Date sent: Sat, 21 Jun 1997 10:07:36 -0700 From: Sara Pacheco TITLE: THIS TOWN AUTHOR: JANE HAWLEY RATING:PG, R (For Romance) SUMMARY: M/S Romance *kind of* SPOILERS: DEMONS SEQUEL DISCLAIMER: I love writing this !! But since I'm not a millionaire, I can't buy them and play with their lives !!! The same old disclaimer stuff applies right here !! Yada, yada, yada...... I need to get a life. I gotta get this stuff out of my head !! HELP HELP !! The people in white coats are after me !!! Well, here's Sara's debut. She's my choir buddy. We rag on Mr. Memley together. ( Cell Phone Boy and Duckman!! LOL :)) And Bryan !! He's Bryan White. Sara's his BIGGEST fan. If you like Bryan,you'll catch a couple of his songs in here. This is dedicated to Sara and Bryan. Sara, thanx for making choir so fun !! Bryan, thanx for making wonderful music !!!!!!!! Bryan, you're the man (for always) !! (from Sara) This Town....... As she awoke and tried to turn over, a strong arm held her down tightly. This made her wake up fully. She opened her eyes. She recognized the hotel room. Slowly it came back to her. Mulder had spooned their bodies together. He was holding her as he had asked to do last night. She loved this, and was afraid to admit it aloud. this was something she had often thought about, waking up in his arms. Glancing at the clock, it said 9:30 am.She was still tired and wanted to sleep, but they had a long drive home. '' We can sleep a while longer, Scully, " said Mulder." Don't worry !! " His voice was deep and husky from sleep. " Sleep, Scully, you'll enjoy it !! " Instead of refusing, she turned over and snuggled into his arms. For awhile, anyways. " Come on, Scully, you've slept long enough !! Scully !! " He ripped the covers off of her.She moaned and rolled over on her stomach. " Mulder !! " she said, groaning. " What, Sleeping Beauty ?? You've slept so long you'll never grow old !! " he laughed. She propped herself up on her elbows. " What time is it ?? " " It's 12:00 " '' We should head home." His features got serious. She climbed out of bed. " Do I have time for a shower ??" she asked. " Yeah, go ahead, " The abrupt change in his emotions worried her. She walked in front of him, forcing him to see her. '' Are you okay, Mulder ?? Seriously !! " she asked. He sighed and turned away. She grabbed his arm and forced him back. " Talk to me, " she said. " Tell me how you feel !! I'm concerned !! " He bent down. " I'm not a patient of yours !! " he said angrily. " And you aren't a shrink.... I don't want to talk !!" He turned and left the room. After her shower, she dressed and packed. Mulder was waiting for her at the car. He opened the trunk and she set her suitcase inside. She walked to the passenger side and climbed in.She settled herself and was admiring the scenery when he got in. As they pulled out, he immediately sensed the distance that surrounded them. He now regretted his harsh words. He didn't know how to go about apologizing for them. She ended up taking care of it for him. " I'm sorry I upset you, Mulder, " she said quietly. " that wasn't my intention !! I'm just worried about you. I want to know you are all right !! " She turned to him. " Wait, Scully. You aren't the one who should be apologizing !! I should be !!I ahd no rigth to snap at you like that, I'm sorry !! " He looked at her. " It's okay, Mulder, you've been through a lot !! " " Thanks, Scully, " " Mulder, you know I'm always here for you !! " He took her hand and squeezed. " I know, and I thank you !! " They had been traveling a couple of hours when Scully said: " Mulder, do you think we can get something to eat ?? I haven't eaten in a while and neither have you !! " " Sure, Scully !! At the next exit we'll get off !! " he said. " I can't say I'm really that hungry though !! " '' But, Mulder ! " He stopped her. " I know..I have to eat. And I will !! '' She smiled. " Sorry. " He looked at her. " No problem, " When they pulled off, they found a nice little diner called Sara's. It was small and cozy. There was country music playing in the background. When Mulder and Scully came in, they sat across from each other in a booth. The young waitress came up. She had shoulder length curly brown hair and soft hazel eyes. " Hi, I'm Sara !! I own this place ! " she smiled. " Betcha never would've guessed, huh !! " Mulder smiled. " I had no clue. " " Here's your menus !! What can I get you to drink ?? " " I'll take a coffee, " said Scully. " I'd like a glass of iced tea, " Mulder said. " Sure thing !! I'll be back in a minute !! " Sara said. As she walked off, a young busboy almost knocked her over. She laughed gently at his