Little Girl Lost Part I By: Jaybird023 aka Jamie Tanquary Summery: M/S romance. Scully and Mulder investigate a murder while trying to deal with a certain turn of events in their relationship. Rated: NC-17 for adult situations and sexual content. Spoilers: Way too many to list Disclaimer: These characters (sad to say) are not mine. They belong to Chris Carter, FOX network, and the gang at TEN THIRTEEN productions. Of course they wouldn't be anything without Gillian Anderson or David Duchovney, so in a lot of ways they own them too. There are also several songs in here that aren't mine. "Last Night" belongs to a group named AZ YET. "Anymore" belongs to Travis Tritt. And last but certainly not least, "Stay Forever" belongs to Hal Ketchum. The movie "8 Seconds" does not belong to me either. I'm not quite sure whom it does belong to. The Landing Strip is an actual bar, so I don't own that one either. Mike Grimm owns it. The poem used in this story is mine (took me three weeks to get right…LOL) NOTE TO ALL: SUE ME!!!!! I DARE YOU!!!!!…..like you really care. Many Thanks to: Ok, Aroxi Hoover, Thank you for enjoying my story and begging for every page. Marc Smith, I loved your input. Dave Eddy (you understood my writers block). Matt, you truly are an inspiration to my writing. I can do nothing but thank you (and say that the film should be back next week sometime!!…lol) And many more that I'm sure slipped my mind. Thank you all for putting up with my strange ideas and weird ways. Not to mention my non-stop talk about The X-Files (I hate to disappoint all ya'll but it's not gonna stop). FEEDBACK: This was my very first fan fiction. It actually took me almost 8 months to write. So don't be too cruel. WRITE TO ME. I LIVE OFF THIS STUFF!!! Jaybird023@hotmail.com My Website: http://members.xoom.com/Xf_shippers/ Authors note: This story takes place before the sixth season started. You will see some inconsistencies from the present story line of the show. ***** ***** ***** PROLOGUE 54th STREET DENVER, COLORADO 9:27 PM When Sonja Simmons walked out of her parents' house she knew something was wrong. She had a nagging feeling that she had forgotten something, something of great importance. She hastened her footsteps when she couldn't figure it out. Whatever it was she would pick it up later. She was halfway home before she heard the echo of footsteps behind her. She turned…and saw no one. With her heart beating frantically in her chest, she started to walk again. She shuddered, still hearing the footsteps matching her own. They grew closer and closer, until she knew for certain that someone was following her. She stopped and turned again. "Is there anyone there?" She was getting frustrated. This whole charade was getting beginning to grow old. She had been followed home four times already this week. When nobody answered she began to walk again. She was even more aware of the sounds around her this time. She was so concerned about the footsteps that she ran into a little girl. She jumped and took a step back. Sonja had seen this girl once before. The little girl had spoken a cryptic phrase, then run off the last time. Sonja was beginning to wonder if something was the matter with the child. "Are you alright? Do you need help finding your way home?" Sonja's voice was impatient. She didn't want to be there. She kept wondering what kind of parent would let their child out this late at night. She was surprised at the little girls' response. "Why couldn't you do it? I placed all my hopes and dreams on you. But the only thing you ever thought of was yourself. You are entirely too selfish. The only important person in your life is you. You're just like the rest of them. I wish you had been different." Sonja looked at her with shock. "What the hell are you talking about? Are you some kind of miniature mental patient?" The little girl looked at her with hate and contempt. "It's over. I can't concentrate on you anymore. I've already wasted too much time and too many dreams on you. You are no longer a problem to the world." Sonja ran. She didn't think about why. She just knew that if she didn't get away from the child something bad would happen. She ran through the field across from her apartment. She was almost to the edge of the field when the pain hit her. It was excruciating, branching out from her chest, until her whole body was throbbing. Stumbling, she fell to the ground, darkness covering her eyes and threatening to take over completely. She fought the darkness….knowing if she passed out then she would die. Sonja screamed…bloodcurdling loud. The sound carried into the night getting lost in the evening wind. Losing the battle she passed out. Sonja died twenty minutes later, all alone in the empty field. The little girl stood over her, watching until she took her last breath. The girl turned, walking away. It was time to look for someone new. Maybe the next one would be the right one. ***** ***** ***** GEORGETOWN 7:30 PM Scully glanced around her apartment and groaned with frustration. There were case files everywhere she looked. They were stacked on her table, her chairs, and hell…there were even a few on top of her TV set. The folders had been cluttering her apartment ever since the X-files had been reopened. She imagined what Mulders' apartment looked like and laughed out loud. It was a hundred times worse than hers would ever be. Scully pushed her laptop away letting out another groan as she did so. The tiny computer slid to the edge of the table and balanced precariously. Her hand snapped out to stop it from falling. She sighed realizing that she hadn't even been paying attention to it anyway. Righting the computer on the table, she gave up the notion of getting anymore work done. Her mind had been wandering, her concentration lacking, no matter how hard she tried to keep it on the case file. The daydreams started as soon as she allowed her body to relax. They had centered on only one event for the past few months…the day she had gone to tell Mulder that she was quitting the FBI. She had tried to leave…to escape his hurt filled eyes. But he had followed her, attempting to change her mind. The words he spoke had surprised her. He told her he couldn't go on without her…that she made him a whole person. She had become flustered, not knowing what to say to comfort him. Instead of speaking, she had hugged him, tying to erase the hurt in his eyes and hide the tears coming from hers. Pulling away slightly, she had kissed him gently on the forehead. When he pulled further away, she tried not to be disappointed. Then his head had taken a downward tilt. Her heart sped up and she realized how close they were to making another mistake. His lips had barely touched hers and then the blinding pain had taken over. No matter how much she tried to ignore it, one question came to her mind when they were together…What would have happened if that bee hadn't stung her at that particular moment? The dreams ended abruptly at the sound of knocking on her door. She was still trying to clear her foggy mind when she realized it had to be Mulder. She stood up to answer the door and hesitated for a brief second. She put her hand on the lock, knowing her cheeks were flushed, and prayed he couldn't tell what she had been thinking. Sometimes they both seemed to be able to read each others minds. She prayed this wasn't one of those times. Shrugging off her uneasiness, she took a deep breath and opened the door. "Hi Mulder…" The words died in her throat. He was standing in her doorway with an expression she could only describe as shock and surprise. She felt the blood rush to her cheeks when she realized why he was staring at her. Mulder couldn't help his reaction. Scully, his Agent Scully, was standing in front of him wearing nothing but tiny black shorts and a tight green T-shirt. His body tensed as his eyes traveled from the auburn hair on her head to the tips of her toes. Realizing he was standing in her doorway with mouth gaping, he quickly regained his composure. Trying to control the tightness in his groin, he finally opened his mouth to speak. "Scully, are you gonna invite me in or do we have to work on this case in your hallway?" "Of course Mulder…" Her voice was strained as she tried to hide her uneasiness. "Sit down while I go change clothes." She started to walk away but his grin caught her off guard. Mulder didn't want to deprive himself of seeing her this way. He stopped her. "Scully, we really should work on this case. Besides, why bother…I have seen you in less." He smiled when he saw her blush. She never could have guessed exactly how much their first case together had affected him. Mulder walked into her apartment. He looked disdainfully towards her couch and opted for the floor. He never had liked her furniture…it was too nice for his tastes. Placing his body between the coffee table and the couch, he pushed the table away slightly. "Gosh Scully, no wonder you're dressed like that. It's hotter than hell in here. Got anything to drink?" He turned towards her just in time to see her blush again. Damn…she thought. What the hell was going on? Why was she acting this way around him? "Sure Mulder. What do you want? I have Iced tea or Root beer." She watched his face carefully. His reaction to her question was more important than he realized. He looked directly into her eyes. "Iced Tea, of course." His voice was husky…his eyes holding a hint of seduction. Scully laughed and walked toward the kitchen. Mulder watched her body move away and fought the urge to grab her and wipe that smirk off her face. His jeans had grown tighter in the past five minutes, making him realize how hard it was going to be to keep his mind on their current assignment. Especially if they kept playing these sexual games. Fighting for control of his body, he remembered the information he had received before coming over. His voice came out hoarse as he spoke loud enough for her to hear him. "Scully, there are a few women at this bar, The Landing Strip, that claim the victim was being followed by a ghost…I think we should check into that. One of the managers of the bar said we could speak to them when we got out there." Scully walked back into the room and placed a beer in front of Mulder. When he looked at her questionably she shrugged her shoulders. "Thought you might like that better." He ignored the beer and kept looking at her. "Well, what do you think?" Briefly, Scully tried not to get frustrated. She debated on whether or not he would listen to her theory on ghosts and decided it wouldn't matter. He wouldn't listen to her anyway. She shook her head slightly. She didn't feel like arguing with him right now, and she definitely wasn't in the mood to discuss logic with him. Realizing she wasn't going to answer him, he reached across the table to grab her laptop. He broke the silence that had settled in the room with his next question. "So, Agent Scully, have you made any progress on this case yet?" He grasped the tiny computer in his right hand while sliding his left hand across her leg. He kept his face neutral, trying to hide the fact that he had done it on purpose. He had to find out if her skin was as soft as it looked. Scully jumped at the slight touch of his hand. She knew it was an accident, but the feel of his skin against hers created a reaction she couldn't ignore. His hand was no longer on her leg but she still felt the heat of his palm. Her mind drifted for a moment and she started to imagine what his hands could do to the rest of her body. She snapped out of her thoughts when she realized Mulder was staring at her again. Mulder studied her expression. Her face was flushed and her body rigid. He could tell she was stressed. God he wanted her…so much that he had to fight the urge with all his willpower. It was all he could think about anymore. He started to imagine her body writhing naked beneath his and had to tear his eyes away from her face. He glanced at the screen of her computer to get the picture out of his mind…and laughter erupted from his mouth. She jumped at the sound. "Scully…" He said still chuckling. "This is something I expect to find on my computer, not yours." Scully looked over his shoulder and couldn't hide her gasp of shock. When she had pushed away the laptop she hadn't even looked at the screen. What she saw outweighed the surprise that even Mulder had. It was the victim, but at the time she was very much alive. The woman was standing on a stage in a dimly lit bar with nothing on but a tiny G- string. The room was dark and slightly smoky around her. She had such a look of wanton lust on her face that even Scully couldn't help staring at the tiny screen. "Scully…" Mulder said now trying to suppress his laughter. "It's not very often I find out you've been looking at pictures of naked women." Scully fought briefly with the overwhelming desire to punch him. It was tempting, but she realized it wouldn't help the situation. Instead she said the first thing that came to her mind. "Shut up Mulder." He was still trying not to laugh when he looked at the expression on her face. He couldn't resist responding with his next remark. "Sure…fine…whatever." Mulders face became confused when Scully dropped her head into her hands and her shoulders started to shake. His expression quickly became one of concern when he realized that she was crying. He sat there for a few moments not knowing exactly how to fix the situation. He gently placed the computer back on the table and pushed it away. He kneeled in front of her placing his hands on her knees. He waited…when she didn't look up he assumed the worst. "Dana, are you okay?" Laughter streamed from her lips as she lifted her head. "Why do you always call me Dana when you're worried about me? Why not Scully?" When she saw the frustration on his face, she tried not to laugh louder. She locked her eyes with his and asked another question. "Mulder, why must you always assume the worst? Why can't you look at a situation and see the better side of it?" She paused briefly. Then she leaned her head closer to his until their noses were just barely touching. "Don't be so pessimistic." Scully turned her head away from his. She glanced around the room while trying to get rid of the warmth that seemed to be emanating from the closeness of his body. He was making her nervous and she couldn't figure out why. His grip tightened on her legs and she waited…knowing he was going to sit back down. When he didn't move, she shifted her gaze back towards him. When she saw his expression, she shivered. He was looking at her, his face consumed with passion. His voice was low and purposely seductive when he whispered his next words. "Scully, I don't look at every situation and see the worst. Sometimes I look around and wonder how I got to a certain point, but most of the time I'm exactly where I want to be." Desire flooded throughout her body while his lips gradually grew closer to hers. He was searching her face…staring into her eyes…her soul. She didn't know what to say, or do, for that matter. She didn't know why, but it seemed that her entire body was suddenly screaming for Fox Mulders touch. She had to stop this situation. She had to say something…anything. "Mulder, I don't think…" The sentence was lost as Mulder lightly brushed his lips against hers. He pulled away slowly, a look of amazement on his face. When she didn't protest he placed his hands on the nape of her neck and pulled her into another kiss. His lips were gentle, slowly tasting the sweetness of her mouth. Her mouth opened beneath his, her tongue darting between his lips. The heady scent of him covered all of her senses, until she couldn't think or breathe. Her mind screamed at her, but her body was reacting without thought. She knew they had to stop…but her mind ceased protesting when his arms circled her body and pulled her to the floor. Laying her across his chest, he held her tightly. So tightly, that he felt her heart beating with his, accelerating towards what they both knew was inevitable. Their passion had been destined from the moment they met. Mulder knew if he let go of her he would feel as if he was letting go of half his soul. Abruptly he broke the kiss. "Oh god, Dana." His moan invaded her mind. Scully raised her head and searched for his eyes. She captured his gaze just as his hands started to explore her body. It shocked her to realize that she didn't want to stop him. She didn't want to ignore the feelings he was giving her. His hand slipped beneath her shirt…his palm lingering on her stomach. She knew he was waiting for a protest. It was a protest that never came as she finally realized she wanted him. Instead, she opened her legs and settled her body fully onto his clothed erection. She thrust her pelvis against his, hearing him moan again. "Scully…" Repeating the motion, she watched as his eyes closed and his head fell back. She smiled to herself, slowly rotating her hips while paying attention to his expression. He groaned each time her pelvis came in contact with his desire. "Oh God Scully…you have to stop. Dana…please." Mulders body was alive with excitement. The sensations she was sending throughout his body were almost too much. If he didn't stop her soon he was going to explode, ending this intense moment before they both got a chance to truly enjoy it. Knowingly, he moved his palm to the curve of her breast and ran his fingers over the hard tip of one through her bra. Her body stilled. Taking his chance, he rolled their bodies until she was beneath him, cradling him between her thighs. He nestled his erection between her legs and thrust downward. She moaned his name…a long guttural moan coming from deep within her chest. "Your not the only one who can tease, Scully." He said, chuckling softly as he thrust against her again. Her eyes closed slowly and a tremor racked her body. Scully's mind was in a state of disbelief. She was confused and amazed that they had finally reached this crossroad. After all this time together they had finally reached the point of no return. This isn't happening…she thought to herself….she had to be dreaming. She felt his cheek graze hers and slowly opened her eyes. As their gaze locked, she forgot about everything but the feel of his body next to hers and the depth of his eyes. In his passion, his eyes had turned a deep jade green. Mulder stood up and leaned over to pick her up in his arms. She gave no protest. As he carried her towards her bedroom she snuggled closer to his body. He realized what they were about to do and his heart pounded loudly in his chest. He hesitated….knowing she felt that hesitation. He knew he had to be careful with her. She was a lot more fragile than even she would admit. Slowly, Scully nuzzled his neck. Her tongue nudged out, tasting his skin as her lips trailed to his ear and closed over the lobe, sucking gently. He groaned, his hesitation forgotten. She was still exploring the taste of his skin when he placed her on the edge of the bed. He pulled away from her exploring lips, searching her eyes. In them he saw a raw sort of love that he knew she would never admit. He knew it in his heart and soul. Scully watched his face as he tenderly started to undress her. He was so absorbed in what he was doing that she was afraid to speak…afraid she would break the spell. Releasing her breasts from the lace of her bra, he