TITLE:  And Still

AUTHOR:  Darling Dana

EMAIL ADDRESS: DANAScu11y@aol.com

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT: Archive, please.

SPOILER WARNING:  None, really.

RATING: PG or so for one measly naughty word

CLASSIFICATION: SRA.  Pendrell-Angst.  MSR

SUMMARY:  A year or so after Samatha has been found and
the XF have been closed, Pendrell runs into Scully.

DISCLAIMER:  If you recognize their names, I don’t own them.
He does.  I mean no infringement by taking them on this joy-
ride.  The inspiration for this story was a song by  the 
incomparable Reba McEntire.  “And Still” belongs to her and 
Starstruck.

NOTES:  Yes, I am yet another author who is keeping Pendrell
alive, only to torture him endlessly.  This is the first time I’ve
written him as a main character, so forgive me if I biff him.

"And Still"

Thousands of people live in this city, and I *had* to run into her.
I saw here there, on that busy street, and the feelings came back
again.  There was no where to run, and no where to hide.  I knew
she would see, and it scared the shit out of me.

She stood outside of a clothing store, on the main drag of the
outdoor mall.  Her auburn hair whipped around her head in the
swift breeze, and she raised a tiny hand to pull a strand from her
mouth.  She was dressed as I've never seen her--light blue jeans
and a navy blouse, casual and very gorgeous.  I tried to hide my
face as I walked passed, hoping she wouldn't notice me.  That she
wouldn't remember what a doof I'd been.  No such luck.  I felt a
cool hand on my arm as I passed, and her musical voice drifted to
my ears.

"Agent Pendrell, is that you?"

I looked up and into her eyes and still, the world stood still.  Her
blue eyes flared with life and I couldn't move.  She still had that
affect on me.  It was pathetic.  I remember the last time I saw
those eyes.  They were standing in my lab, enveloped in each
other's arms, holding onto what was left of their lives.  I had just
confirmed that a body they brought in was indeed that of
Samantha Mulder, and together they cried.  They cried for Sam,
for each other, but they cried *together*.  I saw Dana Scully lift
her eyes to mine, with a silent thank you in them.  Those beautiful
eyes, thanking *me* for giving her partner some peace.

"How have you been?"

"Oh, I can't complain.  I'm doing fine."  I stuttered, as the people
rushed by.

"That's wonderful." She smiled a large smile, and I found myself
smiling with her.  She asked me about my life, my job, and I
joyously answered hoping that I still had a chance.  What a doof.

I saw him walk up behind her, looking the same as always.  Dark,
hooded eyes and striking features...and yet he was more relaxed,
more happy.  He didn't even notice me as he approached, intent on
siding his hand across her back to land possessively on her waist.
He dropped a light kiss on the crown of her head and let his hand
capture hers.

"Hello Pendrell." he said, finally noticing me.  I don't blame him
for being so wrapped up in her, though.  God knows I would be.  I
AM.

"Agent Mulder." I gave my best smile, but I was dying inside.

Scully raised her arm and glanced at her watch.  She turned
apologetic eyes on me, and I almost melted.

"We better go now, it's getting late.  It was so good to see you."
 She stuck her hand out to shake mine, but I was sidetracked by
the flash of light on her left hand as she adjusted her purse strap.
A fiery gold band flared in the sunlight.  As I shook her hand, I
felt my heart sinking.  A matching band decorated Mulder's left
hand.

They walked away from me,  and left me standing in the middle 
of the busy sidewalk.  Alone.  The held each other, much like 
that last time I saw them, hands, hearts and minds entwined.  I 
felt like an outsider when I was with them.  Maybe it's because I 
was.  When they were together, no one could break their sanctity.  
Especially not a love-struck lab mouse.

And still, the world stood still.  I couldn't move and all I could
feel was this aching in my heart, saying I loved her, still.

THE END