Moments in Time pt 2

Author: Daemoni

Rating: NC-17

Pairings: Scully! Reyes

Summary: Sequel to Moments in Time by Dayna. Picks up when they meet again for the first time in Season 8, since breaking up while at University.

Note: I changed the x ray room scene in This Is Not Happening. Given their history in the first story I couldn’t envision that scene taking place the way it did. I also changed the pregnancy specifics for the utter dramatic sense. A Spanish translation was also corrected from the first part. The credit goes to shenny from the Scully Reyes Romance forum that mentioned that the former mi pequeno was a masculine form and should be changed to pequena and drop the mi.

Monica could not believe this was happening. John called her in the middle of the night, distraught, pleading for her to take the next flight out to Montana. Monica knew there was no excuse good enough to get her out of this situation. John and Monica became close friends who kept in touch since they met during the investigation of Luke Doggett, John's son. She had worked side by side with John during that horrific time in his life, seeing his fear, his anguish, and his determination to find his son. It was during this time that he and Monica formed a special bond. They would call each other, when one of them was in town, get together for a few beers and watch the game, calling each other during the holidays. It was a very unique and special friendship. They had an understanding about work, only call if you absolutely have to. That is why Monica despised the situation she now found herself in. There was no way she could back out of it; she would have to do it, even though every fiber of her being wanted to run in the opposite direction. She was well aware that John was working on the X Files now, with Dana Scully, the woman that at one point Monica thought she would spend the rest of her life with. The one woman that Monica would be quite happy to never see again in her lifetime, Monica still lived with the pain of having that woman rip her heart out. She knew that the trouble she had in her present relationships was because she could never fully let herself go with anyone. She could never risk that deep soul shattering pain again. She feared she'd never recover. Now she finds herself pulling up to a remote location to meet John in the middle of nowhere.

John smiles as he holds up two cups of coffee that he made in his hotel room before he left. At this point Monica welcomes the coffee at least it is something; hopefully it will stop her head from spinning.

"Listen Mon, thanks for coming, ya know I wouldn't call ya out if I didn't hafta" John said.

All Monica could manage was a brief smile as she reached for the coffee.

"I know there is a history between you and Agent Scully, and I get why you are so angry at her, I do Mon, I get it. There is something you should know before you go out and see her. She's not herself, she has been though a lot lately, and to be honest I don't know how she keeps doing it. I know you already know about her and Mulder."

It was true she did hear talk about Dana and Mulder in the Louisiana field office. They always referred to them as Mr. and Mrs. Spooky. All the rumors that circulated how could she not know about Mulder and Scully? Monica made up her mind a long time ago that she must have only been some youthful experiment to Dana, which would explain how she could just walk away from her, to shut everything off as if what they shared together was nothing.

"What you don't know is that she is also pregnant with Mulder's baby"

That last bit of information sent Monica's head reeling rendering her speechless.

"There was a woman found, she was taken the night before Mulder disappeared.

Whatever sick bastard got a hold of her got his kicks by seeing how far he could mutilate her without her dying. What kinda person does somethin like that? The woman disappeared from the hospital last night. That is why I called you; if anyone can help, Mon it is you. You're the only hope we have left. I don't know how you solve some of the cases that you do, but whatever you do, I am pleading with you to do it now. Of course Scully won't say it out loud but you take one good look at her, and ya can tell, she is afraid that we are going to find Mulder, the father of her baby in that condition.

Monica felt as if her world was closing in around her. On one hand she felt so angry, angry that the she was now stuck in the position to help the woman she spent so many years trying not to think about. There was a part of her that wanted nothing better then to tell Dana off. How dare she do that to her, who did she think she was? There was also the compassionate side that knew regardless of who she was or what she did; she did not deserve this, that no one deserved this. It was the idea of her being pregnant in this situation that allowed her to feel more compassionate towards Dana when all she really wanted to do was to verbally lay her out for what she had done to her.

Monica and John stood atop a hill in that god forsaken land of Montana. Monica chained smoked as she tried desperately to calm her nerves. John must have seen Dana and AD Skinner coming, he turned jog down the hill to meet them. Monica couldn't even bring herself to turn around. How on earth was she going to look Dana in the eyes and pretend nothing was wrong? She could hear them walking up behind her, she felt her heart in her throat first then dropping down to her stomach.

"Agent Reyes" John called.

Monica turned, and almost fell over. Dana had grown into such a beautiful woman, her big blue eyes, red hair blowing in the wind. She did, however, detected a pissed off

attitude to which she felt was directed towards her. Her initial reaction was to confront her, and demand to know what in the hell made her feel justified at being angry at her. She quickly reminded herself about all that John had told her, how that it might not be directed at her, with all that she is going through. It would be extremely difficult for anyone to go through. Monica decided then and there, that she would follow her instincts when it came to Dana that she would suspend as much as she could of her personal feeling towards her and be as much of a help as she could be, no matter how difficult it would be.

"Assistant Director Skinner, Agent Scully, Monica Reyes." Doggett announced.

Monica was slightly embarrassed that they managed to catch her before she could exhale.

"Hi" Monica managed to get out along with an apologetic smile. "Beautiful country out here" she said nervously as she stomped out her cigarette.

"I know it's not very FBI of me but I am trying to quit." She blurted out in A.D. Skinner's direction.

"So Agent Doggett has been taking me through the case, interesting." Monica pulls her composure together, pushing everything aside.

"Interesting?" Dana interrupts.

"So what do you think happened?” Monica asked.

With cold steel blue eyes Dana answers, "Isn't that what you are here to tell us?"

Damn Monica thought same old shut down closed off person she was when she left her. More beautiful now, but none the less the redhead wasn't going to make this easy for her. Monica was even more determined to stay open.

"Oh I have my own thoughts, it's just that, what we think happened and what actually happened aren't always the same thing but not all together insignificant" the brunette replied.

"I'm sorry this feels like therapy." Dana responded. She clearly was planning on making this very difficult for Monica.

"What happened being different from what we want to have happened." Monica reiterated.