exhaled deeply. Running his hands lightly over her stomach, he lifted the weight of her breasts in his palms. She heard herself moan as he ran his fingers over the tightened tip of each one. He was watching her carefully…studying the passion and pleasure etched in the contours of her face. Laying her down gently on the bed he pulled her shorts and underwear off. Pulling away from her, he stood at the edge of the bed and stared at her body. She was so beautiful that she took his breath away. He could tell she was growing impatient when she reached up to help him out of his clothes. "No Scully, let me look at you." He wanted to remember the way she looked at this moment in time. He wasn't sure if he would ever get the chance to make love to her again. He needed to be able to reach into his memories on all those nights he was alone. To see her lying there with passion consuming her every movement….her every look. Leaning over, Mulder took one of her hardened nipples between his lips and suckled softly. Her fingers entwined throughout his hair, pressing him closer. His hands began to explore the soft lines of her back, her waist, and her hips as he finally lay down beside her. Scully moaned, feeling his fully clothed body press against her naked one…and her impatience grew again. She reached between their bodies, unbuttoning his shirt, and this time he didn't protest. When she had succeeded in taking his shirt off she pulled him into a tight embrace. Skin pressed against skin and they moaned in unison at this intimate contact. She ran her hands down his body until finally she was tracing his erection through the thick fabric of his jeans. Smiling, she locked eyes with him. "You know Mulder, as much as I like you in these jeans, I'd much rather see you out of them." Their laughter echoed throughout the room. His throaty chuckle quickly turning into a gasp of pleasure when she succeeded in pulling his jeans and boxer shorts down far enough for his erection to emerge. Running her hands down the hard length of him, she tugged gently, starting a rhythm. Mulder was moaning with every movement…every touch. He tried to tell himself this wasn't a dream, that she really was there giving him more pleasure than he thought he could stand. His mind accepted the reality as she slowly slid down his body and took the length of him into her mouth. Oh god…she was driving him crazy. The feel of her warm mouth wrapped around his erection was almost too much to handle. When the tension became unbearable he rolled away and dispersed with the rest of his clothes. He lay back down next to her and pulled her close to his body again. With hands, lips, and tongues they explored each others bodies. Touching, tasting, and feeling they slowly sent each other to the bottomless depths of passion. The passion raced throughout their bodies until neither one could stand it any longer. Unable to wait any longer, Mulder placed his thigh between hers. Her legs parted restlessly at the gentle pressure. He positioned his body above hers…his breathing faster then any other moment of passion that he could remember. She surprised him…her hand reaching between their bodies, guiding him slowly into her warmth. His erection pressed forward until they were joined completely. Mind, Body, and Soul merged together in passion that was denied no longer. "Oh my god Mulder…it has to be a sin to feel this good." He held still inside her body…waiting for her to show him the way. Her hands crept towards his hips, the pressure guiding him to move. He withdrew gradually, watching the expression on her face. She was patient…but her eyes betrayed the true depths of her passion. Her hips rose, offering the pleasure they both knew existed. It was too much for him to handle. He thrust back into her…his eyes losing focus on her for a brief moment. They moved together in this age old rhythm, driving each other in this act of love. Her legs circled his hips, driving him further into her body. She moaned with frustration. It wasn't enough…and it would never be enough. She wanted to curl up inside his chest and never leave his warm embrace. Her heart knew the truth of the situation. They would never be together again. Fate just wouldn't allow it. "Hold on…" Words whispered breathlessly in her ear. Grabbing her arms, he wrapped them around his shoulders. If her breathing had been anywhere close to normal she would have asked him what he was doing. Instead, she waited. He didn't fail her. He lifted her body…shoving her against the wall. Her mouth formed a small "O"…and a soft smile formed on Mulders lips in response, the expression almost childlike. He supported her body with his own as he sped up his thrusts. She closed her eyes and threw her head back…screaming with every blinding thrust. The echo of her moans and screams rattled throughout the room. She was close to the precipice. Wanting to fall, but still unable to. His fingers trailed to her chest…pinching the raised nipples until she screamed. "Oh god Mulder…Oh God…Yes!!!" The waves coursed throughout her body, a shudder of pleasure racing through her tiny frame. He slowed his thrusts, wanting to suspend her in heaven for as long as possible. His arms wrapped around her gently and lowered their bodies back to the bed. She opened her eyes. She needed to see him…needed to see his eyes, if only to make sure they showed no signs of regret. She was shocked to see him crying. The tears streaming down his cheeks until they were lost in the fabric of the sheets. "Scully…you're so beautiful. I never expected…" His words were muffled. She captured his face in her hands, knowing what he needed and why. Tears disappeared at the touch of her lips. She was kissing him. He needed the reassurance…of this she knew. Her hands ran slowly down his back, placing the pressure to move once more. She guided him to thrust. Faster and faster until finally, their moans mingled together. This time they would hurtle over the precipice as one. His cries filled her ears when he could no longer hold back. He thrust deep and hard into her…and she joined him screaming his name in response to the sound of hers on his lips. They collided in pleasure. Both wanting more than this…but only Scully knowing that this would be the first and last time. Scully was aware of nothing until she heard Mulder softly whispering to her. She almost asked him to speak up…but there was no need. She heard him over and over speaking words that made her cringe inside. "Oh God Scully, I love you. I've always loved you." The words were a litany on his lips. It took him a moment to realize she was crying. "Scully, are you alright? What did I do wrong?" "Mulder, you didn't do anything wrong. In fact…you did everything right. I just can't believe we just…we just…" "Made love?" The question lit his eyes up. "Scully is that all this is about? It's ok. I've wanted to tell you all this for so long. I wanted to touch you and make you mine forever. I love you Scully. Can't you see that?" She couldn't look him in the eyes. There was no way she could explain it to him…no way to just stop that expression on his face. She disentangled her body from his and started to pull her clothes back on. She knew he didn't understand. He couldn't possibly. After her relationship with Jack Willis, she had promised no more personal involvement with someone she worked with. She would only end up hurt. There was no way out. How could she look at him after this, day after day, and know what it was like to share this moment? They couldn't work together anymore. It would only get in the way. She knew she had to put this situation under control right now. She felt lost, hopeless, and alone. There would be no way out. Her hands covered her face…the tears coming unbidden. Mulder stared at her, concern tracing the features of his face. He had never felt so destitute before…not even when she had been abducted and he couldn't find her. This was worse. She was blocking him out. She had placed a wall between them with her silence…leaving him to wander in the darkness alone. He didn't know if he could convince her that there was a good side to loving each other. He didn't know where to begin. "Mulder…" Her voice shocked him. It was cold and callus. "We have just made a terrible mistake. I can't allow us to get involved this way. It would destroy our partnership and our friendship. This wasn't love. It was physical attraction. Nothing more, nothing less. I can't love you…it would only lead to danger." Pain flashed over his features before he could mask it. Her words were spoken, and yet, she knew they had destroyed him. She was no better then all of his failed relationships in the past. She hated to see the misery in his eyes…but it was the only way. That was one thing she was most certain of. Mulder stood up…searching for his clothes. He tried not to show the anger ripping throughout his body…but he couldn't hide it. He talked as he pulled on the clothes that smelled of her perfume. The scent would linger longer then their already doomed relationship. "Fine Agent Scully. You're right you know. It never should've gone this far before you were ready. But you see…That was my fault. I thought you had finally admitted to yourself that it was possible. I'm not sorry for what we just did. Not one bit. But I am sorry that you feel the need to lie to yourself." He turned to her with his next words. "I know, inside my heart, that what we just did was a good thing. And instead of lingering in the moment of happiness that we could both have, you chose to push me away. I want you in my life Scully, as more than a partner and a friend. But I can't make you come to your senses. You have to do that on your own. I will be there when you are ready, as I am always there for you. I can't promise anything more than that." He pulled on his shirt so hard that he felt it tear. What difference did it make? His feet carried him to the door…where he paused. Was he missing something? His body whipped around…his eyes searching her face. There was nothing there. She heard his voice from the hallway as he reached the front door. "Get some sleep Agent Scully…you're gonna need it for this case." The words sent a chill down her spine. The front door slammed and she threw her body down across her bed. His scent lingered on her sheets…her tears softly falling from her eyes. How would she face him in the morning? The question cycled through her brain. She tossed and turned in bed until exhaustion crept into her body. She fell asleep crying softly…confusion still in her mind. ***** ***** ***** FBI Headquarters Washington DC 8:04 AM From the instant AD Skinner opened his door he knew something was wrong. They were sitting on the couch but they seemed so distant…so destitute. "Mulder…Scully…" Mulder stood the moment her heard his name. He walked towards the office not caring if she followed. She did so…but reluctantly. She sat next to him, shifting her chair slightly away from his. Skinner noticed it and chose not to comment. Instead, he stood there baffled. They had been avoiding each others gaze since he first saw them. He wondered, with slight confusion, what could have happened between the night before and today that would make them so withdrawn from one another. He studied the uncomfortable looks upon their faces and made a decision. He would not get involved in this one. This was one problem that they would have to work out on their own…as partners. With that decision made he finally spoke. "Do you have any leads on your case?" Mulder glanced towards Scully. She avoided his eyes and he finally understood. She was challenging him. He would have to speak…to try to cover for their actions the night before. He glared at her. There was no way in hell that he was going to tell Skinner everything. The AD was already suspicious enough. He turned towards Skinner and shrugged lightly. "Well Sir, we have a few witnesses…but we still don't know how the victim died. As soon as we get to Denver…Agent Scully will do an autopsy and we will know a little more. But until then there's really not much to tell you." Skinner almost laughed at the next question that came to his mind. His intuition had told him to avoid getting involved, but he almost couldn't resist the curiosity. He wondered if they had finally given into temptation. He dismissed the idea before it could blossom. They were both to afraid to let it go that far. Too much had happened in the past. He knew that they were in love with each other…Hell almost the entire bureau knew. It seemed these two agents were the only ones who didn't have a clue…and they were the ones who needed to know most of all. It was so obvious…yet he knew they had no idea. There was nothing he could do but to hope that they would figure it out soon. His patience with them was wearing thin. "Let me know what you find. I've seen the evidence gathered so far…and I know you've had stranger cases than this. I'll be the first to admit that this case is probably an X-file." Skinner paused…fighting the urge to ask…curiosity overriding. "Is there something…" He caught himself before uttering another word. "Nevermind. You're both dismissed." They stood to leave. Skinner watched each agent…taking in the distance between them. When Scully finally caught Mulders eye he was glad he hadn't asked the question. She was hurting and it looked to Skinner that Mulder was the cause of it. The office door closed behind them and Skinner breathed a sigh of relief. Yes…he thought to himself…this was one situation he would stay out of. ***** ***** ***** Somewhere over Colorado 727 Plane 4:13 PM Mulder knew he was going to lose his mind if Scully didn't talk to him soon. She hadn't spoken the entire day. She wouldn't question his theories…or answer any of his questions. Even when he said the victims were abducted by aliens she gave no comment back. They had arrived at the airport and sat in silence as the plane boarded. He couldn't figure out why she was acting so childish…it was infuriating more than anything. When they took off from the airport Scully had promptly fallen asleep. Now they were almost to Denver and still no words has passed from her lips. She was, in fact, still sleeping. He couldn't figure out how to crack this wall she placed between them. He needed her. There would be no way they would solve this case if she remained so sullen. Scully tossed recklessly in her sleep. His body tensed then relaxed when her head came to rest on his shoulder. He stared at the serene expression on her face…knowing the affect she had on him. He could still see her clearly in his memory. The flush of her body as she screamed his name. Last night was a moment that he would have died for. Something he had always wanted but knew he never deserved. A night of passion with Dana Katherine Scully. He would never understand her reasoning…why she was afraid. His hopes and dreams shattered at her words that night before. He couldn't understand how she managed to distance herself so fast. A voice crackling over the intercom invaded his thoughts. "Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. We will be landing at DIA in about twenty minutes. In preparation for landing, we ask that you seats and tray tables are in their upright positions and that you fasten your seatbelts. The weather looks beautiful…" Mulder blocked out the Flight Attendants voice and chose to focus on Scully instead. Her features were much the same as before. Before he could stop himself he leaned over and placed a kiss gently on her forehead. He scolded himself for the situation…then pulled away rather dazed. Mulder nudged her. "Scully…Scully…wake up. You're drooling on me." His words were enough to invade the sleepy fog of her mind. A memory flooded her thoughts when she saw the expression on his face. Images of Mulder and Modell sitting at a table in some godforsaken hospital room. Mulder placing the gun to his head…no will of his own…and pulling the trigger. The thoughts that ran through her mind at that precise moment were ones that would haunt her mind forever. But no bullet had fired. The gun swung around to her. Modell was running the show that day. He had almost been too powerful for Mulder. She remembered looking down the barrel of that gun and seeing Mulders eyes. They were full of pain and misery…but most of all love and fear of losing her. But now Modell was gone. And yet…she saw those same emotions in Mulders eyes. They were there because of her…solely because of words she had spoken that even now sounded unsure. "Mulder…" His eyes brightened slightly at her voice. "Where are we?" He stared at her for a moment. My god she speaks. His worries of her silence had evolved over time…to a point that he truly expected for her to never speak to him again. The sound of her voice startling him and delaying his response. "We're about to land." He paused. "Scully, does this mean you're speaking to me again?" Trust him to get the facts strait. She nodded and turned away. Their success in all their cases relied on one critical factor…their ability to communicate. If they were going to attempt to solve this case…then they had to speak to each other. They wouldn't get anywhere if she kept behaving like a two year old. The plane lurched uncomfortably as it started it's decent. Her stomach quivered and she tried to blame it on the plane…but she knew the real reasons. It was their case that was doing it. Every time she thought about it a chill shot up her spine. It seemed impossible to explain to Mulder. Especially in their current situation. "Mulder…for some strange reason I don't think we should be on this case. This may sound odd coming from me but there's something strange surrounding this woman's death. I don't want to find out how she died…or even why. I want nothing to do with it…it scares the hell out of me." An unreadable expression flickered across his features and she realized how trivial it all sounded. "I'm sorry, I guess the stress of our job has finally gotten to me." Mulder stared at her. "Scully, I don't think it's the stress. I feel the same way." Their eyes locked and remembered the feel of his arms around her. It had felt perfect…and she knew that perfection never lasted. So she had ended it, maybe too late for them. Silence settled between the two agents. Both were so absorbed in thought that they barely felt the jolt as the plane touched down. ***** ***** ***** End Part II ***** ***** ***** For more parts to this or to see my other stories visit my site. http://members.xoom.com/Xf_shippers/ Again…all feedback to Jaybird023@hotmail.com Little Girl Lost Part II By: Jaybird023 aka Jamie Tanquary Category: MSR Summery: M/S romance. Scully and Mulder investigate a murder while trying to deal with a certain turn of events in their relationship. Spoilers: Way too many to list...but all are before 6th season. FEEDBACK: This was my very first fan fiction. It actually took me almost 8 months to write. So don't be too cruel. WRITE TO ME. I LIVE OFF THIS STUFF!!! Jaybird023@hotmail.com My website: http://members.xoom.com/Xf_shippers/ Disclaimer: Ok, since this was my very first fanfic I don't really think I truly need this. So sue me if you must...but remember that everyone has Karma and it kills. Rated: This part is only PG-13. Thanks: Dana...thanks for your encouragement in typing this and all my other stories out. Without