Title:  Recovery

Category: Scully/Reyes Romance

Rating: R or NC -17 Depending upon your view.

Disclaimer: I own no rights to anything I used, no permission, no profit.

The sharp searing pain shot through her as she began to regain consciousness. Her puffy eyes fluttered at the new sensation of light that pierced her, she moved slowly to get up but her arms were restrained by a straight jacket. She squeezed her eyes shut trying desperately to remember what had happened- nothing, absolutely nothing she was drawing a complete blank. She not only couldn’t remember what happened, she couldn’t remember anything. Not how she got there, or even who she was. She knew she was in a psych unit but that was only due to natural deduction, the straight jacket and padded walls. She could feel dried blood and matted hair on her scalp. At that moment a doctor entered looking concerned.

“How are you feeling today?” the doctor asked.

“Where am I?” she frantically asked.

“You are at the Arkham psychiatric institution undergoing treatment.” The doctor responded.

“Treatment for what?” she snapped.

Another man entered the room. He cautiously walked over to the doctor. The doctor nodded slightly and exited the room. The man slowly bent down next to her looking worried. He spoke softly.

“How are you feeling?”

“Who are you?” She replied.

“I am your husband”

*-------------------------------------------------------------------------*

She stood among notes, papers, files, glancing at her computer screen. She couldn’t understand what had happened. She and Dana were having drinks after work in celebration of closing a difficult case.  This case was grueling on the both of them. A serial killer named Jack Drapier had a penchant for woman doctors and scientist in particular. She could see how personal this had become for Dana, and that brought out her own natural instinct to protect the redhead. They had decided to go out and celebrate in an attempt to relieve some of the stress that this case had caused. They actually spent more time talking and laughing than they did drinking. Monica sensed a mutual connection between them. It felt good to be out laughing with one another. They were both sober when they walked slowly to their cars; Dana had invited her over for brunch the next morning. As she made her way home, horror had gripped Monica’s heart when John called to notify her that Jack had escaped from custody, and that he was unable to reach Agent Scully. Monica’s heart raced as she swung her truck around and headed almost blindly to Dana’s.  When she arrived she jumped out of her truck and ran passed the officers on the scene, straight to Skinner and Doggett. Skinner proceeded to inform her that although they had gone over everything with a fine tooth comb; they were unable to find a single clue, or anyone who had witnessed anything. He then reached into his pocket and pulled out a small evidence bag with Scully’s necklace in it. He explained that it was found on the pavement outside of her car. It was the only shred of anything left behind. That it indicated there was some type of struggle, but it didn’t turn up any prints or evidence. He handed it to her and gave her a gentle smile.

“Since it no longer qualifies as evidence, I thought you might want to hold on to it, Agent Reyes.”

She nodded and took the bag and placed it in her pocket giving him a faint smile.

“Thank you, sir.”

He turned and walked to the task force he began to assemble. Monica followed him.

“Sir, with all due respect, I should be the one to lead the task force, it was Agent Scully and I who apprehended him. Aside from Agent Scully I am the only one who understands his motives, and his operations. We caught him before and I will catch him again.”

Skinner excused himself from the circle. Tilted his head slightly but sharply, his eyes darted around as if someone was watching them. He whispered.

“Agent Reyes, I appreciate your concern, however I think it would be in the best interest of everyone, including Agent Scully if I appoint Agent Doggett to head up the task force.”

Monica felt numb. She started to say something but he continued, still glancing around, and this time he whispered even softer it that was possible.

“Agent I am well aware of your personal feeling for Agent Scully, and although I am not concerned by them, in this particular situation, it would only be a hindrance to your objectivity and the quick turn around of this case.

He moved away and spoke louder for the other agents benefit. “I expect you to turn over all case files and any other information you have on Drapier to Agent Doggett- ASAP” with that he headed back to the task force.

Monica’s head was swimming, was her attraction to Dana that obvious? Did Dana know?  She understood that this was just Skinner’s way of trying to protect her and her secret, but damn, she should still be the lead investigator. She knew she was going to hunt this man down regardless of whether she was assigned to or not.