"What who wants to have happened?" The redhead asked.

"Well, I am told this case involves you." Monica sincerely responded.

"It may involve someone close to me; can we stick to the facts please?" Although it was somewhat of a question it was also Dana's way of letting Monica know she was not and would not be open to talk about anything personal between them. That she was there because she had to be and if she had to be, then it was definitely going to be on a professional basis only.

Monica took a deep breath, "Well, it's pretty clear that the woman that was found out here did not inflict her own injuries, she was dropped here by someone, and that whoever it was cared enough about her not to kill her."

"Did you happen to note the peculiar nature of her injuries?" Dana's head bent slightly as she looks up at her, almost as if she is inspecting her, or interrogating her.

"Yes they were peculiar but not altogether different from you typical Occult ritualistic abuse." Reyes firmly holding her ground responds.

"Agent Reyes, we are dealing with abductions here, not by any Occult." A.D. Skinner offered.

"Ok, good, I mean if it's not" Agent Reyes responds.

"But you believe it is" Agent Scully asks Monica.

"Well I go on what I know of course, but I try to stay, ya know, open." Monica offers with a smile.

"So, what do you think happened?" The redhead asks.

"Well I am told that Agent Mulder and the other people who were taken were true believers. People 100% convinced of the abduction phenomenon." Monica begins to state.

"If this is about these people staging their own abductions..." Skinner interrupts.

"No, it's about people coming together, like minds as a group." Monica attempts to finish her theory.

"So you're basically saying Mulder has joined some UFO cult" Scully states with a great deal of disbelief.

"Call it a group" The brunette says.

"For what?" Skinner asks as if he cannot believe what she is saying.

"Well we have all heard the news stories, transport to a mother ship, the idea of a giant mother wheel, the whole Heaven's gate thing." Monica finishes her theory.

"I see" Agent Scully says sounding completely let down and in disbelieve of the brunette's theory.

"It'd make sense; the leader of the cult leaves this woman out here to die, learning she is still alive, he comes back out here to kidnap her again for fear of exposure, it'd also make sense too that if we find this guy, maybe we find Mulder" Agent Doggett offers

"Are you asking me to believe this?" The redhead asked.

"No that is not what I said, I don't think he left her to die, I don't think she is dead.”

"Based on what?" Dana said.

"Nothing really, it's just a feeling." The brunette offers remembering how they used to talk about how she was open and receptive to outside energies. How she had a special gift that not everyone understood.

Instead the now Special Agent Dana Scully walked away. For the second time in Monica's life, and John went after her.

After exchanging a couple of awkward pleasantries with Skinner Monica decide to go to the hospital, she wanted to take a good look at the x rays hopefully to find something that might be able to shed more light on this already difficult case.

Agent Scully still could not believe that Doggett called Monica Reyes in of all people to try to help on a case that even he is apparently no help on. Now she has to hear from the blind leading the blind. This case was already extremely difficult and she wasn’t sure how long she could go on.  She felt guilty about how she had treated Monica when they were younger. Now, however, was no time to be standing around talking about old wounds. Every valuable second counted in what she dared to hope of finding her partner alive. She didn’t even want to think about the baby growing inside of her, and how all of this anguish could affect it. She was walking down the hall of the hospital to go over the X rays again when she saw Monica standing in that very room. She started to walk passed, but the brunette turned to face her apprehensively and said… “Hi.”

Damn, Scully thought, too bad Monica had noticed her, now she would have to go in and confront her, something she had been dreading ever since seeing her on that hilltop.

 “I thought you’d be out combing the hills with Agent Doggett.” Scully stated.

 “I am on my way out to see him; I just wanted to see film on this woman’s injuries, Theresa Hoese.

 With a raised eyebrow and tightly pursed lips Scully slowly but meticulously closed the door behind her. Dana took a deep breath, pausing for a moment before a lengthy exhale.

“What the hell are you doing here Monica? Scully berated. “We are more than qualified to handle this case. I mean….did …” Scully tried again. “Did you know before you came here you would be working with ME on this case?”

“Excuse Me? I am here, solely because Agent Doggett called me in on this case. Yes I knew you were on the X Files, and against my better judgment I came anyway.” Monica snapped back.

“Against you better judgment?”  Scully said sarcastically.

“Yes, there are a million places I would rather be, then here right now.”  Monica shot back as her nostrils flared and her brown eyes glared into Dana’s.

“I see…Well, then…I think it would be in everyone’s best interest if you went back home.” Scully retaliated.

Monica stared at Dana in complete disbelief. She could not believe Dana was acting as if she came here to see her, after all this time, why on earth would she track her down?

“John requested my help, and despite what your personal opinion may be, I am here to assist in locating Agent Mulder, and that is what I intend on doing.” Monica sternly stated.

With that Agent Scully clenched her jaw, squared her shoulder and tightly turned to walk out the door.  Something she had perfected years ago Monica thought to herself as she watched her leave.

Monica spent the rest of the day with Agent Doggett going over the site. She had driven to the local library to look up a couple of items she was working into her theory. It was now night time as she made her way back to the motel. Her mind drifted back to Dana. She could feel herself becoming disgusted all over again. She knew Dana was distant and a bit closed off when they first met, but now she had fine tuned that emotional lockdown to heights she had never before witness in her, or anyone else for that matter. Could she really think I came back here looking for her? Could she really think that I have nothing better to do with my life then to try and track down someone who walked out on me back at the university because they were too ashamed to admit who they really were? What in the hell would make her think that? As Monica struggled with her emotions the cigarettes on the front seat were looking really good. Monica was trying to quit but damn, with the reappearance and attitude of Dana, she was beginning to think now was not the time. Fuck it, she thought as she bit down on her lip and reached for the pack. Taking a cigarette out and placing it in her mouth she noticed the car gear down and the dashboard lights go off, seconds later the car geared back up and the lights came back on. She was reaching for the lighter when she noticed a bright ball of light hovering over the landscape.