you I truly would be lost. ***** ***** ***** Pe'na Blvd Denver Co 4:50 PM Silence had once again consumed them. But Mulder couldn't take it anymore. There was no way he was going to go into this case half cocked. It wasn't just wasn't his style. In an attempt to kill the dead air between them he resorted to the radio. Scully, on the other hand, was ready to kill him. He had been fiddling with the radio since they left the airport. If he didn't stop soon they were either going to get into a car wreck...or she would deck him. While he was trying to find a decent station...she was listening to them all go by. The tune was weird...bits of every music available. It was starting to give her a headache. "Mulder would you pick a damn radio station before I shoot you?" Her voice was calm and even but she nearly punched him anyway at his response. "Again?" My god she sounds bitter...He thought to himself. He turned the dial once more and left it on the station it came to. Better to not make her any angrier then she already was. "This is Alice One-O-Six. Were sending you a mixture of all your favorite music tonight. This ones for all you lovers out there. Here's Last Night By AZ YET." Tension drained from Scully's body at the first threads of music. The relief was short lived when she heard the words to the song. Her body tensed up instantly. "Last Night...you were so into it, You told me secrets that...you never told a soul. You were so nervous... and yet oh so comfortable, As we explored your image of love. I drank your wine...as you taste mine. I kissed your lips...you felt my mind slip, Into your soul. I almost cried cause it was so beautiful. Last Night...I was inside of you. Last night...while making love to you. I saw the sun...the moon... The mountains...and the rivers, I saw heaven when I made sweet love to you" Scully reached out and snapped off the radio. Mulder studied her profile from the corner of his eyes. His face was flushed...the frustration showing clearly in her eyes. That song...those words. He knew what she was thinking but he resisted the urge to say anything. She wasn't ready for him to be a deeper part of her life. Mulder drove the car...trying not to get lost. He had been to Denver only a few times. But the streets were all pretty much the same. It wasn't hard to follow simple directions. It was her attitude that was bothering him. She was acting so uncharacteristically grumpy. It was affecting his concentration more then he wanted it to. He was relieved when he found the right street. They pulled in front of the bar and he got out quickly. It was an interesting view to take in. Shaped like a tiny castle, The Landing Strip looked like every other strip club he had been to. It stood out from all the tiny family owned businesses on the same street. The landscape looked barren. If a car had not driven by at that precise moment he would have wondered if he and Scully were the only two people left on earth. It was an eerie feeling that he didn't like. He turned towards the front door of the bar and realized he didn't want to go inside. But it was his job...and he would be the last person to turn away. Especially if he ever had hopes of finding Samantha again. Casually, he started to walk to the entrance. When he didn't hear Scully's footsteps behind him he realized she was still sitting in the car. He turned...giving her an inquisitive look. "Come on Scully. Aren't you ready to talk to our witnesses?" She was out of the car in an instant. She hurried to catch up and when she did she was smiling mischievously. "Are you sure you can handle the temptation Mulder? I know how much you like this stuff." The sound of her laughter put his mind at ease. "If you can resist the temptation...then so can I." He relaxed for the first time in twenty-four hours. This was their normal front. They teased each other until one or the other would give in. At that moment he knew without a doubt that everything would be all right. Scully paused just inside the door, letting her eyes adjust to the dimness of the bar. As her vision compensated for the lack of light, she examined her surroundings. The bar appeared rather small from the outside but opened up on the inside. She took in the lights, the loud music, and the provocatively dressed women with an impassive attitude. She heard herself sigh...knowing it would be next to impossible to keep Mulders attention on their case. Thinking of those factors, she turned towards him. Uneasiness ripped through her body when their eyes locked. He had been staring at her. She couldn't help but wonder why when he was surrounded by half naked women. "Mulder why are you staring at me?" "It hadn't occurred to me to look anywhere else, Scully." Her eyes flew open, her mouth dropped, and her body tensed. She was completely shocked at his attitude. She had no idea what she would have said to him if the doorman hadn't chose that moment to walk up to them. Thank the lord for that, she thought silently. ***** ***** ***** As a doorman, Steve had seen some unusual couples walk into the bar...but nobody had ever perplexed him as this couple did. The man looked like he belonged there...but the woman, well she just looked unusual in this setting. He took in their business suits, got a faint notion that they might be lawyers, and then dismissed it. The man was to wild looking to be a lawyer. Steve walked up to them, trying to not look suspicious. "Can I help you with something?" ***** ***** ***** Mulder was grinning when he turned towards the doorman. He flashed his badge casually towards the confused man. "Hi I'm Agent Mulder and this is my partner Agent Scully. There are a few women that work here that we need to speak to." Mulder was astounded at the lack of recognition in the doorman's face. Surely the doorman had some idea of what was going on. For a brief moment he actually expected to get turned away. Then understanding crossed the mans face. "You guys are here to investigate Sonja's death right? You need to talk to Sammy, Teena, and Gypsy then. Sammy and Teena are right there at the bar. Gypsy's on the center stage...you'll have to wait for her set finish before speaking to her." Mulder raised his voice to thank the doorman but he was gone before they could utter another word. Gently he reached over to grasp Scully's arm...leading her through the crowd of men and few women. He sat on one of the old fashioned benches and turned towards her. "So Scully, want a beer?" A slight smile flitted across her face then was gone. Pulling away from Mulder, Scully felt drawn to the stage. She studied the woman and then men watching her. She felt a detached sense that these women had to have a lot of courage or desperation to get up and take off their clothes for strangers. Was it worth it? She wondered silently to herself. Gypsy glanced towards the woman at the end of her table. The bright auburn hair stood out from all the other women in this bar. Even though this woman was dressed in a business suit she still managed to look seductive. It took a moment to realize that the woman was gesturing for her to come over. She walked slowly unsure of what to expect. "I'm Agent Scully of the FBI. My partner and I would like to speak to you as soon as you're through." Scully had to shout to be heard over the music. A few disturbed men looked curiously towards her but she ignored them. Scully saw Gypsy nod to say she understood. Walking back towards Mulder, she looked around for a quiet spot. She noticed Mulder gesturing towards her and followed him as he walked back to the front desk. As they walked, Scully studied the looks that woman were giving Mulder. He paid no attention to them just kept walking strait until he reached his goal. Her curiosity rose when Mulder leaned over to talk to the doorman. Turning away, he walked towards a hallway that she hadn't noticed when they walked in. She had been too concerned about Mulders attention span to look around at that point. Now she hurried towards him and grabbed his arm. "Mulder, where are we going?" "Steve, the doorman, said there was an office back here. He said we could use it to question the witnesses." She followed him as he spoke. They walked past an "Employees Only" sign into a tiny cluttered office. She wondered mutely if they would all fit in there. There was junk piled everywhere. It almost looked like their office, except there were fish tanks here. Then a thought occurred to her. She didn't care how tiny or cluttered it was. The only thing that mattered was that the overly loud music was muffled in this room. It relieved her immensely that she wouldn't have to shout to be heard. "Mulder...we really should interview them separately. You know most witnesses are prone to fabrication when it they are interrogated." She sounded frightened, even to her own ears. "No Scully...I don't think that's a good idea. I think we'll get more out of these witnesses if they are together. Don't ask me why I know this. I just do." They waited. Sitting at a desk that enveloped the tiny office. The muffled voice of the DJ announced new dancers and they watched the door...waiting for the women to come in. They didn't have to wait to long. They filed in one at a time and sat down waiting for the first question. Mulder studied the dancers with speculation. Of all the strip clubs he had been to, he knew they had one thing in common. The dancers had whet he liked to call "Stripper Mentality." They all thought they were the best things God put on earth. "Hello, I am Agent Mulder and this is my partner Agent Scully. We're here to ask you questions about the last days of Sonja Simmons life. Gypsy...I understand that you're the one who called?" He turned...directing the next question towards Gypsy. "What can you tell us about Sonja?" Gypsy stared at them impetuously. For a moment, Scully believed the woman would back out and say she had seen or heard nothing. She was surprised to hear a confident voice from Gypsy's lips. "The problem is...well nobody really cared for Sonja. She was really self centered and kinda snobbish..." "Among other things." Said Teena, cutting in. "Anyways..."continued Gypsy. "Last week, she came in ranting and raving about how inconsiderate her parents were. I guess they had told her if she didn't quit stripping they would disown her. They got into a huge fight and she left their house screaming that she never wanted to see them again. She was really pissed of that day when she came into work." Mulder glanced at her with frustration. "What does this have to do with her murder?" "I was getting to that. The next day she told Sammy that someone was following her. She also said something about hearing voices. I'm not really sure. Nobody really wanted to listen to her. No one cared." The indifference in this woman's voice struck Scully's mind. These women did not like the victim...and it was painfully obvious. Scully turned towards Sammy with a harsh look. "What information do you have?" Sammy started in casually. "Well, Shawna did say something about someone following her, but I pretty much ignored it. I figured she was just stressed out about her parents. I mean who wouldn't be with the way they are?" Sammy's expression faltered for a moment. "You see, Sonja loved her parents very much, but love wasn't a word they used very often. She never told them and they never told her. They were an odd family..." "Odd doesn't begin to describe them or their whacked out daughter." Interjected Teena. "Sonja said something rather strange the day before she died. She said something about the stalker being invisible. She also kept rambling something about a little girl. I honestly didn't think much of it. I didn't care. Nobody really gave a rats ass about her." Scully couldn't hide the disgust in her voice. "She had a family." "Then it may have mattered to someone...just not me. I wasn't affected at all. Except..." She paused for a moment. "Well, my life was a little easier afterwards." Mulder glanced at Scully and quickly stepped between the two women. He couldn't hide the shock on his face. What the hell was she thinking? She never got this emotional over cases. "Well ladies..." The words came out casually trying to stop the tension from escalating. "If you remember anything else you can give me a call." The dancers filed out of the office slowly. Teena threw Scully one last viscous look before walking out the door. Scully ignored it, already scolding herself for creating the scene. She looked towards Mulder and realized he was as shocked as she. "I'm sorry Mulder. With the way that woman was talking you would think she had something to do with the murder. She seemed a little too sure of herself. Mulder tried, but failed, to come up with a response. Her attitude had unsettled his usual demeanor and he knew this wasn't the place to discuss her frame of mind. "Come on Scully. We still have to go to the morgue." He walked out the room, instinctively knowing that she would follow. She didn't want to be alone right now...it was painfully obvious. As they left the bar he was tempted to ask her why she had jumped to such an irrational conclusion. They had absolutely no proof that anyone was involved yet. They reached the car silently. When they were finally situated he knew he had to say something. It would drive him crazy if he didn't. "What exactly was that about? I have never seen you so defensive towards a witness. Were you trying to make them uncooperative? Is this our new way of working?" Anger coated his every word. Scully glared at him. There was no way in hell that she would answer his questions. Her mood had changed so drastically and she had begun to behave the way she had the night before. She was, once again, not making any sense...and he had no idea how to fix the situation. He sighed with frustration. It took everything he had to start the car and pull out into the street. ***** ***** ***** Denver County Morgue 7:30 PM Scully walked into the morgue with a disdainful look on her face. She had been relieved when Mulder dropped her off and muttered something about going to the victims apartment. She had an irritating feeling that she should be mad, but she also knew she needed to get away from him right now. There was too much tension between them. She wanted to blame the strain on him...but she knew for the last twenty-four hours it had been her fault. Why couldn't she just admit the way she felt? Her strict rationalization kept telling her to keep her distance. He was her partner...her friend. They couldn't afford to lose the connection they shared. It would mean the end of her sanity...and possibly his. Scully identified herself to the receptionist then sat down to wait for a doctor. She didn't want to act this way. Her fear of this case kept getting in the way. It popped into her mind every time she closed her eyes. That feeling of dread just wouldn't go away. Somehow, she knew this case would change her life. It would place her in a position that she had been fighting hard to stay away from. She couldn't help feeling like she had no control over the situation or the outcome. It would never end. "Agent Scully?" The deep voice interrupted her semi daze, making her jump slightly. Her eyes shifted towards the young man standing in front of her. He extended his hand...looking at her with curiosity. "I'm Dr. Jeremy Miller. What can I help you with today?" Scully stood up hastily and grasped his hand firmly. "A murder victims body was found yesterday morning. I was told the remains were brought here. I need to look at the body...and also any medical reports you have on the autopsy. The woman's name was Sonja Simmons." Dr. Miller flinched at the woman's name. Scully caught the reaction before he had time to hide it. "What's the matter?" He answered her with a strained voice. "Agent Scully...you see we found some rather odd factors with that particular body. There were no bruises or scratches on the body...no signs of a struggle whatsoever. There was no poison or drugs in the toxicology...and nothing to show that she may have been knocked out. Everything was healthy in her body. In fact there was only one minor thing that could have been considered odd. Her heart, when we finally located it, was nothing more than a small black lump of muscle tissue in her chest cavern. It was a shock to find that...It almost seemed as if...as if..." His voiced trailed off at the last statement, his eyes turning away from hers. "Come on, I'll show you the body." Scully tried to restrain her curiosity as they walked through a set of double doors...but the expression on the doctors face was too much. "Did you determine what the cause of death was?" He kept his eyes averted, debating on exactly how much he should tell her. It was a difficult decision...she would find out the truth soon anyways. He measured his words carefully "We couldn't decide...the diagnosis was strange at best. Our theory, is that her cardiovascular system failed. Her heart reduced in size. In all essence, it just shriveled up inside her chest. But that wasn't even close to being the oddest thing. Her heart looked burnt...it was pitch black. But the tissue itself had no signs of burn lacerations. Heart failure was the closest prognosis we could come up with." They entered the cooler and he gestured towards a drawer. "The body's in that one. You can look it over while I find the autopsy report." Her heart now pounding loudly in her chest, she grasped the handle and pulled out the body. Fear overwhelmed her as she studied it. Scully knew what she was feeling was groundless, but something kept telling her to hang onto that emotion. If it disappeared, then so would she. She examined the body closely...noticing something the other doctors had failed to. If they had, then Dr. Miller failed to mention it. Her eyes locked on the woman's chest, her mind trying to comprehend what she was seeing. A chill ran down her spine, her blood running cold throughout her body. Etched lightly into her chest in a childish scrawl was the word "fear." The word shocked her. Instead of calling out to the doctor she pulled out her cell phone. She dialed, waiting patiently for him to answer. His voice would be her sanity. His words, her comfort. "Mulder." "It's me." Her voice crackled...displaying the anxiety she was feeling. She scolded herself slightly. Her mind kept repeating the same phrase over and over. He must not know. "Find anything interesting Scully?" There was tension in his words...stress showing over the distant phone line. "Mulder...this body has a few anomalies that the medical examiner couldn't figure out. The cause of death is being listed as massive coronary failure...but as far as I can tell that's the furthest thing from the truth. The actual diagnosis is much more complicated. She didn't just have a heart attack. Her heart just shriveled up inside her chest. All the medical examiner found was a small black lump of tissue." She paused when Dr. Miller walked in and handed her the autopsy report. She glanced through it, reading bits and pieces of information. "Mulder, this woman was in perfect physical condition. There is absolutely no reason her heart would fail...much less shrink down to almost nothing." "Was there anything else that seemed strange?" His voice was thick and unsteady. "Yes Mulder..." She paused for a moment to figure out how he had known. "There