“Monica, are you ok?” John’s question snapped her out of her memories of that night.

“Yes, John, what is it?”

“I just stopped by to check on ya.”   His eyes were full of sympathy for his partner who was placed on a mandatory leave of absence.

“Thanks, but I am fine.”

 “You don’t look fine”

 She ignored his comment.

“Any leads yet?”

“You know I can’t talk about it with you” he replied.

“And when has that ever stopped you?” She asked.

She was right they had always discussed cases, even before they became partners.

“I gotta say, I have gone over every inch of those files, and it seems he has just changed his M.O. outta the blue. I mean nuttin is matching up with his previous victims, nuttin’s the same. We have no clues, and no where to begin. ”

*-----------------------------------------------------------------------------*

She looked at the extremely handsome man, but she did not believe for a moment that he was her husband. She had no sense of knowing him, no feelings for him, and yet he claimed that they were married. It did not make sense to her. On the other hand she wasn’t quite sure what would make a handsome man show up and pretend to be her husband either. Why was she here? The doctor and her “husband” had been evasive in answering any of her questions. They claimed they were afraid it would hinder her recovery. Her instincts were telling her another story and she was quite certain neither the doctor nor the man claiming to be her husband were to be trusted.  She was still at a loss as to how she got here, and who she actually was.  She looked around the room, no phone, no television; she had no way of finding out any information aside from what they told her. 

“Honey, I have a surprise for you.” He stated.

“And what exactly would that be?”

“Well, both I and Dr. Crane feel that since you are no longer speaking of or exhibiting signs of wanting to harm yourself it would be safe to remove your restraints, and place you in a bed until your fully recover.”  His eyes watched her carefully, but with a great deal of concern. It would have been easy for her to believe he was her husband if her instincts weren’t so finely tuned.  When the bed was being rolled in, a strange realization hit her, she hasn’t seen one woman the whole time she’s been here. In the week that she had been conscious, she had seen Dr Crane, her alleged husband Jack, and numerous interns and nurses, but not one of them was a woman. That realization didn’t settle well with her, she had no idea as to why that would be or if it meant anything, but it was unsettling all the same. She was already searching for ways to escape but there were a few obstacles in her way. There was the matter of the straight jacket, but that wouldn’t be a problem much longer. Then there was the security guard stationed outside of her room at all times. Dr. Crane explained that it was only for her own protection but would not elaborate any further; he said her memory would have to come back naturally on its own or the repercussions could be irreversible. She did not believe him. Somehow she knew that that was not a plausible theory.

*----------------------------------------------------------------------------*

Monica gently rubbed the cross of Dana’s necklace. She made sure she had it in her pants pocket at all times except for when she slept, and then she placed it on the nightstand. Only trouble with that was she hardly slept for longer than twenty minutes a night. When Dana first disappeared she didn’t sleep for seventy two hours. She couldn’t understand what would make Jack change his M.O. this late in the game. The thought made her sit straight up in the bed and try to catch her breath.

*-------------------------------------------------------------------------------*

Jack was very careful not to mention anything that would give her the slightest indication as to where exactly this hospital was located or what was really going on in the outside world. He talked about how he loved her, and that he would do what ever was in his power to see to it that she received the best medical attention and whatever else was needed to ensure that she fully recovered. He had been planning this for a very long time and was not about to let a slip of the tongue ruin it now.

*------------------------------------------------------------------------------*

Monica opened her door to let John in.

“Thanks for coming, John.”

“You wanna tell me what this is all about?”

Monica had called John and asked him to bring with him all the information he had on Jack Drapier. 

“What if, all of the other killings were only committed to allow Jack to gain access to Scully?”

John was quiet for a moment.

“That doesn’t make sense, I mean why not just go after Scully to begin with?”

