From: Cassie Date: Sun, 20 Aug 2000 00:47:10 GMT Subject: NEW: Means to an End ; NC-17, MSR Title: "Means to an End" Authors: Cassie (Samantha) & Shanda Weeks E-mail: Samantha0223@hotmail.com & ShandaW@excite.com Rating: NC-17, **CONTENT WARNING** : Character Death (sort of), Rape Category: MSR, A, Violence, RST Keywords: Slight Mythology Spoilers: US7 - Pre-"all things" Disclaimer: They're not ours, and we'll give them back as soon as we're done fucking with them. Archive: Gossamer and Haven yes, anyone else please e-mail one of us first. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Special Agent Fox Mulder walked quickly down the dark hallway, anxious to finish the task as hand. He'd simply tell them it wasn't her, and get back to his search. Scully had vanished two days earlier. Her car was still at her building, and none of her things were missing. She'd simply disappeared. Then, six hours ago, a body had been found near the reflecting pool in the mall. The raped, beaten, broken body of a woman. A tiny red haired woman. But, it wasn't her. It couldn't be her. He reached the end of the hall where the obligatory solemn-faced cop was waiting for him. "Are you ready Agent Mulder?" He asked. Mulder nodded abruptly. He wanted to get out of here already. The cop twisted the cord and the blinds went from vertical to horizontal. Mulder peered through the glass. And his heart stopped. His throat constricted and breathing became impossible. It *was* her. Without thinking twice he slammed open the door next to the window and pushed the surprised ME out of his way. He needed a closer look. Her pale, tiny body was loosely covered to her shoulders by a thin white sheet. Said shoulders were latticed with assorted cuts and scratches. There was a deep red ligature mark around her throat, and her face, beautiful even in death, was mottled with bruises that would never fade. "Cause of death?" He asked weakly. The ME hesitated and Mulder flashed his badge again. "Strangulation." The ME said quietly. "And she was raped." It was more of a statement than a question, but the ME nodded anyway. Leaning down to touch her cheek, he recoiled quickly. She was so cold. He couldn't sense her. It was as if his patented "Scully-Radar" had been switched off. Permanently. He could bring himself to touch the body. It just wasn't her. It was her... but it wasn't *her*. This was just flesh and blood... Her spirit, her soul... was gone. He walked slowly out of the room and looked at the cop. "Who did this?" Mulder asked, his voice shaking with rage. "Agent Mulder..." The cop began, refusal on his lips. "WHO THE FUCK DID THIS TO HER!?!?!?!" Mulder screamed. The cop sighed... "A transient. He was - with the body when we found it." "Where is he?" "He's dead. Apparently he put up quite a fight when the arresting officers tried to cuff him. He ran, they shot, and he died in surgery less than two hours ago." "Are you positive he's the guy?" Mulder asked, not wanting even a tiny chance to slip by. "Yes, the... fluids matched, and his blood and tissue was found under her fingernails." He paused and held up a small white bag. "We understand from Assistant Director Skinner that her personal belongings are to be given to you." He held the bag out to Mulder, and he took it. "Thank you for coming, and I'm sorry for your loss." Mulder nodded stiffly and made his way slowly down the hall and out to his car. When he was safely inside and the doors were locked he took opened the bag. Her keys... her watch... her badge... and - her gold cross. Picking up the cross he rubbed the cool metal. Fierce tears began to well up in his eyes and knowing he was alone, he allowed himself to cry. Exhausted sobs of frustration, fear, and grief. Finally - eyes damp and swollen he slipped the cross around his neck, and drove away. ~~ ~~ Instead of going home, he drove to Scully's apartment. He hoped that somehow, being surrounded by her would allow him to sleep. He slid his key into the lock and opened the door. Seeing a shadowy figure emerge from the hallway he drew his weapon and trained it on the approaching form. "Fox!" His blurred vision cleared and he focused on the person. Maggie! Terrified that he'd almost shot his partner's mother, he dropped the gun and sank to his knees. Gut-wrenching sobs began to wrack his body. Maggie rushed over and knelt before her daughter's partner and best friend. Making soothing, motherly sounds she stroked his hair and held him until he stopped shaking. "I want her back." He whimpered. "I know, honey." She said through tears of her own. "I know... I do too." They sat there, on the floor of Dana Scully's living room comforting each other until somehow, Mulder fell asleep. ~~ ~~ 10:13am the next morning Mulder woke up and let his eyes adjust. It took him a few minutes to realize where here was. Scully's apartment. And Scully... Scully was dead. Grimly he stood up, aware that someone was knocking on the door. Glancing through the peep-hole he saw a young girl, no more than 20 with dark blonde hair and big blue eyes. He opened the door. "Can I help you?" He asked. "Mulder? Can I come in for a second?" Seeing the puzzled expression on his face she clarified: "My name's Laura. My uncle, Melvin Frohike, sent me. He wanted me to give you a message." He stepped away from the door and let her come in. "What message?" He asked. She pressed a finger to her lips and quickly closed the door. After doing a thorough bug sweep of the apartment, she joined Mulder in the living room. "The guys did a sweep yesterday, but I'd rather be safe than sorry." "Why were the guys here?" He asked, his brain wasn't working today. Laura looked uncomfortable for a minute and then said, "Dana - she... she had them doing regular sweeps. Once a week for the past six months." "Why?" "Look, I can't really say much more. I only came here to give you this message. It's from the guys - and it's clean. You can trust us." She handed him a slip of paper and opened the door. "Not everything is as it seems, Agent Mulder." She said cryptically, and left. Closing the door and unfolding the paper, he read carefully. "The Williamsburg Inn 1894 S. Duke Of Gloucester St. Williamsburg, VA : Room 1013 5pm." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mulder looked at the note and then back at the door. His feet started to move even before his brain had processed his intent. He was going home for clothes and then to Williamsburg. Something was telling him that he had to go. Something that sounded, to his grieved mind like Scully's voice. He could never refuse anything for her. Except it isn't her. She's dead! Mulder frowned at the annoying voice in his brain that kept reminding him of the truth. He'd seen her body. She was gone. As he started his car toward his apartment he was vaguely aware that there were tears running down his face. It didn't matter. Nothing mattered without her. ***************** Fox Mulder's apartment Alexandria, Virginia Mulder silently entered his apartment and walked to the back room. He didn't make his usual check, it just didn't seem to be important any more. His mind still seemed numb. His body was going through the motions, but he wasn't really alive. A long shuddering sigh escapes him and he catches his breath, trying desperately to fight the torrent of emotions. One lonely desperate sob breaks free and he fell to his knees. He rocked slightly and took two deep breaths. Then he rose and resumed dressing. He reached for sweater and his hand hesitated over the Kevlar vest that lay beside it. Then he grabbed the sweater and pulled it on, leaving the vest where it was. He headed out the door and toward Williamsburg. **************** The Williamsburg Inn hallway outside room 1013 4:59pm Mulder paused briefly outside the door. He started to draw his pistol, and then changed his mind. Instead he drew a deep breath and rapped lightly on the door twice. Silence. He shifted uncomfortably and looked around. That's when he felt it. That's when he felt her. Mulder forced away the tears that threatened to fall and shook his head. It couldn't be her. She was gone, forever. The soft sound of the lock turning caught his attention. Then there was nothing. He waited only a second before entering the room. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust. The shades were drawn and the only light came from the small bathroom off to the side. His eyes searched the room in front of him for the person that had sent for him. There it was again. That feeling. Mulder swung around so fast he almost fell. He felt the blood drain from his face and the swift tightening of his chest. He couldn't breath. It couldn't possibly be. There was no way. He'd seen it, with his own eyes. Then she smiled. And he knew. He reacted the only way he could at the moment. He stepped forward and swept her into his arms, crushing her small frame against his and burying his nose in the fire of her hair. If he had any doubts, they were gone. "Mulder?" Her voice was soft and concerned. He loosened his hold, but refused to release her completely. "Mulder? " "Scully?" He managed to ask, his voice rough and shaking. She reached up and smoothed the hair off his forehead and smiled again. "Yes. It's me." She felt herself being pulled back into his embrace and she relaxed into it. For the first time in more than six months she felt safe. And she was finally with Mulder. Then his hands tangled in her hair and jerked her head back. She saw his tears, but before she could say anything his mouth was descending on hers in a harsh kiss. The force and intensity surprised her and she gasped. Mulder took the opportunity to deepen the kiss, plunging his tongue into her mouth forcefully. When he finally pulled away he gasped at her. "How?" But she didn't have time to answer. His lips claimed hers again with a bruising force. Somehow she thought she would be sore from that one. But it didn't matter. She didn't care. "Why? Why didn't you tell me?" Again he didn't give her a chance to answer. But she caught something from his tone. He was mad. Furious. At her. And yet there was passion and love there too. She was a little bit frightened, ....and a lot aroused. Mulder pushed into her, forcing her to move. He knew that he should stop. That he would hurt her. He was angry and overjoyed all at the same time. How could those two emotions coexist? He wanted to love her and never let her go, and he wanted to make her hurt as much as he had hurt. Her back slammed into the wall hard enough to shake the small table that was against it. Scully couldn't contain the soft moan. "You knew how I would feel. What it would do to me. Why?" he growled, his voice shaking, his mouth still just inches from hers. Scully drew her breath to answer, but he shook his head. Almost before either of them realized it Mulder's lips clamped down on hers again, biting roughly. His hands began to run up and down her body, over her sides and up to her breasts. He twisted and kneaded her breasts until she gasped in pain. Her own hands seeking his hair on the back of his head. Mulder grabbed her hands in one of his and pinned them to the wall above her head. With his free hand he grasped the front of her shirt and yanked. Buttons flew everywhere and the plastic clasp on the front of her bra popped. He gave a soft groan of approval before his lips found her nipple. Scully moaned again. This time in pleasure. The sound went straight to Mulder's groin. Scully could feel his erection pushing into her stomach. She shifted, trying to find a comfortable position. Mulder's free hand reached up under her skirt and found her center. She tossed her head back, making sharp contact with the wall, when he plunged two fingers into her. Mulder felt himself losing control. He wanted this, needed this, needed her. With a growl he ripped her panties away and pushed the skirt up around her waist. Then he fumbled for a moment with his pants, finally getting them unfastened and pushed down. He released her hands and grabbed her around the waist with both hands, lifting her up to face level. Scully instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist. Mulder couldn't wait any longer. When her legs went around him he lost the last remaining piece of his control. With a quick thrust he entered her, pulling her body down and closer to him. Scully's arms went around his shoulders, holding on and helping to balance her weight as Mulder thrust into her. He could feel her body slamming into the wall each time he moved into her, but