was a word carved into her chest. Fear...as if that could explain anything. It's the only indication that someone else was involved...but logically nothing could create the damage inside the body without cutting it open." "Scully..." The tone in which he said he name sent a chill down her spine. "I think I should come pick you up. You need to see this woman's apartment." It almost seemed like he was trying not to scare her...but instead she felt even more chilled. "I'll be there in a half an hour." The phone clicked off as he hung it up without waiting for her response. Disdainfully, she placed it back inside her coat and turned towards Dr. Miller. He was staring at her with a confused expression on his face. "Is there anywhere that I can get a cup of coffee?" She wouldn't stand there for this man's scrutiny. He gave her directions to the cafeteria then left her standing in the room alone. As she wandered through the hallways, Mulder remained at the top of her thoughts. Despair shifted to acceptance. There was no way she would let this case beat her. The past twenty-four hours had been hell, but she would make it through this frustrating time. Sitting in the cafeteria...sipping horrible coffee, she waited for the one person she knew she could trust. The only one who could save her from herself? ***** ***** ***** Village Crest Apartments 9:37 P.M. Scully walked into Sonja Simmons completely unprepared for what lay ahead. This couldn't possibly be the residence of the woman those dancers had described. Everywhere she looked there were pictures of family members. It appeared this woman cared about her family very much...almost to the point of obsession. Those dancers had made the woman sound so cold hearted and vain...but this apartment contradicted everything they had said. Mulder watched her reaction. It was amazing how fast she went from knowing what was going on-to complete shock. Yet, she still held up her professional demeanor. He reached for her arm and she jumped slightly. It didn't dissuade him. Instead he led her back to a small bedroom. "All of the rooms are like that...except for one. There's a spare bedroom that has only one picture in it. Some guy that she was seeing up until a week ago..." He hesitated before telling her more. "We also found her diary. There are a few entries that we may get some evidence from. Maybe with your scientific mind you can come up with one of your logical theories." He smiled at her. Instead of returning the gesture, she took the spiral notebook from his hands. Her complexion paled for a moment. The notebook felt cold. She knew without a doubt that she didn't want to read it. She fought against the urge to hurl it across the room and won...but it took everything she had to open it up. May 9th 10:13 AM I went to mom and dads today. They have been acting so irrational lately. I couldn't figure it out until dad started yelling at me. I guess one of Dads friends came into the bar. One that I don't know, but because of dad and his pictures, this man knew it was me. This bastard had to go to mom and dad and tell them I was a stripper. God what an asshole. All they did was scream and yell at me. "It's so immoral and indecent!" Yeah like they have never done anything remotely sinful. I like to dance. If only they could understand that. But no, they have to tell me I'm never gonna go to heaven. I left finally...screaming that I never wanted to see them again and that I hate them. If only they knew how much fun I have doing it. It's not like I'm a prostitute or anything. Gotta go. Work in an hour and a half. I just remembered something else that happened that day. It was so odd. I was walking home from their house and I heard footsteps behind me. I didn't think anything of it at first. But after a while it started getting to me. I turned around to see who it was and no one was there. The whole thing gave me the chills. I ran home and locked the door behind me. Mulder watched Scully as she read the diary. She saw the hopeful look on his face and almost burst out laughing. Instead she locked her gaze with his and tried not to let exhaustion rule her thoughts or words. "Mulder, I know what your thinking. But none of this proves anything. No ghosts...no strange mists involved. Even so, it still doesn't explain what happened to her. The only lead we have is that now we know for certain that she was being stalked." She drew in a deep breath knowing what she said next would make him angry. "I think maybe we should check up on her ex-boyfriend. She was probably suffering from stress related delusions. She obviously had a lot of emotional problems. Maybe she started hearing things to make up for all the pain in her life. There are a ton of rational explanations that would justify her visions." Mulder reached over and took the book from her hands. He was looking around the room...at everything but her. She could tell he didn't want to agree with her quite yet. The avoidance didn't work. She sat there patiently wait for his response. Instead of the argument that she was sure would follow her comments, he shocked her by changing the subject. "Scully, I think we both need to get some rest. Let's get something to eat then some hotel rooms. I need to sleep on this." Scully opened her mouth to protest...then shut it quickly. It wouldn't do any good. She also realized that most of the solved cases they had were because it came to him or her while they were sleeping. Her body was also protesting from lack of sleep and over-charged emotions. She needed some time alone...to situate all the thoughts that had been plaguing her mind all day. She got up off the bed slowly, and then followed Mulder out of the apartment. Leaving that apartment, she felt a weight lifting from her shoulders. So much had gone wrong...but she was certain that it would change for the better. It had to if she was to survive. ***** ***** ***** Happy Jaybird Motel 10:45 P.M. Scully sat back on the tiny motel bed and relaxed for the first time in over forty-eight hours. Her thoughts drifted towards Mulder and she scolded herself. She had to get her mind off of him. There had never been a time when her work had suffered this badly. She always kept her personally life out of it. Just because he was her personal life as well, didn't mean that she could now intermix them. To top it all off, she knew she didn't want to be on this case. There was something about it that just kept rubbing her the wrong way. In all the years of cases they fought for, she would have gladly turned this one over to someone else. If only Mulder felt the same way. Now they were stuck on an assignment she neither wanted nor cared to be on. Glancing towards the nightstand she saw Sonja Simmons diary. Mulder had placed it in her hands when he said goodnight to her at the doorway between their rooms. She had tried to scold him for taking evidence from the crime scene again, but it was to no avail. He never followed policy...why start now? Besides, she knew that it would just get buried into paperwork and evidence rooms. She would never have a chance to look at the thing again. To solve this case...she would need to read it. Reaching over, she picked up the book and opened it up again. She wanted to go home...and it seemed the only way that would happen was if she found out who the hell had killed this woman. The diary would hold the key. May 15th 6:28 PM Has the whole world gone crazy or is it just me? Mom and dad will never understand my determination to support myself in this world. I never sleep with these men. All I do is take off a few articles of clothing in front of them. Yet, my dear mother and father will not understand. I'm certainly not going to tell them. Why must they be so pompous and stuck in their old fashioned ways? Mom called this morning. She told me that if I didn't stop sinning then they would take me out of their will. Am I supposed to care? I would rather have them alive and hating me, then to have tons of money for their deaths. Why can't they just love me for who I am? They just don't love me. On the way home I got that feeling I was being followed again. I heard footsteps and turned around immediately. But this time there was someone standing there. A little girl...who in all rights shouldn't have been there. She was way too young to be out that late without her parents. And her eyes...when I looked into them...all I saw was sadness. When she started to talk to me I about jumped out of my skin. Her voice...it was so soft and unusual. And what she said. It was so cryptic. "You need to say it." That was it. Five words that made absolutely no sense at all. After speaking those words she took off. It was so odd. I don't know what the hell she was talking about. It just confuses me more and more each time I think about it. Well, It's time for bed. So much is happening that I just can't figure out. And now I have nowhere to turn. Scully flipped through a few more pages of the book then stopped when another sentence grabbed her attention. It looked very much like something she would write...and that scared her more then she would ever admit. May 11th 4:38 AM He said he loved me...said he couldn't live without me. Now he's gone and I don't know what I'm going to do. This whole thing has gotten out of hand. And those damn footsteps. I hear them everywhere I go now. It's like a plague that I am standing right in the middle of and there is no escape. Only loneliness and heartache. What am I going to do? Scully turned away from the diary and looked at the clock. With a sigh she placed it back on the nightstand and switched off the light. Mulder was still at the top of her mind...despite the fact that she had just spent a half an hour going through bits and pieces of the diary. She wondered for a brief moment if he was still awake then laughed at her own thoughts. The man never slept. Closing her eyes she slowly drifted into a troubled sleep, full of nightmares and monsters long forgotten. ***** ***** ***** 1:58 AM Mulder had been trying unsuccessfully to fall asleep for the past few hours. His eyes remained open...drifting from the clock to the door of Scullys room. His mind was working overtime, making him wonder if sleep would evade him entirely that night. He knew that Scully was asleep already. He had listened, through thin hotel walls, when she turned out her light and snuggled up in bed. If he strained his ears enough...he could probably hear her breathing. But that wasn't what was troubling him. They had never been so uncomfortable around each other as they had in the past two days. Everything they were going through just kept reminding him to strengthen his resolve. He had already lost his sister. There was no way in hell that he would lose the only other woman he cared about...the only woman he could trust enough to love. Mulder heard her again through the walls. She was tossing and turning...obviously having nightmares. She had been restless for the past hour as it was. His mind drifted...remembering exactly how she had looked two nights ago. The passion alone made him shudder still. But his heartfelt admission had spoiled the whole evening. He couldn't understand why she just wouldn't admit the truth. A soft noise broke his daze. His body tensed and he reached for his gun. The noise was coming from Scullys room. He ralxed when he realized she was probably just getting up to go to the bathroom or something. The door between their rooms flew open and he jumped in surprise. She was standing there,in a her silk pajamas, staring at him. It took him a moment to realize that she wasn't really looking at him but through him. His mind spouted. The thought shocked him. She had never once had that problemn before when they were out of town. He couldn't recall her ever telling him about sleepwalking. And he would've remembered. His mind went into further shock when she walked to his bed and climbed in next to him. Her body slid along his and he resisted the shudder that threatened to wrack his body. There were benefits to her sleepwalking...and he was glad to share in them. Lying there, with Scully in his arms, he debated on waking her up. Her body curled up aganst his, driving the thought from his mind. He wasn't thinking of sex. The weight of her in his arms was enough. He didn't care how he would handle the situation in the morning. He knew it was selfish...but he wanted to spend one night with her in his embrace. Even if it was only that night. With her lying necxt to him his body relaxed. His mind soon followed, allowing him to see things from a different perspective. Scully was the only thing that mattered. He would not fail her. he thought to himself...suddenly wishing he hadn't. For just thinking the words brought a sharp pain in his chest, and hot tears to his eyes. He held her closer...wondering if life had led him, not to this job or this case, but to this woman sleeping peacefully in his embrace. He thought again...afraid that even the whisper of the words would wake her. His body slowly drifted to sleep. Promises of a better future driving all nightmares from his mind. ***** ***** ***** End part II ***** ***** ***** For more parts to this or to see my other stories visit my site. http://members.xoom.com/Xf_shippers/ Again...all feedback to Jaybird023@hotmail.com Little Girl Lost Part III By: Jaybird023 aka Jamie Tanquary Classification: MSR Rated: This part is PG-13 Disclaimer: Mickey and Minnie Mouse do not belong to me. Instead…I steal them rightfully from Chris Carter, whoops, Walt Disney…he's in a place that fails to sue considering the situation. Many Thanks to: Well…so many to thank so little time. Dana…OC, David…thanks for standing by me when I need you, my sis and Bro in law…and my niece and nephew. Each one helps me to think of the new day as something to be looked forward to instead of dreaded. FEEDBACK: Ok…so I'm not sane. I'm BEGGING you to write me. Please tell me how much you just love this story. Jaybird023@hotmail.com My website: http://members.xoom.com/Xf_shippers/ ***** ***** ***** Scully was running. From what or who, she couldn't guess. All she knew was that something was chasing her…something so intent on killing her that nothing else mattered. She tried to calm herself down and focus on who could be chasing her. Cancerman perhaps? Alex Krycek? She was growing tired. Her body screamed at her to stop and rest. Death be damned. Suddenly she did pause. The road forked in two different directions, demanding her to make a decision…and quickly. She groaned with frustration and looked down both roads. They both looked exactly the same. She didn't know which one to take and she had to make a choice. It was a choice that would determine how much longer she lived. Movement caught the corner of her eye. She turned slowly; expecting to see whomever was chasing her. Instead, to her surprise, she saw a fox. It was running, from it's own demon perhaps, down the opposite side of the street. Its fur glimmered in the darkness. It almost seemed as if the fox had it's own light source inside it's body. It was hypnotic to look at. The fox ran until it reached the fork in the road. It stopped suddenly and glanced around until it caught site of Scully. Animal eyes clashed with human. Scully couldn't help but wonder if it was trying to tell her something. Then it turned its head…breaking eye contact. It glanced down each street then shot off towards the right. Darkness swallowed the small creature. Scully watched the fox until it was completely gone. She was still trying to decide whether or not to follow it when footsteps sounded behind her. Without thinking about it, she ran in the same direction as the fox. It may be a foolish choice, but it was her only option at the moment. She would learn soon enough if she had made the right decision. She stumbled…fighting to see through the increasing darkness. It was at that moment that she realized she could see. A light was shining on her from the distance. She ran towards the light with no hesitation. Her mistake was obvious when a decrepit old apartment complex came into view. The buildings were run down and looked to be abandoned. She ran desperately around them…looking for any signs of life. A light in a window caught her eye giving her a faint glimmer of hope. She ran towards it, praying that there was someone there who could help her. When she reached the window, she clenched her hands into fists and pounded on the glass. There was no one inside. Her mind was screaming at her to turn around and face her attacker…to stop being afraid. It was an irrational fear to possess. Her body froze when a young girl came into view. She stared out from the window…locking eyes with her until Scully no longer knew why she was afraid. This little girl was the answer. "You'll help me won't you? I need you to save me…to help me rest." The girl frightened her much more than anything else she was going through at the moment. Scully backed away from the window. She wanted no part in this little game. She would not stand idly by while someone chased her. She would fight. It would be better then ever having to face that child again. Confusion ruled her thoughts as someone grabbed her from behind. Arms wrapped around her, and tightened, as she struggled to get free. ***** ***** ***** Happy Jaybird Motel Denver, Co 4:27 A.M. Scully's eyes flew open as she fought the urge to scream. It was only a dream…nothing more. But still it took a few moments to calm herself down. Her breathing came in short hallow gasps…her body trembled. Slowly, her mind came back into focus. It took a moment to realize that there was still someone holding her…someone who would not let go, no matter how much she tried to free herself. She slowed her breathing, taking in larger gasps of air…and that's when she noticed it. The faint smell of Mulders cologne mingling with the smell of clean hotel sheets. She turned her head to look up at him. He was sleeping peacefully…holding her tightly in his embrace. She pulled away slightly and glanced at the room. Somehow she had ended up in his hotel room. Her eyes clouded over as she remembered all the times her brothers had teased her when she was younger for sleepwalking. She had once even attempted to climb a wall before her mother stopped her and put her back to bed. Now it was happening again. It had put her right into a situation she was trying to avoid. She had to figure out how to go back to her room. She couldn't wake up in bed with him…it would be hell to sit through that conversation. Mulder relaxed his grip when he realized Scully was now awake. He had become worried when the nightmare started. She had become violent…muttering about some little girl and some strange road. His first thought had been that she was dreaming about Emily…but that was quickly dispelled. The dream was too violent. Her body had started to thrash around and the only thing he could do was wrap his arms around her. He would not let her hurt herself physically just because of some stupid dream. This case was testing her sanity. It frightened him to know she was so close to the edge. He didn't move. This entire situation would be better for her if she didn't know he was awake. He couldn't embarrass her. He loved her too much. Carefully, Scully started to slip out of his embrace. But the nightmare was still too fresh on her memory. Her mind