“No friggin way” she mumbled aloud somewhat in disbelief of what she was actually seeing. She turned the car and drove as far down as she could in that direction. She then got out and made her way down the hill.

“Stop there” she yelled at two men with a pickup truck.

“I’m a federal agent” She continued.

The truck sped off but not before Monica could quickly memorize the license plate number. As she turned to leave she noticed a body on the ground. She immediately phoned it in.  She was up most of the night going over things with Agent Doggett. Thank God A.D. Skinner did not bring Dana with him.  She knew Dana would not argue with her in front of them, but she was in no mood for her attitude tonight. Monica spent the rest of the night tracking down the license plate and gather information on the owner of the pickup truck. She slept for roughly two hours, before showering and heading back to see John and go over the possible lead that she had. Agent Scully was performing the autopsy and Doggett was waiting for the results in the hallway as she walked in. She paused for a moment; she could sense John’s pain, she continued to walk toward him.

“You’re hurting for her, I know, Agent Scully.” Monica spoke sensitively.

John lifted his head from his hands; his sadness was weighing heavy on his heart looking back down at the floor he spoke, “ I don’t know how she’s doing it in there, everything she’s feelin, what she’s afraid of.”

“You know all too well.” Monica sympathetically replied.

John arose and turned to face her still speaking softly, “Let’s leave the past in the past.”

“It was your fear too, those three days we looked for your son, the fear of finding what we did. I understand that is why you are so determined to find Mulder alive.” She spoke tenderly.

“It is why I can’t stand here and listen to all this mumbo jumbo about spaceships.” He wasn’t speaking out of anger or even frustration per se; more or less it was an unwillingness to believe in the paranormal existence.

Monica continued to look into John’s eyes gently “I saw what I saw  John, I am not going to lie to you.” She exhaled deeply. Monica understood that John wasn’t giving her a hard time.

“But whatever it was, it lead to this” Monica showed Doggett the wanted paper. “It’s the man I saw in the field. “He goes by the name Absalom, a religious zealot who escaped a shootout in Idaho. Where he was the nominal leader of a doomsday cult who believed aliens would take over the world at the millennium, disgraced when they didn’t he fled and tried a more ecumenical scam…credit card fraud. I ran the plate on the pickup truck; it’s registered to a farm about an hour from here.”

Upon informing A.D. Skinner of the recent lead in the case. They waited while Scully finished the autopsy to see if there was any conclusive evidence found, for a team to be dispatched to them, and for a search permit. Night had fallen before they were actually able to arrive at the farm.  When they arrived they found something similar to a cult compound, security cameras and people sleeping in bunks. Agent Scully found Theresa Hoese, healed and in the same hospital gown. It was the first time she looked at Agent Reyes without any defense. She spoke to Monica in a completely unguarded manner.

“You better get A.D. Skinner in to see this and Agent Doggett.

Skinner brought in Absalom for questioning. Agent Doggett and Agent Scully were the ones to interrogate him. It was the first time that Monica saw a glimpse of how fragile a state Dana was actually in. Her voice became shaky and her eyes watered as she asked Absalom if he had any video tape on Agent Mulder. Agent Reyes took the video tapes that they had confiscated at the compound to search for any footage of Mulder or anything that might lead them to finding him.

Monica went to Dana’s motel room her door was open, standing in the doorway Monica called,

“Agent Scully.”  Dana turned looking troubled, spun back toward the window.

“What?” Monica asked.

Scully ran to the window, opening the curtains searched for something. Reyes followed her in, softly asking, “What is it?”

Dana hesitated then whispered, “I saw him.” She turned to look at Monica. Her eyebrow raised in uncertainty, eyes wide and soft. She looked away swallowed, trying to compose herself as she realized the implication of that statement. Tilted her head to the side, and sighed. “I saw something.”

Monica looked into Dana’s eyes, she could see her vulnerability, and she understood the inference of what was spoken. She could sense her fear, her pain, and her insecurity. For a moment it caused that part of Monica that was buried so deep within her to rise up. The part that wanted to protect Dana from any suffering, to hold her and comfort her, quickly regaining her composure she explained to Scully why she was there. They went back to Reyes’ motel room, Doggett and Skinner were already there waiting for them.

“I reviewed these tapes from the compound, there are some things here I want you all to see.” Agent Reyes explained as she showed the tapes. She knelt in front of the TV, Agent Scully stood beside her with her arms folded. Partly to regain her equanimity and partly to brace herself for what she might see.

“They got a body in there.” Skinner stated.

Scully’s eyes widened, “Who is it?” She asked.

“You can’t tell from this angle.” Reyes replied.

“Well, then where’s another angle?” Agent Scully pressed.

“This is the only angle I could find.” Agent Reyes responded.

“Wait a minute, stop it.” Scully spoke bending down leaning in closer to Reyes. Her voice became softer. “That man, I know that man.”

Reyes’ tone matched Scully’s. “Good, cause here he is again.” She sped up the tape to show the same man in the compound.

“Who is he?”  Skinner asked.

“His name is Jeremiah Smith, Agent Mulder knew him, he believed that he had the ability to heal people.” Scully answered.

“Whadda mean heal people?” Doggett asked in disbelief. 

“Like he did Theresa Hoese.” Scully replied with a tone that said don’t start this with me, you saw her healed.

Monica turned to look at Dana who was very close to her now. Dana looked into Monica’s eyes with a knowing look as if to say you know what I am talking about. As the redhead looked into the brunette’s eyes she couldn’t help but notice how truly beautiful Monica had become.

“Well, whoever he is, take a look at this.”  Monica said before Doggett had a chance to argue with Dana. She understood from that one look that Dana was not in the place to argue with John because of his disbelief. She showed them the footage of the man Scully called Jeremiah Smith walking and then what appeared to be Agent Doggett standing in the exact spot as Jeremiah Smith without Jeremiah ever leaving.

“What the hell just happened?” Agent Doggett asked

“That’s what I would like to know” Reyes answered

“Wow… that is still Jeremiah Smith.” Scully declared.

“The hell it was, that was me and I never even went in that building.” Doggett acknowledged.