he couldn't stop. Couldn't slow down. His mind was screaming these words over and over again as he felt her inner muscles contract with her orgasm. The sensation was enough to send him over the edge as well. With one last hard thrust, he came, calling her name out loud. It was several minuets before either one of them could speak. As Mulder returned to himself he started to shake. What had he done? God, had he hurt her? He pulled back enough to look at her, but her eyes were closed. It didn't matter though, he could see the slight discoloration under her bottom lip, and the faint mark of his teeth on her neck. He slowly lowered them to the floor and brushed her hair out of her face. Her eyes opened slowly and a small smile formed on her lips. "I'm sorry, Mulder. I'm sorry I hurt you," her voice was shaking. Mulder tightened his arms around her and closed his eyes. "No. You shouldn't be sorry. I shouldn't have done that. I never meant to hurt you," he said softly. Scully could hear the pain in his voice. She shuddered at the amount of emotion that laced his words. "I wasn't exactly fighting you know," she said. Mulder opened his eyes and looked at her. How could she possibly be here? He was afraid that he would wake up to find it all a dream. "Are you really here?" "I think so," she laughed quietly. Then, seeing the confusion she continued. "Maybe we should talk. I guess you would like to know what is going on." Mulder nodded mutely and released her. They both straightened, as well as they could, their clothes and moved to the bed to sit down. Scully sat with her eyes on the floor, trying to figure out how she would explain to her partner why she had done it. She had to make him understand why she had felt it necessary to rip out his soul without any warning. She knew that's what she'd done. He didn't have to tell her. The look on his face when he'd entered the room had told her all she needed to know. And his words as they were making love had confirmed what she thought. But she wouldn't mention that just yet. She wasn't even sure if he was aware that he had spoken them aloud. She drew a deep breath and started to speak. "About seven months ago I was... informed that I was going to be abducted again. What's left of the syndicate wants to test me. Apparently I'm valuable to them because of my unexpected good response to the vaccine. They think I might be immune to the virus because of it." She paused and let her words sink in before continuing. "I was also informed that if I told you any of this, you'd be killed." She said, fighting back tears. "So, I started thinking... if I was dead, they'd have no reason to hurt you." "So - you've been planning this for seven months?" He asked sharply. She nodded, still unable to meet his eyes. "I went to the guys and explained the situation... they've been wonderful. You met Laura right... she's the one who gave you the message?" He nodded weakly. "She's an artist, an excellent one. She took a mask of my face and... well, she basically made a copy. My features, skin tone, even texture. It was amazing." She ran a hand through her hair and took a deep breath. "We waited for as long as possible until I was contacted again last week. Langly managed to get me a whole new identity... Birth Certificate, Driver's License, Social Security Number... all in the name of Elizabeth Grant. I also have a bank account in the Grand Cayman under that name." She glanced over at him. He was staring at the floor waiting for her to continue. "I stayed with the guys for a night, listening to the police scanner and we heard the call for a murder in the Mall. Frohike did a quick background check on the victim... she was a prostitute with absolutely no family... so they figured she would work. Byers managed to steal credentials and wrangled his way into doing the 'autopsy' which basically consisted of cutting where I told him to cut and affixing my 'face' to the dead girl." He looked up at her, taking her face in his hands. "Why didn't you just tell me?" "I knew they'd be watching you. Your grief had to be real. I wasn't going to take any chances with your life... You probably didn't even know you were followed here, did you?" "Followed?" She nodded, "Laura and Frohike are outside, they called me when you pulled into the parking lot." "So, now what?" He asked, confused. "That's up to you." She said, looking away. "I - I had the guys get new ID for you as well, Charles Grant... I thought maybe you would want to come with me... but I mean, I understand if you can't. It - it would mean leaving The X-Files. I have an apartment waiting for me in Victoria, it's just outside of Vancouver...." He opened his mouth to respond, but she cut him off. "Not yet, okay. Think about it first... and in the meantime..." She reached into the nightstand and brought out a black leather bound journal. "Read this... I started it the day after I was first contacted. Maybe it will help you understand my motives." She left him, and a few minutes later he heard the bathwater running. He stretched out on the bed, opened her journal, and began to read. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Scully groaned as she lowered herself into the hot bath. She was already a little sore. A small smile filtered across her lips as she recalled the look on Mulder's face when he came. He'd called her name. God. She was hot just thinking about it. That was what she had hoped for when she first started to devise this plan. That maybe, just maybe, he would want to be with her enough to come with her. He'd said he loved her. Of course, he still didn't realize that he'd said it outloud. Maybe she should mention it? Well, whatever. He was here now and that was all that mattered to her. She needed him like she'd never needed anyone else. She had known that she was in love with him for a long time now, but had never known how he felt. She'd taken a very big risk in asking him to go with her. She hoped he wouldn't do it just out of some sense of obligation to her because of what had happened earlier. ***************** Mulder opened the book and started to read the first page. It was odd, reading her thoughts like this. They were written almost as if she were talking directly to him. 'Oh. God. This can't possibly be happening again. No. I can't do this again. I won't. But what else can I do? Who can I turn to when I can't turn to you? Krycek contacted me today. God, does that sound weird. I'm sure it was him, even though he didn't leave his name. Just a brief message. They want me again. They need my immunity to their stupid vaccine. Jesus Christ. What will it take to stop them? 'And I can't tell you. That is the worst. They are watching you. That's what he said. They were watching you and if you found any of this out they would kill you. God, Mulder. I can't do this. I can't be the reason that they have to hurt you. I have to do something to stop this. But what? What can I do that will stop this madness that we haven't already tried? And without you, I'm not even sure if I have the strength to be without you.' Mulder shifted position, and looked at the closed bathroom door. His heart was beating fast and he felt like he was ready to explode. He shut his eyes against the flood of emotion and turned the page to continue reading. 'I have finally decided what to do. This is going to hurt so many people, but it will save the most important one. I think. Mulder, I know this is going to hurt you. I know that you probably aren't going to understand. But I have to do this. I have to die. If I am gone they have no reason to hurt you anymore. For all the pain I know this decision will bring to my family.....and ultimately to you.....I see no other choice. To save you I have to hurt you. God! That sounds pathetic even to me. But I have to do this. I'm so sorry. I hope you can understand some day.' Tears were streaming down his face. He could feel the emotion in the words. She had done the only thing she thought she could do. She had done this for him, knowing what it would do to Maggie. She had sacrificed what was left of her family and her life for him. For him and his stupid quest. 'Well, I went to see the gunmen today. After telling them what was going on it took me nearly two hours to convince them not to call you. They worry so much. You have good friends, Mulder. Even if you aren't always aware of it. Just please, know that this has nothing to do with them. It was my idea. Do not let their help in this keep you from them, even if it keeps you from me. I guess I did something really stupid today, too. I asked them to get new identity for me. But I also asked for one for you as well. How strange, to be writing this and know that you haven't got a clue what's going on. I came so close today to telling you. You looked at me with those soft eyes and asked me if I was okay. I know you can tell something is bothering me, but what am I supposed to say? Yes, Mulder, someone has threatened to kill you? No. I can't tell you. I can't risk your life. God help me, I can't bear to put you in that position. 'So, I picked up my new identity today. Krycek called again today too. God, I'm scared. He said soon. It was time. Jesus, every dark corner I go around sends my heart rate soaring. It has to be tonight. I have to leave. I'm so sorry, Mulder. So sorry. 'Langly had your ID ready when I got there, too. I feel rather silly now, with it in my hands. Like you would want to be with me. But god, Mulder, I have to ask. I have to know for sure that what I'm doing is the right thing. I will let you know soon. I promise. And maybe, just maybe, you will be able to forgive me. Even if you don't love me the way that I love you......and I do love you, Mulder........at least maybe you can forgive me for what I am about to put you through.' The words blurred on the page. Mulder re read the last section, not quite believing what it said. She loves him. She said so. It was like a dream come true. How long had he waited, hoped, and dreamed that she could feel this way for him? And now he had proof. She had asked him to go with her, told him that she loved him. Oh God! What had he done? He had everything he ever wanted and what had he done? He'd forced himself on her, not even giving her the chance to say no, or even hello for that matter. He wanted her forever, definitely would've gone with her. But could she possibly still want him? After everything that had happened in the last few hours? He glanced at the bathroom door again. She had been in there a long time. He shuddered and couldn't quite contain the small, horrified sob as he realized she was probably trying to wash away what he'd done to her. He had raped the woman he loved. Oh, no, no, no, no........ He couldn't quite catch his breath for the tears that were flowing unchecked down his face. He couldn't bear to see her look at him with disgust or anger or fear. And he knew, he just knew, that he'd hurt her that way. The journal slipped unnoticed from his hand as he curled up and buried his head in the pillow, crying for the love he would probably never get to know. ************************************* Scully heard the soft sobs coming from the next room, and she felt her heart break. She rinsed the conditioner out of her hair and quickly got out of the tub to dry off. She silently berated herself for putting Mulder in this position. Of course he wasn't going to give up the X-Files. He'd been working on them for over a decade now - and she dared to think he'd give it all up for her? What the hell had she been thinking? What was the matter with her? She slipped into the cool blue satin pjs she'd brought in with her, and ran a brush through her hair. Her back was still hurting a little, so she grabbed three aspirin from her makeup case and swallowed them with a glass of water. She calmed herself as best she could and went into the bedroom. "Mulder?" She called quietly. He was sprawled on the bed with a hand over his eyes. He was fully dressed now, but the heady smell of sex in the air left no chance that it had been a dream. He didn't answer her. Sighing, she padded over to him and curled up with her head on his chest. He turned toward her and wrapped her in his arms. "I'm sorry," He whispered over and over again. "I'm so, so sorry. I never, ever meant to hurt you." "You didn't hurt me." She said firmly. "I'm the one who hurt *you*." He didn't way anything, so she placed a soft kiss on his lips. He turned his head away, refusing to look at her. "Are you hungry?" She asked, after a long silence. He nodded a little, when was the last time he'd eaten? She headed over to her suitcase and pulled out a cell phone. Mulder glanced up at her with raised eyebrows. "It's clean." She said, answering his unspoken question. "The guys told me not to make any calls unless it was on this line. It's secure, with a built in scrambler." Flipping through the Hampton Roads phone book, she found a Chinese place in Colonial Williamsburg and ordered their dinner. Kneeling down, she began to retrieve the buttons that had flown around the room earlier. Mulder propped himself up on his elbows and watched her. Her bottom lip was swollen and slightly bruised and there was a red bite mark on her delicate white throat. Evidence of what he'd done to her. He pulled himself to a sitting position and tried to think of something to say. "Scully... about my coming with you..." "Mulder." She said, cutting him off. "I don't want to talk about this right now." She didn't think she could handle him saying he didn't want to come with her. Mulder nodded grimly. He thought bitterly. He looked up as she sat down beside him. He turned and she leaned back into his arms. They sat there, just listening to each other breathe for a very long time. "I'm sorry." Mulder said, breaking the endless silence. "For what?" "I - for forcing you. I know you didn't want..." "Mulder, you didn't force me to do anything I didn't *want* to do. What happened, happened because I wanted it to." She opened her mouth to say more, but the knock at the door cut her off. "You get it." She whispered. He rose to answer the door and she pulled her Sig Sauer from the nightstand and checked the clip. Standing next to the doorway, she nodded to him. It was just the food. Mulder paid the delivery driver and the spread the containers out on the table. "I was wondering where your gun was." Mulder said as she dropped the Sig back into the nightstand. "Don't fake your death without it." She quipped. Her attempt at a joke failed, and they ate quietly. "You want a bite?" He asked after a while, pointing to his General Tsao's Chicken. "It's actually really good." "Sure." She said, nodding with a small smile. He picked up a piece of chicken with his chopsticks and touched it to her lips. "It's hot." He said, his voice slightly, no, make that VERY husky. She parted her lips and he poked the morsel inside. An involuntary shudder racked his body as she closed her eyes and wrapped her lips around the chopsticks, sucking off the spicy sauce. Unlike all the other women he'd known.... the 'I simply couldn't eat another bite, I'm so full from this breadstick' women - Scully *liked* to eat. She savored her meal, enjoying each different flavor. It was an unbelievable turn on. "I need a drink." She murmured. "Be right back." She wandered over to the little fridge and came back with a chilled bottle of Merlot and poured two glasses of the rich red wine. She plopped back down into her chair and drained her entire glass. ~~ ~~ 2 hours and 2 bottles of wine later... Scully was feeling a little tipsy from the wine. Actually, make that a lot tipsy. She eyed Mulder quietly for a moment. He seemed a little withdrawn still, like he was thinking hard about something. She sighed and set her glass down. Feeling a little braver than normal due to the very large amount of wine in her system she turned to Mulder and started to speak. "Mulder, we need to have a serious discussion," she said quietly. He glanced at her, his eyes closed and unreadable. She shuddered. He was definitely trying to hide his feelings from her. Probably doesn't want to hurt my feelings. "Scully, I-" he started to say. She held up her hand to silence him. "No, Mulder. Let me finish what I was going to say. There are actually several things I'd like to say. So just hear me out before you say anything, okay?" Mulder nodded numbly, mentally preparing himself to hear her telling him to leave her. What else could she possibly want him to do? He knew she said it was okay, she wanted to, but he could see the bruises and the way she moved gingerly around trying to find comfort for her back. That was no doubt from the wall. He sighed and waited for her to continue. "First of all, I really do want you to know that I'm sorry. I didn't want to hurt you, to put you through what you had to do. But I honestly didn't think there was any other way. I just, I guess I just need to know that you can forgive me for that." "Scully, just seeing you here, ALIVE, and not laying in that morgue, that's all I need. There's nothing else to be sorry about," Mulder answered softly, trying to convey what he felt. Scully managed a small smile and continued softly. "I have to leave, Mulder. There's no other choice for me now. My family and everyone else in the world thinks I'm dead. I made that decision and I have to follow it through. I wanted more than anything for you to go with me," she paused and lowered her eyes. Mulder had noticed the past tense of the verb and he felt as if his heart were breaking in half. He closed his eyes, not sure he wanted to hear any more. "But I realize that I can't ask that of you. It's not fair to you, Mulder. I can't ask you to give up your life and your work because I have to disappear. So, I want you not to worry about it. I mean, I understand that you can't go with me." She had her head lowered so that he couldn't see her eyes. But from the sound of her voice she was about to cry. Mulder wasn't quite sure what to think. Why would she think he wouldn't want to go? It wasn't like he had a life without her. Is that really what she still wanted though or was she trying to get out of it without making him feel like he'd hurt her? "Are you finished, Scully?" She nodded slightly, still not looking at him. "Can I ask you a question? And have you honestly answer, regardless of what the answer is?" She looked puzzled, but nodded anyway. Mulder drew a deep breath and said quickly," Scully, do you want me to go with you? Still, after everything that happened?" Scully's eyes flashed up to his. He caught the incredulous look before she had time to hide it. She blinked her eyes slowly and studied him. He really honestly didn't know. She could hardly believe it. His soft hazel eyes were filled with pain and something else........hope? Love? Or maybe both? Scully wasn't sure. "Yes. More than anything I want to be with you. I-I love you," she said, almost shyly. Then she hurried to finish, "But like I said, I don't expect you to leave the X-files just for me. I understand that you don't...." "Scully, I love you. Nothing else matters without you, not the X-files, not anything. Scully, god, you have no idea how I felt when I thought you were dead. I couldn't - it was like my soul had ceased to exist. I could barely breathe. I want you, to be with you forever. If I still have that option then I'm taking it," he said, his voice shaking with emotion. Scully stared at him for a moment, not quite believing what he'd said to her. He wanted to be with her? He was going to go? It was all too much to comprehend. She slid over to him and wrapped her arms around his waist in a fierce hug. Mulder felt the dull ache in his chest start to recede when her small arms went around him. He pulled her as close to him as he could and held her tightly for a while. This felt right. Very, very right. Scully smiled into his chest when she felt his embrace. She knew without a doubt that it would all be okay. She sighed quietly, and lifted her head to look at him. She really wanted nothing more than to make love to him all night. However, her body was loudly disagreeing with her. She was a little tender from the rough way that he'd taken her earlier. Not that she was complaining mind you. But it would probably be prudent to wait until tomorrow to indulge in that little pleasure. Still smiling she reached up and kissed him softly on the lips. She could still taste the wine that lingered on them. "You can't drive like this you know... Looks like you're going to have to spend the night." "Scully, are you coming on to me?" Mulder asked playfully. "Maybe." She said, giving him a sly little grin. "But, at the moment all I feel like ding is sleeping." She stood up and padded over to the bed. Pulling back the covers she slid in and raised her eyebrows at Mulder. "Coming?" She asked. He stripped down to his boxers in record time and hopped into bed beside her. "Hi." he said softly, wrapping his arms tightly around her. "Hi." She said, snuggling into him. "I could get used to this." She yawned sleepily and buried her face in his chest. "Me too." He whispered, kissing the silken fire of her hair. He felt her breath against his chest become slow and even and he held her tightly until he fell asleep. ~~ ~~ Scully woke up slowly, letting her eyes adjust to the sunlight streaming in through the window. She was still wrapped in Mulder's arms, and she felt *so* safe. She looked up and was surprised to find Mulder gazing down at her. "Good morning, Sunshine." He whispered, leaning down to kiss her. "Did you sleep at all?" She asked, always concerned about her insomniac partner. He nodded fervently. "Better than I have in months... years maybe." He looked away for a minute, lost in thought. "I think..." he said slowly, "I think I have a solution." "To what?" "In order for me to come with you... I have to die too, right?" He continued, not waiting for her answer. "So... I'll fake my death as well... with a little help from the guys I should be able to pull it off." "Any thoughts on - " "How? Yeah... I was thinking..." He swallowed hard and looked down at her. "If it was... um... a fire, then there'd only be ashes. With Langly at the keyboard, any ID info will be easy enough to change." Scully blinked at him. Mulder was terrified of fire, it was his one true phobia. "Where?" She asked, she knew better than to question his judgement. "You can't burn down Hegal Place, you know." "I know. I was thinking more along the lines of... well, Quonochontaug. Think of it as, poetic justice." He said, a trace of bitterness in his words. She nodded at him, knowing this was what he needed to do. "Well then. Let's call the guys." Scully sat quietly, watching Mulder pace. He was on the phone with Byers, trying to work out the details of their newest plan. She studied the way his body moved, the way his face changed expression as he talked. She couldn't believe that he had decided to go with her. She had been so sure that he would never leave the search for the truth. But he was. For her. "So, Scully, I guess that's it. I'm going back to Alexandria for a few days and then up to Rhode Island. We need to discuss how we're getting out of here and where we are going to meet," Mulder said, turning to face her again. He watched her run a hand through her hair and sigh. She looked run down and pale, almost sick. He wasn't sure, but she looked like she might have lost some weight recently. "Okay. I'm flying out in the morning to the Cayman Islands. I was planning on staying there for a week or so before going on to Victoria. So, I suppose I could wait for you there." Mulder nodded at her, then a soft smile formed on his lips. "I would meet you anywhere if I knew you were waiting, Scully." She blushed slightly at his remark and then started talking again. "Well, the hotel here is booked under an assumed name that the guys had. So, I should be safe until tomorrow morning here. As for the people that followed you, Frohike told me he would take care of that." At the last part of her statement her eyes had lit up with an amused sparkle. "Oh," Mulder chuckled. He figured that if Frohike were `taking care of it' the people would definitely be in for a surprise. Scully moved slowly across the room and reached for Mulder. He seemed a little hesitant, but then moved to take her into his arms, holding her tightly. Scully buried her head in his neck and inhaled deeply. She knew they were running out of time. The longer Mulder was here the more danger they were in. She sighed softly and pushed away. Mulder caught the unmistakable glean of tears in her eyes as she looked up at him. "You watch your back, Mulder," she whispered softly, brushing his hair away from his face. "They may still be after you." Mulder nodded and rested his forehead against hers, needing this brief reminder that she was real before he left her for the lie that was waiting at home. Scully could see the struggle in his eyes. The overwhelming desire to stay with her, the need to feel her to make sure