From jimcaz@dircon.co.uk Tue Feb 04 12:02:44 1997 Disclaimer: Fox Mulder, Dana Scully belong to Chris Carter, 1013 and Fox TV. They are used without permission, and no infringement of copyright is intended. I do this for the love of it! Rating: NC17 for adult sexual situations Category: S, R (Mulder/other) Summary: With Beth back in town, it's time for Fox to confess all. Comments and feedback greatly appreciated, and welcome at the above address. Is anyone actually reading this series? Beth #9 - Coming Clean 1/1 by Carol Gritton (jimcaz@dircon.co.uk) It was no good - he was going to have to come clean and tell her exactly what he did in the course of his work at the Bureau. All the while she had remained in Boston she had been safe, but now that she had transferred to DC permanently, he had to tell her. He had to give her the option to back away now. He had to explain to her that if she stayed, then he might not be able to protect her. The very thought made his blood run cold. He recalled the day she had turned up on his doorstep unannounced. He had answered the urgent knocking at his door to find her standing there. “What are you doing here?” he’d asked in surprise. “Well, that’s a fine greeting!” Beth had replied. “Aren’t you going to invite me in?” Then he had spotted the suitcase. “I take it this is not a flying visit, then,” he’d said, pointing to the case. “No - I’ve been transferred at my own request,” she had replied. “I missed you too much, Fox - I couldn’t bear to be apart from you.” After he had recovered from the initial shock, Fox was really pleased to see her - and that was when his troubles began. He felt she had been lured here under false pretences - he had only given her a sketchy outline of the work he did for the Bureau. She knew nothing of the X Files, or his involvement with them. He hadn’t exactly lied - he’d just been economical with the truth. The next problem was how to tell her - it wasn’t the sort of thing you dropped into a conversation with an “Oh, by the way...” He’d have to sit her down and tell her in as calm a way as possible just what she was letting herself in for if she chose to stay. He had to give her the choice - it was only fair. This was his war, not hers. He had no right to expose her to the dangers lurking around every corner, but if she chose to stay then it was only right that she be aware of those dangers. She had to be prepared. All he could do was present the facts - the decision had to be hers. And what if she chose not to stay? He had considered that possibility at some length. He would be sorry, and more than a little upset, but he would respect her decision. Three sharp raps at the door jerked him out of his reverie. She was here. He rose and went to answer the door. “Hi!” Beth said brightly, with a smile of pleasure on her face, then she stood on tiptoe to brush her lips across his in greeting. “You okay?” She thought that he was looking a little down. “I’m fine,” Fox replied, closing the door behind her. “The kettle’s just boiled - I’ll make some coffee.” Beth settled herself on the couch, and Fox returned with two mugs of steaming black coffee. He set them down on the coffee table, then seated himself at the opposite end of the couch. Something was definitely wrong with him, Beth could tell. “Fox, are you sure you’re okay?” she asked, concerned. “I’m fine, Beth - I’ve just got some things on my mind, that’s all.” He grabbed the bull by the horns. “I have to talk to you, Beth - there are things that I need to tell you.” “What sort of things?” she asked warily, all manner of dire suggestions running through her mind. “About my job, the work I do at the Bureau... I haven’t exactly been straight with you. I’m not your ordinary run-of-the-mill Special Agent, Beth. Scully and I work on cases outside the Bureau mainstream - cases that involve the paranormal or unexplained phenomena. The Bureau refers to these cases as the X Files...” Beth sat and listened, without interrupting, for the best part of two hours. Fox told her everything, beginning with Samantha’s disappearance. He wanted her to be under no illusions about hitching her wagon to his. He painted the blackest picture he possibly could - how he was apt to take off at a moment’s notice, how she might not know where he was for days on end, or even if he were alive or dead. Beth listened to all of it intently, digesting it and formulating her response. “...I should have told you this at the beginning, Beth - before you gave up a safe and secure home in Boston. I just hope that it’s not too late for you to change your mind. If you want to walk away now, I’ll understand.” Fox opened his mouth to say something else, but Beth placed her fingertips against his lips. “Sshh,” she whispered. “I’m not going anywhere, Fox. I want to be with you, and I don’t care what it takes.” “But the risks...” “I don’t care about the risks,” she replied softly. “Beth, you have to think this through carefully...” He had to make her understand the consequences of her decision, but she had placed her fingers to his lips again and straddled his lap - her knees resting alongside his sweat pant clad thighs and sinking into the cushion. “I respect you for being honest with me, Fox - I know it must have been difficult, but I’ve made my decision. I’m staying, and to hell with the consequences.” She was so close that her breasts grazed against him, and he could immediately see and feel her body’s reaction to his proximity through her thin cotton top. Beth tangled her fingers into his hair and brought her mouth down to his for a long, hot kiss. Fox’s head was right back, resting against the very top of the couch back, his hands placed at her waist. They broke apart, and she smiled down at him. Fox slid his hands beneath the hem of her top, then up to her shoulder blades. He pulled her roughly against him, crushing her breasts painfully against his chest, holding on to her as if he never wanted to let go. Her breasts hurt, but there was pleasure in that pain. Fox drew one hand out and placed it on the nape of her neck, angling her head down to meet his own, then he kissed her with an urgency that took her by surprise - a bruising, hungry kiss. Fox dragged his mouth away from hers, letting his lips trail down the side of her mouth to her neck with only the lightest of touches. Beth pulled away from him and sat back on his legs, toying with the dark strands of hair that had fallen across his brow. He took in the sight of her bruised and swollen lips and the slight flush to her face, then his eyes drifted to the two erect points he could discern through her top. Fox reached out, moulding a hand carefully around her left breast, hearing her suck in a breath then let it out through slightly parted lips. His thumb flicked across the fabric, caressing the hardness beneath. Beth gave the merest hint of a low moan in the back of her throat, and Fox allowed himself a smile. He turned his attention to her other breast, as Beth realised that he was doing all the giving and she was doing all the taking. “Wait,” she whispered hoarsely, and she crossed her arms over her chest, grabbed the hem of her top, pulled it over her head and discarded it on the floor. Her breasts were enclosed in a white sports bra with a racer back and a front fastening. Fox let this fingertips trail over the soft, warm creamy-white flesh, at the same time as his pelvis moved involuntarily up towards hers. Beth wasn’t unaware of the effect she was having on him, and she didn’t know how he managed to exercise such iron self-control. Fox leaned forward, touching his lips to each breast in turn, then nuzzling with the tip of his nose. Beth reached for the buttons on his shirt, undoing each one slowly in turn, then parting it. She leaned forward and touched her lips to the flat discs that were his nipples, then traced around each one with the tip of her tongue. Now it was Fox’s turn to take a deep breath, feeling his toes curl as her tongue weaved its magic. He reached for her, wanting to provide the same service, but she gently pushed his hands away. Beth slowly reached up and unclasped the bra, letting it hang. Fox’s hands slipped beneath the cups and squeezed gently. She quickly discarded the now redundant bra, and it joined her top on the floor. She felt a pleasurable shudder go through her as his thumbs and forefingers found her nipples and rolled them gently between his fingertips. This time her moaning was plainly audible. Beth shifted slightly, feeling Fox beneath her - a not entirely unpleasant sensation. She rocked slightly to cause a little friction, and it made him gasp out loud. “Sorry,” she said quickly, placing her fingers on his bare chest. “No - it’s okay,” Fox replied hoarsely. “Don’t stop.” He was still working her breasts - in his eyes they were so perfect, like two ripe peaches and he had no doubt that they tasted just as sweet. He was just about to lower his mouth when Beth stayed him with a gentle touch to his shoulder. She leaned forward and whispered, “Take off your shirt.” In his haste to comply, Fox almost got himself tangled up in the sleeves - he’d forgotten to unbutton the cuffs. The shirt soon joined Beth’s clothing on the floor, then she leaned forward and linked her fingers at the back of his neck. Beth brought her mouth to his for another hot and slow kiss. Her nipples barely grazed his skin, but this merest of touches was enough to send white hot bolts of electricity through him. She pulled away again and sank back against his legs once more. Beth’s fingers went for the waistband of his sweats, and she let the backs of her fingers run gently across the skin of his stomach. Fox sucked in a breath through clenched teeth - he didn’t know how much longer he could hold on. Then suddenly Beth threaded her fingers into her hair and threw her head back. She arched her back, so much so that Fox could see her ribs, and her breasts were thrust forward. That was his cue to place his hands on her back and bury his face between them, drinking in her own sweet scent. His lips closed around one nipple, then the other one. As he suckled, Beth leaned close to his ear and whispered, “Take me to bed.” Fox stopped his ministrations just long enough to lift her and carry her through to the bedroom. She was like a feather in his arms, and he carefully deposited her on the bed. She lay there, looking up at him, half naked and with a