Disclaimer: Nope, they're not mine. Chris Carter owns them and takes care of them. Category: SRA, MSR Rating: NC-17 Archive: Gossamer, Romantic FanFic, post-ep sites (let me know on these, all right) Summary: Mulder and Scully are separated now that the X-Files division is closed. How will they deal with reassignment? Author's Note: This is the sequel to "Clinging To Hope." I encourage you to read it before venturing into this one. The events in this story are related to what happened in that little piece. Besides, it's short (8K) and will only take you 5-10 minutes, tops. That's less than waiting for the pizza to be delivered. Now, you have something to do while you wait. ;-) Feedback: After all my obsessing on this one, please . . . "Echoes of the Past" by Lisa (haven599@msn.com) Scully awoke to the sounds of someone getting dressed. Opening her eyes, she saw Mulder fixing his tie and grabbing a dark suit jacket out of the closet. Turning around, he saw that his sleeping partner had opened her eyes. "I'm going to see if I can salvage anything from the office. Maybe all the files weren't destroyed. There has to be something left." Mulder said. Scully sat up on the bed, clutching the sheet to her chest, feeling shy and awkward now that it was morning. Last night seemed lost, almost forgotten. "I'll come with you." Mulder didn't even look at her as he finished dressing. "Maybe you should meet me there. You . . . you probably want to freshen up." That was the last thing Scully expected him to say. She was more than a little surprised. And hurt. "Oh . . . Ok, I guess. I'll go home and change. She looked down at the sheets, avoiding any possible eye contact with him. "I'll see you later." Mulder said before walking out of the bedroom and shutting the apartment door. Scully just sat there thinking what the hell was that all about. Mulder barely looked at her. It was like the two people last night were gone. The memories erased from his mind. She felt the tears come to her eyes and quickly got out of his bed. Picking up her clothes from the floor, she noticed the imprint of the sheets. Only half was rumpled. She must have slept his arms all night. Turning away from the bed, Scully quickly finished dressing. Mulder's office 1 hour later Scully walked down the stairs only to see the yellow police tape blocking its entrance. Mulder wasn't in there. The memories came flooding back to her. The first time she met Mulder - he was pouring over slides and he had already decided that she was a spy - someone to thwart his plans of finding the truth. Other times when he was excited about a case. Times when they argued and were distant. In fact, the times that she remembered most weren't even down here in this damp basement. They were at the hospital. When she came out of the coma after her abduction. The cancer and its aftermath. Both were threats to here health, but Mulder was always there offering her any support she needed. Scully left as the memories threatened to consume her. ***** "Sir, can I come in?" The door was slightly ajar and Scully didn't want to interrupt. "Yes." His voice came from inside the room. She saw Mulder sitting in a chair in front of Skinner's desk. She had no choice but to sit next to her partner. "In lieu of what happened last night, the X-Files will be closed, at least temporarily." Skinner stated to the agents. "I understand, sir." "I've already discussed this with Agent Mulder." he added. Scully wasn't surprised to hear this. "Both of you are going to be reassigned to other divisions. I already told Mulder that he'll be back in violent crimes." Skinner glanced at him slouched in the chair. "Scully, you're going to be working in the Pathology Lab. They are somewhat understaffed right now." She nodded. "I would like you both to start as soon as possible in your respective new assignments. Do you have any questions?" "No, sir." Scully stated. Mulder muttered something under his breath. "What was that, Mulder?" "Nothing." Scully walked out of the office intent on going to the lab right away. There was nothing left in Mulder's office except memories. Heading for her car, she thought that a change of pace would be good for her now. It would keep her mind off other things. Mulder caught up with her in the parking garage. "Where are you going, Scully?" "To work." she stated. "Now?" "Aren't you?" she asked. "I'll get there when I feel like it. It doesn't matter, anyway. It will just be another way to keep me occupied. Just like the past. I've been here before, Scully." he answered angrily. "Mulder, did you really think they'd keep the X-Files open?" He walked closer to Scully. She had the car door open and was about to get in. "Why do you care? This is your chance to get out." Scully shut the door and met his gaze. "They