kept asking questions that had no answers. What had that dream meant? Who was that little girl? Frightened like a child she curled back up next to him. She held him close…trying to find the strength that had somehow evaded her. His arms tightened around her and she felt safe…secure. Nothing would ever harm her in his embrace. In fact, the only thing she feared losing was her heart. Mulder was unsure of what to think. Instead of leaving she had stayed. He wondered why for one brief moment, then realized it didn't really matter. All that mattered was that she was there with him. He drifted back to sleep…hoping that the night wouldn't fade…that they would remain just as they were for the rest of his life. ***** ***** ***** 6:30 A.M. The sun doused down on Scully drawing her from sleep. She looked at Mulder sleeping next to her and sighed with relief. His leg and arm were thrown languidly over her body…his heart beating steadily in her ear. Deftly, she slipped out of his embrace and quietly made her way back to her own room. It would be better if he didn't know she had been there. She closed the door softly behind her then leaned against it heavily. She stayed there for a few minutes…trying to comprehend everything that had happened over the past few days. Sighing…she gathered up her clothes and headed towards the shower. As she adjusted the water, she tried to remember her reasons for remaining in his room this morning. There was no logical explanation but fear. The way he had slept worried her. Not one thing she had done had roused him from that sleep. It made her wonder if he had truly been sleeping. But Mulder wouldn't play possum. It wasn't like him. She stepped into the warm water…arguing with her emotions the entire time. Between this case and her confused feelings towards her partner, she didn't know how much longer she could last. Her emotional walls were crumbling to dust and she didn't know how to stop it. She was starting to feel weak…defenseless. She hated feeling fragile…hated it more than anything else in the world. She needed the confidence that her father and brothers had taught her. It was at that moment that she made a decision. She would face her fear…no matter what the cost. ***** ***** ***** 6:32 A.M. Mulder opened his eyes the moment he heard the door shut between their rooms. He had been awake for over an hour…just watching her sleep and holding her close to his body. She had woken up slowly…giving him just enough time to close his eyes and slow his breathing. It would be better for her to keep the illusion that he was asleep. He knew the truth would send her right over the edge. It was a place that he knew once she went there…then he would never get her back. Lying there in bed…he smiled. It had been so nice to hold her. The smile faltered as he remembered her nightmare. She had become so violent…kicking and punching him in her sleep. Terrified he had pulled her close to his body…hoping it would somehow calm her down. Instead, she had fought him with even more determination. He had just kept on holding her…despite the pain she inflicted on him. Mulder sighed then got out of bed slowly. He walked towards the bathroom and adjusted the water for a shower. Even though he was curious about her dream he couldn't ask her what it involved. She would know he had been awake. He had to be careful. He knew she would mention the dream when she was ready. He would just have to be patient. Just as he stepped into the shower his phone rang. He cursed under his breath then ran to get the tiny cell phone out of his jacket. "Agent Mulder? Is that you?" "Your calling my cell phone. Who the hell else would it be?" Mulders anger at being interrupted showed in his voice. "Sor-ry. This is detective Johnson from the Denver PD. We found another body early this morning. It was found about two blocks away from the bar. As far as we can tell, it's in the same condition as the others. We have every indication that it's tied in with the other murders." Sarcasm dripped from the mans voice. He was obviously not the type of person who could handle being snapped at so early in the morning. Mulder balked at his words. "Others? What others? We were only notified of one murder with these particular anomalies." The detective sounded strangely detached. "Over the past four months, a total of seven bodies have been found. This is the only instance when two of them worked at the same place. The rest just looked like suicides or natural death. But once we took a look at the files we realized a lot of the factors match up. I'll send the files up to the morgue for you and your partner." "Thank you I would appreciate that." Mulder hung up the phone there stared at it angrily. This case had finally become a hassle. It was taking more out of him than it was worth. Slowly, Mulder walked towards the door separating his and Scully's room. He hesitated when he heard the shower running. He couldn't talk to her about it now. He would have to wait until they were in the car. Walking back towards his own shower, Mulder closed his eyes. He could see her standing there…warm water cascading down her slim frame. His mind captured that image and he smiled. He wondered what Scully would think if she knew he fantasized about her. It was nothing new…she had been the center of his dreams since the day he met her. In the beginning…it had been nothing more than attraction. But over time, those emotions had manifested into something else entirely. Now he knew he couldn't live without her. He needed her more then anyone else that had come and gone in his life. She was the glue that held him together. He could wait for her to accept those emotions. He would remain by her side until that day came. ***** ***** ***** I-70 & I-25 8:32 A.M. Scully was trying unsuccessfully to stifle her laughter. "Mulder…you can't be serious. You don't actually believe that do you?" "Are you saying it's not possible Scully? It's no coincidence that they all died within that short of a time period." Mulder glanced towards her. He was trying to pay attention to the road and her expression at the same time. He just couldn't understand why she wasn't seeing the connection. Scully turned directly towards him. "Mulder…are you actually suggesting that the deaths of Mother Theresa, Princess Diana, and John Denver were part of a conspiracy? That's just…" She paused searching for the right word. "It's absurd. Where's the link? How are they tied together? And Why?" His face had taken on that excited quest look. One that said he knew he was onto something but couldn't quite pin down the exact facts. "Think about it. All three of them did charity work in third world countries. It's very possible that they found out something they weren't supposed to. Maybe they found a hidden agenda behind one of the charities." "Mulder…Mother Theresa died of old age." His voice came out even more excited. "That's not proven. Someone could've poisoned her. It's very possible. And Princess Di…someone could've slipped her driver a drug that had an adverse affect with alcohol. And a plane crash? Come on Scully. Somebody could've tampered with the plane." "Mulder…I don't imagine you need to be told this…but sometimes your imagination can be frustrating. This seems like a very weak attempt to tie their deaths together." "I can't explain it Scully…but I know there's a connection in there somewhere." Mulders eyes drifted back to the road…indicating that he would give up this argument for now. She seemed to be getting annoyed with him. Scully fought down the urge to strangle her partner and instead reached for the radio. Mulder reached for the radio at the same time. Their hands touched and Scully pulled abruptly away. It was a reaction that she regretted a moment later. She knew that Mulder relied on the touch of other people. He couldn't live without human contact. Mulder attempted to hide the pain that laced through his body at her distance. He turned on the radio…carefully making sure not to touch her again. If her reaction was the same he wouldn't be able to handle it. Instead…he concentrated on his driving. He was turning a corner when a thought occurred to him. Before this trip they had rarely ever listened to the radio in the car. There had always been something for them to discuss. Over time, they had even learned to practically read each other's minds. Now there wasn't even enough safe conversation to fill more then a few minutes. It made him want to scream aloud just to get a new reaction out of her. As tempting as it seemed, he knew it would be a bad choice…he paid attention to the deejays voice instead. They were having some type of contest. Mulder burst out laughing when he heard what the subject of the contest was. "You're listening to Alice one-oh-six. We were all sitting here talking about some strange ghost that Lynn here says she saw in her house last night." "Gosh Floyd…you have no tact…" "Anyways…we decided to make then theme of today's contest "STRANNNNG OCCURENCES" That's right folks…and were giving away one HUNDRED dollars to the first person that calls us up with a story so STRANNNG that even we can't believe it. Just give us a call at 555- A*L*I*C. You tell us your story…if you can convince us that your story is real we'll give you one hundred dollars. So pick up that phone and call us right now." Words drifted into music and Mulder turned towards Scully once more. Her smile was too much. She was obviously fighting the urge to laugh. "Well Scully…what do you think. We could win that money just from describing our first case together." "Mulder, if we could participate in a contest with the theme of strange occurrences everyday…we could be very rich." The laughter she was holding back spilled out when she saw the expression of shock on his face. It was the first time in over two days that she felt completely relaxed. It was a relief to finally be able to breath normally again. Mulder stared at her…the car drifting to the side of the road for a brief second. Her attitude had shifted again. He had never seen her like this before. The way her moods were changing was odd enough. He hesitated for a moment then pulled out his cell phone. "Mulder, who are you calling?" She sounded amused…he could tell by the tone of her voice. "You didn't want me to try to win this contest. Wanna make up your mind? We both know I can win it…even if…" "They think you're insane?" She knew he was joking. There was no way he could be serious. He was calling his answering machine…Skinner… anyone but the radio station. He started talking and she knew he had been serious. There was a sudden urge to grab the phone out of his hands but she was afraid that he might lose control of the car. His first words were of aliens, then ghosts…the stories mingled together…one after another until Scully was sure that the deejays were ready to think this man was insane. He mentioned Eddie Van Blundt and she burst out laughing again. He had finally stopped talking. Leaning in closer to her he asked in a soft voice. "I'm on hold…anything you want me to mention?" "Yes, do me a favor. Tell them you're incorrigible." Pulling up to the morgue, Mulder got out of the car. He leaned against the hood while waiting for the Deejay to come back online. It amazed him to think that he had finally done something that had amused Scully. The reaction he had been wishing for only moments ago had finally come to play. And all he had to do was pick up a phone? The thought made him laugh. Standing there watching her, Mulder realized that she wasn't just amused over his actions, but she was surprised as well. After all their years together, it still shocked him how easily he could get that reaction from her. He wondered if she knew how much he had come to depend on the expression of her face. Just by looking at her he could tell how she was feeling…and most of the time, what she was thinking. Her expression was his security blanket…the only thing he could trust when something was bothering her and she wouldn't admit it. The deejay finally came back online. "Our next caller works for the FBI. His name is Mulder and he has a few stories that took our breath away. What do you think Lynn?" "I'll tell you Floyd…I don't know if I should believe this man. But he does sound rather convincing." "So what cha gonna tell us Agent Mulder?" Mulder heard the audible click signifying that he was now on the air. "Well, my partner and I work on investigations dealing with strange and unusual phenomenon. One of our first cases together had to do with alien worms that used human bodies as hosts. The worm entered though the blood stream or another body fluid and grew in size as it traveled to the hypothalamus gland in the brain. We couldn't tell who was infected and who wasn't. We almost didn't get out alive." The deejay laughed unsteadily. "You're putting me on right? Is this classified information?" "Actually I have clearance to talk about certain things." Scully arched her eyebrow at him. Ok, so he exaggerated a slight bit. "What about that other case you were talking about? The one that had a man who could change his appearance?" "Yeah that was Eddie Van Blundt. The man had a thin sheet of voluntary muscle under his skin. He actually managed to convince four women that he was their husbands and one that he was Luke Skywalker. It was pretty phenomenal." Scully's laughter was muffled by the closed car windows, but he heard it just the same. He turned to look at her and realized she was on her own cell phone. He felt a momentary pang of disappointment. He wondered for a brief moment who she was talking to. "Agent Mulder? Are you still with us?" The deejay sounded perplexed. "Yes…I'm still here." "It seems we have another caller on the line that would like to talk to you. You may know her. She says she's you partner Dana." Scully laughed again, but this time Mulder heard it loud and clear over the phone. "Well, I knew that no one in their right mind would ever believe him if I didn't call. Everything he says is true. We've seen a lot more then those few things, but most of it is classified." The deejay laughed. "I guess we have a winner folks. What do you say Lynn?" "I would friggin well say so." Amused, Mulder got instructions on where to pick up a check and hung up the phone. He watched Scully get out of the car. She didn't say anything to him…just turned and walked towards the entrance of the morgue. He followed her hesitatingly…not quite sure of what to say when he did catch up with her. She heard his step fall in beside hers and couldn't resist one comment. "Like I said Mulder…you're incorrigible." He stopped her then. Grabbing her arm lightly. "So Scully…want to have dinner with me?" ***** ***** ***** Denver County Morgue 4:48 P.M. Scully pulled off her plastic gloves with frustration. The case files had taken up most of their morning…and part of the afternoon. Now, the autopsy was over and she hadn't found one thing different. Everything about this victim was exactly the same as the rest of them. Even the word carved in her chest. The whole thing made absolutely no sense at all. She theorized that maybe there was some new drug that could do this…something that wouldn't show up in a toxicology report. It was her only hope of a rational explanation. Mulder had been in the room at the start of the autopsy. Rambling on about how the women were all abducted. His theories of all the victims had driven her crazy for almost a half an hour. Her patience worn thin…she had finally snapped at him and told him to get out, or she would no longer be responsible for her own actions. "That's a little kinky don't you think Scully?" A typical Mulder response…said with a hint of flirtation. But he had left…Calmly turning and rushing out of the room. His attitude about this case was puzzling. One moment he was excited about it…and the next he was avoiding it. She was starting to hope that maybe he just didn't care anymore. She hoped that she hadn't pushed him away. But it was something to wonder about. Maybe he had just finally gotten sick of waiting for her to accept emotions she didn't want to acknowledge. The moment the door shut behind him, she relaxed. She preferred to work alone on an autopsy. But now…an hour and half later she was stressed out again. She had found no evidence towards their case. She was frustrated with the results…knowing that nothing she would do would help them solve this case. They seemed to be going in circles…with no end in site. On top of all the problems she was having with this case, the hardest part to handle was her disturbing state. The dream from the previous night succeeded in exhausting her mentally and emotionally. She felt vulnerable to everything around her…especially Mulder. All morning, whenever she was around him, her mind asked questions that have no answers. She had scolded herself more than once for wondering how they would fare in a deeper relationship. She didn't know which she feared more…opening her heart to him or losing him. It bothered her that she couldn't just tell him why she was so afraid. These thoughts consumed her as she wrapped up the body and cleaned up the autopsy room. Never let it be said that Dana Scully leaves a mess after she is in a room. She washed her hands carefully after everything was put away. She turned to leave and froze. Standing in front of the door was a child…the little girl from her dreams. Her heart leapt up in her chest and for a moment she had the insane thought that she would choke on it. Calmly telling herself not to scream, she spoke to the child. "Are you lost?" The little girl shook her head and remained exactly where she stood. She stared at Scully with a disdainful look upon her face. Scully saw tears streaking the child's face. The child turned slowly and walked out the door. She waited a moment after the child was gone…then went to the door to look out. The child was gone. She had disappeared behind one of the many doors that lined the hallway. Scully didn't wonder about it to for too long. Grabbing her notes she ran from the room…needing to be anywhere else but in that place. She slowed down as she approached the waiting room. It was sheer fear that had spawned her this far. She scolded herself yet again. She was almost to the door of the waiting room when the pain struck her. Radiating from her chest, it branched out across her body until it was numb. The room began to swim before her eyes and she fell to the floor…writhing in agony. Darkness swept over her vision. Just before she passed out completely a picture came to her mind. It was Mulder…and he was standing over her dead body. She knew her time was almost up. Then the pain became unbearable and Scully lost all traces of consciousness. ***** ***** ***** 5:02 P.M. Scully fought against the pain that still stabbed her chest and coursed throughout her body. She tried to open her eyes…only to find that she couldn't. They were much too heavy. Someone kept calling her name and she wanted to tell them to stop, but her mouth wouldn't form the words. As the pain eased it became easier to open her eyes. Mulder and Dr. Miller were crouched over her as she lay there in the hallway. Fear had given Mulder an excuse to not hide those emotions he felt for her. His face betrayed all of the love she had been trying to avoid. "Scully are you ok?" Mulder's voice cracked showing the