smile on her face. She opened her arms, and Fox sank willingly into her welcoming embrace. Later He looked across at her - she was asleep, curled up on her side and facing away from him. He could hear her rhythmic breathing, and see the almost imperceptible rise and fall of her body. He hadn’t expected the evening to end this way - it had been the first time they had ever made love. Luckily, Fox had been able to rustle up a condom, first making sure that it hadn’t exceeded its “use by” date. He didn’t want any “accidents” and he suspected that neither would Beth. Fox lay there for a few moments longer, his photographic memory replaying the evening’s events in his mind. The way she had felt beneath him, the way she had cried out his name in a half sob... He slipped silently out of the bed and padded to the bathroom. Switching on the light, he gave a half turn to examine his back in the mirror. He was covered in bright red crescent shaped marks where her long nails had dug into his back. He grinned - she had well and truly left her mark on him! >From the bathroom he headed to the kitchen, overcome by a sudden attack of the munchies. Fox always felt hungry after love making - it was obviously a need to replace the energy expended in that most pleasurable of pursuits. That’s what he told himself, anyway. He opened the cupboard door and found a large bag of sour cream and chive potato chips. Waking suddenly, and finding herself alone, Beth slipped out of the bed to go in search of Fox. She went to the bathroom first, staring at herself in the mirror. Her hair looked wild, and her lips were bruised and swollen. On the rise of her left breast was a small love bite. She placed her fingers there and smiled, remembering. As Beth passed through the living room she retrieved Fox’s discarded shirt from the floor and slipped it on. On reaching the kitchen, she stopped in the doorway. Fox stood at the counter, his back towards her, as naked as the day he was born, pouring potato chips into a bowl. She stood and watched him as he moved. He was so graceful even when performing such a simple task as that. She padded up silently behind him, slipped her arms around his waist, making him start, and laid her cheek against his back. Beth breathed in his masculine scent, then pressed her lips to the spot right between his shoulder blades. “Hey,” he said softly. “I thought you were asleep.” “I was,” she replied as he turned to face her. She dropped her arms and started to button up the shirt. “Leave it open,” said Fox, his voice husky. That request sent a thrill shooting through her. He toyed momentarily with the edge of the material, then drew her towards him. His tongue slid easily into her eager mouth - he tasted of sour cream and chives and salt. “Come back to bed,” Beth whispered as they broke apart, and he grinned. “Just as soon as I’ve had a few chips,” he replied. “If I’m going to repeat that performance, I need to keep up my strength!” The End From jimcaz@dircon.co.uk Fri Feb 14 12:35:18 1997 Disclaimer: Fox Mulder, Dana Scully belong to Chris Carter, 1013 and Fox TV. They are used without permission and no infringement of copyright is intended. I do this for the love of it! Rating: G Category: S, R (Mulder/other) Summary: Beth meets Dana, to Mulder's discomfort. Comments gratefully received at the above address. Beth #10 - Meeting Dana 1/1 by Carol Gritton (jimcaz@dircon.co.uk) "Can I help you?" Dana Scully smiled at the petite brunette standing in the doorway of the office she shared with Fox Mulder. "I was looking for Special Agent Fox Mulder," said the brunette uncertainly. She looked again at the name plate on the door - this was his office, and it was right where he'd said it would be. "He just stepped out for a moment - please come in and wait. I'm his partner, Dana Scully." Dana stuck out a hand, and the brunette shook it. thought Beth. "Beth Harper," she replied. "I'm pleased to meet you," said Dana warmly. "Can I get you some coffee?" "No, thank you," replied Beth, shaking her head. "Mulder shouldn't be too long," said Dana. "Did I hear my name mentioned?" enquired Fox, strolling into the office. When he saw Beth, his cheeks flushed. "Hello, Fox," she greeted him softly. Dana looked on in surprise, waiting for the inevitable correction from Mulder. No-one, but no-one, was allowed to call him by his given name, so how come he wasn't putting her straight the way he did other people who made that mistake? "Hello, Beth. All set? Then let's go." Dana stared at him. What was wrong with him? He was practically pushing the poor woman out of the door! He was up to something - something he didn't want her to know about. Dana pieced together the available evidence. He'd been acting strangely for weeks now - disappearing out of the door as soon as it was time to go home, arriving late and flustered on at least three occasions, the secretive phone calls, and now this Beth Harper had turned up! Dana decided that she was going to get to the bottom of this little mystery, even if it killed her. "It was nice meeting you, Dana." Beth called over her shoulder as Mulder propelled her through the door. "Likewise!" replied Dana. She peered around the door - Mulder was steering Beth along the corridor so fast that her feet were barely touching the ground. "Your partner seems very nice," remarked Beth as Fox whisked her out of the J. Edgar Hoover Building. "Yeah, she is," replied Fox distractedly. Beth regarded him oddly. "Fox - is there something wrong?" "No," he answered, glancing down momentarily at her. "Why do you say that?" "Well..." Beth hesitated. "I just got the impression that you weren't very keen for Dana and me to talk." She waited for a response - none was forthcoming. Then it dawned on her. "You haven't told her about me, have you?" Fox shook his head, his eyes firmly focussed on the ground. "Why not?" queried Beth. Fox shrugged. "Because my private life is just that - private. Just because we work together it doesn't mean we're joined at the hip!" Beth opened her mouth to say something then closed it. If that was how he wanted it - fine. He didn't look in the mood for an argument against. Dana went back over the few moments she had spent with Beth before Mulder had spirited her away. Her trained eye had made careful note of Beth's muted red suit and cream silk shell - not exactly designer wear, but not chain store either. The suit was good quality, and Dana suddenly felt a little drab in her navy skirt and jacket. Beth had been wearing matching shoes with a little gold detail on the front. She had small feet - in fact she was more or less the same height and size as Dana. Her dark hair was stylishly cut, and small gold knots adorned her pierced ears. On the third finger of her right hand she wore a ring - a ruby and diamond half hoop eternity ring. Dana doubted that the ring had been a gift from Mulder - it looked like some sort of heirloom. Her perfume Dana couldn't place - it was something fairly understated. Dana tapped the end of her pen thoughtfully on her desk. He was definitely up to something, and she felt a little hurt that he hadn't confided in her. She suddenly remembered a conversation they'd had several weeks previously - he'd been distracted and told her he had some personal problems when she'd asked. Then she'd asked if it was woman trouble, and he had shut up like a clam. So was Beth Harper the cause of his problems? What was she to him? By the way she had greeted him, and his response Dana concluded that they were an item. An item that Mulder didn't want anyone to know about, for reasons known only to himself. Part of her was pleased that Mulder had found someone at last - maybe she wouldn't get so many midnight phone calls. The other part of her was sad that it wasn't she that was hanging on his arm - she had thought at some point that there might be the possibility of something developing between them. Dana felt a tad jealous of Beth taking her place in Mulder's life. Dana's eyes strayed to the office clock as Fox returned to his desk - he'd taken a two hour lunch. She waited patiently as he removed his jacket and arranged it over the back of his chair, then sat down. She waited until he opened the file he had been looking at earlier then said, "Nice lunch?" "Yes thanks," he replied without looking up. Dana let a moment's silence pass, then said airily, "So, how long have you and Beth known each other?" She didn't want to appear too eager to find out all the juicy details. "Long enough," answered Fox. So - it was going to be like that, was it? She was going to have to prise it out of him piece by painful piece. "And how long is that?" Dana enquired. Fox could feel her eyes boring into him. "Why is it so important, Scully?" he asked. Dana shrugged. "I'm just curious, that's all. You never mentioned her before." "Do you tell me everything that happens in your private life?" he asked. "No..." "Then why should I tell you what's going on in mine?" "Jesus, Mulder - whose bed did you get out the wrong side of this morning?" demanded Dana angrily. "I only asked a simple question - there was no need to bite my head off!" Fox sighed, and put the file back on the desk. He was going to have to tell her sooner or later anyway. "I'm sorry, Scully - I didn't mean to snap at you." "Apology accepted - and if you don't want to tell me about Beth, you don't have to." "No - it's okay. We grew up together. Her older brother was my best friend," revealed Fox. "We met up again a couple of months back. Beth was sent here by her employers to write a report on the efficiency of their DC operation and we bumped into one another on the street. Then she was seconded back for a month to implement her recommendations and we saw quite a bit of one another. Now she's here permanently, at her own request. She said she couldn't live without me!" He gave her a rakish smile, trying to lighten the atmosphere. "Why didn't you tell me?" asked Dana. "I didn't think anything was going to happen. Beth went back to Boston at the end of her month here and that was it. We'd talked about having a relationship and decided that it just wouldn't work. Then she turned up on my doorstep a few weeks ago, suitcase in hand." "So you obviously had feelings for one another before that," said Dana. "Yes, but we didn't act on them," replied Fox, then he added, "Well, not to the logical conclusion." Dana uttered a small