Dana's Malakim Pt 22/32
Title: Dana’s Malakim
Author: dhamphir
Fandom: X-Files
Pairing: Scully/OFC (Logan)
Rating: NC17
Summary: Scully must identify Mulder’s body after his suicide. Dying of cancer, she now faces an uncertain future, a crisis of faith... and a new partner. Little does she know the extraordinary and incredible things she’s seen while with the X-Files are nothing compared to what’s to come.
Time line/Spoilers: AU. Starts immediately after S4E23 Demons.
Disclaimer: X-Files and its characters belong to C.C. and 1013 Productions. No copyright infringement intended, no money be made.
A/N1: Some dialogue taken directly from the show. Although I do a bit of research for my stories, I’ve never been a cop, doctor, herbalist, psychologist, or theologist.
A/N2: Special thanks to sinadino for the German translations, and to xhuggles and ivy_wang for the Chinese translations.
A/N3: All mistakes are my own. Special thanks to oxfordshoes2 for the beta.
Dana’s Malakim
Part 22
Gazebo
Providenciales, Caicos Islands
Friday, February 27th, 1998
As the days passed the two women spent time relaxing and playing. They did some sailing, snorkeling, fishing, and diving. Nicole was ever vigilant, keeping an eye on her partner, making sure the redhead didn’t over-tire herself, whether they were playing, or Dana was working out in the fitness room. Even so, she still wanted a doctor to check her partner out.
Nicole made sure she had the medical supplies necessary then settled herself on one of the cushions in the gazebo set down toward the beach from the patio. She closed her eyes and concentrated. She reached out with her mind and soul. When she opened her eyes Ariel’s misty form coalesced in front of her. She immediately smiled.
“Hello, Nicole.”
“Hey, Ariel. Are you busy?”
The angel smiled as she took a seat on a cushion. “You know if I was, I wouldn’t have been able to join you.” She took in a deep breath of the fresh sea air and gazed at the beautiful waterscape before them. “It’s beautiful here.”
“Yes it is.”
Ariel turned back to her dear friend. “What can I do for you?”
“I wanted to see you. I miss you, Ariel.”
Ariel reached up and tenderly caressed the blonde’s cheek. “I’d love to spend some time with you.” She leaned in and placed a tender kiss on Nicole’s other cheek. Pulling back, Ariel smiled and then tapped the tip of the blonde’s nose with her finger, “But that’s not the reason you called me here, my dear.” She sat back.
“I didn’t lie to you.”
“I know that, Nicole. But there is an additional reason you’ve asked me here,” she said affectionately.
Nicole nodded. “I want to ask you to do a quick checkup on Dana.”
“How has she been doing?”
“Good. I just want to make sure it stays that way. I don’t know how much longer it’ll be before it’s safe to take her home, and she fainted on me a couple times a few days ago.” Before Ariel could say anything Nicole cut her off. “I have everything you need.”
Ariel smiled. “I should have known. Well, where is she?”
“She’s inside. But we don’t have to go in right away... unless you’re short on time. She’s asleep.” The blonde smiled, “So you see, I could have waited to contact you, but I really do want to spend some time with you, Ariel. We haven’t had a chance to talk in a long time.”
The angel reached out and gently rubbed her thumb back and forth above Nicole’s brows. “You’ve been thinking too much. Haven’t you?”
“Why do you know me so well?”
“Because you don’t shield yourself from me.” When Nicole gave her a small smile Ariel reached out and squeezed her hand. “It’s okay, sweetie, it’s what friends are for. Now lie down on your stomach and undo your top.”
Nicole looked at her, clearly surprised. “What?”
Ariel smirked, “Malakim or not, if your mind has been working overtime I know your neck and back are paying for it. Now move,” she finished in her doctor tone.
The blonde nodded and smiled. She spread her towel out and lay down as Ariel instructed. “Ow,” she exclaimed as her friend’s hands zeroed in on knotted muscles with the precision of a surgeon.
“I thought so.” Once Ariel could tell Nicole’s muscles were starting to loosen up she prodded her, “Okay, sweetie, now talk to me. What’s got you so preoccupied?”