she was here, against the need to defeat these nameless foes that had haunted his existence for so long. "I love you, Scully. Don't ever forget that, no matter what happens in the next two weeks." "I won't, Mulder. I love you, too." She placed a soft kiss on his eyebrow. "I'll be waiting for you, Mulder. Byers will know where to look." Mulder kissed her deeply, trying to taste every part of her through that simple contact with her lips. When he drew his face away there were tears running down both their faces. "Until we meet again," he breathed in a ragged whisper. Then he turned and walked out the door. "Soon, my love," Scully said softly to the closed door, her fingers lingering over her lips in a soft caress. ~~ ~~ Dana Scully's Apartment Two Days Later "Fox, you don't have to do this..." Maggie said, placing a cool hand on the top of his head. He was crouched on the floor of Scully's closet packing up old letters, journals, and other random knick-knacks. "I don't mind, Maggie. I know how hard this must be for you..." He couldn't bring himself to meet her eyes. Maggie was intuitive... one look, and she'd know he wasn't being honest with her. "Dana... she left explicit instructions in her will - everything, and I mean *everything*, goes to you. When I first heard that I was a little surprised... but... Oh, Fox... my Dana loved you." Her voice broke slightly. "You may have never had a legal bond, but you may as well have been married. I know this doesn't mean much - but I've thought of you as a son ever since Dana was taken away." He couldn't take it anymore. He got to his feet, still studiously avoiding her eyes, and wrapped his arms around her. "It means more that you know, Maggie. Thank you. Look, I don't really feel right about this - I mean you're her *mother*..." "She left me a key - to a save deposit box in a bank in Virginia. According to her letter - it contains everything she wanted me to have in the event of her death. She thought of everything, Fox. She always did." Maggie smiled at him and leaned up to plant a kiss on his forehead. "It's strange in a way. She was my daughter - and I do miss her... but in a way, I feel at peace about it. Something tells me she's happy and safe. Maybe it's knowing my little Starbuck is with her Ahab again." She blinked away tears and made her way to the front door with Mulder close behind. "I think I'll go take a look at what she wanted me to have. Goodbye, Fox. Thank you." "For what?" He managed to ask through the tears that were now steadily falling. "For loving my daughter. You have no idea how happy you made her. Call me if you need anything." With that she left, closing the door behind her. Mulder never saw her again. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ TO BE CONTINUED... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Title: "Means to an End - Part 2" Authors: Cassie (Samantha) & Shanda Weeks ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Grand Cayman Island Scully stepped off the plane and blinked at the harsh sunlight. She'd never been to the Cayman Islands before - but according to the guys it was *the* place to hide. Money *and* People. Her bank account here held just under $60,000. All transferred from the savings account she'd had since birth. Langly had filtered it through various non-existent accounts until he was sure it was clean and untraceable. She sighed and ran her fingers through her hair. Glancing up, her eye was caught by the British flag that waved above the terminal. She closed her eyes for a moment and reminded herself that she'd be in Victoria soon, and the running would stop. Using her hand as a shield from the sun, she glanced anxiously around the tarmac. "Hey, pretty lady." Came the unmistakable voice from behind her. She turned, dropped her bag and embraced a surprised Frohike. "You okay, Scully?" He asked, gently patting her back. "Yeah, fine..." She said, releasing him and stepping back. "It's just nice to see a friendly face. The past 36 hours have been pretty lonely. How is he?" She asked. "Fine, considering." "Considering what?" "He misses you." He said simply. "He asked me to give you this." He pulled a letter from his pocket and handed it to her. He left her to go get a rental car and Scully read the letter. Dear Scully, It hasn't even been 24 hours since I left, and already my heart aches for you. I need to be with you, to see you, touch you. I know this kind of communication is dangerous - but I had to let you know that I love you. I'll be with you soon. Wait for me, my love. - M A silent tear slipped down her cheek as she pressed her lips to the letter. ~~ ~~ FBI Headquarters, Same Day Walter Skinner sat behind his desk, rubbing his eyes. One of his agents was dead. Scully was dead. He'd always respected her, but over the years he'd grown to like her. He was worried about what her death would do to Mulder, and... come to think of it - he had yet to even hear from him. "Kimberly," He said, pressing down the intercom button. "Do you know if Agent Mulder came in today?" "Kimberly had to leave early today, Sir. I'm her replacement." The unfamiliar voice said. Skinner blinked for a moment and then stood up just as the door to his office opened. A young woman stepped in and firmly shook his hand. "I'm Laura." She said. Slipping her hand out of his she pressed a finger to her lips in a unspoken request for him to remain silent. She took a small wand-like device from her coat pocked and moved slowly around the room. She removed a very small metal chip from the base of his lamp, and another from behind the picture of Janet Reno that hung on his wall. Examining the chips, she let out a small giggle. "Langly's going to have a blast playing with these." "What are they?" "Bugs." She said tossing them in the air and then catching them. "Someone's been listening to you." "Who *are* you?" "Like I said, my name's Laura. I'm a friend of your two favorite people. Hang on... lemme give you to someone who can explain this better." She whipped out her cell and pressed # 1 on her speed dial. "Lone Gunmen." "Turn the tape off, Byers, it's me." "Hey kiddo, where are you?" "With Skinner - but I don't think he's really going to believe all this coming from me. Is Mulder there?" "Yeah sure, hang on." She heard a few muffled voices before Mulder finally came on the line. "Laura?" Mulder asked. "Yeah, I need you to talk to him, okay?" "Sure, put him on." She handed the phone to Skinner who took it warily. "Skinner." He stated. "Sir..." Mulder began, "God, I need your help... and do I ever have a story to tell you." ~~ ~~ Dana Scully's apartment one hour later Skinner walked apprehensively toward the door of the apartment that Dana Scully had lived in. He wasn't sure what was going on, or the reason for meeting here. But Mulder had told him it was vitally important and had insisted that he come here. He was, to tell the truth, worried about Mulder's state of mind. And the suggestion to meet in his dead partners apartment had only added fuel to that speculation. But Mulder's words, that he needed his help, had piqued his curiosity. Mulder very rarely asked for help, especially his. He stopped outside the door and glanced quickly back down the hall, making sure no one was lurking before he knocked. There was only a brief pause before the door opened and Skinner found himself face to face with a stranger. He didn't even have time to register the fact that it wasn't Mulder standing there before he was pulled roughly into the apartment. "What the hell is going on?" he demanded, the commanding tone in his voice causing the small man before him to back up a step or two. "Shh.....keep your voice down." he said to Skinner. Then he turned and called down the hall, "Hey, Mulder! It's Skinner." A few seconds later Mulder appeared from the hall. Skinner looked the younger man over carefully. He looked drawn and tired, like he hadn't slept in ages. Which, Skinner thought sadly, was probably true. His normally dark skin tone had a grayish parlor to it and his eyes were dark and haunted looking. These were the eyes of a man that had lost everything he lived for. "Sir, thank you for coming on such short notice," Mulder started, and then gave him a small, self conscious grin. "And with so little information." "You asked for my help, Mulder. I came to offer it........that is, if you'll tell me what is going on and," he paused, looking carefully at Mulder. "And why we needed to come here." Mulder drew a deep breath and ran a hand through his hair. He looked immensely uncomfortable as he shifted his weight from one foot to the other. Skinner eyed him closely as his eyes darted around the room, unable to meet the penetrating stare of his superior. "Byers, why don't you go get us some coffee?" Mulder said quietly. Byers nodded and went toward the kitchen. When he was out of sight Mulder turned back to Skinner. "Sir, this story is going to sound crazy, but please let me finish before you make any decisions." "I'm listening,' Skinner said softly, suddenly unsure if he wanted to hear this or not. "Scully's not dead." It was a statement, delivered flatly and in a tone that would brook no argument from Skinner. At the confused and somewhat pitying look that Skinner gave him, Mulder rushed to continue. "She faked her death. It seems someone in the Consortium decided to spare her the torture this time. She was told that she was going to be kidnapped again." he stopped again, running a hand down his face and sighing. "Well, the short of it is this, she's alive and gone. New identity, new life. They will never bother her again." Skinner listened to all this quietly, watching the changing expression in Mulder's eyes. He could see that Mulder was being honest, if not totally telling the truth, at least he was being honest. This didn't really surprise Skinner for some reason. Scully had always been a very intelligent woman and a damn fine agent. He had no doubt that if that's what she wanted to do, Scully could definitely do it. "I need your help so that I can leave," Mulder finished quietly. The statement took a few minutes to sink in with Skinner. When it did, his eyebrows rose and he gave Mulder a questioning look. Mulder shrugged and gave a slightly sheepish grin. "You're going to be with her?" "Yeah. She wanted me to go." Mulder chuckled like he thought that was the biggest mystery of all. "Here's the thing, I have to die." That got Skinner's attention. His eyes snapped back to Mulder's and he searched them intently for a moment. He almost wasn't sure if he understood what Mulder was asking. Maybe he wasn't as in control as he appeared? "Excuse me, Agent Mulder?" "I need to die. In order to leave without Them trying to follow, without constantly having to look over my shoulder, I have to die." He gave an amused chuckle at the relief that flooded Skinner's expression. "And what can I do?" "I want you to make sure that They know that I'm having difficulty. Let them think that my mental stability is in question.. Make a good show of it and insist that I take some personal time." "That's all?" Skinner asked, incredulous. "Yeah. I think I've got the rest figured out. Just need a reason and an excuse to get out of town to put it all into action." "And you're not going to tell me any more?" "Sorry, Sir. I don't think that would be wise. Just know, when the news comes, everything is fine." Skinner studied the man before him for a long moment. He had grown to care about Mulder as much as Scully. They were in fact his favorite two agents, if he were being completely honest, he counted them among his very few friends. He sighed, knowing that Mulder would never tell him any more and he would have to take his word for it. With a quickly forming lump in his throat, Skinner shook hands with Mulder and left the apartment. ************** ************** Fox Mulder's apartment Alexandria, VA next morning Mulder moved silently around his apartment, packing clothes that he knew would be gone in a few days. It didn't matter. The only thing that matter to him now was getting away before getting caught. He wanted as much distance between him and DC as he could possibly put there, as soon as possible. As he packed he mentally went over what he was going to do. The drive to Rhode Island wouldn't be all that bad. Skinner had made a very big scene at the office yesterday evening, with a little help from Mulder. And now everybody believed that Spooky Mulder was about as suicidal as they could get. He grinned as he remembered the look on