laugh. "Mulder - you're hopeless. How long did you think you could keep this quiet?" "Scully, we're only dating!" he retorted. "It's not as if we're engaged to be married!" Dana raised her eyebrows. "Now there's a thought!" she said. "Does Beth know what we do?" "Yes - I explained everything to her. I felt it only fair that I give her the chance to go back to Boston without losing her honour." "Very noble of you Mulder - I assume from the fact that she was in this office this morning that you lost that argument?" "How very perceptive of you, Agent Scully!" Fox responded drily. "Just doing my job, Agent Mulder!" Dana grinned. "By the way, how come she gets to call you Fox?" Fox helped Dana on with her coat. "Beth seems nice, Mulder - from the brief introduction we had before you whisked her out of here!" "Yeah - sorry about that," he replied sheepishly. "I'd like to meet her, get to know her better. Any woman that can put up with you deserves to be better known." Dana knew that left to Mulder, she'd never get to meet Beth properly. "Perhaps you both might like to come to dinner one evening?" Mulder looked uncomfortable. "Well, I'll have to ask Beth. She has quite a hectic schedule." Dana wasn't fooled for a minute - he had no intention of asking her. She smiled sweetly at him. "You do that, Mulder," she replied. Then, picking up her briefcase, she said, "Goodnight, Mulder. Pleasant dreams!" With that, Dana swept out of the office, leaving him gaping after her. The End From jimcaz@dircon.co.uk Tue Mar 11 12:15:13 1997 Subject: New: The Beth Files - Beth #11: Guess Who's Coming to Dinner 1/1 From: "Jim & Carol Gritton" Date: Tue, 11 Mar 1997 18:15:13 -0000 -------- Disclaimer: Fox Mulder, Dana Scully belong to Chris Carter, 1013 and Fox TV. They are used without permission and no infringement of copyright is intended. I do this for the love of it! Rating: R for mild sexual situations Classification: S, R (Mulder/other) Summary: Unbeknown to Mulder, Beth invites Scully to dinner. Comments welcome at the above address. Beth #11 - Guess Who's Coming to Dinner 1/1 by Carol Gritton (jimcaz@dircon.co.uk) "You did what?" spluttered Fox Mulder. "I invited Dana over for dinner tomorrow night," repeated Beth Harper. "Why?" "Why not? I thought I should get to know her better as she's your partner!" Fox sighed deeply. "I told you..." "Yes, I know what you told me, Fox, and I think you're being ridiculous. For goodness sake - what are you so afraid of?" Earlier that day "Scully." "Oh, hello? Dana? This is Beth Harper." "Hi, Beth. Um, Mulder's not here right now - can I get him to call you?" asked Dana. "Actually, it's you I wanted to speak to Dana. I was wondering if you would like to join us for dinner tomorrow night?" Well, there was a turn up. Dana wondered if Mulder knew about this - she suspected not. She grinned wickedly. "I'd love to." "Good - I'll ask Fox to give you directions. Will seven thirty be okay?" "That'll be just fine, Beth. Thanks for calling - I look forward to seeing you tomorrow!" Dana replaced the receiver just as Fox walked back into the office. "Who was that?" he asked. "No-one you know," replied Dana, smiling. "I can't believe you did that!" Fox cried. Beth watched him pacing - backwards and forwards, backwards and forwards, running his fingers through his hair. "What's the big deal?" she asked. "Didn't anyone ever tell you that business and pleasure just don't mix?" He finally stopped pacing. "You know, sometimes I just don't understand you, Fox," said Beth. "Why don't you want anyone to know about me? About us? Are you ashamed of it?" She'd done it - she'd managed to make him feel horrible, and guilty. "Oh, Beth - of course I'm not!" he said softly, gathering her into his arms. "I love you - I do, really. It's just that... oh, I don't know..." He didn't know how to explain it. Fox took a breath. "It's just that I want us to have some time to ourselves - I don't want to have to share you with anyone just yet." Beth gave a tender smile. "Fox - you don't have to share me with anyone," she said softly. "But we need to have other people in our lives - friends, family, acquaintances - otherwise there's a danger that we'll end up apart. It's not healthy to be together to the exclusion of everyone else." What she said was right, of course, and Fox acknowledged that. He gave a sly smile. "Would you say that constituted our first argument?" "Why?" Beth looked at him suspiciously. His finger traced the collar of her blouse to the cleft between her breasts, then slipped just inside the fabric, stroking the warm skin beneath. "Well, if it was our first argument, don't you think it might be nice to make up now?" "And what exactly did you have in mind?" she enquired, looking up at him. "This." And suddenly he swept her up in his arms, making her shriek in surprise, and carried her off to the bedroom. They lay entwined together, not speaking but just enjoying the closeness, and Beth's thoughts slipped back to the night they had first made love and Fox had finally told her that he loved her. She had longed to hear those words - words that she thought she would never hear, not from Fox anyway. Beth had almost cried when he said the words. At first, he had spoken them in a tone that implied he couldn't quite believe it himself, and then he'd said it again. The second time, his voice had been tender, surer, little more than a whisper, and a beautiful smile had lit up his face. Beth placed a hand on his chest and pushed herself up. "Where are you going?" asked Fox, reaching for her. She leaned forward and pulled her robe towards her from the bottom of the bed. As she did so, Fox reached around her front and let his fingers slide over her breast. Beth felt a shiver go through her at his touch. It was so tempting to just lay down again... but she had things to do. "I can't be lying here all night," she replied. "I have a menu to plan!" "Beth, we're talking about Scully here, not some visiting dignitary! She won't mind what she eats!" "That's as maybe, Fox, but never let it be said that I don't know how to entertain," Beth retorted. "It won't be anything too fancy, so don't worry." She smiled at him, and let the palm of her hand rest against his rough cheek. Fox's hand slid inside her robe and found her breast again. He let his fingers linger on the nipple, teasing and caressing until it hardened into a point. "Are you sure I can't tempt you to stay here?" he whispered, his lips brushing her earlobe. "No," answered Beth in a strangled voice, and with that, she slid out of his grasp. He watched her go, and let out a sigh. For someone who had done his utmost to avoid going down this path, he couldn't get enough of her. Beth occupied his every waking moment, and most of his sleeping ones, too. Her tenacity had surprised him - she was a woman that knew what she wanted and didn't give up until she'd got it. He liked that about Beth - it excited him. He was also flattered that she wanted him, and had given up everything to be with him. Didn't that say something about how she felt about him? Fox dragged himself out of the bed and pulled on his boxers and jeans, then an old sweatshirt. He padded through to Beth's living room, his feet bare. She was sitting at the table, scribbling on a pad. He came up behind her, slipped his arms around her and nuzzled her neck. He could feel her smiling, then she turned her head and kissed his cheek. "You hungry?" he asked. "Starving. You rushed me off to the bedroom without any dinner." "I didn't hear you complaining!" he grinned, and Beth poked her tongue out at him. "I hope you're not going to put that back in your mouth. Besides, didn't your mother ever tell you it was rude to stick out your tongue?" He stood there, hands on hips and shaking his head. "And I always thought that you were such a nice girl..." Beth fixed him with a glare. "Are we going to eat or not?" she demanded. "Yeah - I'll get take out. What would you like?" "I don't want take out. If you look in the fridge, you'll find some steak that's been marinating. There are a couple of large potatoes in the vegetable rack and salad stuff in the bottom of the fridge. The potatoes you can start off in the microwave, then they can go in the oven. You know how to make a salad, and the steak can be grilled." Fox was looking at her open mouthed. "You want me to cook dinner?" "Yes. I know you're perfectly capable - you're just lazy!" "But..." "No buts, Fox. If we are to have any future together, this has to be an equal partnership. If you cook, I'll do the dishes. I think that's fair, don't you?" Beth dabbed at the corner of her mouth with a napkin. "There - that was quite painless, wasn't it? You can do it when you try, Fox." She placed her knife and fork neatly on her plate. "You really thought it was okay?" he asked with an element of disbelief. "It was excellent, Fox. You cooked the steak just the way I like it, and the salad dressing was delicious. What was in it, by the way?" "Ah, trade secret!" He grinned at her. "You really did like it? You're not just saying that?" Beth smiled and took his hand. "I really did like it, Fox," she answered softly. He sat there looking thoroughly pleased with himself. "I'm really looking forward to tonight," declared Dana with a smile. She was rewarded with a sour look from her partner. "You won't forget to give me those directions, will you?" It was all she could do not to shriek with laughter - she was enjoying this, making Mulder squirm. He glared at her, then scribbled something on a piece of paper. He tore it off the pad and thrust it at her. Scully looked at what he'd written. "Mulder, this is barely legible, even by your standards. Would you write it out properly for me?" She held the scrap of paper out to him and he snatched it back, then wrote on the reverse side. Dana took the paper back again, and nodded in satisfaction. "That's better. I wouldn't want to turn up at the wrong apartment, would I?" She gave him another sweet smile, and could have sworn that she saw steam coming out of his ears. Dana rose out of her seat and came and stood beside him. She placed her hands lightly on his shoulders and leaned in close to his ear. "Don't worry, Mulder - I'll be on my best behaviour. I promise I won't reveal all your secrets." Beth was just putting the finishing touches to the table. "Fox, promise me you'll behave tonight. I don't want you to spoil the evening. And