Nicole took a deep breath and let it out. “Once it’s safe to take Dana back home, I will have completed all the objectives of my assignment.”
“Ahhh, I see. So you’ll be moving on soon. Any idea where you’ll go next? Back to Europe perhaps?”
“I don’t know,” she replied softly.
“Any preference?” Ariel’s question was met with silence. “Nicole?” She still didn’t get a response, so she dug into a knotted muscle a little harder than necessary which made the blonde flinch.
“Damn, take it easy, Ariel.”
“Just making sure I’ve got your attention,” she quipped lightly. She then massaged the same muscle soothingly. “So, what’s your preference, Nicole?”
There was no mistaking the heavy emotion in her shaky and whispered answer. “I don’t want to go anywhere.” A silent tear also ran down her face and into the towel.
“So don’t.”
“It’s not that simple. You know that. My duty-”
“Is something you’ve never turned away from. And yes, you are needed, Nicole. But Europe doesn’t have a monopoly on evil or monsters. You can find plenty of both in the States. Don’t you think it’s time you tried something a little different, something new... a new challenge?”
“A new challenge? Like what?”
“Well, like not always going it alone, working with someone, having a partner.”
“I have had a partner, Ariel. Dana and I have worked several cases together... until she almost died. And I had Thea and Ian helping me since then. In fact, without their help I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish my objectives. So I’m not exactly a stranger to working with others.”
“You are if it’s a more permanent situation - like officially being assigned a partner - a long term partner.” Ariel paused. “But then again, you may not be able to handle any kind of long term arrangement. It just may not be in your nature to settle down in one spot long enough to commit to anything beyond one mission at a time,” she said, attempting some reverse psychology on her friend.
“I know what you’re doing, Ariel. The problem is, you may be more right than you think. It very well may be beyond my capacity to commit... to anything long term. And maybe as a Malakim it’s best that it’s not in my nature.”
“Damn it, Nicole, I didn’t mean that and you know it!” Ariel stopped her massage. “Look at me. Look at me!”
The blonde turned over and looked up at her.
“You are one of the most caring, courageous, and sensitive souls I’ve ever known, but you can also be so... so... AHHRRG!” Ariel took a couple deep breaths and let them out. Then she spoke in a low, even tone, intent on getting through to her friend. “Nicole, when it comes to your duty and responsibilities, and facing down whatever monsters or evil are in your path, you don’t question your ability, you do what you have to, no matter what.”
“Which makes me either brave or foolish, or both. But I knew that was part of being a Malakim.”
“So why do you hesitate so much where humans are concerned? And I don’t mean victims - you are exceptionally sensitive and caring with them.”
“I know what to do with monsters. It’s easy. People... people are hard.”
“Yet you sense and intuit their needs, their feelings, their very souls even.”
Nicole swallowed a lump in her throat and tears began to sting behind her eyes. “They hurt.”
Ariel let out a quiet sigh. “Yes, we all do. But that’s not all we feel.”
The blonde let out a shaky breath as tears leaked from the corners of her eyes. “That’s not what I mean.” Her chin began to tremble as she fought to hold back more tears. She thumped her breastbone with the heel of her hand twice, “They hurt here.” She broke down into quiet sobs.
Ariel scooped the crying woman into her arms and held her close. Even as an angel, Ariel never fully understood, until that moment, how big a price her friend really paid. Tears of understanding and sorrow silently flowed down her cheeks, even as she held and gave solace to the woman in her arms.
It was some time before Nicole was cried out. Her eyes felt raw and her nose was stuffy. They had shifted about a bit so Ariel was leaning against a cushion, while Nicole sat between her legs, curled into her, her ear resting over Ariel’s heart. Ariel continued to hold her close, murmuring quietly, rubbing her back and occasionally kissing the top of her head.
Even as she comforted the woman in her arms, Ariel’s heart and soul sent up a plea of her own. Hasn’t she done enough? Hasn’t she given enough?! She’s always done her duty, and more. She’s done all you’ve ever asked of her! Doesn’t she deserve better?!