are only closed temporarily. They'll be re-opened." "Yeah, right." "We can't do anything right now. It's too soon." She knew the words would sound empty to him. "What about the things you said last night. Not giving up - not letting them win. Did you really mean them?" Scully didn't expect him to bring up that. He didn't even mention what went on between them. She wasn't sure how to respond. "Yes, I did, but there are *no* X-Files right now, Mulder. Besides, everything's just too . . ." "Whatever. We're not partners anymore. You don't owe me anything. Just go and report to your next assignment, Agent Scully." he replied coldly. She watched him disappear into the sea of cars. ***** The weeks passed and Scully settled into a routine. Her new job was pretty good, especially when she was able to use her medical training much more. The people were nice. Scully always found a cause of death - there was an explanation of why the person died without a shadow of a doubt. No maybes. Sometimes she'd secretly hope for an unexplainable death. No conclusive evidence. Then she could tell Mulder. She'd forget for a moment that they were no longer partners - it was in the past along with that night. That was the problem. She never saw Mulder at all, which was fine during the day, but the nights were the hardest. Scully would have many dreams about she and Mulder making love, except it was longer. She would say, clinging to him, it has to last. Mulder would respond and reassure her that they would be together. Scully would awaken almost able to still feel his hands on her body. Those were the good dreams. The bad ones were filled with images of loss, lying in Mulder's bed alone, calling out for him, but he wasn't there. She would awaken upset and angry. If only that night meant something to Mulder. It obviously didn't. Not as much as it meant to Scully. Her emotions were running so high and close to the surface. They just happen to manifest themselves into passion. There was nothing left except each other. After all these years something had to give. It was like a storm. Everything was calm until that first kiss. It was like a lightning strike that set them off. Their need escalated into a full-blown storm. A sensual storm. The ones that come out of nowhere, bringing a deluge and are over just as quickly - like they never existed in the first place. ***** Scully just finished a particularly difficult autopsy. It was after one in the morning. Changing into her clothes, she walked out of the building heading towards her car. A man came out of the shadows and grabbed for her purse. She struggled with him to get away trying to put up a good fight despite being tired. When he took out the knife, she was afraid and decided not to struggle for fear of her life. He ran down the street with his loot. Luckily, her keys were in her coat pocket and she rushed to the car, speeding home. After canceling her credit cards, she fell into an exhausted, dreamless sleep. That encounter shook her up and Scully didn't work any more late nights at the lab. She refused to put herself in a potential harmful situation again. The next time it could be worse - the figure lurking in the dark wouldn't be satisfied with just a purse and some petty cash. It was daytime now and she felt safer encased inside the walls of this building. The day had dragged on and she had much more work to do before it was over. She heard the outside door open. Oh God, who was it now? Walking into the room, she saw Mulder. "Hey, Scully." he said casually. "Can I help you with something?" she replied. "Have you finished the autopsy on Charles Findley?" "Yes. I just finished." She walked over to the body and pulled the sheet back a little. "Scully, what happened?" Mulder asked, his voice filled with concern. He noticed the bruises up and down her arm. "Oh, I was mugged a couple of days ago. He got my purse. I'm all right. It was just a big hassle canceling my credit cards." Mulder touched her arm gently. "Are you sure?" "Yes. I'm fine." He could have shown this much concern when - "Oh, there you are." They both looked up to see a woman walk through the door obviously looking for Mulder. "You ready?" she asked. She was a couple of inches shorter than Mulder with blonde hair, pulled back from her face. Pretty green eyes. Dressed in a gray two- piece blazer and skirt, she made Scully look very dowdy in her blue scrubs. "Ah . . Scully, this is Ashleigh Harris. We're working this case together. Ashleigh, this is Dana Scully." "Nice to meet you. Mulder's told me about your work with him on the X-Files." she replied. "Nice to meet you, too." Scully murmured. Were they a couple? They looked great together. She's probably the type of woman Mulder likes to date. Scully was unable to let this go, because of