another thing - no shop talk." "That doesn't leave much else then, does it? And I won't spoil your evening." He emphasised the 'your evening' as if it had nothing to do with him. He was being petulant, and he knew it. "You're still mad at me because I didn't consult you about inviting Dana." "No I'm not." Fox had that sulky look on his face, the one where his bottom lip stuck out so enticingly. "Yes you are." He wouldn't meet her eyes. Beth moved towards him, reached up and traced his bottom lip with her thumb. It was so inviting... She stood up on tiptoe and brushed her lips across it, then again, until his lips parted and she was able to slide her tongue into his mouth. Despite himself, his arms slipped around her and he clasped her to him, lifting her off the floor. After a moment, he set her gently on her feet again. "I'm sorry," said Fox softly. "What for?" "Being an ass. Can you forgive me?" Beth smiled. "There's nothing to forgive. It was wrong of me to invite Dana unilaterally. I promise I'll check with you next time." "Well, let's get this one over with first, shall we?" Dana arrived at the appointed hour, carrying a bottle of wine. "Something smells nice," she commented as Fox ushered her into Beth's apartment. "Beth's been slaving away over a hot stove all afternoon," he replied. "Come through... can I take your coat?" Dana looked up at him in surprise. Was this the same Fox Mulder that she worked with every day? He was almost civilised! "Thank you." She handed him her top coat. "Beth! Scu... Dana's here!" Beth came scurrying out of the kitchen. "Oh Dana, I'm sorry I didn't come to the door. Is Fox looking after you?" "Yes, thank you. What shall I do with this?" She held up the bottle of wine. "I'll put in the fridge. Go on through to the living room - I'll be right there." Dana went in to the living room. She smiled - Mulder had certainly made himself at home here. She wondered if he kept a stash of clothing here like he kept at her place for emergencies. "So, Scully... you found it all right, then?" Mulder was back, running his fingers through his hair. "I'm here, aren't I? No thanks to you and your scribbling!" She nudged him in the ribs. "You never asked her, did you?" She hissed the question at him. "Asked her what?" Mulder hissed back. "About coming to dinner at my place." "Well, Beth rather pre-empted me." "It's just as well she did," humphed Dana. Beth came back into the room. "Everything okay? Fox, did you offer Dana a drink?" "I was just about to," he answered. "So, Scully... what would you like to drink?" "I'll have a glass of white wine, please." "One glass of white wine coming up. Beth, what can I get for you?" "I'll have the same, please." Fox went off to get the drinks. "You seem to have him well trained," commented Dana, with a wicked smile. "I never thought I'd see the day when Mulder was domesticated!" They moved to the dining table. It looked very impressive, with a pretty floral centrepiece. "Beth did that." The pride in Fox's voice was unmistakable. "It's very pretty," replied Dana. "She's good at all that arty crafty stuff. Always has been." His eyes took on a far away look. Then Beth came through with the first course - salmon mousse. Home made, with a little twist of lemon and a feathery strand of dill for decoration. "This looks delicious, " said Dana. "Wait until you taste it!" grinned Fox. There was also a selection of warm, fresh baked rolls on the table for anyone that wanted them. Dana had to concede that Mulder was right - the salmon mousse was delicious, and so light. The main course was a creamy beef stroganoff, with a mixture of long grain and wild rice, and a salad. "Please, serve yourself, Dana. Once Fox gets his hands on it, there'll be nothing left for anyone else!" Beth gave him an affectionate smile. "You wound me, Beth!" he mock pouted. "I just know good home cooking when I see it!" "Well, let's face it Mulder - the chance of getting any good home cooking at your place is non existent!" chipped in Dana. "Even the inside of your freezer must have cobwebs!" "Et tu, Scully?" He held a hand over his heart. "I might have guessed that the two of you would gang up on me!" He smiled good naturedly as Beth passed him the rice. She was glad to see that he had relaxed a little, and was entering into the spirit of things. "You have a lovely apartment," observed Dana. "Thank you," replied Beth. "My employers have said that I can stay as long as I like, but I want to find something else. I have a lot of stuff up in Boston still which I need to bring down. I can't rely on the goodwill of my friends forever!" "Oh, I don't know - Mulder seems to do well at that particular skill!" Dana gave him an affectionate smile. "Face it, Scully - you wouldn't have me any other way!" It was true - she wouldn't have him any other way. At times he was insensitive, arrogant, insufferable and smug... always irritating, but he was loyal, supportive and she wouldn't trust anyone else with her life but him. "Beth, this really is delicious!" Mulder had really landed on his feet this time, thought Dana. "I told you she was a great cook, didn't I?" Fox was looking at Beth proudly, and he reached out and squeezed her hand. "You did, Mulder," answered Dana, unaccustomed to this open show of affection from her partner. The man who never gave away his feelings, not under any circumstances. Mulder poured more wine as Beth went to fetch dessert. While they were alone, Dana studied him. He looked more carefree than she had seen in a long time. Maybe being in love was good for him - it certainly seemed to suit him. She hadn't failed to notice the looks that passed between him and Beth, and she was sure that had she not been there, they would have been all over one another. He couldn't stop touching her, however slightly. A touch of his fingers on her wrist, on her arm, on her waist as she stood up. "I'm happy for you, Mulder." "Excuse me?" "I said I'm happy for you. You deserve some happiness, and I think that Beth is good for you." Mulder blushed. "Thanks, Scully." Beth was back with their dessert - syllabub with almond tuiles. As with the other courses, it was delicious. "I thought you said tonight's menu wouldn't be fancy!" said Fox. "It isn't," answered Beth. "Then how come we don't get to eat like this every night?" "Are you volunteering to stay at home and cook, then?" "Ha ha." "Exactly. Just eat your syllabub." Dana grinned. Beth certainly knew how to handle Mulder. She'd have to get some tips. She guessed it came from their long acquaintance. They'd grown up together, she knew all his tricks and worse traits. Dana was still discovering those particular elements of her partner's personality. "Can I help with the dishes?" Dana. "It's the least I can do after that lovely meal." "It's all right - you're our guest. Fox can help me later." "No - I'd like to help, and I know what he's like with the dishes!" Beth smiled. "Okay. He can make the coffee when we're done." Dana dried while Beth washed. "So, you must have known Samantha." "Yes, I did. We played together sometimes... she was a year younger than me. Samantha adored Fox... they had moments when they didn't see eye to eye, but on the whole Fox was very protective of his sister. It broke up the family when she... disappeared, but I guess you know that already." Dana nodded, placing a clean dish on the small kitchen table. Beth carried on. "Fox took it very hard... he was never the same after it happened." "I take it he's told you what he believes happened to Samantha?" Beth nodded. "Do you believe him?" Beth shook her head slightly. "I don't know what I believe, Dana. I just know that he wants her back..." She stared off into the distance, remembering the events of so long ago. "Beth, you okay?" Dana touched the other woman's arm gently. "I'm fine. Do you mind if we change the subject? I don't like talking about this... about Fox and those times. I find it too upsetting." "Of course," answered Dana. "It was insensitive of me. I was forgetting that you lived through it too." There was silence for a moment as they got on with the task in hand. "You've always loved him, haven't you?" asked Dana softly. Beth smiled. "Is it that obvious?" she asked. Before Dana could answer, Mulder appeared. "My ears are burning. Are you two talking about me?" "No," replied Dana. "We have more interesting things to talk about than you! It must be your guilty conscience! Who have you ticked off recently, apart from me?" "Where shall I start?" mused Mulder, a slow grin spreading across his face. "Well, while you're thinking about it, you can make the coffee," said Beth, handing him the empty kettle. "Dana and I will go and put our feet up." With that, the two diminutive women left him to it. Mulder came through with the pot of coffee. Beth was outlining her job to Dana. "I thought you decreed no shop talk for tonight," he said. "That only applied to you and Dana. I didn't want to sit here feeling like a spare part while you discussed your latest case." He could see her point. Autopsies were not the sort of thing you discussed around the dinner table. He poured the coffee, and passed the cups around. They sat and chatted for a while, until Dana looked at her watch. "I'd better be going. We have that early morning meeting tomorrow, Mulder." "How could I forget?" he grimaced. "I just hope that Skinner is in a better mood than he was when I left this evening." Dana laughed. "He's probably the reason your ears are burning!" She rose, and Fox went off to find her top coat. "Thanks for inviting me, Beth - I know that if it was left to Mulder, we'd never have met. I don't know what gets into him sometimes. I've really enjoyed this evening." "Thank you. We'll have to do it again sometime." "I'd like that, only next time you must both come to me." Mulder was back with her coat, and he helped her on with it. Dana picked up her purse and made her way to the door. "Well, thanks again for a lovely evening, and a wonderful meal." She looked up at Fox. "Mulder, I'll see you in the morning." "You got it, Scully. Goodnight." He closed the door behind her. Beth was looking at him with a smile on her face. "What?" he asked with a frown. She put her arm around the back of his waist. "That wasn't so bad, was it?" He humphed softly. "I guess not." "So..." "So... are you ready for bed?" Beth nodded, and he slipped his arm around the back of her waist as