{Yes.}
Then why?
{If one does not know pain and sorrow, how can one know pleasure and joy? There can be no light without the dark.}
She’s had more than enough pain, it’s time she had peace.
{Agreed.}
Then let me-
{You must not interfere. Malakim or not, she is still human - her path is her own to walk, her choices her own to make. Free will, Guardian Angel, free will.}
Ariel bit her tongue at the admonishment. It was times like this she struggled with her own nature and that of being a Guardian Angel.
{Trust in her to follow her path and find her place. She is, indeed, a blessed soul.}
The softened addendum took the sting out of the earlier rebuke.
What of her partner? Let me at least watch over her.
{No.}
Ariel felt her anger and frustration mounting again. She knew if she could watch over Dana, that it would give Nicole at least some peace of mind wherever she ended up.
{She is also a blessed soul.}
The woman in her arms began to move, drawing Ariel’s full attention after the quiet explanation. Arms encircled her waist and gave her a squeeze as Nicole uncurled a bit. Ariel cocked her head and looked down at the woman cradled to her chest.
“Thank you,” she whispered, her voice roughened from tears.
Ariel smiled affectionately. “You’re more than welcome. As I said, it’s what friends are for.” She lightly kissed the blonde’s forehead. “Unless I miss my guess, I’d say that’s been building for a while.”
“More than I realized, I think.” Nicole closed her eyes and listened to the heart under her ear. “It’s easier hunting monsters, their pain and sorrow can’t touch my soul the same way humans can... Working regular cases with Dana... it’s been hard. I’m a Malakim, Ariel, not a Guardian Angel, a hunter, not a caregiver.”
“Bullshit.”
The unexpected response made the blonde open her eyes and look up at her friend in confusion.
“I know how caring and giving you are. You don’t hesitate to help those who need your help. You don’t do that because it’s your duty - many times it isn’t. You help because you genuinely care and want to. If that’s not a caregiver then I don’t know what is.” She caressed Nicole’s cheek. “And don’t forget, Malakim or not, you are still human, my dear, with human wants, needs, and emotions. Don’t forget to take care of the one person that’s the most dependant on you - you.”
“So what should I do?”
“I can’t tell you that. You have choices, only you can make them. I trust that you’ll find the right path. I believe in you.”
Nicole glanced up towards the villa, sensing her partner’s movements. “I guess it’s time to go up, Dana’s up.” She looked at Ariel’s top, stained from her tears and runny nose. “I’ve made a mess of your shirt.”
Ariel smiled. “Tears and a runny nose? I’ve been covered in a lot worse.” She waved her hand over the stains and they disappeared. “However, there are some advantages I have now, that I didn’t before,” she quipped with a twinkle in her eye. As Nicole stood Ariel smirked at her friend. “You may want to get dressed though.”
The blonde rolled her eyes as she bent to retrieve her swimsuit top. “If only I could blame the redness in my face on embarrassment,” she said referring to her red, puffy, bloodshot eyes and red, stuffy nose.
As soon as Nicole had her swimsuit top back in place Ariel stood, reached out, and gently cupped the blonde’s face in her hands. They stood close, mere inches apart, as Ariel tenderly ran her thumbs over Nicole’s eyelids, down her nose and across her cheeks. “There, easily taken care of as well.”
She smiled. “I hope that wasn’t a violation of the ‘no helping’ rule.”
Ariel returned her smile. “No.” They hugged.
Nicole turned her face into Ariel’s hair. “Thank you,” she whispered.
“You’re welcome.”
They pulled back far enough to rest their foreheads together, without letting go of each other.
“I love you, Ariel. You’ll always have a special place in my heart.”
“I love you, too. I always will, Nicole. I’m so thankful to still be able to be here for you in some tangible way.”
“You’re going to start me crying again,” she replied with a smile.
They kissed lightly on the lips and hugged again.