concern he was trying to hide from her. "I'm fine Mulder. What the hell happened?" Her voice was hoarse from pain. "You don't know?" Shock showed clearly in his words. He waited for her to shake her head then looked at her harshly. "We heard you screaming and came running to find you. You were collapsed on the floor clutching your chest. Are you sure you're alright?" She stood up, holding onto Mulder's hand, then turned away from his piercing gaze. "I told you I'm fine." He helped her into the waiting room then made her sit down in one of the chairs. "You don't look fine." Dizziness overwhelmed her again and her patience snapped. "I'm alright. I just haven't eaten anything today." She growled her next words low enough so that Dr. Miller wouldn't hear them. "Quit acting like a nervous mother Mulder!" "Why don't I go and get a doughnut and some coffee?" Despite the fact that they were trying to hide the tension, they both knew that he could see it. It showed in every aspect of his expression. The moment he was out of earshot Mulder turned back towards Scully. "Damn it Scully! Why can't you be honest with me? What the hell happened back there?" Despite the fact that he was angry with her, she couldn't tell him. She knew that he would worry about her…thinking that she was having flashbacks of Emily. But this child was not her daughter. How could she explain it to him without getting another lecture form him? It just wasn't possible. "Fine Scully. You keep your secrets…for now." The words were a promise of a conversation that she knew for sure would be brought back up later. He was furious…he wasn't going to hide it from her. They heard footsteps and turned to see Dr. Miller approaching them. He handed Scully a bagel and some coffee, then looked at each agent closely. "Was it like the others?" He stuttered as he spoke. Scully looked back at him, grateful for the subject change. "Yes. Everything was the same. Including the word carved into the chest." Mulder was still glancing at her with concern. "Do we have any background information on this woman?" She tilted her head towards him, but still avoided his gaze. "Yes. The victim lived with her boyfriend. They brought him in for questioning this morning. He had called the police this morning when he got home, because she wasn't there. He would've called sooner but he was training his horses for the stock show, and was out pretty late himself." "Does he have witnesses to prove he was at the stables that late?" Mulder said while watching Scully eat. He didn't want her to pass out again and if she said it was food then he would make sure she ate every damn bite of that bagel. "Yes…there were several people who vouched for his whereabouts this morning." Mulder sat down next to Scully, ignoring the doctor. "I think we need to go back to the bar. We need some more information about this victim." Scully nodded her head in agreement. She stood slowly then waited for Mulder to do the same. Dr. Miller grasped her hand between his and shook it slightly. "If I find anything I'll let you know." He walked away after reaffirming that she was, indeed all right. "Scully, I want to stop by a hospital and get you checked out. I don't think we should take any chances." He spoke the words softly…not wanting to anger her. "Mulder, I'm fine. Let's just solve this case so we can get the hell out of this city. "But Scully…" He began to argue. "No Mulder. I told you it was because I hadn't eaten. Well I have now, so let's just drop it." She said interrupting him. He answered her with a slight harshness attached to his voice. "Fine Scully, but if you even get slightly dizzy, I'm taking you to a hospital." ***** ***** ***** The Landing Strip 6:47 P.M. Mulder was exhausted. There was no other way of saying it. He pulled into the parking lot of the bar and sighed loudly. To make matters worse, Scully was being irrational again. She was playing with her health and he didn't like it one bit. What if her cancer was fucking her up this way? He kept glancing at her from the drivers seat. The concern showed on his face every time…but she just wouldn't listen to him. She turned towards him suddenly…taking him completely by surprise. "Stop looking at me like that! I'm fine!" She got out of the car and he watched her walk into the bar. She hadn't even paused to wait for him. Mulder sat in the car for a few more minutes. He knew they had to talk now. She had been lashing out at him all morning. He didn't know how much longer he could handle it if she kept lashing out. He was going to start yelling back soon…and that would only strengthen the gap between them. Mulder got out of the car and followed her into the bar. He took a few moments; just inside the door to let his eyes adjust, then went looking for Scully. By the time he realized she was in the office already, with Gypsy, the two women were deeply engrossed in a discussion about the victims. "What took you so long Mulder?" She said before he got a chance to announce he was even there. He sat down…not saying a word. Gypsy paused in her story, long enough to say hello to Mulder, then started talking again. "I keep telling myself this is all some kind of strange morbid joke. Rebecca was just as rude as Sonja…but her attitude was slightly different. Both of her parents died when she was really young. Her aunt who passed away about five years ago raised her. The only person she had left in the world was Tommy…her boyfriend. She'd been living with him for the past nine years. He tried asking her to marry him so many times she had lost count. She always said no. She told Sammy once that she was afraid of losing him. That his job was so dangerous. Between Bull riding and the rodeo…she was certain she was living out her life like the movie "8 Seconds"." Scully stared at the woman in shock. The story was the same in all the cases…a woman afraid of letting go. If that was the reason everything was going on then they had a lot more to try to figure out then who. They had to find a killer that knew these women personally. Someone who could see every aspect of their lives. And to top everything off…it all reminded her of Mulder. She was so afraid that their love would cause a riff between them and in the end she would lose him. So instead of telling him she loved him, she placed it all behind a wall. Even she couldn't breech a wall so thick and powerful. The room had grown quiet. Scully looked towards Gypsy and silently reprimanded herself for being so unprofessional. "I'm sorry. Go on." "There's really not much more to the story. Tommy got so sick of her turning him down that he threatened to leave her. He wouldn't have done it…he loved her way too much. But it started to affect her in strange way. She got tense and jumpy…especially over the past few weeks." Mulder shifted in his seat, trying to hide the fact that he was getting frustrated. They had no suspects…no murder weapon…and almost no evidence. It would be a miracle if they solved this case. But it wouldn't stop him from trying. That's why he got on the X-files in the first place. Without warning, the door to the office flew open. A heavy man stood in the doorway. He turned to glare at the two agents then Gypsy. "Who the Fuck are you two and what the hell are you doing in my office?!" Gypsy stood up, placing herself between the man and the two agents. "Grimm…I would like you to meet Agents Mulder and Scully from the FBI. They're investigating Sonja and Rebecca's deaths." Grimm stared at them with contempt. Mulder reached out to shake the mans hand, but he chose to ignore the outstretched offering. "I don't give a damn what they're investigating! I want all of you out right fucking now!" Mulder took one look at Scully and almost burst out laughing. She had that look on her face that said this man was going to get hit with words so bad that he wouldn't know what hit him. Grimm was about to get snowballed and didn't even know it. "Sir…" Scully's words were calm and even. "I understand how you feel, but if take a moment to think about this you may change your mind. You are talking to Agents who could just mistake you as a suspect in these killings. Two of the women that were murdered worked here." She paused a moment to let this sink into the big mans head. "All we have to do is get a search warrant…which would be no problem if you think about it…and comb through this bar looking for any evidence pertaining to this case. We could shut you down for weeks on end by dragging through all of this stuff. And I am quite sure we may even find other illegal activities in this place throughout the search. Is this a more logical route to take?" Grimm stared at her…his mouth slightly ajar. Mulder would remember the expression on that man's face for a very long time. Pulling it up and laughing every now and then. But the moment ended quickly. The man pulled himself together, then turned towards Gypsy. "You're wanted on stage." Scully glowered at Grimm. He would not dismiss her witness…she would make sure of that. Gypsy stood there looking between Mulder, Scully, and Grimm. Mulder drew in a deep breath and finally spoke. "You can go ahead. We'll come back, or call, if we have anymore questions." Gypsy turned and walked out with Grimm following closely behind. Scully waited until the door was shut behind them then turned towards Mulder. "I think that man knows something about this case. I know for certain that he does have something to hide. Of course, if we questioned him he wouldn't tell us anything. I don't know anyone else who would be so defensive about their office…except maybe you." "I'm not sure about that Scully. Maybe he's just paranoid. He was acting rather rude though." He watched her face carefully…noticing her expression. Her eyes told him more then she would ever admit…more then she must have realized. Maybe she did know because she turned away quickly. She glanced around the office instead. "Do you think he is hiding something in here?" "I don't know Mulder. Even if he were…it would take us years to find it in all this clutter. Grabbing her arm Mulder led her to the door. "Come on Scully…we need a break." He looked at his watch and practically pulled her out the door. "Besides…we have plans for dinner. Remember?" Scully stared at him incredulously. "Mulder, where are we going? When did you have time to make plans?" Mulder laughed. "Scully…did you know it's damn near impossible to get kicked out of an autopsy room by you? I couldn't believe you listened as long as you did." Shaking her head and laughing, Scully walked towards the front door of the bar. "Mulder…you are defiantly incorrigible." "Yeah Scully…but you like me this way. You wouldn't know what to do if I did change my ways…would you?" He didn't need an answer…he knew her too well. They were almost to the front door when Scully stopped walking. Mulder ran directly into her. His body stiffened the moment he came into contact with her. It felt so right to be that close to her. With a sigh he stepped away from her. It took a moment for him to realize why she had stopped walking in the first place. Standing in the entrance was a woman. She looked a little like Gypsy…same eyes and nose. She had to be related to her. But Mulder knew that's not what had stopped Scully. She stopped because of the way the woman was looking at her. She was staring at Scully with complete and utter shock. The woman turned away from them and shot out of the door. ***** ***** ***** End Part III ***** ***** ***** Well not bad for my first fic. You have to admit…it is a good storyline. Not as good as some of the others but hey…can't win em all…lol. Please send all feedback to jaybird023@hotmail.com. For more parts of this story or to see my other stories check out my webpage. http://members.xoom.com/Xf_shippers/ Little Girl Lost Part IV Classification: MSR Rated: This part is NC-17...no kids allowed. This story does have an abuse scene at the end. Plus there are a lot of language situations in the same part. By: Jaybird023 aka Jamie Tanquary Disclaimer: NO!!! NO!!! NO!!!! I refuse. I am so sick of doing this whole thing. It's not like everyone doesn't know who the hell they belong to. Many Thanks to: Dana...I keep looking at the picture of us behind the bed. It always makes me smile. Yeah, yeah, yeah...ok. Thanks everyone. You know who you are and how much you all helped me. FEEDBACK: Send off and receive a free...that's right free...autographed picture of me. Don't blame me if it kills you though. Really just tell me what you think of this story. I'd appreciate it. Jaybird023@hotmail.com My website: http://members.xoom.com/Xf_shippers/ ***** ***** ***** The Landing Strip Denver, Co 6:58 P.M. The woman turned away from them and shot out of the door. "Now did that look suspicious or what?" Mulder had barely gotten the words out of his mouth before they both took off out the door to follow her. They rounded the corner, flew out the door, and ran smack dab into the woman they were chasing. She was standing on the grass just outside of the bar crying. The impact of the other two bodies sent her flying backwards...landing right on her rump. Mulder grabbed Scully before she could follow. "Are you alright Scully?" "Yes...just a little off balance." She pulled away from him and turned back towards the woman. She was staring at Scully with horror now. Mulder grabbed her roughly by the arm. "What the hell was that about?" The tears were drying on her face but she answered them. "I'm sorry. I just...I just..." "Do you know something we don't? Because to be honest...I don't like the way you're looking at my partner." Mulder let go of her arm finally and stepped up next to Scully. He would protect her at all costs. The woman finally got a hold of her emotions and now her words came out easily. "I'm sorry...I just wasn't expecting to run into her. Visions are never that clear. And when I saw her it all came back...every bit of the dream." Mulder and Scully were completely perplexed now. "Visions? What the hell are you talking about? And who the hell are you?" Mulder asked angrily. "She's Gypsy's sister." Scully blurted out without thinking. It was Mulder's turn to stare at her incredulously. "I am...my name's Jamie. Gypsy told me everything about this case. It's been affecting my dreams the past few nights and now I know why. It's because of her." She pointed towards Scully dejectedly. "What the fuck are you talking about?" Mulder was growing angry again. "Shall I start from the beginning?" Jamie wait for both the agents to nod then started in on a story that neither of them could possibly believe. "Sonja and Rebecca were not well liked at all. I met them both a few times...and they were complete bitches to me. You see I come here every night to pick my sister up. I'm quite sure they made a few enemies in their life. But no enemy could've done to them what they did to themselves in the long run. You see, their only problem was not allowing themselves to accept love into their lives. They refused to take a chance when it came to a possibility of losing that person." "We knew all of this already...what else did your sister tell you?" Scully would not believe this woman. There had to be a catch. "She only told me some of this. It's the other things that have happened that make no sense." Jamie paused...and uncertain look crossing her features. "I don't know if I should tell you guys this. You just don't seem the type that would be open to extreme possibilities." Mulder interest peaked. "Why would you say that?" "Black tie...suits...FBI...you know." Mulder stifled his laughter. "No I don't. Why don't you enlighten us?" "Fine..." Jamie glanced around nervously. "Ever since I was ten years old, I've had visions. I've seen ghosts and seen things in my dreams. For the past ten months...I've had a dream about a child. She was wronged in some way...and now all she wants is to get even. She can't move on until she finds something. What it is I have no idea. I told you that you wouldn't believe me." She was looking at Scully again. Mulder glanced towards Scully as well. He watched her expression change...she was fighting a battle between her rational mind and her skeptical mind. He knew, without even asking her, that she had already come up with at least a dozen reasons why it couldn't be possible. Jamie took another deep breath. "I've been trying to contact this girl...with no success. It would help if I knew her name. All I know right now is that it's not over. More will die unless this little girl finds what she's looking for." Scully's eyes flickered with hurt and Mulder finally understood. This woman reminded him of somebody else from the moment she started speaking...and now he knew who it was. Scully's sister Melissa. Their attitudes and mannerisms were exactly the same. Hell...they even looked a little like each other. The door opened behind them and all three people jumped. Jamie turned towards them after realizing it was her sister. "Well...I hope you guys figure it out. If you find anything could you call me? I mean I know I have nothing to do with this case and all...but I really want to help." She started to turn back towards her sister when her body froze. She stared at the empty space between Mulder and Scully. Her eyes glazed over...her mouth mumbled words that neither of them could hear. Mulder glanced down between that same space she was so enamored with. He saw exactly what he had expected...nothing. Jamie was no longer staring at that spot but she was leaning towards Scully. Scully paled when she heard exactly what the woman was mumbling over and over. She could tell that Mulder was confused about the whole thing...his expression said as much. But Scully remained shocked. Jamie's words sending a chill down her spine. "Always follow the fox and you'll survive." She couldn't have known about the dream...it was completely illogical. Scully was still staring after them when they got into their car and drove away. She wanted to run after them...to find out how the hell that woman had known about her dream. But it was pointless...her body refused to move at all. She remained in the daze...unable to even speak to Mulder. "Scully? Are you ok?" Mulder stared at her. But she didn't answer him. All she did was look down the street, in the direction, that Jamie and Gypsy's car had taken. "Scully?" At a loss for a way to snap her out of her daze...Mulder leaned over and brushed his lips lightly across hers. Slowly, she came out of the daze. It was almost like she was just waking up from a dream. She turned towards him finally. Not wanting the questions to come, he led her to the car. "Mulder...why did you kiss me?" She still sounded a slight bit dazed...but confusion now overlaid the words. "Glad to have you back Scully." He saw the expression on her face and chuckled lightly. "I'm sorry Scully. I didn't know how else to break you from your stupor. It seemed like the only logical choice." She looked at her watch and sighed. She climbed into the passenger side of the car...trying to decide if she was more tired or hungry. The paperwork and autopsies had worn her out...and now this woman, who had found a sore spot in the armor she carried so well. It was almost too much. She watched Mulder as he got into the car. He had that gleam in his eyes that meant he knew more then he was letting on. "What's so funny?" "Are you ready