they made their way to the bedroom. The End From jimcaz@dircon.co.uk Thu Mar 27 16:16:46 1997 Subject: New: The Beth Files - Beth #12: Second Thoughts 1/1 From: "Jim & Carol Gritton" -------- Disclaimer: Fox Mulder, Dana Scully belong to Chris Carter, 1013 and Fox TV. They are used without permission and no infringement of copyright is intended. I do this for the love of it! Rating: G Classification: S, R, (Mulder/other) Summary: Six months have passed since Fox and Beth became an item, and Fox is starting to have second thoughts about their relationship. Comments welcome at the above address. Beth #12 - Second Thoughts by Carol Gritton (jimcaz@dircon.co.uk) "Am I doing the right thing, Scully?" asked Fox Mulder anxiously as he drove them back to the Bureau. "Are we talking about Beth here?" enquired Dana, making an astute guess. She held her gaze on him for just a moment longer. He'd been pre-occupied all day... for the last two days to be precise. Dana had let him wrestle with the problem himself - he would confide in her when he was ready. Which seemed to be now. Fox nodded. "You know I value your opinion, Scully. What do you think?" "Well, for a start, you're asking the wrong person. You should be asking Beth," said Dana. She took a look at his face - it was creased with worry. There was more going on here than he was telling her. "Look Mulder, all I know is that for the past six months, you've been happier than I've ever seen you. What else is there to say?" That was true - he had been so much happier since Beth had come permanently into his life, so why was he trying to push her away? Part of him felt that embarking upon this relationship with Beth had been a cop-out, the easy option. She knew his pain, he didn't have to lay himself bare to her. She knew who he was, she knew about the events that had shaped him into the person he was today. Beth was closer to him than anyone else had ever been, except for Dana. Dana regarded him again, saw his jaw working as he fought with this problem. She was accustomed to being used as his sounding board for all those little doubts and insecurities that plagued his every waking moment. She reached out and squeezed his arm. "Mulder, it's quite usual to have these thoughts when you're in a new relationship," said Dana softly. "We all have these doubts once the first flush of romance is over. I wouldn't be surprised if Beth hadn't had them at some point, too." "Then why the hell is she still with someone that carries the emotional baggage that I do?" he asked. Dana gaped at him, her mouth open. For someone with such a brilliant mind, he could be incredibly dense when dealing with issues of this nature. "Has it ever occurred to you, Mulder, that Beth is still with you because she wants to be?" "But why? What can I offer her except heartache?" asked Fox, sounding anguished. "You keep on with that attitude and you will push her away!" cried Dana in exasperation. "Is that what you want?" "No, of course not," he replied in a quiet voice. "It's just that..." "What?" barked Dana. "Nothing." Fox realised that he was fast exhausting her patience. "Mulder - Beth gave up a lot to come here and be with you. Isn't that proof enough of her commitment to you? Beth's with you because she loves you. Can't you see that?" Fox gave her that little boy lost look that she knew so well, and nodded. "I just have a hard time believing it," he replied softly. Dana knew better than to ask why. When it came to his work, Fox Mulder had no doubts - he was sure of what he was doing. His personal life, however, was a different kettle of fish. He was plagued by self doubt, and a little self loathing, Dana wouldn't have been surprised to learn. He needed constant reassurance that he was doing the right thing. Sometimes it drove Dana up the wall, but it was just the way he was. "You know, Mulder - one of these days I'm going to shoot you, and next time I won't miss!" said Dana, smiling up at him affectionately. Fox's conversation with Dana hadn't solved anything, and he let himself into his apartment feeling tired and weary. "Fox - is that you?" Beth's voice floated out from the kitchen. He hadn't expected to find her there, and he'd been hoping for a little peace and quiet to help him get his head together. "No - it's Freddy Kruger!" he replied, dropping his small overnight bag on the floor. "Oh, I'll have to tell him to stop coming round like this! My boyfriend might get jealous!" she answered as she crossed the room. Beth wrapped her arms around him. "I missed you," she said softly. "How was your trip?" "Okay - we'll talk about it later," Fox replied. "Don't I get a welcome home kiss?" "Of course!" she smiled, then she reached up to kiss him. "Wow! You missed me that much, huh?" teased Fox. "I hate to admit it, but yes," laughed Beth. "Hmm - maybe I should go away more often!" "Don't you dare!" warned Beth. "I'll start dinner - I wasn't sure what time you'd be home, so I waited." "I'll go shower while you do that," Fox replied. With that, he headed for the bedroom, taking his bag with him. Fox let the warm water play over him. God - he never envisaged his life becoming one of cosy domesticity, but it had crept up on him unawares. Not that he didn't like it - he did, it was nice to be able to do the things that couples do, having been on his own for so long. If he was really honest, it scared him a little, the way he had adapted so quickly. Maybe that was the problem, maybe it had become too cosy, too fast. Fox was quiet all through dinner, and afterwards when he helped Beth to clear away and wash up. She didn't push it, figuring he was tired after his trip away. Whatever it was, he would tell her soon enough. Fox was troubled, Beth could see that much. She sat in bed and watched him as he undressed. He seemed to be taking forever, and then he just sat on the edge, facing away from her, as if he was reluctant to share his bed with her. She laid a hand gently on his shoulder. "Fox, what's wrong?" Beth asked softly. "It's nothing," he replied, trying to look reassuring but failing woefully. "Don't worry, I'll work it out." "But I do worry, Fox - talk to me. Maybe I can help." "It's nothing," he repeated, to no avail. He could see that she wasn't convinced. "Fox, don't treat me like a fool. I don't like you keeping things from me." Beth tried to keep her tone neutral. She didn't want to sound like she was nagging or pressuring him because that would make him clam up completely. She had to walk a very thin tightrope when dealing with Fox in this sort of mood. He turned to face her, took a breath and asked, "Why are you still with me, Beth?" Beth looked taken aback. "I don't understand," she said, mystified. "What do you mean?" "Well... isn't there someone else you'd rather be with? Someone else with less emotional baggage than me? Someone who can give you what you want?" "You give me everything I want, Fox," Beth replied, her eyes filling with tears. "Why are you doing this? Don't you want me in your life?" Fox groaned inwardly. Why hadn't he kept his big mouth shut? Now she was upset, and rightly so, and it was all his fault. He scooted closer and reached out, pulling her against him. "I'm sorry, Beth," he whispered, stroking her hair. "I just get this little demon inside me... I say crazy things... I didn't mean it." he thought to himself. Why was it so hard for him to tell Beth that? She reached out and pulled a tissue from the box on the nightstand, wiped her eyes and blew her nose. "I'm with you because I want to be with you, I love you," Beth announced tremulously. "If you're having second thoughts about our relationship, then I need to know now." Fox felt he was in this relationship for all the wrong reasons - because Beth reminded him of Samantha, because Beth knew his past and accepted him for who and what he was, because he wanted to protect her. He couldn't deny that he loved her - he loved her very much. He had no complaints about the physical side of things - that was great. She was a good cook, she knew when to give him space - so what was it? Apart from his mother, Beth was his only tangible link to the past and to Samantha - her memories of Sam comforted him and helped him to remember his sister in a positive way. Beth recalled things about Sam that he had forgotten - the two girls had shared adventures that he knew nothing about. Through Beth, Samantha Mulder lived again. But Fox knew that that alone wouldn't sustain this relationship. The bottom line was that he was afraid of commitment. It terrified him. He met Beth's eyes - she was waiting for an answer. He couldn't prevaricate any longer. Fox took a deep breath and said, "I think we should spend some time apart." The look on Beth's face would stay with Fox until the day he died. The colour had drained out of it and she looked as if she were about to faint. "Beth?" he said carefully, tentatively. A cold hand had wrapped itself around her heart, and she fought the urge to scream out. She wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of knowing how much she was hurting. Gathering all the dignity she could muster, she asked in a steady voice, "May I ask why?" "I can't explain," replied Fox in a low voice. Damn it, he wasn't even man enough to look her in the eyes as he said it. "You want us to spend time apart but you can't tell me why?" Fox could hear the undercurrent of cold rage in her voice. "What sort of an excuse is that?" "It's no excuse, I know, but it's the best I can do. I just need some space, some time... I need to sort things out in my mind." "What things? What is it this time, Fox? It can't be the intimacy issue - I thought we'd cracked that one," she spat. "For God's sake - talk to me! Don't shut me out like I don't matter!" Despite herself, her voice had risen to a near scream. "All right!" cried Fox. "Since you asked, I'll tell you. It's this... this whole set up. It's just too cosy. I feel crowded... I need some time on my own." "You - it's always about you, isn't it? Well what about me? Don't my feelings count, or do you think you're the only person that has any feelings? Did anyone ever tell you how selfish you are, Fox?" He flinched as her bitter words cut into him, but said nothing. "I gave up a lot to come and be with you, because I love you and because I thought we might have a future together..." "I didn't ask you to come," he said quietly, and the moment the words