Title: Don't Go Author: DM E-Mail: unruhe1121@hotmail.com Distribution: Please ask first, I always say yes! :) Spoiler Warning: Missing scene from Requiem Classification: VRA Key Words: Mulder/Scully Romance Disclaimer: Chris, if you don't shape up real soon... I'm taking them for good and I'll never give `em back... Okay, fine.... No, they're not mine. Do I look like an old, weathered surfer who is afraid to let his characters feel?? Summary: "She wasn't a selfish woman, not by any means. Tonight, however, she would be selfish. She would do anything to keep him from leaving her side." Notes: This little vignette sprung to life thanks to a creative writing assignment. The challenge was to write a detailed account of a departure or a meeting. So, I decided to try and tackle exactly *how* Mulder and Scully said good-bye to each other at the end of Requiem. That hug just didn't cut it for me... I don't care how sweet it was. Oh, and I still believe that Mulder was wearing Scully's cross when he was taken, so I put that in here as well... I don't care what CC says. Also, special thanks to Carol... you have been such a light in my life. Thank you. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX She heard her footsteps echo in the hall. There was nothing unusual about the sound itself; her four-inch heels always sounded like that in this particular hallway. However, this time there was a difference, something she couldn't quite put a name to, something that tugged at her heart. She was on her way to say good-bye and although this was something she had done many times over the years, for some reason, this time she felt fearful. She couldn't explain it, but she felt a desperate need to keep him from leaving. She wasn't a selfish woman, not by any means. Tonight, however, she would be selfish. She would do anything to keep him from leaving her side. Somehow she felt that this particular departure would only bring permanent separation. Which was something she could not, would not accept. Determined to get her way, she knocked loudly at apartment #42. No answer. The nervous twinge in the pit of her stomach signaled her worst fear. What if he had already left? No, she still had time. She couldn't be too late; this was too important for bad timing. She tried again, pulling out her key, ready to enter on her own if he didn't answer. Mid-knock the door opened and there he stood, hazel eyes piercing through her worried exterior. "There you are; I was worried you had already..." "Left?" "Mmm hmm. I'm sorry; I know you wouldn't do that." His warm smile invited her not only into his home, but also into his heart. He took her coat, motioning her into the living room. She continued as she made her way to the sofa, "So, when is your flight?" "Skinner'll be here in about an hour. That ought to put us in Oregon before dawn." Slowly nodding her head, she looked down at her hands, fumbling nervously with a button on her sweater. Sensing her distress, he walked over and sat down on the coffee table in front of her. His hands found hers. At his touch he could feel the tension drain out of her. "Hey, what's the matter?" he murmured softly. She would not allow herself to cry, but she also couldn't allow him to leave. "Are you sure you want to do this? Do you really need to go?" "You know I have to. If there were any other way..." "I understand, but I can't help this feeling that you're..." "I *am* coming back. I promise you that much." She shook her head, silently praying he would understand her next statement without asking her to explain. "Yes, but what if?" "No `what ifs'. We've made it this far, haven't we?" Gathering her courage, she raised her face to meet his intense gaze. "I know, and I trust you. You know that. But not even you..." She couldn't finish. She bit down hard on her lip to prevent the burning in her throat, trying to suppress the uncontrollable sobs welling up inside. Finally, unable to hold back any longer, hot tears slowly fell down her cheeks. Gently, he brushed her tears away then pulled her into his warm embrace. For a long moment he held her, just as she had done so many times for him. She sniffed quietly and cleared her throat, pulling back just enough to speak. "I told you I wouldn't let you go alone; and I meant it." "But Skinner..." "I know, and I'm thankful he agreed to go along, but I want you to take this." As she spoke she pulled away and started to unclasp the chain that hung around her neck. His heart melted; words were not necessary. He understood. He accepted the fragile piece of jewelry and reverently fingered the tiny gold cross. Without speaking he looked into her eyes, reaffirming his promise to return. Tears started to blur his vision as he felt her reach around his neck, fastening the necklace with care. She let her hands rest at the back of his neck for a moment, softly brushing her fingers through the short, dark hair at the nape of his neck. He returned the gesture and drew her brow to his lips. As he pulled away, he carefully breathed the words "thank you" knowing they were inadequate. Silently she rose. "I have to finish packing." He knew the moment needed to end; he was beginning to re-think his decision. "Feel like helping?" "I, uh... I better not be here when Skinner comes. You know, no need to try and explain..." She didn't need to finish. "Alright then, I'll walk you to your car." "No." She took a deep breath, knowing she had to regain control of her emotions. "You need to hurry and finish." He smiled, understanding the reason behind her words. It was better to say good-bye here. Without waiting for her to speak another word, he pulled her to him once more. His lips met hers chastely, but she understood his intent. Pulling back he gently pushed a stray strand of hair from her eyes and whispered, "I promise." "I know." Reaching up and brushing her lips across his once more, she closed her eyes and turned. She hadn't realized he had been holding her hand until she stepped away and he let go. Without looking back she made her way to the door. Twisting the knob, she opened it slowly and stepped out. Just before it shut completely she took one last glance and found him still watching her. With a sad smile, she let the door close completely. She heard her footsteps echo in the hall. Fin Feedback??? Yes please! I can't tell you how much a little note brightens my day! unruhe1121@hotmail.com