“Exactly, we have to get back out there.”Agent Scully spoke making her way up from the floor.

They made their way back to the compound. Scully displayed her badge to the team still guarding the grounds.

“We’re looking for someone, a man who may be one of the detainees.” She and Agent Reyes headed inside.

“We need some bodies out here to search the woods.”  Skinner barked at the men.

“FBI, where is he?” Agent Scully asked a group of people inside. “Jeremiah Smith, look I know he’s here.”

The people grouped together against the wall.

“Jeremiah Smith I need to speak with him.” She spoke loudly. “You in the back step out…Come with me.”

Agents Scully and Reyes lead the man to an empty room.

“Take a seat.” Scully offered. “Are you Jeremiah Smith?”

“No…I …uh” the man stuttered.

“Did you heal these people?” She continued.

“No” the man sighed.

“Did you heal Theresa Hosie?” Scully walked close, frantically grabbing his shirt; she leaned down to his face. “Look I know who you are.”

A knock came at the door.

“Agent Scully…” Agent Reyes entreated.

Scully let go and pulled herself together. She gave Reyes an I’m ok now look.

Monica opened the door to one of the men who were with Skinner. He nodded for her to step outside.

“I’ll be right outside” Reyes reassured.

A few seconds later Skinner opened the door to get Scully.  His eyes were soft and pleading, and his voice was full of heartache.

“You better come with us.”

Agent Scully turned to look at the man who simply said, “You must protect me.”

She turned walking out the door when she noticed the look on Monica’s face.  It was a mixture of sympathy and sorrow. She knew instantly something was very wrong. She turned to Skinner.

“What is it?”

“It’s Mulder”

Scully came running down the hill she could see the men standing in a circle around something.

“Where is he?”

Doggett grabbed her trying to protect her and warn her at the same time.

“He’s over there…”

“How bad is he, how bad is he, how bad is he hurt?” She broke free from Agent Doggett, and was able to see Agent Mulder’s dead body lying on the ground. She bent down cupping his face in her hand. “No….No.”  She backed up. Doggett put his arms around her.

“He needs help”

“It’s too late.”

“He needs help.” She yelled again breaking free from Agent Doggett’s hold. She frantically ran back up the hill to the compound.

“Agent Scully” Doggett called out to her but she would not stop running.

A bright light appeared in the sky above them. They all were in awe.

Then Skinner spoke, as he headed back up the hill.

“Agent Reyes come with me.”

Neither Skinner nor Reyes was prepared to find Scully collapsed face down in the compound

Monica bent down next her whispering, “Dana are you ok?” She gently pulled her hair away from her face.

Agent Scully’s eyes fluttered open. “Moni” she breathed.

Skinner quizzically looked at Reyes. Monica shrugged her shoulders and shook her head as if to say she didn’t understand what Scully said.

Skinner bent down beside Scully, as Scully became more aware of her surroundings she struggled to get up. Skinner and Reyes helped her to her feet and sat her in a nearby chair. Monica left and came back with a cup of water, she handed it to Dana. Shakily she took the cup and attempted to drink between sobs. She tired numerous times to pull herself together but the breaking sobs kept coming. They both sat with her until they were sure she was ok.

“Agent Reyes will be taking you back to her motel room to keep a close watch on you until I am certain that you are well.”  He then looked at Reyes.

Monica nodded.

The drive back would have been in complete silence if it weren’t for the heart wrenching cries. They came in crashing waves and there was very little Scully could to do control it aside from turning her body away to stare out her window. She couldn’t face anyone like this, she especially couldn’t face Monica. The brunette drove in silence understanding and respecting Dana’s vulnerability.  A great deal of the night was spent like this. Agent Scully continued her attempts to regain her composure only to fail miserably. Reyes sat on the bed while Scully sat in a chair. Monica endeavored to console her but her efforts were refused. It broke her heart to see Dana this way; she could sense the pain and devastation that Scully was going through. That was the one thing about her extrasensory gift. When it worked, it was almost overwhelming. She would do whatever was in her power to help Dana feel better. She went into the bathroom and began to run a bath. A nice hot bath always made a woman feel better. When the bath was ready Scully arose and went in to the bathroom. Reyes exited and took her place on the bed.  Her mind drifted back and forth between the past and the present. She remembered the good times that she and Dana shared, that brought a smile to her face which was quickly replaced by a grimace when she remembered the pain. No one had ever been able to hurt her the way Scully did. She also knew that now was not the time to dwell on it. Dana was pregnant and she just found the father of her baby dead in the woods.  No, what she needed now was for Monica to be understanding and comforting.  Dana exited the bathroom and exhaled deeply.

“I’m exhausted.” Was all she could manage to get out. Monica got up and offered her the bed.

“Here get into bed and lie down, you need to rest. Don’t worry I can sleep in the chair.” The brunette offered.  The redhead wiped her eyes and got into the bed. Reyes turned out the light and sat in the chair. After a few moments of silence Scully spoke.

“You don’t have to sleep in that chair, this is a big bed, and there is plenty of room for you.”

Dana spoke softly and almost out of breath.

Monica immediately noticed the sexy breathless tone but also knew it had everything to do with her being both emotionally and physically exhausted and nothing to do with her trying to be sexy. At Scully’s insistence Reyes took her up on her offer and got into bed with Dana.  Monica lay next to her wishing there was something she could say, something she could do to help ease the torturous pain.

“I miss him.”  Scully said breaking the long silence.

“I know, it must be difficult to lose the one you love. I can’t imagine all that you are going through.” Reyes answered.

She gently reached over to tenderly stroke Dana’s hair. For the first time Scully actually allowed Monica to console her. As she laid there she had to admit it felt good to have Reyes calm her. Her memories floated back to when they were young and Monica would do this to her sometimes. A brief smile crept up the corners of her mouth disappearing just as quickly. She always carried around an unimaginable amount of grief and guilt for having hurt Monica the way she did. It was something she had stuffed deep down inside of her, she tried her best to forget about it, to ignore it, but it was always there.