were out of his mouth he regretted saying them. The silence between them was deafening. "Damn you, Fox! You want us to spend time apart... well, I guess now is as good a time as any to start." Beth threw back the bedcovers and swung her legs to the floor. "You can have all the space and time that you want." Beth quickly dressed, and threw some things into an overnight bag. She collected her purse and briefcase, then headed for Fox's front door. "Beth..." Fox reached out, but she side stepped him. "I'll see myself out," she said coldly, and then she was gone, the slamming of the door ringing in his ears. The End From jimcaz@dircon.co.uk Sat Mar 29 11:24:25 1997 Subject: New: The Beth Files - Beth #13: The Letter 1/1 From: "Jim & Carol Gritton" -------- Disclaimer: Fox Mulder, Dana Scully belong to Chris Carter, 1013 and Fox TV. They are used without permission and no infringement of copyright is intended. I do this for the love of it! Rating: G Classification: S, R (Mulder/other) Summary: As a miserable Mulder ponders on the consequences of his actions and his treatment of Beth, it's Scully to the rescue. Comments welcome at the above address. Beth #13 - The Letter 1/1 by Carol Gritton (jimcaz@dircon.co.uk) "Mulder? Are you okay?" asked Dana Scully softly. Fox Mulder started at the sound of his partner's voice. He'd forgotten that she was even in the small room that passed for their office. He had been sitting at his desk, just staring into space for a full ten minutes. Fox gave Dana a half-hearted excuse for a smile. "I'm fine, Scully," he replied. In truth, he looked far from fine. She took in his unshaven cheeks, and the dark circles beneath his eyes. "You still haven't heard from Beth?" Dana asked. Mulder shook his head wearily. "It's been a week now. She won't even return my calls," he answered. Scully found that hardly surprising from what little Mulder had told her about the argument that they'd had. It had been two days after the event before Scully had found out why he was so miserable. "Can I make a suggestion?" Fox shrugged. "Sure - I'm open to any suggestions you might have." "Why don't you try writing to her?" said Dana. She fully expected Mulder to laugh, but he didn't. His face suddenly brightened a little, as if he could see a light at the end of a very long tunnel. "I never thought of that!" he replied, the bones of what he wanted to say already forming in his head. "Tell her how you really feel," suggested Dana. "It's much easier to put it down on paper." "You're right," said Fox, smiling. "Scully, you're a genius!" A sudden frown crossed his face. "What?" "What if she sends it straight back without reading it, or trashes it?" "Mulder, it won't hurt to try." Dana rested her hand lightly on his arm in a gesture of reassurance. "At least you'll know that you tried." "You're right. I'll do it tonight." Fox Mulder's apartment Fox sat at his desk and tried to marshal his thoughts into some semblance of order, but all he kept thinking about was the blazing row he'd had with Beth the week before, which had resulted in Beth packing a bag and leaving. It was his own fault that she had taken off, and he knew it, but it still didn't make him feel any better - in fact it made him feel a whole lot worse. He had hurt her, and hurt her badly. She hadn't said where she was going, and at that point he was too angry to ask, or to care. But as each day had passed and he hadn't heard from her, he started to worry, and he was afraid. He called her at work and left messages, he called her mother but she wasn't there. Finally he tried her apartment - not that she spent much time there. Most of her time was spent at his place, so much so that many of her clothes were hanging in his closet, and were a painful reminder of her absence every time he opened the door. He had decided against trying to see her in person - if she wouldn't take his calls, there was no way she would want to see him face to face. Not for the first time, he wondered how he'd managed to get himself into this mess. "Tell her how you really feel." Dana's words suddenly echoed in his head. How exactly did he feel? Fox sighed - he knew what he wanted to say, but couldn't get it right in his mind. Then it struck him - he had to write from his heart, not this head. Fox picked up his pen, and began to write. Once he'd started, the words began to flow easily, and in the end they tumbled out of him. Forty five minutes later, he signed the letter and sat back in his chair, deciding after a few moments to read it through again just to make sure that he'd said all he wanted to say. Fox sat back again - having read the letter once more, was he exposing too much of his innermost self? Scully's words echoed yet again - if he was to tell Beth how he felt then he had to open right up. He had to let her in to his most private feelings and he'd never done that with anyone, not even Scully. Fox quickly folded the letter, sealed it in an envelope and addressed it - before he had the chance to change his mind. Fox dropped the letter off at Beth's office the next morning, leaving it at the reception desk after ensuring that it would be delivered promptly. Delivering it by hand would make him late for work, but Fox didn't care. Some things were more important than work. That sudden thought stopped him in his tracks - once upon a time, and not so long ago, nothing, but nothing would have come between Fox and his work. That thought suddenly brought home to him how important Beth was in his life. Beth Harper picked up the envelope that lay on her desk, recognising immediately Fox's distinctive handwriting on the front. She sat down, tapping the envelope thoughtfully against her lips, and her mind travelled back to that night just one week ago. She didn't remember driving all the way home. On reaching her front door, she had fumbled with the key in the lock, blinded by her tears. Eventually she had managed to get it in, open the door and close it behind her, shutting out the real world. Beth had dropped her bags, and slid down the closed door to the floor, sobbing. Somehow, she had made it to the bedroom, she didn't remember how. She found herself sitting on the bed, staring at the photo of Fox that she kept on the nightstand. Suddenly, and with a scream, she hurled it at the wall. The glass shattered, and scattered in all directions as it hit the wooden floor. Beth curled up on her bed and sobbed into her pillow. At work the next day, she had told her assistant that if Fox called, under no circumstances did she want to talk to him. She hadn't even gone out at lunch time, just in case he might be out there, waiting. When she got home, the light on her answering machine was flashing. She sat in the darkened room, pressed 'play' and listened to his voice on the tape. "Please, Beth - if you're there, pick up. I'm worried about you. I need to talk to you - I need to know that you are all right." He had called up to a dozen times a day - after the third day, she had disconnected the machine. She couldn't bear to listen to his anguished pleading any longer. She had used the week to do some hard thinking. Was it always going to be like this? Was she always going to be the one that got hurt in this relationship? Try as she might, she couldn't hate Fox. She wanted to understand why he acted in this way, and to do that, she would have to talk to him. That said, she wasn't going to be the one that made the first move - that had to come from him. Beth still believed that they had a future together, but it would have to be on different terms to what had gone before. She couldn't live with the constant uncertainty that the same thing was going to happen every time Fox decided that he couldn't handle the relationship. So, Beth had laid low, and licked her wounds. Back in the present, Beth tapped the envelope against her lips once last time, then slipped it into her briefcase to read later in the privacy of her apartment. Beth's apartment Beth showered and changed into her night clothes, then had something to eat. She made herself a cup of coffee and took it through to the living room, setting it down on a small table. She curled herself into her favourite armchair and studied the letter that lay next to the cup of steaming coffee. Beth picked it up, turning it over and over thoughtfully, noticing for the first time that the letter carried no postal marks. He had delivered it by hand! He had come all the way across town, just to deliver a letter? Didn't that say something? Beth downed her almost cold coffee, still contemplating the letter. Part of her was still angry with him - still angry with the summary way he had dismissed her feelings, as if only his counted. She had wanted to lash out and hit him, but pride had prevented her from losing it completely. She had wanted to hurt him the way he had hurt her, but knew that would not serve any useful purpose. Perhaps Fox was right - maybe their relationship had become too intense - maybe this time apart would give them both the space they needed to re-evaluate their feelings and to focus their thoughts on where they wanted their relationship, if they still had one, to go. She took the silver letter opener and sliced open the top of the envelope, then drew out the carefully and precisely folded sheets of paper. With trembling fingers, Beth unfolded the flimsy sheets and started reading. Fox Mulder's apartment Fox perched anxiously on the very edge of his couch, staring at the phone, willing it to ring. Surely she must have read it by now! He resisted the urge to call her, from letting his impatience get the better of him. Unable to sit there any longer, Fox started to pace the floor. He ran his fingers through his hair. What if she hadn't received the letter? He reminded himself that she had - he'd telephoned her office to make sure, and had been told that the letter had been delivered to Ms Harper at nine o'clock that morning. Okay - what if she'd thrown it straight into the trash? Fox shook his head - she wouldn't do that, however mad she was at him. That only left the possibility that she'd read the letter and decided to do nothing about it. Fox couldn't believe that - he couldn't believe that she would walk out of his life without a backward glance, a final word. Panic gripped him again - he didn't want that, he wanted her here, with him. He'd been an idiot - an insensitive, selfish idiot, and he'd