the hurt Mulder caused her, even though it was none of her business. "Scully?" "What - Oh, the tox screen isn't complete yet. The report hasn't come back." she mumbled, trying not to sound like an idiot. An awkward silence passed between the three of them before Mulder spoke. "Ashleigh, why don't you head out to the car. I'll catch up with you." "Sure." She turned and walked through the double doors. Mulder came closer to Scully and reached for her hand. "I'm glad you're Ok." He squeezed her hand lightly. "Thanks." "You'll send me a copy of the report when it's ready." "Yes, of course." She looked up into his eyes waiting for . . . something. Mulder released her hand quickly. "I've got to go." "Right." "Talk to you soon." Scully went back to her work, but Mulder and his visit never completely left her thoughts for the rest of the day. ***** Mulder wasn't giving his new assignment a chance. He was doing a half-assed job and he knew it. This didn't hold his interest like years before. He's seen too much. Knows too much now. The people he is working with think they can make a difference. It doesn't matter. He didn't hold out much hope that the X-Files would be re-opened soon, despite going to see Skinner, who had basically given him the brush-off. Mulder was getting tired of all this bullshit and saw no reason to continue this charade, except for running into Scully today. She was hanging in there obviously trying to make this change of assignment work. He wondered why. ***** A few days later, Scully answered the door only to be handed a package. She didn't receive many deliveries, at least not personal ones, unless it was her birthday or the holiday season. Opening it quickly like a child would at Christmas, she pulled out a black leather purse. There was no card or note included with the wrappings. She unzipped the purse only to find a small piece of white paper that read: "This is to put your new driver's license in. Mulder." Scully set the note on the table. "Oh, Mulder." she sighed. And for the first time she had hope. ***** Mulder was about halfway through a bottle of vodka he had bought at a liquor store after work, sitting on the couch in his darkened apartment thinking about Scully. It wasn't a nightly ritual, but was becoming damn close to one. He decided the alcohol would make him feel better. It didn't. It only made it worse. The guilt was killing him. How he treated Scully like some one-night stand. He just didn't know what to say to her that morning. They had been through so much those days and then the fire just topped it all off. His life was destroyed and then the numbness set in. She was the only thing he could cling to. The only constant in his life for the past few years. She didn't walk out on him, despite all the things that happened. Scully started kissing *him* and then one thing led to another. Mulder barely remembered getting from the couch to the bedroom. Several kisses, a few touches and then they were in bed. He was unable to recall asking for her consent. Did she really want to? Was it what she wanted? He had so many mixed emotions about that night. He wanted to be comforted. Scully did that for him - no questions asked. She wouldn't let him be alone. Did he use what she offered to his advantage? No, he didn't coerce her. He couldn't have. Scully would have walked out of the apartment. She must have wanted it to happen. But she hadn't been to his place since that night. Mulder remembered her moaning for him not to stop, right on this very cushion he was now sitting on. He vividly recalled how her skin felt and tasted. Taking another deep swallow of the vodka, he tried to obliterate those images from his mind. But, there was nothing strong enough to ever accomplish that task. He wanted another chance . The guilt and anger were tearing him apart. He feared he ruined the best relationship he had with a woman because of that night. "I'm sorry, Scully." he sobbed into the darkness. ***** Scully decided to thank Mulder for the purse. It seems impersonal to leave a message on his machine and she wasn't ready to go back to his apartment just yet. During her lunch break, Scully found time to go and see him at work. An man in the hallway directed her to his office. The door was open slightly, but he wasn't in there. The office was sparsely furnished, a real contrast from the basement office they had shared. It consisted only of the bare necessities: a desk, chairs, a file cabinet, and a computer. No pictures or posters adorned the walls. Scully took a seat and waited nervously for her former partner. He walked in a few minutes later mumbling something under this breath. "Scully . . . What are you doing here?" "I . . . What happened?" she asked, noticing a gash above his right eyebrow. Walking over to him, she