skinner didn't comment. He cleared his throat, and went on about what he had to say. "Mulder, Scully, I've gotten hold of a four-wheel drive vehicle for your use. The keys are sitting on the desk right outside. The AD pointed to the open door. "You just need to sign a couple of documents, and you can go on your way." He finished abruptly, and turned on his heel, leaving the two agents talking to thin air. "Thank you sir." They chorused guiltily. Scully looked at Mulder, and once again opened her mouth to speak. This time, Mulder silenced her with a shrug and a shake of his head. Scully turned around to face April, who had entered during Skinner's brief speech. "Okay." Scully fell to being practical. "How are we going to do this?" She glanced at Mulder, then April. "I'm open to suggestions." The younger girl voiced her opinion. "Well, I really don't have anywhere to go. I was staying with my cousin, but she moved to Vancouver yesterday. So I'm king of in the lurch, homeless I guess." Scully was struck dumb. She opened her mouth, then closed it, and finally looked back at Mulder. But he already had a plan. "You can stay with me until you get settled." April's eyes grew. "Are you sure?" "Of course." Mulder looked at Scully, who was wearing a very funny look on her face. She didn't think that Mulder knew what he was getting into; yet she was amused and also a little touched. I mean, she thought, its sweet. Anyhow, Mulder seemed oblivious of the effect his words had on his partner. April, on the other hand, nodded enthusiastically. She was glad to have a place to stay; she didn't really care where it was. It had been one of those days, she thought to herself. First she was arrested, then she ended staying the night at a good-looking FBI agent's home. "Oh, thank you so much. I really appreciate it." Mulder brushed away her comments with a movement of his hand. He turned to Scully. "So, how's this? We all pile into whatever decrepit vehicle Skinner got us, and I'll drop you off. Good?" She liked it. "Works for me." Mulder turned back to April. "Grab your stuff." She pointed to her coat, and shrugged. Mulder took that to mean that it was all she had, and headed for the door. Scully and April followed. Stopping at the desk directly outside the questioning room, Mulder handed April a few sheets of paper. "April, you need to sign these." Looking over at Scully he added, "Technically, you also need to have her legal guardian sign them, since she's a minor. But I think its okay, as it is." Scully nodded, while April signed the papers. Mulder picked up a vehicle release form and signed it. Skinner had mentioned it before his hasty departure, and Mulder figured he should actually sign it. Boy, he thought, he'd signed a few of those in his lifetime. "All done." April announced. Mulder handed the papers back to the secretary, and she exchanged them for a single key on a ring. XXXXXX Out in the parking garage, Scully found the vehicle. "Oh nice." Mulder walked up behind her, and stared. Scully gave him a sideways look. "Not exactly your decrepit old vehicle, Mulder." He shrugged. Coming up, April spoke. "Cool car." She voiced the opinions of the other two individuals present. The vehicle in question was a brand new 1998 Ford Explorer, license plate 301013, government issue. The color was dark green, but you'd never know it. The truck had been painted with a psychedelic hand, in glaring bright colors and glittery hubcaps. Splashes of neon hues danced across the hood. Jewel tones decorated the body, in great arcs and swirls. Mulder shook his head and giggled slightly. "I don't even want to know where Skinner found this baby." Scully's eyebrow shot up at the un-Mulder-like quality of his remark. She adopted a pouty look. "What, you don't like it?" Mulder spoke a little too quickly. "No, I like it, but I'm just wondering why the FBI would own one." Scully laughed, realizing how true it was. "It's probably Langley's car." This caused Mulder to give a great "hoo-ha" of laughter, which echoed in the garage. April gave the two a questioning look, which they ignored. It would be way too difficult to describe the Lone Gunmen. Scully looked back at the car. "I guess it's safe to get in the car. Who's got the key?" Mulder extracted it from his pocket, and dangled it in front of Scully. She snatched it away from him, and approached the SUV in a hokey crouch, as if she was unsure if it would blow up or not. April giggled. Mulder walked to the far side of the truck, and waited for Scully to unlock the door. The car clicked open, and Mulder climbed into the passenger seat, as Scully settled behind the wheel. The back door slammed shut, indicating everyone was in and ready to go. Scully reached down and found the lever that adjusted the seat. She slid the chair forward, to accommodate her height. Looking up, she shot a quick glance at her partner. He met her eyes, then glanced away innocently. Scully