for dinner now Scully?" The words were coated with a slight hint of seduction. "Mulder...did you make a reservation somewhere? Is that why there's such a rush to all of this?" "No...I'm not telling you. It's a surprise. Did you want to go back to the hotel to change?" He carefully hid a smile when she nodded. He knew she wouldn't want to go eat in the same clothes she had performed an autopsy in. It was one of those little nuances of hers. Scully sighed again. She knew there was something strange going on but there was nothing she could do to make him tell her. He looked at her innocently. "I just want us to have dinner. Is that too much to ask?" She laughed at the pouty expression on his face. "Sure Mulder...whatever." ***** ***** ***** Happy Jaybird Motel 8:02 P.M. Scully stood outside her hotel room with a look of frustration on her face. From the moment she approached the door a sudden spurt of fear had enveloped her body. Now, though she was very much afraid, she grasped the doorknob and turned it. Her hand reached for the switch to end the darkness of the room. Light flooded it...proving the tiny space to be as empty as it should be. The fear dissipated as quickly as it had begun. With startled surprise she realized something was lying on the end of the bed. Her curiosity peaked when she realized it was a dress. She walked over and picked it up...running her hands over the material. It was floor length black silk. A jacket to match lay on the bed underneath where the dress had been. When she moved her feet they came into contact with shoes that matched the outfit as well. She wondered for a brief moment how Mulder had known what size to get. It was obviously a part of his planned evening. She changed her clothes slowly...still trying to figure out what Mulder was up to. The whole day had gone up and down...Her emotions playing havoc on her attitude towards him. At some points she was positive they could make it as an actual couple...at others, all she thought about was how easy it would be to lose him. This night would be the test. She was about to find out just how important he was in her life. It was a decision that she feared would open her heart and take her to a place that neither one knew existed. Scully reached down to pick up the jacket and something clattered onto the floor. When she looked down she saw a black velvet jewelry case. The sight of it took her breath away...making her sit down heavily on the bed. She reached down with shaking hands and picked it up. Tears fell silently from her eyes. She stared at the black case sitting in her lap...not knowing what to think, or do for that matter. A memory flashed before her eyes before she could stop it. For one of her birthdays, Mulder had given her a key chain. It was a gift that she cherished even to this day. He had surprised her that day...but nothing even close to the reaction she was now having. She knew, without a doubt, that whatever this box held would have a much greater effect on her. It would eclipse that key chain in more ways then she could imagine. Images of that night in her apartment came flashing back to her mind as well. Things were never supposed to have gone this far...Mulder was not supposed to mean so much to her. He had become her sole reason for existence...her only friend. She didn't know how she was going to turn away from those emotions. She was trapped...not knowing if she even wanted to escape. Scully glanced down at the box in her lap again. Drawing in a deep breath, she opened the box...feeling anything but prepared for what might lay inside. When she did see what was in it she almost dropped the jewelry case. Nestled in black velvet...was a necklace, bracelet, and earrings. The pendent on the necklace had tiny diamonds surrounding a cross shaped amethyst. The same design covered the bracelet and hung from the earrings. Wedged tightly into the lid of the case was a piece of paper. With trembling hands, she grabbed the paper...unfolding it in the process. Slowly she started to read what was written. In the darkest corner of my mind; Behind a wall I feared to climb, Stood a pillar, set in stone, Covered with letters, yet unknown. But the wall I feared to breech, Developed handholds within reach. Still to scared to face the "Truth", I stood alone, afraid to move. The years flew by, yet time stood still, The darkness seemed so hard to kill. Within the void a light appeared, Showing me just what I feared. The light embraced me, without success, Trust developed with each caress. I fought a battle from deep within, Weakness being my only sin. My mind had wandered, far away, From all the things I'd meant to say. The late one night, a crack appeared, Upon the wall that I had feared. The barrier fell, without a sound, Surprising me with what I found. Instead of a pillar, set in stone, I saw you, standing there alone. With each deep breath you seemed to take, You showed me love, and kept me safe. The power that you'd always had, Was magnified by what you said. You took my hand and led me through, You showed me how to face the "Truth". So in the darkness, I found light, With you beside me, I ceased to fight. My fears no longer hold me down, My soul, once lost, is finally found. The poem hit her emotions hard. She laughed for a moment at his signature in the bottom corner. Why had he bothered...it could only be from him. Mulder knew her weaknesses...kept so well hidden, that she didn't even know they were there. Struggling with her rampant emotions, she stood up. She took the jewelry out of the case and put it on...each piece reminding her of just how much Mulder cared about her. She wondered how she was going to hide those feelings after this moment. Her heart and mind were waging a war...and without realizing it her heart was winning. Her cell phone rang, bringing her sharply out of her own thoughts. She grabbed, sure that it would be Mulder asking her if she was ready. "Give me a few more minutes...please" "Agent Scully...what the hell is going on?!" AD Skinner voice was so loud that she had to hold the phone away from her ear for a moment. "I just got a call from some man named Mike Grimm. He told me that you two were going through his office without a search warrant. What exactly were you two doing in there?" "Sir..."Scully was trying to fight of laughter at the accusations. "We were using his office to talk to a witness. Do we really need a search warrant for that?" "You tell Mulder that I want to talk to him immediately. I have been trying to call his cell phone and no one is answering." "Yes sir." Scully hung up the phone and tossed it onto the bed. A defeated sigh escaped her as she walked towards the door separating their rooms. She knocked tentatively, placing a nonchalant expression on her face before he could open it. It was going to be a long night...she knew that already. Mulder's voice was muffled when he spoke from the other side of the door. "Hang on Scully. I'm almost ready." Mulder stood on the opposite side of the door and glanced around his room. He knew that he might never again have this chance to be alone with Scully and he wanted to make it count. Picking up the roses that had been delivered earlier, he tried to calm his emotions. "Ok Scully, you can come in now." The expression on Scully's face when she opened the door was something Mulder would never forget. Shocked to the core she stared at him then glanced around. Her eyes locked on the table with two place settings and candles that were the sole light source for the tiny hotel room. From there her eyes drifted to the dresser where a tiny stereo was playing music only Mulder would know affected her so deeply. Her eyes drifted back towards Mulder. He was holding roses out to her...his eyes begging her to understand. When she didn't say anything he put the flowers down and held his hand out to her. He led her to the table and pulled the chair out for her, then sat across from her. "Do you like the dress?" She smiled nervously at him. "You know I do...but what about this?" Her hand gestured around the room. "Isn't this a little too much? And there's no way you could've planned this in that short amount of time it took me to do that autopsy." Mulder laughed and relaxed. "Scully...it's amazing what you can get accomplished when you tell someone you're an FBI agent." After staring at him incredulously she joined him in laughter. "You didn't!" "I did." They ate dinner slowly...laughter and conversation both had thought had disappeared echoed off the walls. There were several times that Mulder wanted to talk to her about how he felt...but he held it all back. He couldn't take the chance of scaring her again. Scully tried the entire time to look past her fear. It would've been so easy for her to do at some points...but she couldn't. It was too much to take in all at once. Time flew...until neither agent cared about how late it had become. They cared only for the conversation...the unspoken words. Towards the end of dinner, Mulder stood up suddenly. Scully jumped, not quite sure why. "Sorry hon...I forgot something. I didn't mean to frighten you." He hoped she wouldn't pay too much attention to the endearment that slipped out. He walked towards the tiny stereo and placed a cassette into the stereo. He turned to study her expression as country music filled the room. "I can't hide the way I feel about you...anymore. I can't hold the hurt inside...keep the pain out of my eyes...anymore. My tears no longer waiting...my resistance ain't that strong. My mind keeps recreating...a life with you alone." Scully laughed. "Mulder...you don't listen to country music. What's going on?" "I guess...there are few things about me that you don't know." A shocked expression crossed her features at the words. "Believe me Scully...it's as much of a surprise to me as it is to you." "And I'm tired of pretending...I don't love you anymore. Let me make one last appeal...to show you how I feel... About you...Cause there's no one else I swear...holds a candle anywhere...Next to you..." Scully finally started listening to the words of the song. Her body tensed at the indication it was putting across. Somewhere, in the back of her mind perhaps, she knew he didn't normally listen to country. He had chosen this song with one specific purpose...to tell her how he felt. "My heart can't take the beating...not having you to hold...a small voice keeps repeating...deep inside my soul...and I'm tired of pretending...I don't love you anymore...I've got to take the chance or let it pass by...if I expect to get on with my life..." Scully glanced sharply towards Mulder. "Mulder...what are you trying to accomplish? How many times do I have to tell you we're partners and friends...nothing more, nothing less." "Relax Scully...it's just a song." His eyes told her a different story entirely. He wanted so much more from her. He wanted forever...and it was more than she could offer him. "My tears no longer waiting...my resistance ain't that strong...and I'm tired of pretending...I don't love you anymore...anymore anymore..." The evening air was now laced with tension. Mulder had hoped that she would change her mind after tonight. It had all gone so well up to that point. Chords for the beginning of the next song started up and Mulder got an idea. He walked to her and pulled her up into his embrace. She came willingly...relishing the feel of their bodies pressed together once more. He swayed to the music. She found the rhythm and glanced up to capture his gaze. "Maybe I pray to much... Maybe I'm wasting God's time... Living without your touch... Is driving me out of my mind..." Scully's body tensed up again...but this time Mulder tightened his arms around her so she couldn't pull away. "If you could only see... how much you matter to me... Maybe you would stay forever..." Scully pulled away from his embrace. "Mulder I can't..." His hands ran down her back and her voice faded. "Maybe I care too much... Maybe I push you away... Maybe I'd have my doubts... If I were in your place..." She tried to pull further away but his arms stayed wrapped around her body. Escape from him was now her only thought. Pain flared up inside her chest...her heart constricted...her body slackened. "If could see inside... This aching heart of mine... Maybe you would stay forever..." Her breathing grew shallow. She was now gasping for air. Images rose in her mind...Mulder...a grave...tears rolling down his face slowly. "You don't have to go on living... with your back against the wall... Let my loving arms surround you... I won't let you fall..." Her legs gave out. Mulder tightened his embrace so she wouldn't fall to the floor. "Scully? What's the matter? Scully...tell me what's going on!" Mulder lifted her...placing her gently onto the bed. In one swift motion her turned off the radio and grabbed his cell phone. His hands were shaking as he turned it on and began to dial. At 9, she was whimpering...1, she was calling his name. He never made it to the final 1. He leaned in closer to hear what she had to say. "Mulder...put down the phone..." She was fighting to get the words out...each one more of a struggle then the last. 'I understand what's going on now. It's about us." She was crying softly...the tears coursing lightly down her cheeks. Gathering her into his embrace he began to cry with her. "Scully...I have to call the hospital. I can't afford to lose you." Taking the phone out of his hands she turned it off. "Mulder, I understand now. This is about my fears. I have been so afraid to tell you how I feel...afraid of the consequences...that I tried to avoid it. What I didn't realize was that I would lose you if I didn't tell you." "Scully...what are you talking about?" He was scared and frustrated. "I love you, Fox Mulder. I have for a very long time." The pain, so blinding moments before, gradually eased away. Her voice grew stronger. "I know this is a little confusing...but I also know what killed those women. It was fear. They couldn't, or wouldn't tell someone in their life that they loved them." "What are you talking about Scully?" His expression was now confused as well. "Mulder...I can't explain it right now. I love you...and all I want is for us to make love. Can we?" His mouth opened to protest and she placed a finger over his lips. "We'll sort it out in the morning. Please Mulder, just show me how much you love me." He stared at her with shock. One moment she was in sever pain and the next she was begging him to make love to her. It was too much to process at one time. Scully reached up and placed her hand on the back of his neck. She pulled his head down to hers and kissed him with all the hidden passion she had inside her body. But he broke the kiss...looking directly into her eyes. "Are you sure about this Scully?" "I have never been more certain of anything in my life." "How could everything change so quickly?" "Mulder...love me or lose me forever." He laughed at her words then realized she was being completely serious. His lips crushed down on hers...his hands pulling her body closer. His mind raced with confusion. Then he finally understood. The outcome was too complex...too confusing to understand. He thought after a moment. It wasn't like she was going to hurt him. Leaving her mouth he trailed light kisses down her collarbone. His tongue nipped out occasionally...tasting her tender skin. Only two days had passed since they last made love, but it felt like forever to him. Scully moaned aloud as Mulder sucked her hardened nipple into his mouth, through the thin silk of her dress. She pressed him closer...trying in vain to increase the sensation. His hands moved to the back of her dress and slowly unzipped it. She reached up to push off his jacket at the same time. She started to unbutton his shirt but his hands caught hers before she could. Instead, he pulled her off the bed and slipped her jacket off. He reached up and delicately slipped one of the shoulder straps off...then reached to the other side and repeated the motion. The dress slid down her body and gathered at her feet. He reached behind her to unclasp her bra and this time her hands caught his. "My turn Mulder..." She murmured in his ear. His groin tightened in response to her words. Her hands reached out and unbuttoned the rest of his shirt and tossed it onto the chair. With every touch and every caress she sent him further over the edge. Her hands ran down his chest until they reached the top button of his pants. With ease that only she could have, his pants slid down and she grasped the ends to pull them completely off. Standing up, she cupped his face into her palms. "I love you Mulder." The words were powerful in his mind. An admission to something that could only mean forever to both of them. He pulled her close to his body and ran his hands down her back. He would show her pleasure this night. She would never again doubt how much he cared. He unhooked her bra and drew it away from her body. Then, sliding his hands down her body, he dispelled her panties. He picked her up and placed her gently back onto the bed. His eyes gleamed with desire. He wanted to touch and taste every part of her body. His mouth slid down her chest, placing kisses where he knew it would most affect her desire. His tongue lashed out at one of the hard tips it encountered. Her answering groan told him she was enjoying it. Scully pulled him closer to her chest. The sensations were increasing with every touch...every caress. She gasped with surprise as his hands joined the sweet torture. His mouth let go of her breast and she whimpered from the loss of sensation. She glanced down at him when he didn't continue his ministrations. He was staring at her face...her eyes locked with his. "What's the matter Mulder?" She couldn't understand what would make him stop so suddenly. His body moved down hers...all the while keeping their eyes locked together. He settled between her outstretched thighs. "I need to taste you Scully..." He didn't want to do something that he wasn't sure she would like. She opened her legs for him...needing what he wanted to give so freely. It was all he needed. His head lowered between her thighs...his tongue dancing across the highly sensitized skin. He teased her at first. The long slow strokes of his tongue driving her crazy with desire. Then, just as she was about to tell him to quit being so damn gentle, his mouth captured her clitoris and sucked hard. Her body spasmed at the sudden sensation. His hand traveled away from her breast...joining the sweet torture he now inflicted. He plunged into her smoothly and easily. First with one finger then two. She rocked to smooth strokes of his fingers. She was close to the edge...wanting to fall but not quite able to. He kept her there...waiting for the indication that she was ready. "Oh god Mulder...please..." It was all he needed. His fingers curled slightly and sped up inside her. She screamed with the sudden sensation. Her body tightened around his fingers...drawing them in deeper. Slowly...she came back from the acceleration of passion. His body slid up the length of hers. He kissed her deeply with desire. "Scully...you are so beautiful." The words tumbled softly from his lips. She pulled him closer to her. There were no more words...their bodies softly sliding together. His eyes closed when he entered her. Their joining this time