Title:  The Promise (Rubber Band Series) 
Author: Romantique
Classification: VA - Vignette, Angst.
Rating: PG.
Distribution: Archive anywhere, but e-mail me, 
please.
Spoiler(s): Brand X
Summary: Mulder wrestles with a promise.
Feedback: Yes, please: dolph1n@internetcds.com

Here's the final fic in my "Rubber Band" Series.  
This fic originated as a 500 word writing exercise 
using the topic, rubber band.



MULDER'S OFFICE

The thick red elastic band was stretched taut around 
Mulder's left wrist.  With his right hand, he pulled 
it back away from his wrist as if he was drawing a 
bow.  Taking aim at himself, he quickly released.  
The wide band popped against the back of his hand 
with enough force to leave an angry red welt at the 
point of contact.

In reaction to this self-inflicted wound, an 
involuntary "Owwww" escaped his lips.  His hand stung 
with a vengeance.  Leaning back in his chair, Mulder 
closed his eyes and offered himself up to the pain.  
He embraced the pain as it was a preferable, albeit 
temporary, alternative to the unrelenting pangs of 
his addiction.

Mulder was strong enough to take on more pain and 
suffering than most.  After all, he had been through 
enough physical injuries and personal tragedy to last 
any one soul for multiple lifetimes.  But the one 
thing Mulder knew he could never endure was the look 
of disappointment Scully would give him if he were to 
cave into this weakness. Only hours before, he 
promised Scully he would not give into his cravings 
for a cigarette.  He was determined he would never go 
back on his word.

Since his infestation with tobacco beetles, Mulder 
had been fighting against a constant craving for 
nicotine.  Scully saved his life by administering 
near lethal doses of the legal drug, but Mulder 
couldn't help but wonder if the side effect of 
addiction was almost as bad as the infestation 
itself.  His stomach gnawed, beads of sweat broke out 
on his forehead, and his breathing became erratic.

"Snap," he gave his hand another forceful pop with 
the rubber band, creating another temporary 
diversion.

His body and mind screamed for the chemical, telling 
him it was more necessary to his survival than air, 
food, water, or sleep.  These irrational thoughts 
crowded his head and urged him to reach into the 
wastepaper basket and retrieve the crumpled package 
of cigarettes he had previously thrown away.

Perhaps just the smell of the package would offer him 
some measure of relief, he rationalized.  Succumbing 
to his thoughts, he pulled the pack of Morley's out of 
the trash and took in a deep whiff of the fragrant 
tobacco.

"More necessary than air, food, water, or sleep," his 
mind reeled, as he peeled away the cellophane.

Then, something from deep inside him suddenly took 
control, and he snapped his hand again with the rubber 
band.  His hand was now swollen; the rubber band was 
cutting off his circulation.

"But not more necessary than Scully's respect," he 
swallowed hard.  He picked up the telephone and quickly 
dialed Scully's number.

"Scully," he spoke into the telephone, trying to sublimate 
his sobs.  "I need help.  I almost did something tonight 
that I don't want to do.  I'm afraid I won't make it 
through the night without you."

"Hold on, Mulder.  I'm on my way," Scully assured him, 
her voice calming him through the receiver.

The irrational thoughts returned once more.  Mulder 
took in a deep breath and responded to his thoughts of 
overwhelming temptation, "Not more important than Scully!"

~fin~