knew what he was thinking- the same thing she was. Remembering the case in Comity. She and Mulder had been at each other's throats the entire case. Scully had even smoked while she was there, a habit she hadn't engaged in since she was a teenager. Well, she thought, it wasn't her fault. Mulder had been all over Detective White. Scully had even caught them making out in his hotel room. In fact, it had been right after that incident that Mulder had made the comment. She had been arguing with him about who would drive the car, and she asked why he always had to drive. "Well, I was never sure your little feet could reach the pedals." He had shot at her. That had really hurt, not to mention really pissed her off. Eventually, they had discovered that it had all happened because, astrologically, Jupiter was in the house of Aquarius. Apparently that was a bad thing. So Mulder and Scully sat there in the funky car, trying not to look at each other. A very mature moment in their relationship. The moment was interrupted when the guy parked behind them honked loudly to get them to move. Scully jumped, and Mulder turned and opened his mouth to yell at the guy, before he remembered April sitting in the back seat. He closed his mouth, and turned back to look out the windshield. Scully and April exchanged a glance via the rear-view window and grinned. Mulder pretended not to see them. XXXXXX Pulling up in front of her apartment building, Scully turned and grinned at her partner. "See Mulder, I didn't skid even once, and the roads were twice as bad as when your drove." Just then, one of the back tires hit an ice patch, and the entire vehicle slid across the road, lazily turning a circle as it did. Mulder peeled himself off the window, and looked over at Scully. "Don't say it." She huffed. "Say what?" This was accompanied by his puppy-dog look. She continued to glare at him. Carefully maneuvering the SUV past the dangerous area, Scully parked in front of the building. She opened her door, only to be hit by a blast of icy air. She gritted her teeth, and stepped out into the veritable blizzard. Mulder and April also got out of the truck. Scully set off to the front door of her building. Opening the driver's side door, Mulder shouted across the lawn. "Told ya so, Scully!" He managed to get the door closed before the snowball hit the window. Rolling down the window, he yelled, "Oh, awfully violent there, Scully!" This time, the snowball hit him square in the face. XXXXXX Mulder was still dripping from the well-placed snowball when he arrived at his apartment building. April, now seated in the front seat, looked over at him, and attempted to stifle a giggle. She succeeded only in snorting. One side of her host's head was still covered with dark brown hair that looked if he had just combed it; the other side was stuck down to his scalp from the wet projectile. Suddenly feeling quite foolish, Mulder peered over at April. "What's so funny?" He tried to appear nonchalant. "Uh, nothing" April managed to squeak out before dissolving into peals of laughter. Mulder did his best to look offended, but caught sight of himself in the rear-view mirror. The corner of his full mouth curled into a tiny smile, and pretty soon he had abandoned himself to the infectious laughter. Across from him, April was gasping for air and clutching her side, which only caused her to laugh harder. "Agent Mulder," April piped, as soon as she could, "aren't you going to park the car?" Mulder peered out the window, trying to discern the road from the curb. He gave up, and looked back at April for assurance. She said, "Nope, you're kinda out in the middle of the street." "Too bad." Mulder declared, and put the car in park. "This is as good as it's gonna get." "Okay." April unbuckled her seatbelt, and jumped out of the car, only to be slammed back up against it by the gusting wind. Mulder rounded the back of the vehicle, and emerged from behind the shield against the wind that the car had created. Noticing April smashed to the car, he extended his hand to her. She gratefully accepted it, and the two figures struggled up to his apartment. XXXXX Once safely inside room 42, both Mulder and April shed their heavy coats. April plopped down on the comfy leather couch and leaned her head against the back, while Mulder ran to turn up the thermostat. Mulder wandered into the kitchen, looking for something to eat. He opened the fridge, and peered inside. A tomato, a tub of banana crème pie yogurt, a slice of cheesecake, three beers, and out-dated orange juice. Yum. Mulder crinkled his nose at the thought of the one time he had drunken really bad, old orange juice. He had been talking to Scully on the phone, and had almost spit the vile liquid across the room. In fact, as the looked at the carton again, the juice in his fridge was the same carton that he had ingested on that very occasion. His musings on rotten food were interrupted