American Lion
Chapter 1
Mulder sat by the hospital bed, tie off, shirt unbuttoned showing his white t-shirt beneath. There were still spots of dried blood on his clothing, but his hands were now clean. Scully slept fitfully, some of her bandages bled through- the one on her neck, and on her chest. Under the sheets he knew there were more bandages, but he was glad not to see them. A unit of blood hung half-empty on the pole at her bedside, slowly but surely restoring color to her pallid skin.
It's been whispered about the office that there's something to my relationship with Scully, something more than just colleagues. We've both caught wind of these rumors, and have chosen to ignore them, but at times like this, when one's mind delves into deep thought, it is inevitable to find oneself ruminating on what appears to be even the most insignificant of fleeting thoughts.
She is my best friend, of that I have no doubt. Yet she is certainly more than just a friend. We are not, never have been lovers, but it would be dishonest to say I've never entertained that notion. Our relationship is more than that. I suppose having lost my sister I could be accused of creating a relationship with Scully to emulate what I imagine an adult relationship with Samantha might have been, but that doesn't fit quite right either. There is no other person in my life who commands my trust, my loyalty, my concern in the way Scully does.
I love her. I know this in the depths of my heart to be true, but it is a purely platonic love. Still, she feels closer to me than a sister. We were raised under very different circumstances, with different values, aspirations, and ultimately motivations, and yet it is those very differences which seem to bind us so closely together.
Scully turned her head ever so slightly, and her faced screwed up with the pain. The doctors had painstakingly stitched her back together and even the regular doses of morphine could not completely alleviate her suffering. Mulder touched her shoulder gently with concern, and waited for her to drift back to sleep.
It is times like these that bring forth innumerable emotions within me. I cannot help but feel ashamed… ashamed that I have brought this suffering upon her, by the very nature of my insatiable quest for truth.
The nurse stepped in, with a cart full of dressings, and Mulder glanced earnestly at his partner once more before stepping out of the room. He ambled sadly to the waiting room at the end of the hall, and pulled out his cell phone.
Scully's mother had been busy this summer. Ever since Melissa's death she had taken on more and more responsibility in the raising of her grandson, and summers were when she was needed most. He pushed the button in memory on his cell and listened while the ten tones sang in his ear. It barely rang once before he heard her urgent response.
"Fox?"
"Hi Mrs. Scully," he said quietly. "She's still doing well, sleeping off the pain meds, but there's no sign of infection right now, and her color is a little better."
"That's good news. Have you spoken to her yet?"
His face bore an expression between a wince and a smile. "Not yet."
"God, I wish I could be there, Fox. You tell her I love her."
"Yes, ma'am," he said and then cleared his throat.
"Fox?"
"Hmm?" he replied.
"Thank you. You're a good friend."
Her words felt like a dagger in his heart, but he knew that was not her intention. "I'll call again later, Mrs. Scully. Bye." He slipped the phone back in his pocket and stood in front of the window, counting the parallel lines of the venetian blinds with his fingertip.
A/N This is my first attempt at Xfiles fic, and I hope I can pull it off! This story is complete in my mind, but not yet on paper. I foresee a lot of short chapters. If it goes well, I may attempt more! Reviews are always appreciated and help me remain motivated to write more. Thanks!
