Nine Minures More
by Christine Leigh

Summary: Scully POV.  This story is the second  in what I call the
Party of Three Universe, which is  a series of stories and vignettes
that  are set post-Requiem.
Rating: PG 
Category: V, MSR                        
Spoilers: Minor one for "Via Negativa."
Disclaimer: All characters are the products of Chris Carter. They
also belong to Ten-Thirteen Productions and the Fox Network. No
copyright infringement intended. 
Archiving: If you would like to archive anywhere, I'd  appreciate a
quick note first. 
Email: Feedback is always welcome, leighchristine@hotmail.com


Scully's bedroom, early morning
January 19, 2001

This morning he is here, arms around her.  He holds her and
breathes into her ear, keeping the cold away.  It is always chilly,
but not in their cocoon. It never seems to amaze her when he is
there.  How could he not be?  A tiny smile plays across her lips. 
Nine minutes more.

She starts contemplating the day ahead, not that this is a huge
thing.  It hasn't been since he's been gone, but habit causes her
brain to tick away regarding what the events of the day will bring. 
It is absurd, but she is becoming bored.  She hasn't thought of any
recent case once it has been closed.  There is nothing to return to,
even if she wanted to.  She sometimes will catch Agent Doggett
looking at her quizzically.  She knows he is trying his damnedest to
figure her out.  What would happen, she thinks, if she were to give
him her speech.  The one she's given so many times to herself, the
one she hasn't been able to articulate aloud, not without crying.  
She thinks Agent Doggett is probably a decent  enough guy, but
she isn't ready to be judged by anyone when it comes  to her
relationship with Mulder.  And her pregnancy has only made  her
more protective of their situation. She runs through it once more.

"Agent Doggett, in regard to this case, I don't want to take it.  I'm
tired and I'm bored and I want to look for Mulder.  Trouble is, I
don't know where to start.  Even if I did, there's an extenuating
circumstance.  I'm five months pregnant and shouldn't be doing
much of what we've been doing lately.  I've been hospitalized once
already, and yes, everything is all right, but I need to be careful. 
But mostly I just need to have Mulder back.  Can you help me?  Do
you know anyone who possibly would be able to help?  I'm
begging here.  I want Mulder back.  Do you get my drift?"

She burrows her head a little deeper into her pillow.  His left hand
is now rubbing her stomach gently.  Oh, this is so good.  He will
stop in a minute or two, but this is heaven on earth for her while it
lasts.  She wants to turn and face him, but knows that isn't part of
it.  She wants to hear his voice, but no deal.  These things  will
have to wait until he returns.  She doesn't question this.   He's here
and that's all that matters. 
 
Today, she thinks.  I need to talk with Agent Doggett today. 
Please, God, don't let me break down.  I need to do this.  Too much
time has gone by.  I know it may seem that I've just let it, but that's
not true.  Every time I try to even say his name in front of another
person, I freeze.  It's as though I'll disappear if I do,  either that or
go mad.  Perhaps I already have.

The NPR announcer's voice sounds in her ear.  It's time.  She feels
him leaving.  Gentle lips brush against her temple, and he is gone. 
Until the next time, that is.  She gets up.  Today, she affirms. 
Definitely today.  


-  end  -

The series:
Found Fate
Nine Minutes More
Small Things
Of Love
Emergence
Party of Three
October 
Hooligans
Fait Accompli