by April walking over to the fridge. Glancing inside, she made a face, and was just about to complain about the selection when Mulder's stomach emitted a fierce growl. He glanced up at her, smiling, and shrugged. "I don't suppose the pizza place will deliver right now?" April giggled as Mulder shut the door to the refrigerator, and headed into the living room. The young girl followed him. As both of them plopped down, Mulder on the couch and April on the floor, Mulder inquired after her stomach. "Well, I've already said what I have to say, " he patted his tummy, "but how about you? Hungry?" She replied, "A little bit, but nothing like you." Mulder smiled wryly, and looked around. "Uh, well, um, I guess we could, ugh, maybe we could?" He trailed off, looking for inspiration. April helped him out. "?Walk to the nearest convenient store, and see what they've got?" Mulder nodded. "Exactly what I was thinking." XXXXXX An hour and a half later, the two of them were right back where their quest for food had begun. Only this time, they were armed with dinner. Mulder was dining on such delicacies as Spam and Cheetos, while drinking an iced tea. His guest had selected barbecue potato chips, and a Snickers bar, and drank a root beer. April was eyeing Mulder's selection. "I can't believe you eat Spam. God knows what's in it." Mulder shook his head, and looked wounded. "I can't get any peace! That's exactly what my partner would say." April cocked her head. "Well, she's right, you know." "Sure, fine, whatever." XXXXXX After their gourmet meal, Mulder and April settled down to watch some TV. But not without fireworks. When Mulder wanted to watch the "Alien Autopsy: Fact or Fiction" special airing on FOX, April said no. Or rather, she reached over and grabbed the remote from him. Before Mulder could complain, she changed the channel to NBC, which was showing "ER." Mulder took the remote back, and changed the channel to FOX. And the same thing happened. April stole the remote, and changed to her choice. This continued a few more times, until it escalated into a minor wrestling match, resulting in a lost remote control and a large bruise on Mulder's thigh. "Ow, that hurt!" Mulder complained as he rubbed the offended limb. April didn't respond; she just got up and changed the TV to NBC. XXXXXX As "ER" ended, Mulder turned to his guest and exclaimed, without embarrassment, "Hey, that was a really interesting show. For example, I had no idea how often they have to shock people with those paddles." April just looked at him, blinking. She figured he understood the full irony of what he'd just said. Mulder quickly changed the subject, to avoid any Scully-like comments. "I told you so," would be especially grating. "So, ready for bed?" Realizing just how stupid that must have sounded, he opened his mouth to try again, then saw the look on April's face. Mulder's jaw snapped shut. Sensing her host's discomfort, April went right on ahead. "Actually, I'm kind of tired. It's been a big day; being arrested and all." Mulder nodded, then looked around. "Well, let's see. This could be kind of tricky." Looking over at April, he added, as an addendum, "I don't have a bed." He looked away quickly, to avoid the look that most certainly would follow. And it was. April was pretty sure that she couldn't think of anything to follow that statement. So she said, oh-so-brilliantly, "Okay." Mulder looked over at her, expecting a much stronger reaction. So many infamous people had already commented on his lack of a bedroom. Eddie Van Blundht, and later Morris Fletcher, who had even gone so far as to add a bedroom, complete with waterbed. Upon receiving no comment of the sort from April, Mulder bulled right on ahead. "So, what I was thinking was this." April nodded, and Mulder continued. "You can have the couch, and I can sleep on the floor." "No, no, no. I don't want to make you sleep on the floor!" April looked slightly embarrassed, or at least uncomfortable. Mulder shook his head. "No, I'm serious. I fall off the couch all the time. You're on the couch- no butts about it." April considered. She didn't really want to put him on the spot; but then again, she didn't really want to sleep on the floor herself. A glance at Mulder, who was wearing a very determined expression, clinched April's decision. Anyway, she wasn't really up for arguing with someone who had been trained by the government in how to fire a gun. "Oh okay, okay, I'll sleep on the couch." "Good." Mulder heaved himself off the end of the aforementioned sofa. "I' ll go get some blankets." April curled up in a small ball as Mulder trudged out of the room. A person who didn't own a bed? This guy was weird. Her musings stopped short as Mulder entered the room carrying a pillow and a blanket. "Here you go." He offered, as he plopped the blanket on the sofa, then disappeared back into the hall to retrieve some of the same items for himself. As he tugged