“John, you said so yourself, it was as if he changed his M.O.  out of the blue.  What would make a serial killer just change everything? We know he has a preference for female doctors and scientist, which of course fits Dana. What if the point of all of his killings was to get inside of her head, so to speak, making her capture all the more rewarding for him? He wouldn’t just abduct her that would be too easy. He would stage and elaborate plan, and the execution of that would be what fuels him. I am thinking that if indeed he wishes to kill her, he will keep her alive long enough to fulfill whatever that plan maybe.”

“Ok, so say your right, where do we go from here? Everything has been a dead end.”

“I don’t know.”  Monica whispered, she hated that it had been a week, and John was right every lead led to a dead end. They were no closer than they were when this first happened. This frustrated the life out of Monica. She closed her eyes as she gently rubbed the cross again, silently praying to whoever was listening that she would find Dana, alive, unharmed.

*--------------------------------------------------------*

Dr. Crane entered as it was time for her medication. An injection every four hours, he refused to answer her questions about the medication. The only thing he would say was that it was to treat her amnesia.  It always made her sleepy, and as far as she was concerned wasn’t helping in the least. She had been here for who knew how long and she still didn’t remember anything. She had re-occurring flashes of light that were almost blinding. It would usually happen in between doses. Bright, sharp disconnected images materialized. They were always the same. A dark forest, disfigured corpses, and a stunning brunette, the visual would pass as quickly as it came. Was she a murderer? Was she capable of executing that level of depravity? Could that be the reason that her Dr and her “husband” wouldn’t answer any of her inquiries? She couldn’t reconcile those thoughts with her natural inclination. Something deep within her continued to reassure her that she had no reason to fear anything, save her doctor and her “husband”.

*-----------------------------------------------------------------*

Monica sipped her coffee and stared out the window of her favorite shop. Mentally going over and over everything she knew about Jack. There had to be something, something there that no one was seeing. She had to remain focused. It was the only way she was going to find Scully. He would have to take her to a deserted location. He wouldn’t take the chance of anyone seeing them or her escaping. They had gone through every abandon warehouse and housing complex in the surrounding area but didn’t turn up anything. Monica reached inside her pocket and gently stroked the cross again and thought, hang on Dana, please, just hang on I will find you if it is the last thing I ever do. I promise. The thought of what that monster could be doing to Dana threatened to bring her coffee back up. Small tremors ran through Monica’s body, and her palms broke out in a sweat as the overpowering image from her dream came back to her. She hadn’t even remembered dreaming until now. It was a dilapidated old hospital, out in the middle of no where attached to what looked like a chemical plant. She held on to the table tightly until the flash and nausea passed. She quickly pulled out her cell and called Doggett as she made her way to her car. 

*----------------------------------------------------*

“Dr. Crane feels that we may be able to begin the next stage of your treatment very soon.”

“Next stage, what is that exactly?”  The implication of that statement caused her body to tense.

“We have already been over all of this, you know that Dr. Crane feels that discussing your treatment with you could hinder your improvement.”

She knew he was not telling her the truth, and the thought of what they could be planning made her skin crawl. She impulsively rubbed her temples with her thumb and fingers, trying desperately to remember something, anything. What where those visions about? Who was the brunette? Why was she the only living person she could remember? What did all this mean? It had to mean something, but what?

*--------------------------------------------------*

Monica and John had caught the next flight out, and drove to the address on the paper. It wasn’t difficult to find, once Monica realized that it would be a hospital attached to a chemical plant. John had thought that was insane, but humored her anyway. After all he had heard her come up with her share of farfetched ideas in the past. She had once again proven to be correct. He would never understand how she did it.  It was located in upstate New York. A very rural area, that once thrived but over the years had become scarce.   As they made their way down the empty dark corridors Monica was overcome with an inherent sense of evil. What they saw briefly stopped the both of them in their tracks. There were observation cells aligning the walls. Inside were corpses that were mutilated in the most horrific ways.  The sight almost brought Monica to her knees. She inhaled deeply and pressed her way down the hall. As they approached Dana’s room they could see Jack sitting along side of the bed. A sudden burst of relief traveled through Monica’s body. She had found her in time.