“I did love him and respect him but not the way you are thinking.” Dana answered after a long pause. “We weren’t together.”

“Oh…It just that….well…I thought that …since ….you’re pregnant…..I mean…” Monica stumbled not understanding Scully’s admission.

“Who the hell told you I was pregnant?” Scully replied with a thick irritation in her voice.

“Well Agent Doggett did, but please don’t be mad at John, he knew I was reluctant to accept this case and he was only trying to help me understand what you were going through. I am sure you know he is a good man and normally would never betray a confidence.” Reyes spoke quietly but with conviction. Scully rolled her eyes but she knew it was true. She was certain Doggett probably had to do nothing short of promising her the world to get Monica out here.

“I am sure Agent Doggett is not alone in his assumption that Mulder and I were in love.  We were partners and we respected each other. In some ways it was close to a marriage. Our lives had become so insular that there wasn’t time for anyone else. Even if there was someone…could I risk their life out of my own selfish need for companionship? My sister had already been killed as well as Mulder’s father because of what we found out. How could I put someone else’s life on the line? I knew I was never going to be able to have a normal life. I desperately wanted a child and Mulder was the only shot I had at making that dream come true. He agreed and it was a onetime thing.” Dana explained. It took her a long time to get the entire thought out due to her emotional state.

“I see.” Monica answered thinking and analyzing what information she had been given. She continued, “You should probably get some sleep. Your body needs to rest.”

Scully rolled over and Reyes rolled in the opposite direction. Monica thought long and hard of that personal information that Dana had given her. She must have had a very lonely life. Now all the jokes that she had heard about her and Mulder didn’t seem funny.

“Are you awake?” Scully ask quietly.

“Yes” Reyes responded, rolling back over.

“I …just wanted… to thank you… for being so kind to me.” Dana stammered haltingly.

“Don’t worry about it, no problem.” The brunette answered.

“No…really thanks….I know this mustn’t be easy for you considering everything we have been through in the past. It means a lot to me…I know I never told you but I have carried the guilt of what I had done to you around with me.  I don’t expect you to forgive me, and I realize that this doesn’t make everything ok, but I want you to know…It grieves me to know that I hurt you the way I did. I was frightened, petrified, of losing my father’s love, I panicked…I made a mistake that has haunted me ever since. I know it is no excuse. I just wanted you to know.”   Dana confessed.

Monica couldn’t believe what she was hearing. All this time she thought she was just some college girl experiment, that Dana never gave her a second thought. Now of course this didn’t make what she did to her ok, but it did help her to feel better knowing that she did mean something to her, maybe not enough, but at least something.

“I …I don’t know what to say. I honestly didn’t think I meant that much to you. I spent all this time believing that you didn’t care about me that…that is why you left me. “Monica admitted.

“That isn’t true…I never loved anyone the way I loved you.” Blue watery eyes looked into brown watery eyes. “I am truly sorry for the pain I caused you.” She was hardly able to believe that she had actually said that aloud, she quickly ascertained that she would have not been able to acknowledge that if it were not for the excruciating situation she was in.

Monica reached out and wrapped her arm around Dana, “It’s ok, and we can talk about this another time. You should rest now the sun will be up in an hour and Skinner wants to see you first thing. He is very worried about you.”

Monica awoke after an estimated 25 minutes. She was extremely tired, but her mind was having great difficulties reconciling what Dana had confessed. She wasn’t sure what all of this meant if anything and she wasn’t sure how she felt about it either. She walked over to the coffee pot in the room and started the machine. Thank God for coffee even if it was lousy hotel room coffee that looked like water and tasted the same. It would have to do, and would be better than nothing at all. She headed for the shower. This morning’s shower would have to be a little colder than normal. She needed all the extra help she could get waking up this morning. She reluctantly made her way down the hall. She under no uncertain terms hated cold showers, but knew that it would have to be an essential part of her start this morning.

Scully awoke to an empty bed and the smell of cheap coffee. She heard the shower running and naturally deducted that Reyes was occupying the bathroom. Her head hurt, she was congested, and her eyes felt puffy from all of the crying. If there was one thing Agent Scully could not stand it was crying. Her body was exhausted and heavy. It would take everything she had to get up and begin the day. An immediate humiliation flooded her as she remembered her admission to Monica about an hour ago. What in the hell did I do that for? She criticized herself. What if Monica now wants to pick up where they left off? I am going to have a baby…she probably thinks I am crazy. She did hold me and comfort me…but she probably just feels sorry for me. She continued the mental scolding until she heard the water cut off.  Now what am I going to do…her every impulse was to get up and run out the door. How in the hell was she going to be able to face Monica now. Shit, she couldn’t even run, she had to get ready to go with the brunette to meet with Skinner. Shit. Damn. Fuck. She took a deep breath and with every ounce of energy she could muster did her best to shift those mental walls back into place.

“Good morning” Monica announced, wrapped in a towel, smelling of soap and shampoo. She didn’t make eye contact; she went straight to the coffee pot. She felt a bit discomfited around the redhead.

“It’s all yours now” Looking down at the coffee cup, mixing in the sugar packet, she would have preferred splenda but would have to make do with what she had.

Damn she looks really good wet Dana noticed before a quick self chastisement and heading off down the hall.

“Thanks” She was partially relieved that Monica hadn’t brought it up before she had enough time in the shower to mentally prepare herself. Who knows, maybe she won’t want to talk about it either she thought, letting the hot steamy water beat down on her weary rigid muscles. She was more than certain that Skinner was going to give her a hard time about returning to work. He always did. He did when her father died, and he did when her sister was killed.  She appreciated that he was genuinely looking out for her best interest. She just happened to believe that no one could have her best interest at heart more than she could. She could never be the one to sit home, and have her mind drift all over the place feeling completely helpless. No, she knew herself better than anyone else could. She needed to be at work being a part of the solution, doing whatever she could to expedite the turnaround of the case. She knew all too well how quickly things can be covered up, swept under the carpet, never being able to prove the contrary. She would have to be the foundation of truth, above all else ensuring that the truth be found and told concerning Mulder.