bewildered face. He was young with short, light brown hair and gentle green eyes. '' Bryan !! Look up !! Next time you'll see people !! '' She shook her head and walked away. " Scully, I want to say thank you for last night !! " She looked up." you let me hold you !! I needed someone and you were there !! Thanks !! " She blushed. " It was one of the best nights of sleep I ever had, Mulder !! " When she didn't go on, he let the subject drop. He'd like to fall asleep with her in his arms again and soon. " I think I'll have a cold turkey sandwich !! " she said. She put her menu down. " How about you, Mulder ?? " He smiled. " I'm having a big, fat hamburger !! " She winced. " All that fat, Mulder !! " " Yeah, well at least I'll die happy !! " Sara came back then with their drinks. They gave her their orders and she left. " Mulder, will you talk to me about what's gone on the last few days ?? " He sat back and looked around. " Yes, I really feel I need to ! It's hard knowing your mom lies to you. She will probably never talk to me again. Which might not be too bad !! I don't want to know that I can't trust what she tells me. " He looked at her. " I want to know what really happened 20 years ago !! Are the memories I had real or are the new images the truth ?? " He paused and sat up. " I guess I'll never know, right ! " She wasn't quite sure what to say. " It's hard to say, Mulder !! Maybe one day the full truth will be told !! " She touched his hand. " I'm sorry this didn't turn out like you wanted it to !! " He smiled. " Scully, at least you were there !! I had support..sort of !! " She smiled. " You scared the heck out of me when you called me that night ! " He looked at her now, curious. " At least you didn't jump to conclusions like many others would have !! " he paused. " At least you still care !! " Just then, Sara came back with their orders. " Here you go !! I hope you enjoy !! Don't eat like you're sittin' on go !! " she grinned. " It'll also save you from heartburn ! " She laughed and walked away. " I don't know how you eat that, Mulder !! It's so full of grease and fat ! " He grinned. " I eat what I like !! " " You do have to live dangerously !! " she laughed. His face turned serious. " Can I ask you a question, Scully ?? " She stopped eating. '' Sure, Mulder !! " " Did I overstep the boundaries last night when I asked to hold you ?? " She looked a little confused. " Why do you say that ?? " she asked. " I don't know..I...heck I don't know why I asked !! " he looked at his burger. '' Mulder, I wanted to let you know that i was glad you asked. I think we both needed it !! " He looked at her, surprised. " You had been throught so much and I was so worried about you !! " He smiled. " Thanks, Scully..at least someone cares !! " She smiled. " I always have ! " When they went to the counter to pay, they heard Sara laughing with someone in front of her. " Nothin' less than love, baby !! " The customer grinned and left. She smiled brightly at them. " All done ?? " she asked. They nodded. " Glad you could stop by ! " she said. Mulder looked around. " This is a nice place !! " She smiled. " Well, that's another song !! Have a nice trip !! " As they walked out, Mulder opened the door and ushered Scully out. Before they reached the car, Scully heard Mulder cry out. She turned in time to see him grab his head and fall to his knees. She rushed over to him and pulled his body close. He had blacked out this time. Sara came running out of the diner. " What's wrong ?? Is he okay ?? " Scully nodded. " He's been doing this recently !! " " Should I call 911 ?? " Mulder moaned and opened his eyes. He saw Scully, Sara, and a crowd of people. He slowly sat up. Scully gently touched his face. " Are you okay ?? " He nodded. '' I totally blacked out !! " He looked at her. " Usually I have flashbacks !! I didn't this time !! " Sara got up. " Maybe I should call 911 !! " " No, I'm fine !! " Mulder got up and walked to the car. Scully rushed up beside him. " Are you sure you're okay ??" she asked. " Yeah, Scully, I'm fine, " He pulled the keys out.She grabbed them. " I don't think so, Mulder !! " He looked at her. " What....?? " " Between now and forever, Mulder, I'm never going to understand you !! " she said. Just then, the young busboy Bryan ran out and said: " I called 911, they'll be here in a few minutes !! " Mulder closed his eyes. " God, " he whispered. " Why in the heck did you do that ?? " " Sorry, man !! " Bryan said. " No one collapses in this town without being checked out !! " Bryan smiled a sweet smile. " I'm just making sure you are all right !! " Sara walked up to Bryan and to