Spoilers: various, up to S.R. 819
The Power of Good-bye takes place after Skinner leaves the hospital, but
before the "three weeks later" scenes in S.R. 819.
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Excerpts from the journal of Walter S. Skinner
Dana drove me home from the hospital. Fox was waiting at my apartment.
They...kissed me so gently. Tucked me into bed and tucked themselves
around me, and I knew they'd talked about this. Compared notes on my
qualities as a lover, no doubt.
I didn't fucking care. Dana curled up in my arms and Fox wrapped himself
around my back and I slept until I woke up hungry. Then they cooked
for me, took care of me, and accepted that I wouldn't speak to them.
After a day, I did speak to them. "Get out."
They frowned at me. Oh, Dana, please understand. I begged her without
saying a word. Dana, please--
She took Fox's arm and pulled him away, ending the showdown. They packed
their spare clothes in silence, left in silence. Left me in silence.
Fuck. I wanted them back, but it was dangerous. I'd died twice--hadn't
enjoyed it either time--and damned if I was going to die again, or risk
them--
Not that they aren't at risk. But goddammit--how am I supposed to protect
them when I can feel that my body is not my own?
Is this how rape feels?
Is this how slavery feels?
Will I ever own myself again, or did I give up that right--that privilege--
the day the smoking man walked into my office and told me to keep a
tight rein on one Agent Fox Mulder.
As if Fox ever let anyone rein him in.
I know what I have to do to protect them. I have to make them believe
that I'm not on their side anymore. How I can do that when I'm sure
Dana's told him what I said in the hospital I don't know.
Maybe I can persuade them to pretend, until I find out what's going on.
Maybe I can persuade them to stay away.
I called Fox's apartment, but he wasn't there. Or he wasn't picking up.
I opened my door to make sure they weren't camping in the hallway.
Then I went back to bed and started to work out a plan. Chase them
away, but keep them close. Tell them no, but nod my head.
Say good-bye with every ounce of authority I had. Hope they saw the
double meaning in my eyes.
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RoL 11: To Have and Not to Hold