Scully turned the shower off, reached for a towel and began to dry herself. She was going to need coffee this morning. She quickly thanked God that Monica had made some. Albeit, shitty coffee, but coffee none the less and on this morning she would be tempted to drink gasoline if she thought it would help. Dana finished getting ready in the bathroom. She wasn’t quite ready to face Miss Reyes right now, and damn it she was going to prolong this as much as she could. When she could stall no longer without causing alarm, she exited the bathroom to find Monica sitting in the chair mug in hand staring out the window. Distinctly she knew somehow Reyes was mulling over what she had admitted to her during her moment of weakness.

“Hi” the brunette said almost as if in a trance or deep thought.

“Hi’ the redhead replied self consciously with her head tilted down, straightening out her blazer.

Scully made her way to the small counter where the coffee was. As she pulled the plastic of the foam cup she mentally acknowledged that Reyes was on to something by bringing her own mug with her. Monica lost in thought continued to stare out the window. She sensed that Dana was having a hard time adjusting to seeing her again this morning, along with everything else she was going through. It wasn’t as if Monica didn’t understand, she was struggling a bit with Dana’s admission herself.

“I see we have a professional coffee drinker here” Dana spoke uneasily. The brunette softly chuckled.

“Well, be that as it may, I find those cups irritatingly small.” She replied with a shy smile.

The redhead took in her smile remembering how she had always loved Monica’s smile. How sometime it would be big and goofy and other times it would be flirty and sexy kind of like now.  The one thing she always secretly admired about the brunette, she had the ability to be extremely sexy without any effort. She could somehow make cleaning the toilet look hot, and the best thing of all was that she never tried. It was that true sex appeal that resides deep within someone, unconsciously spilling out into everything they do. She quickly pulled her thoughts back together. They sipped their coffee in silence, she for one was grateful that Monica didn’t broach the subject of the previous conversation.

“Skinner called while you were showering, he said for me to bring you over as soon as you are ready.” Monica announced, mentally pulling her thoughts together as well.

“His room is a few doors down…I can walk there why in the hell would he need you to escort me?” Scully snapped.

“He said he wants to talk to me as well, but didn’t say what about.” Monica responded. She understood that Dana wasn’t being ignorant, it was just her way. Even when they were younger she always became defensive if she felt like she was being babied, or disrespected.

“Oh….sorry, I…didn’t mean to…” Scully trailed off.

“Its ok don’t worry about it” Monica interrupted. With that they both grabbed their coats and headed to Skinner’s room, when they arrived a few seconds later Reyes knocked on the door.

Skinner let them in. They could smell the aroma of hotel coffee lingering in the air.

“Good morning Agents have a seat.”  He motioned to the table. Agents Scully and Reyes took their appointed chairs.

He looked at Agent Scully and he knew this was not going to be an easy conversation. It broke his heart to see her like this. She was always one of his favorites with Mulder being the other. He could hardly believe Mulder was gone it was surreal. Looking at her, he wondered what she must be feeling, how extremely difficult this was for her.

“Agent Reyes, I spoke to your supervisor this morning he has agreed to allow you to stay on for two more weeks.” He began.

Both Agents were puzzled at that opening statement. He continued.

“Agent Scully, I have personally made all the arrangements concerning Agent Mulder. I have also made all the calls. There isn’t anything for you to do on your end except to take a brief leave to allow yourself some rest.”

“With all due respect sir…” Scully interrupted.

“This is not up for debate, I understand how you feel but you need plenty of rest. I don’t want you ending up sick, and this is not just about you.” He spoke tenderly and Scully knew he was talking about the baby. She also knew she was fighting a losing battle on this one.

“Agent Doggett is going to be in need of some help on the X files, Agent Reyes that is where you come in. I want you to stay on assisting him. He will brief you and bring you up to speed.”

“Sir, I don’t know…if…”  Agent Reyes stammered a bit, she wasn’t sure if she wanted to be filling in for Dana, and she knew they were already in somewhat of a fragile state and she didn’t want to be stepping on any toes right now.

“You showed your ability by breaking this case wide open which directly led us to find Agent Mulder. You will be fine.”

Monica could sense Dana internally wince at each mention of Mulder, she also was beginning to see why John highly respected A.D. Skinner.

“Sir…” Scully entreated,” I have to do something…I can’t just sit…I need to work”

Skinners replied sensitively…”I understand, and in the past I have allowed you to do so, please understand that I do not have a choice relating to this matter. This time there are other concerns that happen to be of higher priority.”

Monica knew he was speaking of the baby, and admired his tact and respect for his Agent.

Scully quickly arose from the table and left, slamming the door. Skinner glanced at Reyes and nodded in approval, as she went to follow Dana.

“Dana…wait…Pequena” Monica blurted out unintentionally. Scully spun around with a look of complete shock and tears in her eyes.

“I’m…sorry, it just came out. I know this isn’t easy for you but I am not trying to take over the X files. Please just talk to me.”

Scully walked closer to Reyes clenching her jaw she replied. “I know, Monica but I can’t just stand here and do nothing. He was my partner and I owe him that much.”

“I know Dana; I would feel the same way if it were my partner. I would, but I don’t know what to do. You heard Skinner yourself; I don’t think he is going to change his mind. I can keep you in the loops as to what we find out. Other than that, I don’t know what else I can do.”

Scully’s demeanor slightly softens, “I would really appreciate that…thanks Monica.”

They walked back to their rooms and began to pack for the trip back to D.C.

The first three days after coming back home seemed to be filled with the funeral, visiting one another, and taking some time to mourn the loss of Agent Mulder. Monica may not have known him, but she did sense everyone’s pain and loss. Sometimes it was very difficult to have a gift as hers because the emotions that she sensed were tremendous, and often impossible to shut off. She and John attended the funeral more as a support system for Dana. Three days had now passed and it was time for Monica and John to get back to work.

John was in the middle of briefing Monica when the door opened and Scully walked in.