reached up to touch his forehead, but stopped abruptly, realizing she must sound like a worried mother. He didn't need that. "Nothing. Just a little difference of opinion." he quipped. "I came to thank you for your gift." Scully said, changing the subject. "Did you like it? I mean I hardly see you carry one." he said nervously. "I like it very much Mulder." Scully gestured to the black bag hanging over her shoulder. "I'm glad. I thought since-" The phone rang, cutting him off abruptly. Scully stood there waiting until it was obvious the conversation wasn't going to wrap up anytime soon. In fact, Mulder sounded angry at the caller. She gestured to him that she had to leave. He acknowledged her with a slight wave of his hand. Mulder watched her walk out of his office wishing the phone didn't ring then. He wanted more time with her. Despite the cheerfulness in her voice, she seemed unhappy. Was her visit just to thank him for the present, or did she wonder how he was coping now that they were apart? ***** The days just seemed to blur together for Scully. The work was the same thing day after day. She missed the investigations, especially being out in the field. Working with Mulder. Ever since the visit she paid him almost a week ago, Scully was unable to stop worrying about him. He looked unhappy. The enthusiasm for his work seemed gone. The only was to get it back was to reopen the X-Files. Scully was also curious what caused the gash on his forehead. Did he get into a fight with a co-worker, superior, or suspect? She had witnessed Mulder become violent, but only rarely and when provoked. If she had been there she could have kept him in line. (But you're not with him, Dana. They separated you. Took Mulder away). Scully had to stop dwelling on this - it was over. Their partnership was quickly severed. She couldn't change that. She was about halfway through her dinner of leftovers when there was a knock at the door. It was Mulder. ***** Mulder walked through the doorway before Scully had a chance to say anything. He was wearing a medium blue T-shirt and faded jeans that looked a little too big for him. Apparently, he had changed from work. "What are you doing here, Mulder?" Scully asked. "Well, I could lie and say I was here to ask your opinion on a case, but I won't." He paused for a few moments. "I came over to talk about that night." Oh God. Scully didn't expect that. Mulder referred to it as *that night* as well. She wasn't sure if she was ready for this. "Mulder, I'm not sure what . . ." "Scully . . . We *need* to talk about it." he stated. Mulder slipped his jacket off and sat down on her couch. "I need to know something, Scully. I need you to tell me the truth." He looked down at the floor with a worried expression on his face. "Always, Mulder. You know that." She told him, wondering what he was going to ask her. Scully softly walked over to the couch in her stocking feet. She had slipped off her heels the minute she got home. "Did I force you that night? I mean if you didn't . . ." Of all the things she was expecting him to say, this wasn't one of them. "No, Mulder how could you even think that??" she replied. Mulder got up from the couch. He looked very relieved, like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. Is that why he came here? Scully wondered. "So, you just came over to ease your conscience. Well, go ahead and leave - don't let me stop you." she snapped. "I was afraid that . . . it all happened so fast." he stated. "I know, Mulder. I was there." She was afraid to hear anymore. "Scully . . ." Mulder walked over to her, touching her shoulder lightly. She moved away from him. "Don't do this to me. Don't shut me out like this." "Just like you shut me out the next morning." She blinked back the tears. Mulder walked in front of her and reached for her hand. "There's more I want to tell you. Will you please listen to it?" he asked. After a long moment of silence, she nodded and followed him back to the couch. Mulder sat down on the coffee table in front of her. "I'm glad you came home with me after the fire. I was so devastated and needed someone. But not just anybody. You, Scully. I needed you. You're the only one who understands what a great loss that was for me. But, it turned into something more. I don't regret spending the night with you. Not for one second. Do you know . . . no, of course not. After you fell asleep, I stayed up the whole night trying to understand what I did to deserve you. Why was this beautiful woman lying here in my arms? Why you were still here with me after everything?" Scully just sat there dumbfounded. Beautiful? Is that what he said? It *did* mean something to him. "Mulder, I don't regret being with you either. I admit I was a little surprised at that first kiss, but I think