admitted that in the letter - not in mitigation but as a fact. In the process of writing the letter, Fox had had to face up to some unpalatable truths about himself, truths that he had been long overdue in confronting and owning up to. The shrill ringing of the telephone halted his pacing and he grabbed for it. "Hello?" Dana Scully's heart sank at the hope and eagerness in his voice. "Mulder, it's me," she said softly. "Oh, hi Scully." From hope to despondency in one move. "Have you heard anything yet?" asked Dana. "No," he answered flatly, wearily. Dana's heart went out to him. She'd realised how important Beth was to him before he had, but then, when it came to anything other than his work, Fox Mulder was blinkered. It had taken Beth's absence over the past week to make him realise just what he was about to lose. "I'm sure she'll call," said Dana, trying to throw him some spark of hope. "Yeah." Fox sounded doubtful - as if all hope was lost. Beth's apartment Hot tears dropped onto the paper, smudging the neat black script contained therein. Beth sniffed, and stared down at the letter she held in her hands. "Oh, Fox," she whispered softly. "Why couldn't you tell me this before?" Beth knew how hard it must have been for him to write that letter, to put his innermost feelings into words. He had bared his soul to her - something he had never done before, not even to Dana. He kept so much hidden away, deep inside - sometimes it was impossible to know what he was thinking or feeling. Reaching for the phone, she punched in his number. Fox had given up waiting for Beth to call. He was in the kitchen making coffee when the phone rang, but didn't rush to answer it. He set his mug on the table top, then picked up the phone. "Mulder." Nothing. "Hello?" Then what sounded like someone crying softly. Fox frowned. "Beth? Is that you?" His heart started to beat a little faster. It was her, he was sure of it. Then, in a barely audible, tearful whisper he heard, "Fox." That was it - he needed to be with her, to comfort her. "Beth - I'm coming over. I'll be there as soon as I can." Leaving his coffee, Fox snatched up his car keys and was gone. He drove to Beth's apartment like a man possessed, his mind in turmoil, not knowing what he was going to find when he got there. That she'd read the letter was obvious, but why was she so distressed? Icy tendrils of fear curled around his heart - maybe baring his soul had been the wrong thing to do. Maybe it had made her realise that perhaps she didn't love him - that she couldn't love him. No - he didn't believe that. Fox sighed - it was no use speculating. He'd find out soon enough. Fox knocked on the door. He had a key, but didn't feel that it was appropriate to use it under the circumstances. He could hear Beth moving about inside, then the door opened. She took one look at him, then fell sobbing into his arms. Fox came into the room, pushing the door shut with his foot. Her tears were soaking into the front of his polo shirt, but he didn't care. He could do no more than hold her and let her cry, let her get it all out. They sat on Beth's couch, huddled together in one corner. Fox had his arms around her, his lips brushing against her hair. Her sobs had subsided and she just sniffed now and then. Neither of them had said a word since Fox's arrival. He would wait until she was ready to talk. "I got your letter," said Beth eventually. "I gathered that," replied Fox. "I'm sorry if it upset you. That wasn't my intention." "I know," she answered softly. "It's just that the things you said, the sentiments you expressed... Why couldn't you ever tell me all these things before?" "Beth - you know how hard it is for me to speak of these things. I just felt I couldn't offer you anything but pain and unhappiness, and it looks as though I was proved right." "That's not true, Fox - I've known more happiness with you than I have for years." Tears pricked the back of Fox's eyelids. No-one had ever said anything like that to him before, and he suddenly felt very emotional. Beth was radiating love, and Fox just let go - he let all the pent up emotions and worry of the past week flow out of him as it was his turn to shed the tears. "Look at us," he said, trying to muster a grin. "We're a real pair of cry babies!" "Sometimes it's good to cry," replied Beth softly. Her hand cupped his cheek tenderly. "I love you, Fox. Don't ever be afraid to show your feelings in front of me." "Can I ask you a question?" he said. "Of course you can," replied Beth, smiling fondly at him. "What do you see when you look at me, Beth?" Fox had taken her hand in his, and he was stroking her fingers with his thumb, but avoiding her eyes. "I see a passionate, kind, loyal, loving, handsome man," she replied. "Handsome? With this nose? This mouth?" He sounded surprised that she would even find him remotely attractive. "You must be confusing me with someone else." "Don't ever say that, Fox - you're beautiful," said Beth softly. "Oh, there's one thing I forgot to add to that list." "And what might that be?" "You're also the man that tells the world's worst jokes!" At that, he burst out laughing, and gave her a squeeze. "I love you, Beth," said Fox softly. "I'll never hurt you again, I promise." "I know, " she answered. " You know I've always loved you, Fox - I loved you in my past life, I love you in this one and I'll love you in the next. Don't you ever forget that." Beth eyed Fox over the rim of her coffee cup, then reached out and took his hand. "Fox? Why don't you stay tonight?" "Is that what you really want?" asked Fox, his heart racing. He felt unworthy and undeserving of her love, and he had been so afraid that she wouldn't want him after he had hurt her so much. Beth nodded in the affirmative. "I've missed you," she said shyly. "I missed waking up and finding you there with me, holding me. I missed watching you sleep." There was nothing to stop him staying - he kept some clothes and toiletries at her place the way she did at his for just such occasions. Fox gave her a tender smile then reached out, drawing her into his arms and kissing her brow. "There's nothing I'd like more," he replied softly. "What are you going to do with the letter?" enquired Fox, seeing it lying on the table. "It looks a little the worse for wear." "I'll keep it," replied Beth. "I might not be able to read what it says, but the contents are engraved on my heart. I'll never forget those words." Later, after they had made love and Fox was sleeping, Beth rose and went through to the living room. She retrieved the letter from the table, then sat on the couch and read through the now barely legible words again. She sat for a while longer, then returned to the bedroom, taking the letter with her. Quietly opening a drawer in her dresser, she drew out a small box, opened it and placed the letter inside. That done, she closed the box, and then the drawer. Beth curled herself in the small armchair in the corner and settled down to the pleasure of watching the man she loved sleeping. The End From jimcaz@dircon.co.uk Sun Apr 20 11:21:47 1997 Subject: New: The Beth Files - Beth #14: Mad About The Boy 1/1 From: "Jim & Carol Gritton" -------- Disclaimer: Fox Mulder, Dana Scully belong to Chris Carter, 1013 and Fox TV. They are used without permission, and no infringement of copyright is intended. I do this for the love of it! Rating: NC 17 for adult sexual content Classification: S, R (Mulder/other) Summary: Just an ordinary Sunday morning for Fox and Beth... Comments gratefully received at the above address. Beth #14 - Mad About the Boy 1/1 by Carol Gritton (jimcaz@dircon.co.uk) Beth loved that old jazz and blues music - the sort they played in Starbucks as you waited for the barista to fill your order. She slipped the home recorded tape of her favourite tracks into the portable music centre that Fox had given her and pressed “play.” Fox wasn’t too keen on her musical preferences, but as he inflicted his music on her, Beth felt it only fair that she return the compliment. As she listened, she sliced up some peaches for a peach cobbler that she was making. “I’m mad about the boy,” she sang, in tune with Dinah Washington. “Are you?” asked a very familiar voice, and Beth turned to see Fox saunter into the kitchen, grab a large apple from the fruit bowl and take a bite out of it. “What?” she asked, taking in his dishevelled appearance. He’d been for a run, and she could see his clothing sticking to him where he had been sweating from his efforts. His hair was sweat dampened, and clung to his forehead and neck. “Mad about me?” he asked, grinning then taking another chunk out of the apple. “What makes you think that?” enquired Beth, turning back to continue slicing the peaches. “Well, there was last night for starters,” he replied. “What about last night?” Beth crossed to the sink and turned on the tap, glancing back at him. Fox just gave her that infuriatingly smug, know-it-all grin. The record changed. Beth picked up her wooden spoon, and, using it as a makeshift microphone, sang along with the voice of Peggy Lee. “Never know how much I love you, Never know how much I care, When you put your arms around me, I get a fever that’s so hard to bear You give me fever When you kiss me Fever when you hold me tight Fever in the morning Fever all through the night Sun lights up the day time Moon lights up the night I light up when you call my name And you know I’m gonna treat you right You give me fever When you kiss me Fever when you hold me tight Fever in the morning Fever all through the night” He was right behind her, his arms snaked around her waist, nuzzling her neck. A mixture of sweat and Mulderscent invaded her nostrils. He was rubbing himself against her bottom. “Can you feel that?” he whispered. “You do that to me.” A shiver of excitement ran down Beth’s spine, and she turned in his arms to face him. He noticed immediately that she wasn’t wearing a bra beneath her cotton top. This only served to inflame him even more. “Come to bed.” His entreaty was like a puff of wind against her hair. “Fox,” she purred in his ear. “Yeah?” He nibbled her ear lobe. “You stink.” He moved back abruptly, but his arms remained loosely around her waist. “I thought you liked that smell,” he pouted. “You’re always telling me what a turn on it is.” “I admit that there are times when I find it... alluring, but this isn’t one of them,” replied Beth. “Besides, I’m