Date: Sun, 26 May 2002 10:23:53 -0400 Subject: Fw: X-Files Doggett/Reyes Romance fanfic submission Source: direct Author: Teresa Title: Two Hearts Healing Summary: DRR- 'Release' missing scenes and post 'Release' Category: Doggett and Reyes Romance Rating: PG-13 for John's usual language Disclaimer: Thanks CC and Co of Fox's X-Files for creating the wonderful characters of Monica Reyes and John Doggett. It was late Friday evening but Monica and John were still finishing up their reports in the basement office after the toughest week they had ever spent. Earlier that day A.D. Brad Follmer had shot Regali, the killer of John's son Luke. Follmer was in federal custody under psychiatric observation since he had broken down emotionally after admitting he killed Regali because he was afraid Regali was going to expose Follmer's involvement with the mob. Monica finally mustered up her courage and pulled up a chair next to John's desk and sat down near him. "John, I'm so sorry I didn't tell you years ago that I saw Brad take that bribe in NY. I had no idea that Brad was helping violent criminals stay on the streets, let alone Luke's killer. Can you ever forgive me?" Monica looked at him anxiously waiting for his response. She was worried that she had ruined her chances with John now that he knew about her affair with Brad and how it ended. She was sick at heart that she had disappointed John and not lived up to his expectations. He was such an honorable man and she had tried so hard to earn his trust. But as a woman, not an FBI agent, she loved him totally. She couldn't explain why. From the moment she had first met him when she was assigned to help find his missing son nine years earlier, she had strong feelings towards him as if they were destined to be together. Even though he was still married and she dated other men and they hardly saw each other over the years she had this deep bond with John that she knew would never go away. Since they had become partners over the past year, she had begun to realize he cared for her too and it was a wonderful feeling. But she knew there was no hope for them to get any closer until everything was out in the open. "Oh hell Monica- you couldn't have known there was any connection with Luke but why didn't you come to me about it? I would have done something about that son of a bitch Follmer years ago. Dammit it Monica I can't believe you cared so much for that slimebag that you didn't try to nail him when you found out he was crooked." John practically spat the words out with his arms folded glaring at her with his steely blue eyes. "I didn't know where to turn John. You had just finished your training at the Academy and they had assigned you to D.C. I couldn't jeapardize your career by getting you involved. Brad had so many connections in high places that I knew it would have been his word against mine and I couldn't have gotten anywhere making accusations against him without rock solid proof. If I had kept on seeing him, maybe I could have checked out his finances and found out what he was doing with the money, but I just wanted to get as far away from him as I could. I've been wanting to tell you for a long time but I was afraid of what you would think of me. Or that with your temper you would have done something foolish." Monica fought back tears. She felt so exhausted. "Well, I guess I better be getting on home". She started to get up. "Wait, Monica. I'll walk you out. I'm not mad at you. I'm mad at that bastard Follmer. I admit I can't stand the thought of you and him together but I know what happened wasn't your fault. Everybody makes mistakes. I know you've tried to make up for yours these past couple of years." He spoke to her as gently as he could hoping to ease her mind. Everything that had happened that week had made him finally realize just how much he loved her and needed her in his life. Seeing her upset this way touched his heart and he wanted to comfort her. He put his arm around her as they walked down the hallway. She looked up and his kind expression made her smile through her tears. "Monica, I want to ask you something. Barbara agreed to meet me tomorrow afternoon at the beach. I've been keeping Luke's ashes at the house all these years. Will you drive up there with me? I know that's asking a lot and it's okay if you don't want to go. I know you're tired." "Of course I'll go if you want me to. What time should we leave?" She tried to compose herself but she was overcome with emotion to think that he not only wasn't upset with her but that he wanted to spent the whole day with her for something so important. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx John came by to pick her up promptly at 10 with coffee and muffins in his truck for their trip to NY. He felt somber to be going on this sad trip on such a beautiful morning but the sight of her eagerly waiting to keep him company for hours on an off-duty Saturday gladdened his heart. "Monica, do you want to bring any of your CD's to play? All I've got is country." "That's okay, I'll take my chances." She smiled, knowing that she was so far gone on him that whatever music played while they were together would sound beautiful to her. And she was right. She felt in total harmony with him as they rode together. He told her some funny stories about Luke that he hadn't thought about for years. They were lost in their thoughts and quiet tears as they listened to George Strait and Diamond Rio and Trisha Yearwood. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Monica stayed at the pickup truck while John and Barbara walked down to the ocean to scatter Luke's ashes. She had been afraid that going there with him would seem like she was imposing, but he had asked and she could never refuse John anything. It had taken him so many years to be able to overcome his guilt about not finding Luke's killer and his marriage breaking up. Monica had always been there for him patiently waiting for the day that he would open up to her and let her share his life. When he walked back up towards her, she stood there waiting until he reached for her at last. Both of them didn't want the embrace to end. They finally leaned away keeping their arms around each other and he kissed her gently on the lips. "I love you" he said. "I love you too" she said as they cried and held each other again. Finally, he helped her in the truck and when he got in, she slid over next to him and put her head on his shoulder. They wrapped their arms around each other and looked out over the blue ocean and sky. They each said a silent prayer and felt peace in their hearts at last. "John, I know you were a wonderful father and husband. I hope you realize that." "I want to believe I did the best I could. But I couldn't make her happy. I' ve been thinking that you and I make a pretty good couple Monica. But I don't know if I could make you happy. I know I've acted like a jerk. I don't know how you've put up with me. But I'm crazy about you." "Oh, John. Just being with you makes me happy. Don't you know that? I could never let you go like she did. You're the only man who has ever cared enough about me to worry about making me happy." They shared another kiss- a much deeper one this time. "Hey beautiful, do you want to drive back to D.C. now or find a place to spend the night and drive back tomorrow?" John asked with a smile. "I have a feeling you know what would make me happy tonight John" she said as her heart was racing. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx