She was back in that dingy apartment. His fist connected with her face and she cried out in pain as his ring cut through the skin of her cheek. Her arms were free; she began lashing out, flailing them wildly. She tried to run but he caught her instantly and launched her into the wall. She screamed as her body connected with it, and felt a couple of her ribs give against the hard surface. She could hear a voice in the distance calling her name over and over.

And then her eyes snapped open and the images dissolved into nothingness. She was breathing hard and shaking violently, sweat pouring from her in rivers. Arms encircled her and pulled her towards a chest, a voice soothing her, telling her it had all been a nightmare, that she was safe. As her breathing slowed she realized she was at home in her own bedroom and that the person holding her was Mulder. He'd offered to stay with her until she was feeling better, sleeping on the couch.

A quick glance at her clock radio told her it was 3:27 am. When her heart rate had slowed a little she pulled back slightly from Mulder's embrace, not quite leaving his arms. She felt so secure and protected in them; they gave her the reassurance she craved; yet she would never admit how much she needed him. She looked at him in the dim light from the street. His hair was disheveled from sleep but his face was full of concern.

"You ok now? I heard you shouting from the living room. Your neighbors probably wonder what's going on." He raised his eyebrows suggestively and smiled. She laughed at him nervously. Mulder touched her face lightly. "It's good to hear you laugh again." Scully smiled.

"I'm sorry I woke you."

"You didn't. One of the perks of insomnia, you're always awake when you're needed." She smiled again, and then yawned. "You should try and get some more sleep." She nodded sleepily; she hadn't appreciated how tired she was before now. She lay back down and Mulder pulled the covers over her. Her eyes closed as soon as her head hit the pillow. He tucked her in and kissed her lightly on the forehead.

"Mulder?" she mumbled drowsily. "Stay with me."

"Sure," he replied softly, climbing on to the bed next to her. Only he was on top of the covers. He didn't want to freak her out when she was doing so well. He wrapped his arm around her and she snuggled back against his chest.

"Night Scully," he whispered, kissing her hair. But she was already fast asleep. He watched her sleeping for a while. He couldn't believe how well she was coping with all this. Her inner strength amazed him.

Even recalling the most petrifying of cases he could count on one hand the amount of times he'd seen her crack, seen her vulnerable. He didn't like seeing her like that; it broke his heart. Before he knew it, he'd joined Scully in slumber.

This time, no nightmares invaded her subconscious.

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Hope yall like it. Reviews please! They make me happy.

Lily
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