~~~
Villa
When Dana awoke, the first thing she noticed was Nicole’s absence. The second thing was the time. It was almost afternoon. She and her partner had been up most of the night talking and laughing after a day of sailing and snorkeling. Out on the sailboat Dana fondly spoke of her father and their relationship. She had forgotten just how much she enjoyed the water. It was something she and her father shared, even more than her brothers, even though they went on to follow his footsteps and join the Navy. It had always been Dana that truly loved the water as her father had.
The redhead had already known her partner lost her mother when she was young, and that she loved her grandmother, but the previous night her partner had shared several personal and intimate stories about her grandmother and their relationship. From there they had touched on many things, finding things in common, and appreciating their differences.
She went into the bathroom and went through her morning routine. She put on her swimsuit, noting that Nicole’s was already absent. They hadn’t made any plans for the day, but a dip in the pool was a given. She exited the master suite to find the glass wall already open, but she didn’t see her partner. She walked to the opening to verify the blonde wasn’t in the pool. From there she went into the other suite that had been converted to a fitness room. She still didn’t find Nicole. Then something out of the corner of her eye caught her attention. She opened the sliding door and stepped out onto the patio.
Nicole was in the gazebo. Dana could see her blonde hair as she sat up. She took a single step before being stopped by the sight of Nicole standing up... without her suit on, well at least without her top. It’s not like I haven’t seen her before, especially sharing a room these last few days, but damn, she really is beautiful. She’s not self-conscious about her body - not that she has reason to be - but she really doesn’t realize just how great a body she has. Beautiful, without knowing she’s beautiful... which of course makes her all the more attractive.
She didn’t want to get caught staring, but was once again stopped by what she saw. As soon as Nicole put her top back on, another woman stood up into view! She was a brunette about her partner’s height. She watched as the woman reached up and tenderly took Nicole’s face in both her hands. They were standing so close. Then they hugged...
No, they’re embracing. It’s obvious they care a great deal about one another. The way they’re resting their foreheads together, standing there so closely embraced, talking quietly, it’s so... intimate. And that was definitely a kiss, she thought as she watched the two women kiss and then embrace a few more moments.
Well, I guess that answers a few questions. So yes, Nicole is at least bisexual, and no, she’s not interested in me. Dana took a deep breath. But we are friends and partners, and she can count on me to support her in her personal life as well as at work.
Dana saw her partner and the other woman move arm in arm from the gazebo. She wanted to go inside so they wouldn’t know she’d witnessed their private moment, but then Nicole waved and shot her a bright smile. The other woman smiled as well. She watched as the two approached. The other woman was actually very attractive. She had a pretty smile and the form-fitting t-shirt and shorts she wore certainly attested to her fit figure. She exuded an aura of authority even from a distance. And if you love her, Nicole, as it appears you do, then I’m sure she’s a wonderful woman.
“Hey, Dana. How did you sleep?” Nicole asked.
She smiled. “Like a log.”
“Dana, I’d like you to meet Ariel. Ariel, this is Dana.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” Dana said with a smile as they shook hands.
“It’s nice to meet you, too.”
The redhead noticed Ariel’s expressive brown eyes. They seemed warm and friendly, and her smile was infectious.
“Have you eaten yet, Dana?” Nicole asked.
“No. I just got up actually.”
The blonde smiled at the woman with whom she still stood arm in arm. “Would you like to join us for a late breakfast, Ariel?”
She arched an eyebrow playfully. “Very late. What have you been up to?” she asked.
“Well, we went sailing and snorkeling yesterday, then stayed up most of the night talking.”
“And I’ll just bet you had some of that great Bordeaux, too, huh?”
“Nope. Don’t have any here.”
“I don’t believe you. You’ve been hiding out on a luxury yacht and this paradise island, with nothing to do but relax and have fun, and you’re trying to tell me you haven’t managed to buy, or bring from your own wine cellar, your favorite wine?”
“That’s right.”
“Then you’re a pod-person and I want to know where the real Nicole is. Or, you’re holding out on me,” she said with a bit of a warning tone.
“Nope.”
“We’ll see. I have ways of making you talk.”
Nicole lost her smile and momentarily looked flummoxed. Then she smiled and stepped out of Ariel’s encircling arm. She led the way inside - quickly. Funny how leading seemed like a retreat.
