Title: There's Me
Author: Erin M. Blair
E-Mail: eblair@sonic.net
Classification: VRA--Vignette, Romance, Angst
Content: Mulder/Scully Romance.
Time Span/Spoilers: Orison.
Rating: PG.
Distribution/Archive Statement: OK to Gossamer,
Xemplary, FanficX. Others: ask me first.
Disclaimer: They're not mine - Chris Carter
owns them.
Summary: After the events in Orison, Mulder
comforts Scully after a sleepless night. Or
is it the other way around?

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THERE'S ME
Written by: Erin M. Blair
------------------------------------

Mulder watched Scully toss and turn as he
knew the images of Donnie Pfaster filled in
her memory. 

As did his. 

Mulder kept replaying the events over and over 
again and it became impossible for him to sleep.

The image of Donnie attacking her...

The image of Scully firing her gun and seeing
the frightened expression on her beautiful
face. 

Mulder noticed Scully's eyes opening up and focusing
on him. "Mulder? You can't sleep, either."

"No. I can understand why you can't. Scully,
I shouldn't have let you out of my sight."

"Mulder, you did everything you could have. I 
handled him as best as I know how," said Scully.
"I know we've been through a lot, but I don't want
you to think of me as a victim."

"I know..." Mulder paused. "I'm always afraid that
I'll lose you or something."

Scully couldn't believe she was hearing this from
Mulder; she always thought that he knew. She took
a deep breath to find the words to express how she
felt towards him. "Mulder, there's always me. I'll
always be there for you because I love you. Don't 
you know that?"

Mulder slowly nodded. "You've been through so much,
Scully."

"I know but I don't dwell on it. I'm a strong woman,
Mulder." She paused. "After all, I'm an FBI agent. I
*can* take of myself. I certainly showed that tonight."

"You certainly did," agreed Mulder. "I think I can 
sleep now."

"Good," said Scully as she watched him lay down. "Pleasant
dreams."

Now if only she could convince herself of what she told
Mulder...

End of Vignette.

Feedback: Much appreciated. Send to: eblair@sonic.net.

Author's Notes: I had this title in my head for a long
time and I didn't know how to use it. "Orison" finally
gave me inspiration to write a story for this title. 

I would like to thank my supporters, friends, and fans
who have always encouraged me with my writing. I would
like to especially thank Tanja, Lisa, Joey, and members
of the ErinMBlairXFFanfic for support of my stories.