“Federal Agents, get down!” Monica and John shouted simultaneously with their guns drawn.

At that moment Dr. Crane pushed the door open causing Monica and John to turn around, while Jack ran out a side door. “Federal Agents, get down!” Monica yelled pointing her gun directly at Dr. Crane, while John took off after Jack.  Monica cuffed Dr. Crane and made her way over to check on Dana. Dana lay lifelessly on the bed.

“Dana, can you here me? Wake up, Dana, wake up, please wake up” Tears began to race down the brunette’s face, her hands stroked the redhead’s cheeks, she involuntarily let a groan. “Please Dana, you have to wake up, she lightly slapped her jaw line and groaned again. “Please wake up, you’re safe, I found you, please.”  Monica checked her pulse, and a sigh made itself known, she was still alive.

*------------------------------------------------------*

John followed Jack into the dark adjacent chemical building. He slowly opened the door. Inside were huge vats of various chemicals. Shots rang out from the catwalk above. John quickly ducked behind the enormous container in front of him. He looked out from the side only long enough to fire a shot at Jack. The shot knocked the gun out of Jack’s hand causing him to loose his balance as he fell headlong into a boiling chemical vat.

*--------------------------------------------------------*

John had stayed behind to finish up the case while Monica rushed Dana to the hospital. The test results showed high levels of flunitrazepam which would explain her memory loss and inability to escape. The doctor explained that it could take up to a week for her to regain her memory. He assured Monica that Dana was very fortunate that she had found her in time. A silent sigh of relief escaped from Monica at the knowledge that Dana would fully recover. Monica still wouldn’t resign to Dana having to stay overnight for observation, even if took executing all of her power and authority. She could not bear the thought of Dana waking up in another hospital bed. After much persuading, the doctor relented and allowed Monica to take her home.

 Dana continued to drift in and out of consciousness on the way to Monica’s. She carried her into her house and carefully brought her to the bedroom. She found a pair of pajamas to change Dana into. Monica realized that she was grateful that Dana was not conscious to see her openly admire the redhead’s amazingly beautiful body. She was acutely aware of Dana’s shape, but what she wasn’t prepared for was the realization that her clothes hid an astonishing body. It was miraculously more astounding than she imagined, her lip involuntarily lowered at the sight of Dana’s bare breast, a flush spread throughout her. She felt her own body instinctively reacting and secretly desiring her to conscious and yearning for Monica as well. The brunette physically shook her head in an attempt to regain a semblance of rational thinking.  She finished dressing her, and tenderly laid her down in the bed, as she pulled the covers up, she placed a soft kiss on the top of her head. Monica made her way out to the sofa, fluffing the big pillow and covering up. She tried to settle down to sleep but her mind kept drifting back to Dana’s naked body, and the physical effect it was having on her was relentless, demanding she relieve herself.

*-------------------------------------------------------*

Dana slowly opened her eyes to an unfamiliar environment. She was wearing pajamas in a very comfortable bed. She looked around trying to decipher where she was. The room was warm and cozy. She slowly made her way out of bed and cautiously opened the door.  She carefully proceeded down to the end of the hall. A beautiful woman sat on a leather sofa watching the news. Dana’s heart swelled and her body tingled as her eyes traveled over the woman. She realized that this was the woman she saw in her visions the one she loved, truly loved. It was then that the woman noticed her and turned toward her, with the warmest smile and a voice of concern she spoke.

“Dana, you’re awake, is everything ok, do you need anything?”

Dana’s heart melted, she was even more stunning than her vision was. As she stood there passion coursed through her veins. The woman started walking toward her.

“Dana, what is it?”

Dana couldn’t speak, she didn’t really know what to say. She was speechless as the woman approached her. Her eyes openly traveled from the brunette’s eyes down her body and back. She was captivated by the woman before her.

Monica noticed that she was admiring her body, and that caused a quiver to run through her.

“Do you know where you are?”