Dana's surprise, he put his arm around her and kissed her forehead. " This maybe Sara's diner, but no one passes out and gets away with it !! " He grinned at Sara. " I never knew her food was that bad !! " She glared at him. " Well, Mulder, " said Scully. " looks like you are finally going to be checked out !! " He glared at her. " I don't have to stay here !! " She put her hands on her hips. " Where the hell do you think you're going to go ?? " she asked angrily. '' I don't know, but I am not staying !! " He turned away from her. '' Well unless you plan on walking or flying, you aren't leaving !! " she said. " You need to be checked out !! I didn't force this when you were having flashbacks, but now I am !! " She walked up to him. " You will be checked out !! " He turned on her fast. She was stunned and didn't react when he grabbed the keys from her. She stepped back when he ran past her. She didn't try to stop him. " Fine, Mulder !! Die of a brain anuerysm !! I really don't care !! " she yelled/ He got in the car and pulled away. " Damn you !! '' she whispered. She turned to Sara and Bryan. Bryan grinned. " He's a tough cookie, ain't he !! " " Yes," said Scully. " He is !! " She paused. " I need a car, I'm going home !! " The crowd slowly dispersed. She stalked into the diner. * I swear to god, I'll kill him * she thought. *this time won't be forgiven !!* At that moment she felt the distinct tingle that signaled a nosebleed. "Oh my god, " she whispered. She took some napkins and blotted her nose. She started crying. Things kept piling on top of each other. She put her head down on the table. Sara rushed in. When she saw Scully at the table, she immediately came over. She sat down next to her and put her arm around her. " Are you okay ?? " '' I'm fine, " When she lifted her head, Sara saw the blood. " Oh my goodness !! What happened ?? Are you okay ?? " Scully nodded. " This happenes to me all the time !! " Sara touched her hand. "Why ?? " Scully sighed. " I have a brain tumor, " "Oh, gosh !! I'm sorry...." " Dana..my name's Dana, " " Why don't you get cleaned up and I'll call and get you a car to get home !! " said Sara. " I would, but what about Mulder ?? " Sara looked astounded. " Look, after what he did to you, I wouldn't be concerned wth him !! " she said. '' I wouldn't be, but he could get hurt and i wouldn't be there !! " She got up and walked to the bathroom before Sara could say anything. Mulder pulled off the road. He leaned his forehead against the wheel. *What am I going to do now ??* he thought* She'll never forgive me* He turned the car around and headed back to the diner. What would I do if she's gone ?? When Scully came back out of the bathroom, she had compsed herself. Sara walked up to her. " I called the car company. You have a light blue Taurus waiting for you !!! " Sara smiled. " Bryan can take you there if you'd like !! " Scully nodded. "Thanks, cause I need to get home !! " She hugged Sara. " Thanks for your help..I really appreciate it !! " Bryan walked up to them. " Are you ready ?? " he asked. " Yes, I'm ready, " Bryan kissed Sara, then led Scully out to a dark blue Ford Ranger pickup. " Nice truck !! " she said. " Thanks, it was a gift from the grandparents !! " They climbed in.As they drove away, Sara walked back into the diner. Business had gone on as usual. She was filling an order when Mulder came crashing through the door. She jerked her ehad up at the sound. He walked over to the counter. " She's not here, is she ?? " he asked. Sara crossed her arms. " No, she isn't !! After what you did, it's not surprising, is it ?? " *At least he looked guilty*, she thought. " Do you know where she is at ?? " he asked. " Why should you go after her and do more harm ?? " " Sara, you don't understand !! I need to see her !! I need to apologize !! " She sighed. '' Let me tell you what she did when you left. She came in here, cried, and had a nosebleed, which apparantly wasn't her first !! " she said. " I know about her cancer !! I'm worried about the stress she's been under !! She's going home where she can rest, '' said Sara. " Dana's a wonderful person !! You are letting her slip away, Mr !! You will one day regret taking her for granted !! " He looked down and softly whispered: " I know......I cannot believe that she'll ever be gone !! " He looked at Sara. " Please, now tell me where she went !! " She walked to the door leading to the kitchen. " I told you she went home !! " She walked into the kithcen. Mulder slammed his fist on the counter. " Damn it !! " He turned and walked out the door. As he got in his car, he saw a blue truck pull in. Bryan got out