“Agent Scully, what are you doing here?” Reyes and Doggett asked in unison.

“I know those files better than anyone else; I am here to give you a hand.” Scully replied. She knew it was a feeble attempt but it was all she could think of at the moment.

“Does Skinner know you’re here?” Monica spoke cautiously.

“No, I don’t think anyone saw me come in.”

Just then the phone rang.

“Agent Doggett” John answered. “Uh…mm…yes she is here…ok… yes I will.”

“That was A.D. Skinner, he does know you are here and he said to make sure Agent Reyes takes you home.”

“Well how the hell does he know I am here?” Scully snapped.

“He didn’t say.” Doggett replied.

The phone rang again. Scully and Reyes stared at the phone with trepidation. Agent Doggett glanced at the two of them and decided he better answer the it

“Agent Doggett.” He answered although it sounded more like a question. “Yes she is here…hold on a sec.”  John replied and with an almost regretful look on his face handed the phone to Monica.

“Agent Reyes speaking” Monica spoke hesitantly. She looked at Dana  apprehensively.

Scully’s eyes focused on Reyes. She seemed to be trying to listen to the other end of the conversation, but to no avail.

“Yes sir, I understand….but I don’t think…. no it’s just that…yes very clear sir.” Reyes looked at the phone in her hands as if she were debating on what she actually heard.

“What is it Monica?” Dana asked. Agent Doggett sat at the desk watching the both of them.

“Skinner has just assigned me to not only take you home but to stay with you for the day. I tried to talk him out of it, but he wouldn’t listen to me. I don’t have a choice.”  Reyes replied reluctantly.

“I do not need a friggin babysitter. What the hell is wrong with him?”

“I don’t know but what am I suppose to do? I guess I will follow you home in my car.” 

Monica walked over to the desk and pulled out her purse but before she could look up Scully was already storming down the hall. I don’t know that I am ready for this either, Reyes thought to herself, as she attempted to catch up to Dana. She caught up to her in the garage. Scully was just about to pull out when Monica hit the window with her knuckles. The redhead hit the break and unwillingly rolled the window down.  

“What” Scully said with a scowl it came out as an irritated statement and nothing at all like a question.

Reyes mirrored the look back to her.

“Look Agent Scully…” she used the professional title on purpose. “ I don’t like this anymore than you do but unfortunately I have a job to do.”

The redhead slightly nodded, waited for the brunette to get into her truck, pull out into position to follow her.

Scully pulled out of the garage with Reyes right behind her.  Once they were on the street Scully sped up and was racing down the roads taking turns so fast and tight that Monica was afraid if she didn’t slow down she was going to flip the car. She wanted to call her on her cell and tell her to slow down before she killed herself or someone else. She is also aware that for Dana to try and answer it right now may also cause an accident.

Dana was well aware of the fact that she was driving faster than normal. She was still fuming about Skinner treating her like a child. She understood that he was concerned for her, but a frickin babysitter …really?? She thought to herself as she attempted to lose Reyes but was having no such luck. Reyes was on her arse turn for turn.  When she pulled up in front of her apartment the brunette pulled in two spaces back, and was out of her truck before Scully could reach the door.

“What the hell was that? Were you actually trying to kill yourself or someone else?” Monica was enraged at Scully’s apparent lack of concern for anyone’s well being.

Scully looked up at her and took a deep breath.

“Agent Reyes” she clenched her teeth. “I would appreciate it if we could take this conversation inside and not get into it out here in the street.”  With that she opened the door allowing Monica to follow her in before shutting the door.

“You are a federal agent; you have been trained and know all the risks that are involved in high speed driving. You know better than to behave that way. What was that all about? Would you really go to all that trouble to get rid of me again?”

“First of all Agent Reyes, you are correct I am a trained agent, more than equipped to handle high speed chases. I was completely in control of myself, and my vehicle. Second, what the hell does that mean, trying to get rid of you again? Are you going to actually make this about our past? I can tell you assuredly it had absolutely nothing to do with our past.”  Scully was furious how dare she bring that up now, she thought to herself. I am in no mood to go back there again.

“You expect me to believe you weren’t trying to lose me?” Reyes was incensed.

“I was but not for that reason, for this simple fact that I am a grown woman who has no need for a babysitter…and now that you mention it, especially one who cannot let the past stay in the past.” Scully turned in a heated manner and walked into the kitchen to put a pot of coffee on.

“Don’t you dare walk away from me when I am talking to you.” Monica charged as she followed her into the kitchen. She continued. “You haven’t changed one bit, you are the same hot and cold girl you were in college. You come off as if you care, as if you are concerned with anyone other than yourself and then in a moment’s notice you turn cold, without any explanation why.  While we are having this conversation answer me one question…how in the hell do you manage to shut everyone out without a second thought. You say you never loved anyone like you loved me, and yet here we are going through the same stupid fucking bullshit that we went through before…Are you even capable of loving anyone including yourself?”

Dana’s eyes grew wide, her chin tilted down; her eyes began to squint as if she was trying to process everything Monica just said to her. She was not quite sure how to respond.

Monica watched her closely anxiously waiting for her answer, wondering where all of this was going to lead.

Scully’s eyes filled with water, she squeezed them tightly in her best effort to hold back the flow that was soon to follow.

Monica’s composure softened at the sight of Dana’s tears. She wasn’t trying to hurt her, but at the same time she knew she was going to have to break down the redhead’s walls if they had any hope of having any kind of future together.

“I…don’t ….know” Scully managed to get out as the tears streamed down her face like a flood.

The brunette walked thoughtfully over to the redhead and brought her thumb up to wipe away her tears. The redhead immediately dropped her head toward the ground, but didn’t say a word.

Monica continued her futile attempts to dry her tears.

“I…do …love…you.”  Dana whispered.