Kimberly's face when he'd almost hit Skinner. Skinner had known it was coming though, and moved at just the right time, calling for security to remove him and make sure he didn't come back for at least two weeks. A loud knock at the door brought him out of his memory. Who in the hell could that be? He mentally shrugged. It was probably the guys. Byers was supposed to be coming by with the instructions to find Scully. He was paying so little attention to everything else that he didn't check the peep hole before he unlocked the door. That was his first mistake. His second mistake was pulling the door open and stepping back without taking the time to look at the person standing there. Before he had time to consciously realize that something was wrong, he was in the floor. The figure stepped over him into the apartment, shutting the door behind him. Mulder tried to stand, only to be kicked in the side. He let loose a gush of air on a grunt as the cracking noise told him clearly that he probably had a broken rib. The man jerked him roughly to his feet and proceeded to use his fist to change Mulder's appearance. Mulder pulled himself far enough back to try to retaliate, only to feel the force of the man's fist against his chin. He was close enough to the wall that his head hit it from the impact. He could see stars forming in the edge of his vision. Just before the darkness closed around him he heard a familiar voice, whispering near his ear. "How does it feel? To know that you've lost everything? That we have finally won without even having to try?" Mulder fought for consciousness and the ability to answer, but was unable to make his body respond. The low, cynically laughter filled his ears. "Sleep well, Agent Mulder. Maybe you'll find Agent Scully again soon." And then he was gone. The last bit of his consciousness filled with fear, wondering exactly what they wanted from him now. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Grand Cayman 7:30am, same morning Scully sat bolt upright in bed, startling Frohike from his dozing in the chair across the room. He'd stayed with her after some convincing from the other two Gunman that she had no business being down here with no one to look out for her. "Scully?" He asked, peering at her curiously. Without answering him she grabbed her cell phone off the nightstand and punched in a phone number. "Langly? It's Scully, turn the fucking tape off." She demanded. Frohike stared at her in shock. "Where's Mulder?" She listened and then frowned. "No.. I just... I had a bad feeling, can you please check on him. Call him, go to his apartment... something, please?.... Okay... thanks." She clicked off the phone and gave Frohike an apologetic smile. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you... I just..." "Had a bad feeling?" He finished. "Yeah." She drew her knees up to her chest and ran a hand through her hair. "Something... something's not right. I can feel it." ~~ ~~ Fox Mulder's Apartment 45 minutes later Langly and Byers stood in front of apartment 42 knocking uselessly. Eventually Langly pulled a device from his pocket, tucked his unruly blonde hair behind his ear and picked the lock. The first thing they saw was Mulder's prone form lying in the hallway. "Shit." Langly snapped. He ran to Mulder's side as Byers called 911. ~~ ~~ D.C. General "Hey Buddy. On any good drugs?" Mulder slowly opened his eyes to the sight of 2/3 of the Lone Gunmen hovering over him. "Oh God." He whispered. Memories of being attacked suddenly flooded his mind and he sighed heavily. "What did they take?" He asked, knowing instinctively that his apartment had to have been torn apart. "Computer discs. Mostly files, we think." Byers said. "Fuck." It wasn't like he *needed* the files, but something about that cigarette-smoking bastard having his notes (and he knew that was who was behind it) made his stomach turn. He jumped slightly when a ringing phone broke the uncomfortable silence. Byers reached into his pocket and pulled out a cell phone. "Scully?" He asked quietly, and Mulder's eyebrows shot to the ceiling. "Secure line." Langly explained. "She's the only one who has the number." Byers handed the phone to Mulder. "She wants you." "Scully?" "Mulder, what happened? Are you okay? Where are you?" Her frantic voice simultaneously calmed and excited him. "I'm fine, baby... it's okay. Just a couple of bruises." He touched his stomach and felt the binding keeping his ribs from knitting incorrectly. "How are you? *Where* are you?" "The Caymans. Frohike's here." She said quickly. "When... I mean, is everything still..." She trailed off. "I'm still coming, don't worry. We'd better get off the phone, Scully... I don't want anyone to tap into this..." "I know, I know. Mulder... please be careful. I love you." "I love you too, and I'll be there soon." He clicked off the phone and then promptly dialed another phone number. He waited for an answer and then proceeded. "Sir, I'm sorry to use your private line, but I need to ask you for another favor..... I need you to help me find Alex Krycek." ~~~~~~~~~~~ 45 minutes later Charlie's Pub Washington, DC Skinner sat alone in a booth, silently scanning the crowd for Mulder. A wry smile passed his lips and he shook his head. They really had to stop sneaking around to meet. Then again, from the conversation they'd had on the phone earlier it was probably a good idea to sneak around. His eyes settled on the man from Scully's apartment as he entered the bar. Byers, Mulder had called him. The man spotted Skinner and walked quickly over and sat down opposite him. "I was supposed to give this to you. No questions, it's from Mulder and it's clean. He said you would understand the directions," Byers said, sliding a folded paper over to Skinner. Skinner unfolded it and read it carefully. "Is this all?" "Yes. He wouldn't elaborate, but said it was important." Skinner nodded briefly and looked at the note again. "Quonochontaug. This is getting personal, isn't it?" Byers shifted uncomfortably. He knew why Mulder was going to Rhode Island. However, he was completely unaware of the irony of asking Krycek to meet him there. Skinner did know, and for a brief moment considered not doing it. Then he shook the feeling off and looked closely at Byers. "You're his friend?" Byers nodded. "Tell him it's done. And anything else I can do - - well, he knows where I am." "Skinner?" Skinner looked up at Byers as he was standing to leave. "He considers you his friend as well." Skinner nodded, forcing the stinging sensation in his eyes to go away. He watched silently as Byers exited the bar. Then he pulled out his cell phone and dialed. It rang twice before the familiar voice answered. "I need to see you," Skinner said. A brief pause. "It's about Mulder. No.....meet me in the regular spot." Without waiting for a reply he clicked the phone off and left the bar. A silent prayer running in his head for Mulder and Scully.....wherever she was. *********** *********** Mulder's apartment early evening, same day "Mulder, you're in no condition to do this now. You should wait a few days. She'll wait, you know," Langly argued uselessly with the man in front of him. "No, Langly. I have to go. I'm not letting a few bruises set us back. This has to happen now. I already set up the meeting with Krycek," Mulder said. Langly studied his friend closely. A few bruises, yeah, right. "Listen, Mulder, I'm not going to stop you. But I want you to think about it. Seriously. You are in no shape to handle him if this thing blows up in your face. And without Scully....." he let the rest of the sentence trail off at the look on Mulder's face. "I know what I'm doing." Langly raised his hands in surrender and backed up a step. He knew he was right, but there would be no convincing Mulder. He was determined to go through with this. He eyed him speculatively for a moment, trying to decide if there was anything else he could do. Mulder didn't really look all that good. Aside from two broken ribs and a concussion, his face was black and swollen. Whoever had attacked him had apparently used more than just their fists. "So you do, Mulder," he mumbled quietly. Then, "Okay. Go on. Byers and I will be up in the morning. We'll work out the rest of the details from there." Mulder smiled and opened his car door. Langly placed a hand on the door before Mulder could shut it. Mulder looked at him questioningly. "Just be careful. She'd kill us if anything happened to you now," he said. Mulder smiled and nodded his head. Langly stepped away and Mulder pulled his door shut. He threw one last look in the rear view mirror before he pulled away from his apartment and his life, forever. *************** *************** Grand Cayman Island two hours later "He did WHAT?" Scully couldn't believe what she'd just heard. "He, um....well, that is...." Frohike stuttered, moving away from the angry woman in front of him. "I can't believe he did that! I can't believe they let him! What were they thinking?!" "I don't know. All I know is what Byers told me," Frohike explained weakly. Scully drew a deep breath and willed herself to calm down. It wasn't his fault after all. Now those other two..... "Okay, I'm sorry. I know this isn't your fault." She said, a little quieter. "I just can't believe they went along with this crazy idea. Especially after what happened this morning." "He insisted that it was important. Langly tried to talk him out of it." Scully smiled at that. Of course they tried, but once Mulder had an idea, there was no getting him away from it. She shuddered involuntarily. She understood what he was up to, knew that he could handle it if he said he could. But some small part of her was worried sick that she wasn't there to watch his back. And some part of her that she'd only just discovered since they had moved forward in their relationship -- that same part that told her something was wrong this morning -- was screaming that he was in trouble. "Yeah. You're right. He would've done it anyway. At least they are going to be able to help him," she said, dropping onto the bed in defeat. Frohike caught the undertone in her words. "What?" "Remember this morning? That feeling?" At his nod she continued. "Well, it's back. Only worse. I feel like he's in trouble, but I don't know what I can do." Frohike sat down beside her and rubbed her back. He felt a little self conscious, but could tell that she was truly upset. Something was really bothering her and he knew that whatever it was, she was right. "Don't worry, Pretty Lady. He can take care of himself. He'd never do anything that would take him away from you." "I know," she whispered. But deep down she knew that whatever this was, it was going to test that assumption to the breaking point. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ TO BE CONCLUDED... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Title: "Means to an End - Part 3" Authors: Cassie (Samantha) & Shanda Weeks ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Suddenly, she had a thought. "Give me the phone." "Scully... maybe you should rest for a while..." She shot him the *look* and he quickly relented, handing her the phone. He watched as she dialed a phone number and then handed the phone back to him. "Ask him if the room is clean... if Laura did a sweep. It's his private line, it won't be tapped, but I just want to make sure." Frohike nodded and pressed send. When the voice answered he did as she asked and then handed her the phone nodding. "Sir?" "Jesus, Dana?!" Skinner gasped. "Where are you?" "I can't tell you that, for your own safety. I just - I need to know what's going on with Mulder and Krycek. I haven't gotten the full story, and I'm extremely worried." "You know about the plans for the fire?" Skinner asked hesitantly. "Yes, but why Krycek... why does he need him?" "I understand that Krycek is the one who contacted you in the first place?" "Yes." "Well, he's also one of the only people who has access to CGB Spender. Mulder has some... issues to confront before he leaves. I think-" "Excuse me Sir, but I think I know what you think. Are you telling me that Mulder is meeting Spender in Rhode Island?" "I honestly don't know, Dana." Skinner said, sighing. "I honestly don't know." ~~ ~~ Somewhere in Northern Delaware En Route to Quonochontaug, RI 12:23am Mulder rubbed his eyes and gripped the steering wheel tightly. He felt like he'd been driving forever. In an attempt to stay alert, he flipped through the unfamiliar radio stations until he heard the beginning of a song he'd heard Scully listening to once. The lone instrument, a piano, played soft and low until joined by a pensive alto voice. //Spend all your time waiting For that second chance For a break that would make it okay There's always one reason To feel not good enough And it's hard at the end of the day// God, wasn't *that* the truth. He'd been waiting his whole life for a second chance. Looking back, he realized he got that chance the day Dana Scully walked into his life. And, in the same respect, he didn't feel good enough for her. He probably never would. //I need some distraction Oh, beautiful release Memory seeps from my veins Let me be empty Oh, and weightless and maybe I'll find some peace tonight// Distractions... that's what Phoebe and Diana were. Distractions to numb the pain of losing Samantha. God, even Kristen Kilar had been a distraction. Anything to not have to think about Scully's abduction. //In the arms of the angel Fly away from here From this dark, cold hotel room And the endlessness that you fear You are pulled from the wreckage Of your silent reverie You're in the arms of the angel May you find some comfort there// Jesus. How many times had he wanted to open that connecting door in some nameless hotel and go to her? Hold her. Let her hold him, chase the demons away? He remembered a night, not too long ago, after his mother's death. She'd held him that night - all night. He'd slept in her arms, having never felt so safe. //So tired of the straight line That everywhere you turn There's vultures and thieves at your back The storm keeps on twisting Keep on building the lies That you make up for all that you lack// The few times in his life he'd *tried* to go by the book, he'd been stabbed in the back. They'd been shut down - twice. The X-Files were burned. They were re-opened and assigned to Spender and Diana, adding insult to injury. Through it all he'd managed to keep up his facade of strength. Tried to appear unbreakable. Except with her. //Don't make no difference Escaping one last time It's easier to believe In the sweet madness Oh, this glorious sadness That brings me to my knees// How many lies had they been fed over the years? How many times had they been so close to the truth, only to have everything ripped away and buried under a new pile of deceit. Sometimes it seemed like it would be easier to just believe the lie. Sometimes he wished he could just live life not wondering if the world was about to end. //In the arms of the angel Fly away from here From this dark, cold hotel room And the endlessness that you fear You are pulled from the wreckage Of your silent reverie You're in the arms of the angel May you find some comfort there You're in the arms of the angel May you find some comfort here// The song gently faded out and blended into a new one, but Mulder didn't even hear the transition. He was lost in a singular looping thought. My Angel. My Angel. My Angel... ~~ ~~Quonochontaug, Rhode Island 11:45am Mulder walked quietly through the house. He nervously looked toward the clock on the wall. It was almost time. He'd asked Krycek to be here at noon. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He wasn't sure if he was ready for this or not. But, it had to be done. He couldn't leave this life without finding this one truth. He was so lost in his own thoughts that he didn't hear the soft footsteps behind him. "You should be more careful about locking your doors," Krycek said, moving close behind Mulder. Mulder spun around, his pistol already drawn. Krycek raised his hands slowly and moved back, a grin on his face. "Relax, Mulder. You asked me here. I'm not armed." Mulder lowered the pistol, but didn't put it away. He studied the man before him for a long time. "Listen, I asked you here for a reason. I need your help." Krycek smirked, "So, *you* need *my* help." Mulder felt his muscles tense. He really wasn't in the mood to deal with a sarcastic Krycek "Look, I know that you've been in contact with Scully. I know what you did for her." "So, now you want me to help save her," Krycek said softly. Mulder didn't answer, he was trying to figure out how much this guy knew. "I'll help." "Scully's gone, Krycek," Mulder said softly. "But I need your help. And I asked because I know you tried to help her." Krycek nodded his head, still smiling a knowing smile. "Okay, Mulder. We'll play your way. What can I do for you?" "I need to see Spender. I want him to come here to meet me. I don't care what you tell him, just get him here." Krycek considered for a moment and then nodded again. "Okay. When?" "Tomorrow. Tomorrow evening, after dark," Mulder answered. He had already gone over this a hundred times in his head. He knew exactly who's body they were going to find tomorrow night in the fire that would burn this house down. But he didn't have to tell Krycek that. "Alright. We'll be here." Krycek turned to leave and then turned back to Mulder. "Mulder, just in case......well, if it's needed, this is the cure for everything." Mulder took the small disc and looked questioningly at Krycek. "The cure for everything?" "Everything that has plagued Scully......and you. The cure is here." "Why?" "The why isn't important, Mulder. Just know, what I've done has all been done with the same purpose that you have. To stop what is happening from happening." With that Krycek turned and walked away, leaving Mulder staring numbly after him. "The cure for everything?" he mumbled softly. His memory took him back to the hotel where he'd met her. She had looked so pale and weak. Was it possible? Did she take the chip out? Could her cancer be back? Mulder felt a knot in the pit of his stomach. He'd finally found her, he couldn't lose her now. He pulled his cell phone out of his jacket and called the gunmen. It rang twice before a familiar voice answered. "Byers, turn the tape off, it's me." he barked. "Listen, I got a disc I'm sending to you. Get any info you can on the cancer that Scully had. And anything else that might prove important to her health or mine. Understand?" He listened for a moment and then smiled. "Yeah. I figured she would. Listen, I'm sending it today. You'll get it tomorrow. Be ready tomorrow night for the call to do an id, okay?" He hung up the phone and stared at it for a moment. For reasons he could not explain even to himself he felt as though he had just severed his last tie to everything close to him. He shuddered and moved quickly toward the door. He needed to send the disc off and make himself seen around town. That way when the call came in and the body was found no one would question it. *************** *************** Cayman Islands same time Scully pulled her feet up under her and looked out the window. She'd been unable to shake the terrible feeling she'd had since she found out what Mulder was up to. Something told her that he'd gotten in over his head again. And this time she couldn't come save him. He was on his own in this. She put her head back against the chair she sat in and sighed softly. God, what was he doing? Wasn't it enough that they would be together? A sad smile crossed her face. Too bad it wouldn't be forever. The tests had come back positive. The cancer that had been held at bay by the small metal chip in her neck had returned almost as soon as she had removed it. But she wanted desperately to spend what was left of her life free from the lies that had plagued her and would ultimately claim her life. She wanted that to be with Mulder. "Please, God, bring him safely back to me. Let me have the chance to show him that I love him before it's too late." She was so distracted that she didn't see Frohike standing behind her. He listened to her softly whispered words and felt a tug at his heart. He liked this woman. She had always been a good friend, especially for Mulder. He so desperately needed good friends. He knew that she was sick again. She'd told them before she'd left that the cancer was back. She'd also threatened their lives if they told Mulder. But he knew that he had to do something. For both of his friends. He backed away quietly and went to his room to call the guys. Maybe they could think of something yet. ************ ************ Quonochontaug, Rhode Island next day 9pm Mulder paced silently in the living room. It had been dark for a while. Spender should be here soon. He looked again at the small can beside the fire place. He had it all ready. All he had to do was finish it. But for some reason he found that he was nervous. It wasn't the idea of starting the fire, but the idea that he was really going to die in it. He shook his head, trying to rid himself of the fear. That's when he heard the soft footsteps on the porch. He moved quickly into the shadows so as not to be seen. The footsteps hesitated slightly at the door and then the door opened. Mulder watched as CGB Spender entered the room. He glanced around, trying to spot Mulder in the inky darkness that shrouded the house. "Not another step," Mulder hissed, moving into the light where Spender could see the gun he held. "Shut the door and then move very slowly to the couch and sit." Surprisingly, Spender did as he was told. He moved very slowly and deliberately. He had assumed that Mulder brought him here to kill him, but with Krycek outside he wasn't afraid. His eyes took in Mulder's expression. He certainly looked like he was on the edge. They had told him that Mulder had lost his mind after the unfortunate accident that befell his beautiful partner. Not that one could blame him really. It had been too bad. They had needed her. "What do you want, Mr. Mulder?" he asked, his voice carefully controlled. "I want the truth, you bastard," Mulder said harshly. "For once in your miserable life I want you to tell me the truth!" The older man chuckled softly. "Why would I tell you anything?" "Because if you don't I'm gonna blow that satisfied smirk off your goddamn face," Mulder answered, his voice dropping to a whisper. The thinly veiled tension clearly showing on his face. "What truth do you seek today, Fox?" Mulder felt bile rising in his throat. That this man would presume to use his first name, to act as if they were friends. "I want the same truth I've always wanted. I want to know what happened to Sam. I want to know what my father did toward that end. I want to know *Why*. Why her. What did she have to do with the sick lies that you and my father were a part of?" "You want a lot," he answered with a chuckle. Mulder answered his evasiveness by shoving his pistol into Spender's forehead. "Talk or I will kill you." "We've been here before, Mulder. We both know that you can't go through with that threat." The smile on the old man's face was almost Mulder's undoing. "Well, in case you haven't heard, I really don't have a reason not to anymore. I have no life to try and hang onto, no reason to ever go back to DC. What makes you so sure?" Spender studied Mulder closely. He could see the barely contained grief and the total lack of regard for even his own life reflected in Mulder's eyes. For one split second he was afraid -- very afraid. "Samantha is gone." "Gone? Gone where?" "You may not believe this, but she's been gone for a long time. Since that night you watched her vanish into the night," Spender answered. He knew he still wasn't giving Mulder what he wanted. "What happened to her?" Mulder was trying desperately to control the emotion in his voice. He knew Sam was gone. Had known for a long time. But the fact that he was about to know for sure was a hard hit to take. "She was taken to keep your father's silence. He wanted to get out. We couldn't allow that. I'm sure you understand." He reached for the cigarettes in his jacket pocket. Mulder watched him, an almost evil smile breaking loose when Spender flicked his lighter. "You killed her?" his tone was flat, but the pure hatred in his voice was evident. "No, no, Mulder. I did no such thing. Samantha meet an unfortunate end,yes......but it was not of my doing." He was silent for a moment, but Mulder could see he was going to say something else so he remained silent. "It was the aliens that disposed of your sister, Mulder. There was nothing any of us -- your father or myself -- could do." "Why?" "Why, Mulder, I think you already know that. You've uncovered enough in your search to know the rest of it." Mulder backed away a few steps. It was time. He had to do this now. He deliberately moved to the fireplace. The small can was light even though it was full. He carefully removed the cap and turned