and was heading towards the door. Mulder jumped out of the car. '' Hey, Bryan !! " Bryan stopped and turned. " Hey, you're the guy who left Dana here !! " Mulder walked up to him. " Yes...it was a misunderstanding and...." " Wait a minute !! A misunderstanding !! " Bryan interrupted." You just drove off !! Where do you get off doing that to such a wonderful girl ?? " Mulder sighed. " You aren't going to tell me where she is, are you ?? " " No, " Bryan said. " You'll have to find her yourself !! " Mulder walked back to his car and sat down. He leaned back into his seat and closed his eyes. A million thoughts ran through his mind. Just then, Scully pulled in to the parking lot. She had contemplated driving home and leaving him there, but something compelled her her to come back.* You can't give up that easy* she thought. She parked and walked to his car. She had stood there until he opened his eyes and saw her. He opened his mouth to say something. She held up her hand. " Don't say anything !" " she said. " I would rather not talk,okay !! " He slowly nodded. She could see the pain in his eyes. And he could see the hurt and rejection in hers. " We can go home together or separately, it's up to you !! " She let that hang in the air as she walked back to her car. She then said: " I'm sure Bryan or Sara would return the car for you !! " As Bryan walked out, Mulder tossed the keys to him and said: " Thanks, Bryan !! " Bryan's response was to wave to Scully and walk into the diner. He had taken the bags out of the car. Scully popped the trunk and and Mulder set them inside. He got in the car. Scully pulled out of the parking lot, waving goodbye to Sara and Bryan. They settled into a tenseful silence. He turned to apologize for everything today, this week..everything. He 'd turned into a jerk recently and he didn't knwo why. '' Look, Scully...." " Mulder, don't, okay !! I'm upset enough as it is !! Don't make it worse !! " She continued to stare straight ahead. he turned and looked out the window. Since his head was turned, he didn't see her reach up and wipe away tears. When she couldn't stand the silence any longer, she reached up and turned the radio on. A popular song by Celine Dion came on. Scully couldn't handle the "All By Myself" line, so she switched it to another station. this one happened to be country. She didn't usually listen to country,but since it provided background noise, she left it on. Mulder turned toward her when she changed the station. He reached over and took her hand. She glanced towards him. he intertwined his fingers in hers. Surprisingly she didn't resist. She also didn't say anything, so he did. " Scully, I think we need to talk. " " Yeah, Mulder, I think we do !!, " she said. " I apologize for everything I've done ! " ' You will understand if I have trouble accepting your apology.." she asked. "Yes, I will !! I can't believe how I've been acting !! Like this, you know what !!.." " I can't either !! You get mean, and then you'll be as friendly as ever !! She looked at him closely . " It must be the results of the procedure !! " she said. " I had never put two and two together !! Do you think it will pass ??" he asked. " I don't know !! You should see a doctor !! " He was silent. He still refused to get help. She sighed. As long as he wasn't going to get help, there was nothing for her to say. It was late when they reached home. She popped the trunk and pulled her stuff out. " Let me get these for you, Scully !! " " No, " she hissed. She picked up her stuff and headed for her door. " Let me help, Scully !! " " No, Mulder, just go home !! She kept her back to him so he wouldn't see her tears after watching her walk to the door. Mulder pulled away. Scully put her things away, then took a long shower. The whole time she was in the shower, the phone rang. When she stepped out, and finally heard it ring, she purposely ignored it. " This is Dana Scully...please leave a message !! " She knew it was him. " Scully ?? I know you are home...pick up !! We are going to have to talk sooner or later !! " He sighed. She stuck her tongue out at the answering machine. " Shut up, Mulder !! " She changed and sat on the couch.he decided calling calling every 5 minutes was a better attention getter. When she couldn't stand it anymore, she turned the ringer off. She sat on the couch and relived the day in her mind. She was still upset at being ditched. It wasn't the first time and wouldn';t be the last. That was what upset her the most. She had met some wonderful people along the way, she thought. She decided to call Sara. She called information and aksed for the number for Sara's diner. * I hope she's working late !