at another blanket stuck in his closet, a large object suddenly dropped on him. His arms flailed as he tried to keep his balance, and free himself of the obstruction. Looking down on his assailant lying on the ground, he realized he had been attacked by a futon. Mulder had no idea that he owned a futon. Coming back into his living room, he proudly displayed the futon to April. "Hey, look what I found!" April eyed it suspiciously. "What is it?" Mulder gave her a look of exasperation. "It's a futon. I didn't even know that I had a futon!" Somehow, the young girl didn't seem to share Mulder's enthusiasm for his newfound item. "Okay," she said, as if expecting more. Mulder shook his head, and turned away. "Never mind." He threw the mattress on the floor between his television and coffee table. April set about converting the black leather sofa into a suitable bed for the night. It didn't take long- all she had to do was re-arrange a few pillows and throw down a blanket. The same was true for Mulder. Once his now-prized futon had been set up, he strolled into the room at the end of the hall to change clothes. This was the room that sort of functioned as his bedroom; he kept his clothes and other items in and among the chairs and bureaus in there. He had just taken off his shirt when there was a knock at the door. April stood outside. "Uh, I just wanted to ask, um, where is the bathroom?" Mulder laughed. "Sorry. Here, there's one in here." He pointed to the door in his room which lead to the facilities. April started for the door. "Okay, thanks." She disappeared into the room, and closed the door behind her. A soft click indicated that the door had locked. Mulder resumed changing into his typical sleepwear ensemble of black silk boxers and a gray t-shirt. Just as he was heading back into the living room, he had a thought, and headed back to his dresser. Rummaging through the drawers, he finally fond what he was looking for, and removed it. He walked over to the bathroom door, and raised his hand to knock. For a moment, he hesitated, thinking, then went ahead and banged on the door twice. He heard the lock swing open, and April peered out from behind the door. Her face belied her wariness. Mulder suddenly felt very rude. "I, uh, thought you might want to borrow these for the night." He extended a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt like the one he wore. April looked genuinely surprised. "Oh, thanks!" She took the clothes from him, and retreated back into the safety of the bathroom. Mulder was left staring at the whiteness of the door. Giving up, he wandered back into the living room, and plopped down on the sofa, closing his eyes. He sort of drifted off, for when he opened his eyes again, April was standing before him. Startled, he leapt into the air and yelled, causing April to shriek in response. "Whoa, calm down!" April said, laughing. Mulder grinned. "Sorry, you scared me." April gave him a look not unlike those that Scully had patented. "Hey, don 't be paranoid." Mulder couldn't help but chortle at that remark. April looked embarrassed, not knowing what Mulder was laughing over. She raised both eyebrows and stared at him pointedly. Another thing Scully did. Mulder shook his head. "Nothing, nothing." April pursed her lips, and nodded to herself. "Okay," she muttered, gathering her wits. Mulder glanced at her, then smiled at herself. This girl was just like Scully. He could practically see her waving her arms just as Scully had on their first case together, after she had realized that Billy Miles had been their killer. "Well," Mulder cleared his throat. "I don't know about you, but I'm heading over to my futon, and going to sleep." "I think I'll do the same thing." April declared, then realized what she had just said. "I mean, I'm going to the couch, not the futon, and.." she gestured wildly with her arms. "Her voice trailed off as she saw Mulder's shake with mirth. She shook her head in exasperation. "I mean good night." She stepped over to the couch, muttering, "Open mouth, insert foot." "Night." Mulder said as he stretched his lanky form out on the futon, only to find that his feet hung off the end. He schooched his body up so that his feet rested on the mattress, but his head laid on the hardwood floor. "Uh, April?" Her voice was muffled. "Yeah?" "Can I borrow a pillow?" "Sure." A pillow flew over the coffee table and landed on Mulder's stomach before he could catch it. "Uuf." He said. April didn't respond, so he took it she was done with him. He shoved the pillow under his head, and pulled the blanket up to his chin. He was surprised to find that the futon was actually pretty comfy. Especially since he was so tired. That was his last thought as he dropped off to sleep. XXXXXX April was awakened by a scream. Jerking up, the first thing she noticed was the clock on the VCR's counter. 