would be much more intense. There was nothing holding them back. They moved together...neither one wanting the moment to end. It was soft and slow...the sounds of passion surrounding them. Scully's moans and screams grew louder with every thrust of his body...until he could no longer take it. Groaning loudly, he gathered her body to his and thrust deep and hard. She screamed when that final blinding force came...her body holding tightly to his. He collapsed on top of her...knowing that they would survive now. They truly did belong together...and she loved him. He climbed off of her...pausing long enough to kiss her gently on the lips. He pulled away and saw her smile. "Mulder...I..." Mulder pulled her body to his...cradling her in his embrace. "I love you Scully. More than you could ever possibly know." His arms tightened around her body. "You know Scully...I never pictured you as a screamer. It's kinda cute." Scully laughed and glanced up at his face. "Shut up Mulder...and I love you too." Scully snuggled closer to his body. He held her tight...but he knew the danger was over now. Something had come to take her away tonight...but failed. Now he would keep her close...wanting only to protect and love her. She was falling asleep. He stared at her as she lost the battle. Her face was unlined...peaceful. He kissed her gently on the forehead then slowly closed his eyes and joined her. Sleep would come easily...Scully close to his body, driving away all thoughts of pain. ***** ***** ***** Scully was standing in a small living room. She tried to imagine exactly how she had gotten there, but her mind kept coming up blank. She turned and saw a small girl sitting on the floor. The girl was watching cartoons on a small black and white television. Scully tried not to be afraid...but everything about this place proved otherwise. "I'm afraid." She whispered softly to herself. Somebody took her hand. She turned and saw Mulder. She took a step closer to him...trying to get away from the shouting voices in another room. The little girl looked at them and they took a step back. That's when they realized the voices were coming from behind them. Turning around, they saw a man and a woman in a very heated argument. Mulder studied the scene...trying to understand why they were here. He didn't know why...but he knew this was something they had to see. "I don't give a good god damn what you think! This is my life. You can go to hell for all I care." The man yelled forcefully. "All I am saying is that you need to stop. This whole situation has gone too far. I refuse to let my child get involved in your drug dealing. For her sake..." The woman stopped talking. Her face showed an abuse story of it's own. Mulder was about to step between them when Scully grabbed his arm. "They can't see us Mulder. We can't do anything...look." She put her hands against the man and pushed him. They went right through the man. "I think were just supposed to watch...there's nothing we can do." Mulder turned his attention back towards the argument. He pulled Scully by his side...he didn't want to be there...but he knew there was a reason. "Do you honestly think I give a rats ass about you or that little brat? I never wanted either of you in my life...But no, you had to go and get yerself knocked up. Damn kids probably not even mine!" The man muttered the last words...knowing she would hear him. She glared at him. "Why didn't you just kick me out then Mike? Or better yet...why didn't you just fucking kill me? That seems to be the way you handle most of your problems anyways." "That's it Sarah...You've gone too far. You conniving Bitch! I should've killed you while I had the chance. But no...I thought that maybe you'd come to your senses. Instead you tell me if I don't help you raise that fucking brat then you'd turn me into the cops!" Mikes face was turning red...Rage covered every inch of it. "And now! You want me to throw away all that I have worked for in my life? She..." He pointed to the child on the floor. "Is going to help me. I don't give a shit about what you think!" "I am your wife you prick! God I never should've slept with you in the first place." Sarah took a step back...she had finally noticed the expression on his face. He stepped towards her, his fist arcing just in time to connect with her jaw. Before she could recover from the punch he picked her up around the throat. "I'm a prick? I can't believe I've wasted eleven years with you. God I hate you woman! I wish I'd never met you!" The curses continued. The little girl got up and ran top her father. "Daddy, please don't hurt mommy again! Why do you always have to fight so much? Why can't you just love each other? Why can't we just be happy?" Mike reeled around, letting go of Sarah; he slapped his daughter...knocking her to the floor. She huddled there sobbing and begging for him to be nice. "Stop crying you fucking brat! Unless you want me to give you a real reason to cry!" The little girl sniffled. Her eyes were puffed up from crying. "But daddy..." "No buts you fucking brat! Mind your own goddamned business!" He stared at her...waiting for her to speak again. She stood up and took a step back from him. He took a step towards her and she backed up again. A look of terror came over the little girls features. "Please daddy...don't hit me again...I just want..." She never finished the sentence. Her father's eyes grew blank and he closed the distance between them. He picked her up like a sack of potatoes and threw her against the wall. She went headfirst...her temple connecting with the corner...crushing her skull. Her body fell to the floor...her breathing uneven and shallow. ***** As soon as Mike had let her go, Sarah had run from the room. Her only thought was whether or not she could get to the guns without him knowing it. She never expected him to hurt her daughter. She didn't know how far gone he already was...how unaware of his own actions. She ran back into the room just in time to see the little girl crumple onto the floor. She screamed. "What the hell have you done? That's our daughter!!" Rushing over to her daughter, she picked up her tiny body and held her in her arms. "Michelle? Baby? Tell mommy where it hurts..." "Why mommy? Why? All I ever wanted was a normal family? Why couldn't you and daddy love each other? Fear rules our house. I'm so tired of fear." Her words were weak with pain. "I'm going to die now mommy...but I'm not afraid. I'm looking forward to it. I've been praying for god to take me..." Her mother was crying softly. "No baby...please hold on. I'll call the hospital. You'll be alright." "No Mommy. Why are you crying? I know you don't care for real. I'm not going to die completely. Instead, I am going to find someone that loves. Someone who's not afraid to care for somebody else." She coughed spaying droplets of blood everywhere. "If a person does fear that love...well then I'll just kill them. If daddy can do it then so can I. But they won't die like daddy kills them. Instead, I'll shrink their hearts...and then turn 'em black. It's what you and daddy deserve." Her breathing grew even shallower. One of her ribs had punctured her lung. She expelled one last breath of air, and then went slack in her mother's arms. Sarah placed her daughter gently on the floor. She was sobbing now. "We have to call a hospital. I can't just let my daughter die!" Mulder and Scully watched the scene with horror. They had finally discovered the truth behind the murders...and they couldn't do anything about it. It was a past event. Scully looked up at him, tears coursing down her cheeks. "What can we do? What are we supposed to do?" Mulder reached up...wiping those tears gently away. "I think were just supposed to watch." Mike's voice rose above theirs and they turned towards the scene again. "Let the fucking brat die! Then maybe you'll get out of my goddamned life and I won't have to waste my time beating you!" His voice was emotionless. Sarah looked at him with horror. She ran to the phone grabbing the receiver and pressing 9*1*1* before he could stop her. But it was still too late. He grabbed the phone out of her hand and pulled the cord out by the wall. "I am not going to jail for you and some fucking kid that's not even mine." "She is yours, you bastard...and you just killed your own fucking daughter!!" Sarah raised her arm and Mike finally noticed what she was holding. He stared at the gun with horror. Sarah hesitated and he noticed it. "You don't have the guts, you stupid bitch!" It was all she needed. Squeezing the trigger...she pumped four bullets into his body in quick succession. Scully turned away. "I can't watch this Mulder...I just can't." Her voice was a whisper. Mulder reached down and tilted her head up until their eyes locked. The tears were still coursing down her cheeks. He wasn't surprised to see her crying. She had always cared so deeply for children. What did surprise him was when she reached up and wiped the tears off his cheeks. He hadn't realized that the scene was affecting him as much as her. Mulder glanced up just in time to see Sarah check for her daughters pulse. When she didn't find one she placed the gun against her own head and pulled the trigger. Another gunshot filled the air. The room began to fade around them and he pulled her closer to his body. He was going to protect...from who or what he didn't know. They stayed silent in the dark, both trying to comfort each other, but not knowing how. They heard the footsteps before they saw the figure approach. It was a young girl. She stopped and stood in front of them...waiting for Scully to look at her. When Scully finally looked at the child she was surprised to see a smile on the tiny cherub face. "Thank you...I knew that you would be the one. You had everything. His love, his friendship, and most of all his trust." Her voice was soft, but they heard her just the same. "Why did you show us this? We can't change anything! What are you trying to prove?" Mulder heard the anger in his own voice as he spoke. He hated to know that this child had killed so many people, and had almost taken Scully from him. Michele looked up at him. "Mr. Mulder...I knew from the moment I saw her that she was the one. She has such a kind heart...not vain like all the others. They cared nothing for anyone else. Their one thought was of how much easier it would be if they got everything they wanted. I couldn't let those women bring another life into this world that wasn't wanted or loved." Scully finally realized what was going on. "You're saying that those other women were all pregnant?" She shook her head at the thought. "We would've found that during the autopsies." "Agent Scully...they were all only a few days pregnant, like you. It's very difficult, if not impossible, to diagnose that early." Scully stared at the child with a stunned expression. "That's impossible. I can't have children. I've known that for a while now...I'm very much aware of it." Michele laughed lightly. "I've looked into your mind...and your past. You have a faith that you need to stand by more often. God makes that decision, not doctors or scientists. God decided that you were to have a child...but it had to be Mr. Mulders child. You would not have children with anyone else because your love for him would supercede it." Michele tilted her head as if listening to someone speak. She smiled again. "I wish I could explain this in better detail, but my time is growing short." Michele glanced back and forth between them. "I know that you both will be good parents. I wish that mine had been more like you. Please...treat her right and never, ever, let her forget how much you love her. Always tell her that you do." Michele tilted her head again. "I have to go. Thank you Dana, for helping me rest. I will ever forget you." With those last words Michele turned and walked away. Mulder and Scully stared after the child. Their eyes showed confusion as they finally looked towards each other. Mulder leaned down and whispered, "Is it actually possible?" She stared back at him. Words had been lost to her. She stood there until a sharp ringing noise interrupted the silence. Mulder watched Scully fade into the darkness. ***** ***** ***** Happy Jaybird Motel Denver, Co. 5:02 A.M. Scully nudged Mulder. She was afraid of the way he was sleeping. "Mulder wake up...your phones ringing." When he didn't wake up she reached over him and grabbed the phone. "Hello?" AD Skinner sat at the other end of the phone line speechless. He pulled himself together quickly and finally spoke. "Scully? Why are you answering Mulders phone." Her mind reeled as she tried to come up with an excuse. "Well sir...we were...were just going over the case and he stepped into the restroom." "You do both realize it's five in the morning?" His voice held a hint of surprise but she ignored it. "And why has Mulder not called me back? I told you to have him call me immediately." Scully shuddered. He knew...he had to by now. "Hold on a second sir...I'll tell him right now." Covering up the phone, she shook Mulder's body again. "Mulder, WAKE up! Skinner is on your phone...he's pissed and he wants to talk to you right now!" AD Walter Skinner's eyebrows shot up. He could hear every word she said. He wondered if she knew that she had the wrong end of the phone covered. It was the only explanation. Scully finally got frustrated with Mulder and hit him lightly on the arm. His eyes opened slowly and he stared at her with a foggy expression on his face. When he saw the way she was looking at him, he laughed. "What's the matter Scully?" She shoved the phone towards him. "Skinner is on the phone. He wants to talk to you!" She glanced down and saw that she had covered the wrong end of the phone. She moved her hand to the right end with a look of shock on her face. "Oh my god, he heard me. He knows were sleeping in the same room!" Mulder grabbed the phone out of her hand and placed it to his ear. His expression went from appalled to surprise when he heard laughter at the other end. He heard Skinner mutter something about it being about damn time and stared at Scully. "Sir? Are you there?" Skinner stopped laughing immediately. "I wanted to let you know that Mike Grimm isn't pressing charges. Also...how are you coming along in this case?" Skinner had to fight off the urge to ask Mulder what else he had accomplished. "We have a lead...but I don't think we'll be able to prosecute the murderer." Leave them alone...Skinner thought to himself. "Ok Mulder, I'll let you two get back to work then." He hung up the phone and burst out laughing. It was against policy for two agents to get involved romantically but if they could keep a secret then so could he. He had to make the exception in their case. Mulder hung up the phone and turned towards Scully. She was looking at him...a scared look emanating from her eyes. "Did he say anything?" "Actually, he was laughing when I did get on the phone. I don't think we have to worry." He lay back down and pulled her close to his body. "Mulder...I had the strangest dream. It was about a little girl..." She paused when she saw the way he was staring at her. "What is it Mulder?" "I had a dream about a little girl too. Her father ended up killing her." "But that's what my dream was about. Her name was Michele..." She saw him nod in agreement at the name. "It's not possible..." He looked down at her softly. "Don't think about it Scully. Just focus on how much I love you. That's all that matters right now." "I love you too Mulder." She nestled her body more snugly into his embrace. She would never hurt him again. "Never." She whispered just loud enough for him to hear. They fell back to sleep...neither one dreaming this time. ***** ***** ***** EPILOUGE Trinity Hospital March 10 11:21 P.M. Scully gripped Mulders hand tightly, their eyes locked. Tension eased throughout her body. But another spasm racked throughout her as the last one subsided. "Ok Dana, I want you to give me one more big push, then you're done." Scully bore down once more. Her eyes stayed locked with Mulders. Her body wracked with pain...but she tried not to think of it. Instead she concentrated on Mulders gaze. The tension eased. She felt the pressure release as the baby they had been waiting for was born. She relaxed for a moment...knowing she was still not through. "It's a girl!" The doctor said, looking up at her and Mulder. They placed the tiny baby on Scully's chest and she forgot about the pain...the nine months of pregnancy. The only thing she could concentrate on was this tiny new being, with a crown of bright red hair. Scully felt Mulder's hand grip hers tighter. He was staring at the baby as well. "She's perfect Scully." His words were a whisper. Tears coursed down both their cheeks. The baby opened her mouth and screamed when the doctors took her to check her. When they were satisfied that everything was all right, they wrapped her in a blanket and placed her into Mulders arms. He stared at his daughter...unsure of what to do. The nurse asked him what they were going to name her. Mulder's eyes locked with Scully's again. "Alexis Michele Mulder." He went to sit by her...still holding their daughter in his arms. Scully wanted to hold her daughter...but the doctors were still finishing sewing her up. When they were finally done they pushed her bed into another room. Mulder was right beside her the entire time. The door shut behind the last doctor and Mulder placed their daughter in Scully's arms. He leaned over and kissed her gently on the lips. "I love you Scully." "I love you too Mulder." Time passed. Neither one cared as long as they could stay in this moment of happiness. Both were lost in this new life that they were now responsible for. A knock on the door broke the concentration. They looked to see who it was. Skinner, Byers, Langly, and Frohike stared in awe. After eight months, none of them were quite used to seeing Mulder and Scully act the way they were. Marriage had only increased the love between the agents...that and the fact that they now had a child as well. They filed into the room...all looking slightly uncomfortable. Skinner finally spoke. "Do we get to see her or are you going to keep it a secret like everything else?" Laughter erupted throughout the room. Scully passed the baby to Skinner when he held out his arms. Each one commented on how much she looked like Mulder. When Frohike took her into his arms, He looked towards Mulder. "I think she looks more like Scully." Mulder laughed. "You're just jealous...now give me my daughter." Frohike handed her back to him. Mulder turned away from him and looked at Scully. Their visitors noticed the tension and filed out. "Are you happy Scully?" "Mulder, I have you and a daughter to love. I couldn't ask for anything else." They looked at the tiny child and noticed that she had fallen asleep. They watched her...both knowing that this was only the beginning. They had many more years to enjoy their daughter and each other. ***** ***** ***** End ***** ***** ***** This part was rather long I know but I wanted to fit it all in only four parts. It's a little weird for my writing but as I said it was my first story. I do think that my newer ones have better writing quality to them. Well, let me know what you think. Jaybird023@hotmail.com Visit my site for other stories: http://members.xoom.com/Xf_shippers/