* She thought as she wrote the number down and dialed. " Sara's !! How can I help you ?? " a tired voice answered. " Can I speak with Sara Armstrong please ?? " " Dana ?? Is that you ?? " " Yeah....did I call too late ??? " Sara laughed. " No....we don't close for another hour anyways !! So what's up ?? " Dana sighed " I got home and Mulder kept calling and I really don't care to talk to him !! " " I was so worried about you !! " Sara said. " I can see why you don't want to talk to him !! But you do know that you'll have to face him, right !! " Scully sighed, " I know, but I'm going to postpone it as long as I can !! I know that's childish, but I don't care !!! " " I know what you mean !! You think he'll pop up ??" " Oh, Sara...you shouldn't have said that !! He'll show up, believe me ! " " He's a persistant one, isn't he !! " Scully laughed, " Yes, he sure is !! Oh !! Tell Bryan I said Hi and thanks !! " " I sure will !! How did the ride home go ?? " " Not well !! It was spent mostly in silence !! " She got up and walked to the kitchen. " Which in itself is quite surprising, since we always have something to say ! " She opened the fridge, intending to make a sandwich or something. Just then, there was a knock on the door. She closed the fridge and leaned against it. " He's here, Sara !! " she said softly. Sara laughed. " Are you kidding ?? " '' No, " " Come on, Scully !! You have to talk to me !! " he said. " I'm sorry, Dana,but I have to go !! I wish I could talk you through this !! " Scully smiled. " Thanks for talking to me !!!" "Oh, no problem !! Let me get your number and I'll call you tomorrow !! " As Scully exchanged her number, Mulder's insistant pounding became worse. She hung up the phone and walked to the door. " What are you doing here, Mulder ?? " she asked. " Scully, I've got to talk to you !! I know you need time alone to deal with this, but I have something I need to say !! " " Fine, come in, " she refused to look at him. She didn't want him here. " Scully, I am so sorry about what ahppened today !! I took off and left you deserted in a town where anything could have happened !! !! " " I don't want to hear this right now !! You've already apologized and now I need the time to accept !! " " Listen !! Just listen !! " he yelled. " You have to hear me out before deciding anything !! It's only fair and I'm so confused right now...." " You're confused ?? " she yelled back. " How can you talk about being fair and confused ?? You left me today all alone !! ' She felt the tears fall. " I sat there and cried and then that damn nosebleed came on !! I can't handle you leaving me when you get the urge to take off or you suddenly treat me like dirt !! Then you become extra nice !! " She sat down on the couch. She was emotionally drained. He sat down next to her. He gently pulled her into his arms. She tried to pull away from him,but since he was much stronger, he was able to stop her. She satrted crying. " Oh, god, Scully !! I'm so sorry !!!" " You don't know how much I depend on you, Mulder !! Who else is going to come and calm me down ?? " she said. " I may not say it, but I do need you and all you ever do is ditch me !! " She tried to pull away but he kept her still. '' I'm sorry, Scully, I can't believe I've done some of these things !! " he said. She could sense some of his feelings. Deep down she knew he was sorry, but it hurt too much to care. He pulled her up. " Scully, this may or may not be the right time to tell you this but I'm going to say it !! " He took a deep breath and continued. " I love you !! I have loved you for a long time !! Despite all that happened today !! " Her jaw dropped. " Scully, talk to me !! " She closed her eyes. '' Are you okay ?" he asked. " I think I'm going to pass out ! " she said softly. He stood up and pulled her up with him. "No you aren't going to pass out !! " When she had calmed down, he asked: " What now ??? " " I don't know, Mulder !! " she said. " How do you feel ?? '' She stood in front of him. " I love you too, but I can't forgive you !! " He grinned and lifted her up to his eye level. " Though this may seem strange,I am very happy right now !! " She smiled and ran her fingers through his hair. She brought his face close to hers. " I love you, Mulder, but you need to do me a favor ! " she said. "Yes ??" " Kiss me !! " she laughed and he greatly complied. THE END What did you think ?? Let me know !! E-mail me at either mjh@psnw.com or at bwwriter@hotmail.com !! Summer's gonna be too long !! Mulder, where are you ?? The men in white coats are still after me and Sara !! HELP !!!!!!!!