the can over the wood in the fireplace. Spender watched him warily, unsure of what he was doing. Mulder kept a discreet eye on the man on his sofa. Spender still hadn't figured it out. That was good. He carefully struck the long match that was by the fireplace and touched it to the wood. It caught instantly due to the large amount of gas he had poured on it. He watched the flames grow and then he spoke again. "Yeah. I guess I do know the rest. Now let me tell you a few things. My search has shown me a lot. I swear this to you, someday I will make sure everyone knows what you've done." "How's that, Mulder?" Spender asked, slightly amused again. Mulder acted like he hadn't heard, instead he slowly started pouring the gas in a line from the edge of the fireplace over the living room floor toward the door. "Not that *you* will live to see that humiliation." Now his eyes meet Spender's and the old man flinched at what he saw. "Because of you and my father so many innocent people have died and suffered. My sister was just the first. I am putting a stop to your terror right now." As if on cue the large fire licked outward and caught the gas on the rug. It immediately burst into flame and raced along the floor. Mulder felt fear leap through his heart at the flames. Fire terrified him. But he wasn't finished. He had to make sure Spender didn't get out. With a wide, spinning motion he threw the gas can across the room. It contacted the wall and spilled down it, sprays of gas flying in all directions. Some landed on the jacket Spender wore. Spender quickly tried to shed the coat, but the flames had already snagged onto the fumes of gas and it was burning. The room was going fast, the fire racing up the walls and across the ceiling already. He moved toward the door and freedom. But Mulder was there, blocking his path. Mulder moved to keep Spender from leaving. It was getting hard to breath from all the smoke and the fire was starting to get to him. But he stood his ground, leveling his pistol at the man in front of him. "Not this time you son of a bitch!" Then there was a loud creaking groan from above. Both men looked up at the noise. Mulder caught sight of the orange flame that was consuming the boards. Almost in the same instant the ceiling buckled and debris fell. Mulder lost sight of Spender in the swirling fire and smoke. He tried to move for the door only to be hit from above with another large piece of the ceiling. The last thing he saw before his world went black was the glowing orange and red flames landing on him. His mind was screaming the same phrase over and over again. Scully....my angel. So sorry....... Scully....my angel. So sorry....... ********** ********** Cayman Islands Same time "Mulder!!" Scully sat bold upright in bed. She'd heard his voice, telling her he was so sorry. Fear, icy and hot all at once, gripped her heart. She couldn't seem to catch her breath. In her nose she could smell smoke, acid and black. Tears were streaming down her cheeks. She'd seen, in her dream, Mulder laying under a burning pile of debris, calling out to her. And she couldn't help. With shaky hands she drew her cloths on and stepped out on the balcony. She couldn't get the image from her mind or the smell from her nose. Mulder's voice in her ears, ringing with his apology. No. This can't happen, she thought. She consciously willed herself to relax. It was just a dream. She knew from Byers that tonight was the night Mulder was going to disappear. That was all it was. She was tense and that knowledge caused the dream. Mulder was fine. He would never set the fire while he was still in danger. She moved silently back into her room and sat down. Sure, that's all it is. As much as her brain wanted to believe that, something in her heart was screaming that she was wrong, that he was in serious trouble. Finally, unable to stop it, she bowed her head and started to cry. Loud, heaving sobs escaped her body, shaking her to the very core. ~~ ~~ Gunmen's Lair Washington DC 10am, next morning "Are you in?" Byers asked impatiently. "Yeah, almost. Give me one... more... second. Okay, I'm in." Langly reported. The fire had burned itself slowly down, engulfing the house until there was nothing left but ash. The guys had no idea who's body was going to be burned in the fire, they just knew that they had to intercept the DNA data before it was e-mailed to DC "Here it is." Langly said, weeding though the ME's files. "Looks like she's already done a prelim match. That's easy enough to change. According to this - the remains belong to -" He broke off and stared numbly at the screen. "What?" Byers asked. "What is it?" Langly tapped the last line on the screen. The last line that already listed the remains as belonging to one Fox Mulder. "Shit." They breathed in unison. ~~ ~~ Grand Cayman 15 minutes later... Frohike hung up the phone slowly, still unable to believe what his friends had just told him. His emotions were conflicting. In one respect he was ecstatic because the disc they'd received did indeed contain a permanent cure for Scully's cancer. In another respect he was devastated because Mulder really was dead. now for the hard part. Byers and Langly were flying down... but he was going to have to give Scully the news himself. He went next door and knocked quietly. "It's open Frohike." He heard her call. He stepped inside and peered around. He found her on the balcony, sitting on the chaise lounge with her knees drawn up to her chest and a faraway expression on her beautiful face. Good news first he told himself as he sat down on the end of the lounge. "How ya' feeling?" He asked. "Better, but I have a headache." "Scully, do you remember that disc you got from Cobra? The one that Cancerman stole from you?" "Of course." She said bitterly. "Well... we have it now. Krycek gave it to Mulder, and Mulder shipped it to us. It has a cure for you, Scully." She nodded, tears glistening in her vibrant blue eyes. Finally she looked at him. "What aren't you telling me?" She asked softly. He paused, opened his mouth to speak, and then paused again. "He's dead isn't he?" Frohike just looked at her and the nodded slightly. She closed her eyes and leaned her head back, tears now flowing freely down her cheeks. She felt a hand on her arm and she opened her eyes to meet Frohike's compassionate gaze. "I'm sorry, Dana." "This is my fault." She whispered. "I should have never asked him to come with me. I should have just left him alone." "Scully, do you really, honestly think he would have lasted long without you anyway?" That hit close to home and he watched in horror as her face crumpled into a mask of anguish. "Oh God!" She sobbed and buried her face in her knees. ~~ ~~ 4 days later 8:34 pm "Well?" Byers asked. "I - I don't even know how to explain it." Scully said slowly. "You're in remission?" Frohike asked anxiously. "Not even... it's just gone. Completely, like it was never even there!" She shook her head in shock. "I just wish..." She trailed off. "Thank you. Thank you for everything. I think... I need to be alone for a while. I'm going to take a walk." She went back to her room and changed into her white, french-cut one piece suit, just in case she needed to swim. As much as she fought to keep her emotions under wraps, sometimes a swim is all that would help. She tied a gauzy, blue sarong around her waist, opted for barefoot and headed to the beach. 9:56pm She stood there at the edge of the surf for God knows how long, staring out over the ocean as the water surged and receded over her feet. A silent tear escaped from one eye and she forced herself to remain calm. She could feel Mulder's presence and she smiled. Even in death he was still with her. Out of the darkness a warm hand closed on her shoulder and a pair of soft lips pressed into the back of her neck. She turned sharply and came face to face with... Mulder? She stepped back quickly and would have fallen if he hadn't wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her up to his eye level. "God, I missed you so much..." He whispered, as he buried his face in her hair. She struggled against him and finally he released her. "What's wrong?" He asked. "The guys... the told me you were dead! They said the DNA was already a match... they didn't have to change it!" She cried. His eyes clouded over and he gripped her shoulders tightly. "I'm not dead, baby. I'm right here..." He took her hand and pressed it to his chest over his heart. "Can you feel that? Can you feel me?" She nodded, her eyes fixed on the interlaced fingers on his chest. "How?" She whispered. "Spender died in the fire. I made sure of that. He is technically and biologically my father - so that explains the DNA match. Had the ME any reason to think anyone other than me died in the house, I'm sure the conclusion would have been different/ "But... where have you been for the past four days?" "I got trapped in the house when I burning beam fell on me. I blacked out, but Krycek dragged my ass out. I was unconscious for three days. I - I didn't know you thought I was... Oh God, I'm sorry, baby. I'm so, so sorry." He said, cupping her face in his hands. "Scully..." "Hmm?" "Krycek... when he gave me the disc... God, Scully, are you sick again? Did you take the chip out?" "Yes, I took the chip out. Yes, I *was* sick, but I'm not anymore." She said, gazing up into his soft hazel eyes. "The disc?" "Yeah... you saved my life again." She smiled. "I missed that smile." He whispered, tracing her lips with his fingers. She responded by smiling wider and then pressing her lips to his fingers. The electricity between them began to crackle as she darted her tongue out and the slowly drew his index finger into her mouth. She suckled it gently and watched as his eyes darkened with desire. He gently pulled his hand back and leaned into her, pressing their bodies together and claiming her mouth with his. He slid his tongue into her mouth and shuddered at her audible moan. Their tongues met and danced as they tasted each other. Pulling back to breathe Scully took Mulder's hand and pulled his back to the blanket she'd spread on the sand. He raised an eyebrow at her. "It's late and it's the off season. No one's going to see us." She whispered into his ear before gently licking the lobe and then drawing it into her mouth. She sank to her knees and pulled him down with her. Mulder snaked one arm around her waist and pulled her tight against him. His other arm went around her shoulders and his fingers laced into her hair. He pulled her head back slightly and kissed her lips, very softly and gently. Then he slowly teased her lips with his tongue and teeth, deepening the kiss. Scully laced her fingers behind his head, weaving them into the soft curls at the base of his neck. She tugged his head closer to her, biting at his lower lip and then running her tongue over it to soothe. Her insides were jumping from the passion in his kiss. She was still reveling in the fact that she was kissing him when an hour ago she'd been sure he was gone forever. She moved her lips slowly from his, sweeping gently across his face and down his neck, tasting his skin. Her fingers moved to the bottom of his t shirt and pulled it up and over his head, running her hands back down his bare chest. Her lips followed the path of her hands across his shoulder and down. That's when she saw it, and stopped completely. "Oh, god! What happened?" she asked, her voice shaking slightly. Mulder glanced down at his shoulder and grimaced slightly. "That's why I couldn't get out of the house alone," he said quietly. Scully leaned down and kissed softly across the large purple\black bruise that covered most of his left shoulder. His breath caught in his throat at her caress. Scully gently pushed him backwards until he was laying on the blanket. She moved slowly across his bare skin, her fingers first, then her lips following. She moved down his chest, biting lightly at his nipples and kissing a path down to his navel. Her lips paused and her fingers found the button on his jeans tugging it open quickly. She raised her eyes to look at him as she pulled his jeans out of her way. Mulder felt his desire soar when he caught the hungry glint in her stormy blue eyes. She grinned and gave him a wink then grasped his boxers and pulled them down and away as well. Then her lips landed on his leg and she slowly kissed a path back up. By the time she reached his upper thigh, he was panting heavily. Scully smiled against his skin as he moaned softly. She feathered light