I was the one who started it. I did want to comfort you, take away the pain that I saw in your eyes. Then everything happened so quickly. We wouldn't have been able to stop it even if we tried. It was so intense." She stopped and looked into his eyes. "You made me feel special . . . desirable. I liked that. I needed that so much." The tears were running down her cheeks now. "I still do." It was barely a whisper. Mulder reached for her, but she got up and grabbed a tissue off of the counter, wiping the tears away. He went over to her. Standing behind her, he wrapped his arms around her waist. "I'm so sorry, sweetheart." he whispered into her hair. Scully closed her eyes and covered his arms with her own. This is what they needed. To talk about it. It wasn't as hard as she thought it would have been. Scully couldn't believe Mulder had said all that to her. Opened up to her like that. Scully turned around wanting more. She hugged him. He returned the embrace immediately. Holding her tight. So tight. Mulder never held her this close before, in fact no man had ever held her quite like this. She moved her arms up to his neck and shoulders, trying to touch all of him. Mulder moved his arms around her waist, pulling her to him. Her feet barely touched the floor. "I miss you." she murmured. Mulder continued to hold her. Her face was pressed against his chest. He could still hear the faint sounds of her tears. Burying his face into her soft hair, he whispered soothing words to her. Mulder was so tired of hurting her. At least he finally had the courage to come over and talk to her before it was too late. Before too much emotional damage had been done. "I'm sorry. I never want to hurt you like this again." Scully shifted in his arms to look up at him. He was visibly upset. She reached up to caress his cheek, remembering how good it was to touch him again. Before she had a chance to say something, Mulder captured her face with his hands and kissed her lips gently. She smiled at him and led him back to the couch. "So, do you hate your new assignment as much as I do?" he asked her after she was curled up in his arms. Scully laughed. "It's waning a little now. I miss being in the field. The investigations." "I want the X-Files re-open. It's been long enough." he stated. "Tell me what I can do to help. Anything." she prompted. "Talk to Skinner. It might mean more if you discuss it with him. I've tried a couple of times, but nothing. He doesn't give a shit about me, anyway." Mulder explained. "That's not true, Mulder. But, it may help if we're both there to present a united front to him." "Thank you." he murmured, hugging her tighter. "We will get them re-opened again, Mulder. No matter how long it takes." she promised. He kissed her softly on the forehead, grateful for her never ending support. Scully turned in his arms. She placed a gentle kiss on his forehead where the remnants of the cut still existed. Mulder needed more than that. He began kissing her hungrily, stroking her back as she returned his kisses in earnest. Things started to get out of control when Mulder began to hear his name come from Scully's lips breathlessly. "Scully . . . wait . . ." He wasn't about to grope her on the couch. Not again. Scully looked confused, but waited for him to speak. "Last time we had sex. This time let me make love to you." She wasn't about to argue with that request. "Yes . . ." she breathed. "Yes." she reiterated, allaying any possible doubts he might have. They walked into her bedroom. Mulder switched on the lamp. He wanted to see her this time. She was wearing a dark brown shirt and tan skirt that he knew he had seen on her many times before. However, this time he would have the pleasure of taking it off her. Mulder stepped closer to her, until their bodies were touching. Scully felt him grasping the bottom of her shirt, pulling it over her head. He brushed away the strands of hair that fell in her face after it was tossed to the floor. His hands were at her waist now, unzipping the skirt and letting it fall to the floor. She stepped out of it, feeling a little nervous with each piece of clothing he removed. She was about to say something, but Mulder began to touch her, kiss her. The thought quickly left her mind, as she concentrated on nothing but the feel of his hands on her skin. Her pantyhose were quickly removed. Scully vaguely recalled stepping out of them. Mulder looked at her, noticing the white bra and panties. Of course, Scully would wear simple and practical undergarments. No frills, no lace. He should have guessed. It didn't matter, he wasn't here with her because of her choice underwear. Mulder slipped one of the white straps off her shoulder then the other. He could feel her breath on his neck. Reaching behind her back, he