Title: NEEDY
Author: Jean Robinson (jeanrobinson@yahoo.com)
Disclaimer: Characters from the X-Files are the
property of Ten Thirteen Productions and the Fox
Television Network. No infringement is intended. 
Rating: PG
Classification: 155-word fic
Archive: Please ask permission.
Spoilers: "Leonard Betts"
Summary: Everybody needs something. 
Feedback: Adored at jeanrobinson@yahoo.com
Author's notes at the end 
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NEEDY
By Jean Robinson


"You have something I need."

The terrible hidden meaning barely registers before
Betts lunges at me, scalpel in hand. Instinct, backed
by disbelief and an insane desire to prove him wrong,
takes over.

Could a sick person fight you, grab defibrillator
paddles and zap you back to the grave? Take THAT, you
bastard!

Mulder arrives to find me shaken but standing. He
blinks but doesn't object when I escape after
treatment to wait in the car. Now he's hovering,
explaining that Betts is dead and his mother has
cancer.

Mulder finishes awkwardly. "You should be proud." He's
honestly puzzled at my silence, since I kicked the
crap out of Betts. When I tangle with suspects in
hand-to-hand combat, the outcome is usually reversed.
Just ask Duane Barry and Donnie Pfaster.

Mulder's waiting for a response. I say the only thing
that will shield the extreme possibility from both of
us.

"I want to go home."


End

Author's notes: I always thought Mulder's little
speech at the end of this episode sounded forced. I
just never knew why until now.

Feedback treasured at jeanrobinson@yahoo.com. 

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