“No” Dana replied in an almost inaudible voice.

Monica spoke softly.

“You are at my house, and you are safe here.”

Dana instincts told her that this woman was telling her the truth.

“Dana, that’s my name?”

“Yes it is.”

Dana eyebrows furrowed as she tried to remember.

It was breaking Monica’s heart to see her like this. 

“I am Monica, we work together.”

Dana rubbed her temples in a futile attempt to recall something, anything.

Monica slowly closed the distance between them.

“Would it be ok if I hug you?”

Dana nodded.

The redhead felt a flush rush through her body at the question. She might not have been able to remember the woman’s name but her body was having no problem responding to her.  Monica embraced her softly stroking her back she whispered.

“It’s ok now. You have nothing to be afraid of. You are safe here. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

Moments passed as held each other.  Dana looked up at Monica her eyes were full of emotion. It was then that Dana stretched up and began to kiss her.  Monica’s mind and body went into shock at the sensation of Dana’s tongue in her mouth. After a couple of seconds, Monica broke away.

“Dana, what are you doing?”

“Kissing you” she replied looking confused.

“Ok, but why are you kissing me? Do you remember me?”

“No I don’t remember anything, but I know how I feel and I knew the moment I saw you, I loved you. I wanted you to know that although I do not remember us, I am still aware of how I feel about you. I am sorry if I did anything wrong…”

Monica was stunned. Her ears could not believe what she was hearing. Was this some left over residue of the drugs she was given? Was Dana really in love with her all this time and yet not able to tell her?  

“No…no, you didn’t do anything wrong. It is just that I believe it may be best to wait until your memory returns before we…..”

“I am sorry …I shouldn’t have…” Now Dana was confused but the thought of Monica wanting to wait until she remembered her only made her realize why she must have fallen in love with her.

“It’s ok, don’t worry about it, really, everything is fine. Are you hungry? Would you like some coffee?” Monica nervously tried to change the subject.

“Coffee would be really nice.” Dana smiled shyly.

“Well, why don’t you make yourself comfortable and I will bring out the coffee.” She motioned for Dana to sit in the living room. Dana walked over to the sofa and sat in front of the television.  She squinted as she attempted to absorb what she was hearing and seeing. Nothing was triggering her memory.

Monica’s hands trembled she braced herself on the counter trying to catch her breath. What the hell just happened out there? I know how I feel, and I knew from the moment I saw you that I loved you?  Loved me? Does she love me? How could she love me and not tell me? Probably the same way I have loved her and not been able to let her know. Monica’s head was swimming and it was all she could do just to complete the task of making two cups of coffee.  She shakily carried the tray out to the living room and placed it on the table in front of them.

“Mmm this is really good, thank you” Dana smiled and whispered.

“You’re welcome” Monica answered as she sat down next to her.

“So tell me about the case, what exactly happened?”

“I don’t know if that is a good idea.” Monica wasn’t completely sure what she should and shouldn’t say.

“Monica, you have no idea how exasperating it is to not be able to remember anything, in addition, having the one person who could tell you choosing not to.”

Monica mulled over her statement for a while. She knew that if that was her in Dana’s position she would want to know as well. Monica began to fill her in on the case.

“So what you are saying is that a dream is directly responsible for you finding me?”

“Well yes, I have certain abilities that defy conventional wisdom, if you will, and I am very open to them.”

“Monica, am I to assume that you possess psychic abilities? Is that what you are trying to tell me?” Even in her amnesic state, her mind wasn’t sure it believed that.

“I don’t know that I would use the term psychic abilities. I just have certain spiritual notions, I believe there are energies in the universe and I am sensitive to them.”

Dana’s hands covered her eyes, as another sharp flash of light and images presented itself. This one was different. The same brunette, different haircut, a mountain top, and then it was gone.

“Dana, what is it? Are you ok?” Monica asked while gently placing her hand on the redhead’s shoulder.