unclasped the bra and released it. Scully could see the desire in his eyes. She reached up to caress his cheek and in the process, Mulder noticed the faint marks of her bruises. They were almost gone now and didn't hurt at all. But, he pressed his lips to her arm as if his kisses would heal them before spying the only jewelry she was wearing. He traced her cross necklace with his fingers. She almost forgot she was wearing it, since all her thoughts were focused on the man in front of her. Closing her eyes, she felt nothing except the light touch of his hands on her neck. Scully *needed* him to touch her now. She was almost ready to beg him. Right after that thought escaped her mind, his lips were on her face, her neck. She tilted her head back as his mouth traveled down to her breasts. Her sighs and moans filled the room as Mulder's mouth moved over her possessively. Her fingers wound their way through his hair, bringing him closer to her. His hands moved lower and slipped her panties off. She clutched at his shirt until it was halfway up his back, trying to anchor herself anyway possible. His hands were doing a good job of keeping her standing, but it wasn't enough. Scully wanted to touch him. Feel him. Mulder let her slip the shirt off of him. Mulder looked up to see her face flushed with desire. "Lie down." She obeyed his whispered command. Mulder quickly finished undressing as Scully watched. She felt a little left out, as she would have liked to do that for him. Be the seducer. However, Scully knew he wanted that role this time. She understood why. Not bad, she thought as her eyes raked over his nude body. Lying on her side, she extended her hand to him and he moved onto the bed with her. Scully reached for Mulder, pulling him on top of her. She began kissing him slowly, savoring this, wanting to enjoy every minute of it. He responded with slow, drugging kisses. Mulder's mouth traveled down her body to her legs, placing gentle kisses on her inner thighs. She moved restlessly, gripping the bedding with her fists. Mulder spread her legs apart with his hands gently, before slipping his fingers inside her. She gasped and moaned his name. Scully arched her hips against his hand trying to get more of the wonderful sensations. The pleasure was so intense as he stroked her. She felt like she was going out of her mind and wasn't sure how much more she could take. He then lowered his mouth to her in the ultimate kiss. Mulder could feel her writhing beneath him as he tasted her. Her head was arched back towards the headboard and her arms out to the side, twisting the sheets with her hands. It was too amazing, seeing her like this. Her arousal was all over his fingers. With one more stroke of his tongue, she cried out. Scully was trembling as Mulder shifted her back in the middle of the bed. Her arms went around his back, holding him close. It was like a wave had crashed over her and she was slowly reorienting herself. Shifting his weight, he raised himself up and slowly entered her. He didn't want to hurt her at all. However, he wanted to be inside of her. Deep inside of her. Surrounded by her. "Scully . . . open your eyes." She did and was looking right into his eyes. "Oh, Mulder." she whimpered. "I know." Her blue eyes were softened with passion. "I know." he repeated before leaning into kiss her. Mulder moved inside her slowly. Stroking gently inside and out. Wanting it to last. Hopefully, he would be able to make it good for her. He felt her legs come around his waist urging him deeper into her waiting body. Scully slowly felt herself succumb to him. She knew he was going slowly because he didn't want to hurt her. That made it even better, more satisfying. As her body rose up to meet his. Scully dug her nails into his arms, clutching at him desperately as she came. Mulder felt her body clenching around his as she held onto him. He wished her could have seen her face at that moment, but his body shuddered as he buried his face into her neck with his own release. Mulder looked up at her. She looked so beautiful after their lovemaking. Her body was still quivering with the aftershocks. He started to slide off of her, but she stopped him. "Don't . . ." she breathed. He positioned himself so that the bulk of his weight was off of her small frame. His head was resting on her breasts lightly. Scully caressed her lover's back softly. She pulled the sheet over their bodies. Reveling in the feel of Mulder this close. His body pressed against hers with no barriers between them. Skin on skin. She heard his soft breathing knowing he had drifted off to sleep. Somewhere during her touches and caresses she did as well. And they found peace at last. END That's it. Now I've got to work on my movie fic. Hope you liked it enough to send feedback. - L.