Monica searched Dana’s eyes. Her body and mind were being enthralled by passion. She gradually placed her hand on the redhead’s chin slowly tilted it up to meet her own and let her lips brush against Dana’s full and tender lips. Her tongue gently caressed the redhead’s lower lip causing her lips to part as she let out a faint moan. Monica’s tongue entered Dana’s mouth; they began to kiss each moment becoming more seductive than the last. The redhead’s hands became tangled in the brunette’s silky hair, Monica’s hands cupping Dana’s chin slowly slid down causing her fingertips to trace the redhead’s neckline.  Her fingers slid under Scully’s blazer gradually pushing it down from her shoulders. The redhead neck was bent back and her lips parted as she allowed her body to surrender to its deepest desire, which was Monica Reyes. The brunette continued to seductively undress the redhead. It was when her fingers first touched Dana’s smooth pale skin that Monica realized that chemistry was more electric now than it had been in the past. She had great difficulty restraining the fervor that was all but overtaking her senses.  Her mind was spinning enraptured in memories of the past, and the intensity of the present. She pressed the redhead against the wall kissing her deeply began to trace the body of the woman in front of her. She ran her fingers down the soft pale thigh and brought it up to her waist. The redhead moaned aloud, she too was reeling with the same emotions and feelings that were consuming the brunette. She panted and anxiously longed to feel Monica inside of her once again bringing her to completion as only she had been able to. The brunette reached under the redhead’s thigh and began to play with the small soft patch of red hair. She moved her finger inside gently circling her clit over and over again. Dana breathed heavily,

“Please…” She managed to whimper. The brunette smiled and eased in a long finger inside of the redhead, with gentle and deep strokes she prepared the redhead for another finger, and yet another. Dana’s body and mind were lost to the pure ecstasy of her sweet submission to the beautiful woman inside of her. Her body was relinquishing all as the brunette’s thumb circled her clit while her fingers brought her closer and closer breaking down every internal brick in every wall that stood between them. Dana shook violently in Monica’s arms as her orgasm ripped through her body. When the redhead’s body cooled a bit and her breathing returned to normal, she took the brunette by the hand and led her down the hallway to her bedroom.

Inside of her room, Dana began to undress Monica. She slowly lowered the brunette on to the bed and began to kiss her. Her hands caressed the exquisite body beneath her. The redhead’s tongue traced a languid trail down to her full breast, trailing around her nipple.  She took the taut nipple into her mouth and rolled her tongue around it swirling and sucking it.  The brunette’s body arched at the sensation as the heat and wetness began to flow inside of her. After some time Dana released Monica’s nipple and let her tongue trail further down to her smooth center. Her tongue teasingly traced her outer lips gradually allowing her tongue to move inside. She leisurely licked her inner lips. Monica’s arousal was thickening. Dana continued to suck, nibble, and circle the brunette’s clit, also penetrating the brunette’s tender warm center with her tongue. Monica wanted to hold back but knew she would not be able to. No one had been able to set her body a flame as quick and easily and, no other could incinerate her very soul, and yet have her yearning for more.  Her own orgasm was met with a guttural moan from Dana.

The redhead repositioned herself between the brunette’s legs straddling the love of her life. Her soft red mound was pressed against the smooth mound of the brunette. Their clits pressed against each other as Dana began to grind against her slowly from side to side and the brunette lifted off the bed grinding up and down. Their soft moist folds melded, slid, fused, and glided again and again creating a perfect suction. Juices mingled as soft gasps and deep moans filled the air. There were no words to describe what was happening between them, their souls uniting again after all this time. The exhilaration, anticipation and stimulation were almost more than either one could bear. The simultaneous orgasm shook through them. Dana lifted herself from Monica crawled up and placed her head on the brunette’s breast. The two lay there silent basking in the glow of what they had shared together, drifted off to sleep.

Monica awoke some time later to the smell of fresh coffee. As the memories of what they had shared together earlier drifted to mind she also found herself riddled with anxiety over what this could mean. She knew she loved Dana more than she had ever loved anyone else. She was sure

they belong together, but what did this actually mean to Dana? How would she handle all of this? Could the redhead actually shut her out again? Did she risk getting her heart shattered one more time? Would she even want me to share a life with her and her unborn child?

The redhead entered the room carrying a coffee tray.

“I thought you might need this” Dana smiled as she spoke, and then noticed a concern look on Monica’s face.

“What’s wrong?” She asked sincerely.

“Dana, I hate to bring this up, but there are a few things I need to know.” The brunette spoke hesitantly.

“Ok….”  The redhead braced herself.

“What about your parents? How are they going to feel about this?”

“Well….since my father died, my mother and I have had a long discussion about it. She may not understand it all but has apologized for all the pain and suffering she says she caused. She said she had no idea at the time that you meant as much to me as you did. In fact she said, whenever she thinks back to that moment in time, she still feels guilty. So I don’t think you will have anything to worry about with her.”

“I am sorry to hear about your father…there is just one more question…how…I mean ….what about the baby and us. Is there even an us?…” the brunette trailed off lowering her eyes to the floor.

Dana tenderly lifted Monica’s chin looking deep into her eyes. “This baby means the world to me, and aside from Mulder there isn’t anyone else that I would want to raise this child with than you.”

The brunette smiled that big goofy smile that Dana loved. The redhead took her hand.

“You will never have to worry about anything like that ever again. I have been given a second chance with you and there is nothing in this world that could ever take you away from me. I tried in the past to tell myself that you didn’t mean anything to me, that it was all a mistake. When I saw you again on that hilltop I knew deep down inside that I could no longer lie to myself. I tried, but I knew, just as I know now that we were destined to be together.”

Tears filled Monica’s eyes as she heard the words that she had waited her entire life to hear. She looked into Dana’s eyes and whispered, “I love you Pequena your words have healed my heart, and I know that I can trust my soul to you now and forever.”

“I love you too Moni and I always have.” The redhead replied.

Monica closed her eyes and was thankful to not only hear but know that Dana meant ever word she spoke. That all of those years wasted with pain and suffering were over, that she was free to love as she was meant to love.

The brunette opened her eyes and pulled the redhead to her. Arching and eyebrow and devilish smile said

“Pequena, we have a lot of time to make up for...”

The end.