She softly explained to Monica about the images she had in the asylum and the one she had just now. This one was different, it felt different. The one thing they did have in common was that they always left her feeling vulnerable.

“I believe it is your memory beginning to resurface.” The brunette assured her.

“The one in the hospital was always the same.” Dana spoke thoughtfully.

 “You were the only constant in them.” She breathed.

Her voice lowered to an honest whisper. “It is as if you are all I can remember.”

She looked deep into Monica’s soft brown eyes, which were widening with that last statement. Monica swallowed as her mouth became instantly dry, and her body became warm at the thought. For a moment the brunette allowed herself to get lost in those captivating blue eyes, as she watched them move from her own eyes to her lips and return. It was then that Monica realized that sitting this close was not the wisest choice. She could feel the energy between them, and it was taking all of her will not to act upon it. She continued to watch as blue eyes traveled over her body, absorbing every detail. She had never seen Dana’s eyes like this before, and it was intoxicating. Her lips parted, as a soft moan escaped from her at the thought of what was happening between them. She had wanted Dana for so long that she was almost paralyzed under her desire. Dana leaned in and Monica met her lips with her own. They kissed softly, exploring each other. Dana’s hands spread across the brunette’s shoulder blades, as Monica’s hands were entangled in Dana’s hair. The brunette’s body was quickly wanting, needing, more…Monica broke the contact and stood up.  A faint whimper escaped from the redhead at the loss of contact.

“Dana…I…am …sorry, we can’t do this, it isn’t right.” She panted.

“And why not?”

“Because you don’t remember me, and when you do, you will hate me.” The brunette answered, feeling guilty.

Dana stood and took Monica by the hand.

“Hate you? How could I possibly hate you? You were the only person I could remember. I knew from the moment I saw you again that I loved you. I may have amnesia, but I know what I feel. I know what I see when you look at me, the way you speak to me. I know you love me too.”

She searched deep into Monica’s soft warm, guilt ridden eyes. The wheels in her mind were turning trying to comprehend what the brunette wasn’t saying.

“Unless of course you betrayed me in some way, is that it, Where you unfaithful?” 

Monica’s heart was breaking. How in the world was she going to explain this? She did not want to embarrass her, even though there was nothing to be embarrassed about.

“I could never betray you, Dana, you are all I ever think about.” Monica shyly whispered.

“But, there is something, something you’re not telling me.” Dana asked softly.

“Yes, but like I said before, I think it would be best if we waited until your memory returns.”

“I guess we will have to, won’t we?” Dana wasn’t intentionally being cold; she was frustrated by the situation. This beautiful woman before her was the love of her life, and yet she couldn’t remember anything. Well almost anything that statement about being sensitive to energies had a slight familiarity to it. In fact it was what triggered the last vision.

“I was thinking that after we shower we could go out and get something eat. Maybe the fresh air will be good for you, and there is always the possibility that something will trigger you memory.” Monica offered.

Dana was apprehensive. She wanted her memory back, but a small part of her feared it as well. What if her life was disappointing and unfulfilled? There was already something Monica was keeping from her. Whatever it was, she could sense that it was indeed for her own protection. What the brunette did tell her was that she was an F.B.I. Special Agent, a medical doctor, and a scientist.

*__________________________*

They drove out to a little café. Where they ordered cappuccinos and Cornetti, sipping their coffee they enjoyed a light atmosphere and conversation. Nothing like the emotional explosion that occurred back at the house, they laughed as the brunette spoke of her college days.

On the way home they rented a few movies to watch over the course of the weekend.  Monica knew she would need some type of buffer between them or she would quickly loose her resolve. The last thing she wanted to happen would be for her to finally know what it was like to make love to Dana, only to have her hate her in the end. No she wasn’t about to risk everything in the heat of the moment.

They spent the rest of the day watching movies, pausing to use the bathroom. They had decided to eat dinner in between movies. Monica had popped popcorn and brought each of them their own individual bowls. She was certain that it would be disastrous to her self determination to attempt sitting close enough to share one bowl.  A kernel of popcorn landed on her breast snapping her out of her thoughts. She looked to see Dana giggling.