kisses around his hips, always skipping over where they both wanted her to go. Then, when he was shifting restlessly beneath her, she moved her lips over his throbbing erection and kissed it lightly on the tip. "Oh, god...." he breathed harshly as she dragged her tongue slowly up and down his length. With a small chuckle she wrapped her lips around him and pulled as much of him into her mouth as she could. Mulder's hips bucked unconsciously up toward her mouth. She slowly started moving her head up and down on him, running her tongue around him as she went. Mulder began rocking his hips gently in time with her movements. He couldn't believe what was happening. He gasped loudly as she nipped at the sensitive skin on the tip. He wasn't going to be able to take much more of this. With a sigh of regret, he reached out and grasped her arms, pulling her up across his chest and clamping his lips onto hers in a deep, needy kiss. When they broke apart, he bit lightly at her lip and smiled. "You have on too many clothes," he whispered. Scully smiled and rose up on her knees. She slowly untied her wrap and allowed the gauzy material to fall to the blanket behind her. Mulder watched, breathlessly, as she ran her fingers up under the straps on her swimsuit and pushed them down her shoulders. The suit fell to just below her breasts and pooled at her waist. Mulder sat up and brushed his fingers across her chest, eliciting a soft whimpering noise from her. He smiled up at her and leaned forward to wrap his lips around her nipple, suckling softly and grazing over it with his teeth. She sighed and leaned her weight back, allowing him to support her with one arm around her waist. The she grasped her suit and pushed it the rest of the way down, moving her legs around so she could pull it off. Mulder pulled her body back up against him, running his hands over her warm flesh and reveling in the soft noises she was making. Scully felt his fingers dance across her thigh and up. She shivered and arched herself toward him. Mulder smiled against her lips and moved his hand into the damp curls between her legs. She moaned into his kiss and spread her knees farther apart to allow him better access. He rubbed her clit gently with his thumb, moving in fast circles around the area and then back onto the hard nub again. Finally, when she could stand no more, she pushed him back onto the blanket and crawled up his body, kissing him as she went. Mulder sighed and ran his hands up her back, holding her close to him. When she was eye level with him again, he rolled them over so they were facing each other on their sides. He laced his fingers with hers and nudged her legs apart with his knee. Scully sighed and threw one leg up over his hip, using her heel to pull herself closer to him. She could feel him against her entrance, hot and hard, causing her groin to throb in sweet agony. She moved against him, causing him to moan into her lips. Then, with a small movement he entered her. They paused and looked at each other, their eyes communicating the depth of emotion flowing between them. Then they both started to move at the same time. Their bodies naturally finding a common rhythm and moving together perfectly. Scully could feel him sliding in and out of her, causing thrilling sensations to spread throughout her body. She'd never felt anything that could compare with the feelings that were coursing through her. She felt the beginning of her orgasm building in her body. All her cells were tuned into the wonderful pressure that was building in her center. She rocked into him, arching her back and throwing her head back as the pleasure built to almost unbearable. Her fingers, which were still laced with his, tightened on his hand and she raised her lips to his ear. "I love you, Mulder," she whispered. As the last word came out she felt the pulsing waves of her release wash across her. A soft sighing sound escaped her lips as the pleasure rippled through her entire body. Mulder heard her words an instant before he felt the first convulsions of her body. He held her tightly against him and his lips found hers to swallow her soft cry. As the last of the contractions moved through her he exploded within her, the intensity surprising even him as it shook his body. "Love you, love you, love you," he mumbled brokenly as the waves swept him away. They lay quietly in each others arms, trying to catch their breath. They were still holding hands, and their bodies were still entwined. Mulder was running his free hand lazily up and down her back and Scully had her head buried in his shoulder. For a long time neither one of them moved, both enjoying the feel of the other. Finally, Scully raised her head and looked at him. "I'm sorry, Mulder," she whispered softly, her eyes filling with tears. "What for?" he asked, his face showing his confusion. "For what I put you through. For making you think I was dead," she answered. Her voice broke and she stopped for a second. Then she drew a deep breath and continued. "I didn't realize....." "Shh.....S'okay," he said softly, placing a finger over her lips to silence her. "It's okay. We're together now....that's all that matters. And," he added ruefully, "I returned the favor quite recently." Scully nodded somberly. "I was so scared, Mulder. I-I just knew something was wrong. And then, when they told me.......I just--" she stopped, unable to express her feelings. Mulder felt his insides twist painfully. He understood. He'd felt the same thing. "I'm sorry, baby. God, I never meant to.........I'm so very sorry," he whispered. "What happened, Mulder?" "I set the fire with Spender in the house. I guess it got away from me. The last thing I remember was seeing that beam falling. Then.....well, then I woke up in this little apartment with Krycek. He told me it had been three days." He sighed and closed his eyes. "I didn't know you thought I was dead or I would have contacted you." She reached up and smoothed her hand down his face. "It's okay, Mulder. I know you didn't know." Mulder looked at her intently for a minute, then he pulled himself up and reached for his jeans. Scully watched him curiously as he dug in his pocket and withdrew a small box. He kept it hidden enough that she couldn't tell what it was. Mulder looked back at her and she was startled by the look in his eyes. "Scully, I know this may not be the best time," he started, smiling down at their still naked bodies. "But, I need to say this. I love you with everything I have. My soul, heart, mind, and body all belong to you. I don't ever want to be without you again." He paused and held the small velvet box out to her. "I know we can't do this as us, like I'd like to, but.....Will you marry me?" Scully's eyes widened as she took the small box from him. Nestled inside was a diamond cut 2 karat amethyst with two small diamonds on either side. Her eyes flew to his and he could see the fresh tears that were building there. He could feel the moisture in his own eyes and smiled at her through the quickly forming tears. "Oh, Mulder," she breathed softly. "I -- Of course I will!" Mulder's smile got bigger and he reached out and pulled her into his arms and kissed her soundly. Scully sighed and snuggled closer to him, content to stay here forever. Mulder pulled away and looked into her eyes. She reached up and wiped away the stray tear that had fallen from his eye. He gently grabbed her hand and pressed it to his lips. "Always, Scully. I will always love you," he whispered gently. "I love you, Mulder. I always have. I always will." *********************** One year later Memorial Cemetery Georgetown She walked slowly, the weight of many years showing in the carriage. But she held her back straight, never faltering in her steps. In her hands she holds two red roses. She pauses slightly, her eyes scanning the surrounding field as if she could sense the eyes that followed her. Then she moved again, coming to a stop in front of a white marble headstone. She moved quietly, sinking to her knees between two graves. Her head is bowed, but the grief is evident. She begins to talk, drawing the watchers closer. She still hasn't noticed them, but they are there. They are listening intently as she speaks. "Dana, honey, I miss you so much. It hasn't been the same without you. Bill and Charlie aren't the same." A small half smile crosses her face and she shakes her head. "Even in death, Bill couldn't keep you from the one you loved. I told him as much, but he still couldn't believe I'd do it. I want you to understand, that's why he hasn't been here since the funeral. He won't." She traced the tips of her fingers across the name on the headstone and gently placed one rose on the grave. Then her attention shifts to the one next to it. A sad, almost wistful smile graces her still beautiful face as she traces the name and date on the black marble. "I couldn't believe it when they told me. Well, maybe I could. But I never dreamed that you'd do it yourself. I always just imagined you becoming too reckless without her to guide you. But never that you would take your own life." She pauses briefly and wipes a tear from her cheek. "She loved you. And I know that you loved her. I wish I could have known you better, if for no other reason than to know Dana better. I can only hope that in death you've found what you couldn't find in life." She is silent for a moment, contemplating. Then she speaks again. "I want you both to know, I'm okay. You're boss has been a great friend. Actually, I came here today to tell you -- both of you -- that from this tragedy I have found peace. I have met a man that can help me to get through this. And I want you to know, we are always thinking of you." She placed the other rose on the second grave and rose to her feet. With a last longing look at the two headstones she moved away. They watched her, her head high and shoulder back. The tall man waiting for her on the hill held his arms open and she walked into them and he held her tightly. His eyes roamed the empty cemetery. He could feel the presence. He was almost sure, but not quite. He could see no one. The woman in his arms raised her head and smiled at him. "Walter?" "Yes?" "Take me home. The boys are waiting. We have a long drive still," she says wearily. "Okay, Maggie," he answered, smiling gently and putting his arm around her shoulders. Only then does she allow her rigid posture to falter, allowing the watchers to see her grief fully for the first time. They walk away, leaving the cemetery and the graves of her children until the next time. After they are gone the watchers approach warily. The small red headed woman and the tall dark headed man stand side by side, gazing at the scene that Maggie had left moments before. The man pulls his companion close and feels her response in the form of a strong hug. Silently they read the words engraved on the marble. //Dana Katherine Scully Feb 23, 1964 to March 3, 2000 Beloved daughter, sister, friend, and partner May God hold you close to those you love// //Fox William Mulder Oct 13, 1961 to March 13, 2000 Beloved son, brother, friend, and partner May peace find you in the next life// They stand silently, looking down, absorbing the magnitude of what has happened. The words Maggie Scully spoke only moments before still lingering in their ears. A single tear finds its way down the woman's face. Her companion gently swipes it away and kisses her tenderly on the lips. "Let's go home. It's over." his voice is velvety and soft. "Yes. Take me home," she answered looking up into his soft hazel eyes. They turn and walk away hand in hand. She stops and casts one last look at the graves. They are dead. Those people who's lives were intricately interwoven with a government conspiracy to hide the truth. They did all they could before they left this life for the next. She looks back up at the man beside her. His eyes tell her everything his mouth will not. She nods slightly and they walk again, leaving behind them forever the pain of lies, deceit, and treachery. For the two people buried here life ended abruptly in early March a year ago. For the two people that walk away life began anew in that same cold March. Neither one of them looks back again. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ THE END OF THE WHOLE STORY. All Done. Bye-bye. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ -- All other fan fic is archived at my website : http://xffortress.hollywood.com Feedback is lovingly cared for at Samantha0223@hotmail.com