Title: This Isn’t Good-bye
Author: DM
Feedback: Any and all is welcome at unruhe1121@hotmail.com
Rating: G
Category: VR
Key words: Mulder/Scully Romance
Spoilers: Existence and NIHT
Disclaimer: If *I* owned ‘em... well, there wouldn’t be a need for stuff
like this. Needless to say, they’re not mine; they belong to 1013
Productions, FOX, and most importantly, David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson.
Summary: A sweet moment before Mulder’s departure in “Nothing Important
Happened Today”.
Notes: I know this scene probably played out somewhat differenly
according to what we saw in “NIHT”, but this is how I imagined it. It’s
short, shorter than I intended, but the more I went on, the more I
seemed to stray from my original intent. I hope you enjoy. Special
thanks to Carol for all her fabulous beta work!

This Isn’t Good-bye
By: DM


The sound of falling rain vibrates in my chest and pounds in my ears. I
hear a shuffle near the end of my bed and pray that I’m still sleeping,
that the morning hasn’t come yet.

I squeeze my eyes tighter to keep them closed, but I can’t ignore it
when I hear him whisper my name.

I refuse to answer, foolishly thinking I’m buying us more time.

“Scully,” he speaks again. “It’s time.”

It can’t be time yet. We’ve just begun.

I have to fight the tears from falling; Mulder needs me to be strong.
Afraid to speak I nod my head in acceptance. Mulder needs to go; we both
agreed a few short days ago that his departure would be the best course
of action, at least for the time being. In order for us to be together
again he needs to leave now.

I sit up in bed and watch as he steps over to the bassinette just a few
feet away. His words are directed to William but I know he speaks for my
ears as well.

“Hey there, fella… daddy’s gotta go away for awhile, but we’ll see each
other again real soon.”

He reaches in to brush the baby’s soft cheek and I can’t help but notice
that he clears his throat trying to compose himself.

“I’m gonna miss you, buddy… take care of your mom, okay?”

He kisses William’s tiny forehead and I notice, as he pulls away, that
one of the baby’s small hands is wrapped tightly around Mulder’s finger.
At this instant my heart feels as if it could break into a million
pieces. I just got him back, why do I have to give him up again?

“Scully.” He’s turned to face me now.

“I know.” I pull back the covers, trying as best I can to mentally
prepare myself to watch him leave. I don’t get far when I feel his hand
on my shoulder. I look into his eyes and already know what he’s about to
ask me. As much as it will hurt, I know I’ll agree.

“No, Scully. I want to remember you here, like this.” He runs his
fingers through my hair and I close my eyes trying to soak up every
second. “After all, this isn’t good-bye.”

I nod my head. His hand moves to the back of my neck and he pulls my
forehead gently to his lips. His kiss lasts for only a moment before I
move my lips to his. I promised myself I wouldn’t cry, but I can’t hold
back the tears that fall down my cheeks.

Pulling back, Mulder just looks at me; I know he’s trying to immerse
himself in the moment just as much as I am. With gentle fingers he wipes
the wetness from my cheeks, then takes my hands in his.

“I’ll see you soon, Scully.”

“Soon.” I whisper.

With a sad smile, he leaves.

With an aching heart, I sit in silence as the door shuts behind him.



END

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“I’ve heard the truth, Mulder. Now what I want are the answers.”