“Oh you think that is funny do you?” Monica laughed as she threw one back missing Dana all together and landing on the dining room floor. This only made Dana laugh harder. Monica found her smile and laughter irresistible. It was only on rare occasions in the past had she been able to witness her smile, or to hear her actually laugh. The brunette’s heart sang at the moment.  She smiled and turned away rewinding the movie. This was her way of saying they needed to get back to what they were supposed to be doing. Dana understood, and wanted to respect Monica’s wishes even if she didn’t know what the reason was behind them. 

It was late when the last movie ended. Monica insisted that Dana sleep in the bed again. Dana of coursed argued that she should sleep on the sofa this time, however Monica was having none of that.

Dana had changed into her pajamas and lay awake in the bed, not being able to sleep. She wasn’t happy about Monica out there on the sofa. She thought about Monica. She was so warm, open, honest, genuine, gentle, and beautiful. She was quite fortunate to be in love with this woman. She thought about the kisses they shared earlier, how her body reacted to the chemistry between them. There was something about Monica that ignited a core deep inside of her, a longing that was burning to be unleashed. She wasn’t certain why or how, just that it in deed existed within her. She heard a faint knock at the door.

“Come in.” Dana responded.

“I hope I didn’t wake you.”

“No, I couldn’t sleep.”

“Sorry. I will only be a moment. I need to get something to sleep in, I forgot earlier.”

“It’s ok, take your time. I have a feeling I won’t be sleeping anytime soon.” Dana sighed.

“Is there anything I can do?” Monica asked innocently.

“Yes, but you won’t.”

Monica’s head spun around.

“Dana, you don’t understand, and you’re not being fair.”

The redhead deeply exhaled again. “I know I am sorry, it is just very annoying not knowing the whys to anything.”

Then Dana noticed a sparkling gold chain dangling out from the brunette’s pocket.

“Hey, what is that in your pocket?”

Monica reached in a slowly pulled out the necklace.

“It is a very special necklace.” She said holding it out to the redhead.

Dana reached out to touch it, and the severe flashing came reeling back.

This time they were more intense and longer than the previous ones. It was as if her entire life was flashing before her eyes and all she could manage to do was reach out and seize Monica. Her head was splitting, and her stomach was twisting in knots. She was almost certain that she was going to pass out, and she did.

She awoke to a very worried looking Monica sitting beside her on the bed, holding a cold washcloth on her forehead.

“Hey, you ok? How are you feeling?” Monica gently asked.

“Embarrassed”

“You have nothing to be embarrassed about.” Monica reassured.

“Passing out in your bed is nothing to be embarrassed about?”

A slight grin crept up the side of Monica’s face as her eyebrow shot up.

“Passing out in my bed, with the circumstances you are under is nothing to be embarrassed about.”

Dana smiled in spite of herself.

“I bet you say that to all the girls, Agent Reyes.” Dana teased.

“Well, I…wait, what did you just call me? Agent Reyes, you remember?”

Dana’s head dropped, she could no longer hold the look in Monica’s eyes.

“Yes I remember, the last flash before I passed out, was intense and extremely vivid. It was my whole life flashing before my eyes in a matter of minutes. I am certain that there will be diminutive things that I will recollect later. For the most part, yes, I have fully regained my memory.” She looked up briefly to meet Monica’s eyes, they were worried. Monica nervously furrowed her brows and nibbled on her bottom lip while looking down to the carpet.

Dana reached out and tenderly held Monica’s hand.

“I also remember you, and how you were determined to wait, in spite of everything, until I regained my memory. I do not know of many people who would be willing to do that. You could have easily given in to me. Monica, words could never express the amount of respect and gratitude that I feel for you.

Monica’s eyes returned to the blues eyes that were full of emotions. Returning the look she felt her heart leap within her, as they mutually leaned in for a kiss. The kiss that Monica and Dana had waited her entire lives for.

The End.