“I’ll set another place for breakfast.”
Dana easily picked up on the playfulness in the exchange between her partner and Ariel. It made her smile to see the couple interact in such an easy way.
“What would you like for breakfast?”
“Anything’s fine with me,” Dana responded.
“I know what I want,” Ariel declared. “I want one of your omelets,” she replied.
“Oh?”
“Yep. You make the best omelets.”
“Well you are the one who taught me how to make them.”
“Maybe, but yours are better.” She quickly cut Nicole off as she opened her mouth to protest, “Ah.” Her finger raised in emphasis. “It’s your own fault - you asked me to teach you. Now get to work, woman. Chop, chop.”
Nicole rolled her eyes and chuckled quietly as she did indeed prepare to chop ingredients for the omelets.
Ariel turned to Dana where they sat on stools at the kitchen island. “Have you had one her omelets?”
“As a matter of fact,” Dana replied smiling. “And they are delicious.”
“Well, they have improved with practice. You should have seen the first couple,” she paused half a beat, “hundred or so,” she said with a smirk.
“I heard that!” Nicole quipped from where she stood chopping at an opposite counter with her back to the two women.
“That good, huh?” Dana smiled.
“You wouldn’t believe it.”
Nicole chuckled as she returned to preparing breakfast.
~~~
After breakfast Dana found out why Ariel was there, especially when the proverbial doctor’s bag appeared. She didn’t put up much of a fuss and accepted the fact that being checked out wasn’t really a bad idea. She was impressed with Ariel the doctor. The brunette was completely professional, but gentle and caring.
As Ariel put things back in the medical bag she gave the redhead a smile. “I must say, you’ve come a long way from just a few a weeks ago. Everything appears to be normal, especially at this point in your recovery. Of course, you should have a thorough physical once you return home. I would hazard to guess you’re probably still a little anemic, although that too, will correct itself as you continue to recover. Have you been taking any supplements?”
“No.” She let a quiet huff of amusement. “Unless you count whatever Nicole’s been putting in my tea.”
Ariel’s lips curled in a small smile of understanding. “Ah. Nicole’s tea - her cure-all. Well, that will do you more good than anything else possibly could.”
“Do you know what’s in it?”
“I know her tea is an old family recipe her grandmother taught her. It has been handed down through countless generations,” she answered with a smile. “And I know it’s good for you.”
“Well, I certainly can’t complain about how she’s cared for me while I was sick. She saved my life,” Dana responded softly.
Ariel sat down near her. “She’s been more than a little worried about you, Dana. And even after you get back home and are given a completely clean bill of health, knowing Nicole, she’ll probably still be rather... protective of you. I get the feeling that’s not something you usually tolerate very well. Try not to get too upset with her if she gets a little over-protective on occasion. First off, it’s in her very nature to be caring and protective of those around her - it’s an elemental part of who she is. Asking her not to be would be the same as asking her not to breathe. And secondly, this has put both of you through an emotional wringer. It’ll take time for you both to completely regain your equilibrium.”
Dana let out a sigh. “You could say that again.” She paused. “Being that sick, that close to...” She took a deep breath and let it out. “I’ve changed.”
Ariel nodded in understanding.
~~~
With Dana’s approval, Ariel told Nicole how her checkup went. The redhead, thinking her partner and Ariel could use some privacy, announced she was going to go down to the beach for a bit and lay out down there. So with towel, water bottle, and lotion in hand, she left the villa.
Nicole and Ariel talked for a few minutes before the angel had to leave.
“I can’t thank you enough for today, Ariel, for listening and for checking on Dana.”
“You’re always welcome, Nicole. It was my pleasure.” They hugged. “Take care, and don’t worry quite so much about Dana - she’s okay.” With that Ariel shimmered away into the ether.
~~~
part 23
part 1| part 2| part 3| part 4| part 5| part 6| part 7| part 8| part 9| part 10|
part 11| part 12| part 13| part14| part 15| part 16| part 17| part 18| part 19| part 20|
part 21|