1:12 am. A long, drawn out moan from across the room reminded her why she had woken so abruptly. Here eyes tried to focus on the form that lay in front of the TV. Suddenly, id hit her. She remembered where she was. Agent Mulder's apartment. Room 42. So the thing lying on the ground in front of the TV must be Agent Mulder. He thrashed about, as if trying to get away from something. April kicked the blanket off her body, and rolled off the couch. Tripping over the coffee table, she ran to Mulder's side. He was not sitting straight up on the futon, simultaneously yelling and moaning, sometimes words, but generally unintelligible sounds. As April placed her hand on his shoulder, he shouted, "Samantha!" April recoiled, startled. Realizing that he hadn't been addressing her, she went back to trying to calm him. His shouts turned to futile moans as April tired to break his trance. "Scully, Scully?" His eyes opened, darting furiously around the room, trying to place something. "Mulder!" April took both his shoulders and gave the man a sharp jerk. It didn't do much to break the spell, but he did finally seem to notice the girl sitting next to him. His eyes fixed on her face, roaming over every inch of her features. Mulder lifted a hand, and touched her face. "Scully?" He whispered hopefully. April jumped at his touch. She certainly hadn't been expecting it. "No," she shook her head, "I'm not Scully." Mulder's eyes flashed around, looking behind her, trying to find the phantom woman. His eyes rested on April, hurt and confused. They were the eyes of a scared little boy. "Samantha? You're not Samantha, are you Scully?" His voice was raspy with fear. April placed a hand on Mulder's arm. "No, I'm not either of them." There was concern and sadness in her voice. The look of pain in Mulder's eyes deepened. "Where is she?" His voice quivered, on the edge of breaking. Before April could think of a suitable answer, Mulder stiffened and lurched forward, grabbing April's shoulder in a vice grip. "She's dead, isn't she? Oh no, she's gone!" April tried to break in, but Mulder was till too much asleep for her words to have much of an effect. He collapsed, head in hands, sobbing uncontrollably. "They got to her first, I tried to help her, but- I tried, I really did- God she's gone. I'll kill those bastards! God!" He sounded as if his heart would break, as if all the suffering in the world could never amount to this one man's torment. April was shell-shocked. She sat as stone, gazing at this man, fascinated by his sorrow. She had never seen anything like it before; not so much emotion all at once. Suddenly, her conscious clicked back on, but her body was still frozen. She knew she had to help him, wake him from his stupor. She sat still, thinking of a way. A single tear fell from his face onto her knee. She stared at it, watching as it was absorbed by the cotton of the sweatpant. The room went silent, as all her energy was focused upon this tiny spot on her leg. The spot widened, and dimmed, spreading into the fibers of the fabric. April broke her gaze, and was galvanized into motion, as Mulder's groans came back into her consciousness. He sat as he had before, head bowed as the tears fell. He made no motion to hide or curb the flow of salty liquid; he was too deep in grief. This sorrow surpassed all former thoughts of pride, or face. April knew she had to stop this some how. She tried her original tactic of shaking him, but her continued to sob, and hung on to April's arms for dear life. It was as if she was the only tactile object he could hold onto, tying him to the material world he felt slipping away. A horrible thought entered April's mind. Am I going to have to slap him? To say the least, she certainly didn't want to have to do that. So she tried talking to him, hoping a voice would reach him wherever he was. This failed as well. Whatever pattern of sleep Mulder had fallen in, he was too far under to comprehend, or even hear, April's words. April sighed, and raised her right hand above Mulder's left cheek. She hesitated, just as he had before he knocked on the bathroom door only hours before, then her palm connected with his flesh. The pain sent Mulder out of his numbness. He stopped sobbing, but remaining tears continued to roll down his face. He looked up at April with red-rimmed eyes. A stray hand rubbed the pink skin around his mole, where the skin still tingled. "Oh God." He breathed. April caught her breath in her throat. Had she hurt him? What would she do if she had? Her answers were confirmed a moment later as a massive rush of air whooshed out of Mulder's chest. "Oh God, she's not gone." He collapsed against April, again crying, this time not from grief or pain. April wrapped her arms around his strong torso, still wracked with tears, and rocked with him. She felt tears roll down her own face, and land in his messed hair. "No, no, she's not gone." EXUNT "This can only amount to great unhappiness."- Woody Allen, "Manhattan Murder Mystery"