right in the middle of making this cobbler.” “So what am I supposed to do, then?” he pouted again. “Try taking a shower - a cold one preferably!” “You’re a cruel woman, Beth Harper!” He dropped his arms and started walking towards the door, removing his top as he went. “And don’t leave those things on the floor!” she called after him. “Put them in the laundry basket! That’s what it’s there for!” She stifled a giggle as he wiggled his ass at her. “How was your shower?” asked Beth when he came back into the kitchen a little later. “It didn’t cure the problem,” he replied, pressing himself against her once more. “Well, have a coffee - that might help.” She deftly slipped out of his clutches and reached for a clean mug, pouring the dark, aromatic liquid into it. His eyes followed her every action, and he would have taken her there and then on the kitchen table if it hadn’t been littered with the detritus from her cooking. “How’s the coffee?” “It’s not working,” he said forlornly. “I think I need the human touch.” “Like this?” she asked softly, her fingers fanning out over his erection. Fox’s eyes fluttered closed, and she heard a sharp intake of breath. His bottom lip stuck out in an enticing way, and Beth stood up on her toes, capturing it gently between her teeth. Her fingers continued to stroke him through his jeans as she nibbled on his lip. “The table...” Fox’s voice was almost lost in a strangled whisper. “No,” breathed Beth. “Unhygienic.” “Floor...” “Too cold...” “Where...” “Bedroom...” “I don’t think...” “You’ll have to,” said Beth, anticipating what he was going to say. Fox didn’t know how he made it to the bedroom. He collapsed on the bed, pulling Beth on top of him. He yanked at her top, pulling it over her head, then flinging it to the floor. His hands then covered her breasts, kneading, caressing gently - his fingers teasing the tiny nipples until she moaned. She had such sensitive nipples, and Fox relished that. He could make her come just by concentrating on her breasts, but not today. That wasn’t part of today’s game plan. Fox rolled, so that she was beneath him. He pushed up her skirt, and Beth lifted her bottom so that he could pull down her panties. These he also tossed to the floor, before bending her knees and reaching for his zipper. “No - let me,” said Beth, her voice trembling. She pulled the zip down, then pushed his jeans and boxers down to his knees. With a loud moan, Fox buried himself in her warm, moist depths. He thrust, deeper and deeper until he could go no further. He didn’t take long to come and Beth felt the warm liquid spill inside her. She held him as he recovered, stroking his hair and planting tiny kisses all over his face. “I’m sorry,” he said eventually, when his breathing was back on an even keel. “There wasn’t much there for you.” “I had the lion’s share last night - remember?” She was smiling up at him lovingly. Fox felt his stomach roll at that look. “I love you, Beth,” he said softly. “Do you think I don’t know that, Fox?” she asked. “Well, I don’t tell you very often, do I?” “You don’t have to - I can see it when you look at me, and in the way that you touch me.” Fox rolled onto his side, taking Beth with him. They were still joined as one - her legs wrapped around him and his hand resting on the rise of her hip. He started to laugh. “What?” asked Beth, puzzled. “I was just wondering what someone would think if they walked in on us right now. You have to admit - it’s not a pretty sight!” Beth glanced down, seeing herself wrapped around him, her skirt screwed up around her waist and her top half bare. Fox looked even worse, with his jeans and boxers at half mast around his knees. She started to laugh, too. “You see what I mean?” he chuckled. “Uh huh,” she replied, as Fox carefully withdrew from inside her. “So, are you mad about me?” he asked softly, drawing lazy circles on her left breast. “Maybe just a smidgen,” she replied, her eyes crinkling. “Could you do that on the other one?” Fox grinned. He liked it when she told him what she wanted him to do, where she wanted him to touch her. “Woman, you’re insatiable! You’d better move then, I can’t quite reach.” Beth shifted her position, and his hand found her right breast. She gave a small whimper as his fingers came into contact with the sensitised skin. “Kiss me,” she whispered. “Where?” he asked. “Here?” He bent his head and brushed his lips against her breast. “Or here.” He scooted down and kissed the inside of her thigh. “Don’t be a tease,” she breathed, pulling gently on his hair as the tip of his tongue roamed over the inside of her thigh. Beth gave a small yelp as he nipped the skin gently between his teeth. “Sorry,” he said. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.” He ran his fingertips over the same spot and they barely touched her. “Come back up here and kiss me,” she said, opening her arms to him. Fox gave her a dazzling smile and crawled back up the bed. He wrapped his arms around her and rolled until she was above him, then gave her what she wanted. A long, deep and satisfying kiss. He heard a little moan in the back of Beth’s throat. “Take off your skirt,” Fox said huskily. “I want you naked.” “You do it,” she replied. He smiled at her, and reached for the fastening. Beth lifted her hips and he drew the skirt down and off her, tossing it to the floor. “That’s better,” said Fox, running the tips of his fingers down the sides of her body. They barely skimmed her flesh. “This is unfair - I think you should take something off,” she said, smiling. “Oh, really? And what should I take off?” “Everything,” breathed Beth. Fox gave a sly smile. “And why would I want to do that?” he asked. He wanted to hear her say it. “Because I want to feel you against me,” answered Beth, then, whispering in his ear she said, “All of you.” Fox wasted no time in divesting himself of his t-shirt, jeans and boxers, then lay down beside her again, taking her into his arms. Beth felt the desire flare in her once more as he nibbled at her skin just below her right earlobe. She heard a soft chuckle from Fox as his finger tips came into contact with an erect nipple. His lips covered hers in a kiss, his tongue deep in her mouth as his fingers trailed away from her breast, down the side of her body. Over her hip, down her thigh to her knee. Beth bent her leg at the knee, and the fingers trailed up the inside of her thigh, just brushing against the dark tangle of hair at the top of her legs as they came back to her breast. He could feel her trembling beneath him and he savoured the knowledge that it was he who was doing this to her, who was making her feel the things she was feeling. Fox broke the kiss and raised himself slightly to look down at her. Her eyes were closed, her face flushed. “Where did you go?” she complained. He laughed softly. “I didn’t go anywhere - I’m right here.” A pause. “I was just thinking that it’s funny the way things have turned out - who’d have thought that we’d end up here, like this, when we were running around on the beach at Chilmark all those years ago?” “Aw, Fox - do we have to discuss this now?” asked Beth. “I can think of far more interesting things to be doing!” “Such as?” he purred in her ear. “Surely you don’t need me to tell you that!” she smiled. “Of course not - I just want to hear you say it. I want to hear you say the words.” Beth looked up at him through half closed eyes. “I want you to fu...” And then the phone rang. “Damn it!” cried Beth. “Leave it,” said Fox. “If it’s important they’ll ring back.” “No, I can’t,” replied Beth, and she pushed him off and leaned across to lift the receiver. “Hello? Oh, hi Mom.” Beth mouthed to Fox that it was her mother. “Your Mom has impeccable timing,” he muttered, rolling his eyes. Beth grinned as she said, “Fox? Yeah, he’s here. He’s fine.” She watched as he lowered his mouth to her breast, closing his lips over the nipple, his eyes locked with hers. He suckled gently, his eyes never leaving hers. Beth narrowed her eyes at him - he was enjoying this. He was enjoying making her squirm, making her want him. His tongue lapped at the same nipple, his eyes still on hers. Then he moved, transferring his attention to her other breast, performing the same ritual. He wondered if Emily Harper had detected the change in her daughter’s tone and breathing as he continued with his ministrations. Beth’s voice went up a few notes as Fox parted her legs and stroked the insides of her thighs. He was so close to that magic spot... Mrs Harper must have noticed the change in her daughter’s voice and queried it, for Beth said, “It’s nothing, Mom. I’m fine. What’s Fox doing? Oh, he’s doing some work. Yeah, I’ll tell him to take it easy.” Fox grinned up at her, just as he slid two fingers inside her. He moved them slowly - in, then almost out again. Then again, and again. Finally Beth could stand it no more. “Uh, Mom - I’ve got to go. Fox needs me to help him with something. Yeah - I love you too. I’ll call you in a few days. Bye.” She replaced the receiver and turned her full attention to the man she loved - the man that was doing exciting things to her. “Bastard,” she whispered huskily. He grinned. “I wonder what your mother would say if she knew what I was doing to her daughter?” “She’d probably be right behind you, egging you on,” replied Beth. She closed her eyes, feeling the orgasm build. “Fox, please...” “Are you mad about me?” he asked silkily. “Tell me, and then you can have what you want.” In, and out. Stroking, caressing, his thumb brushing lightly over her clitoris. “Tell me,” he whispered. Oh, she was so close... He could feel the muscles tightening around his fingers. “Fox.” Beth’s voice was shaky - she could hardly get the words out. “I’m mad about you - you know I am.” The fingers slid out and then he was inside her. Beth was glad that she was lying down - the intensity of her climax would have knocked her off her feet otherwise. She was almost rigid, her head right back, her neck stretched to its fullest extent. Her brown eyes were screwed tightly shut and it was all she could do not to scream. Stars exploded in her eyes. Then it was over. She was gasping for air, convulsively; her fingers digging into Fox’s arms painfully. He withdrew, then pulled her into his arms. “It’s okay, Beth,” he crooned. God, what had he done? He smoothed the damp strands of hair from her brow - she was still gasping for air, her chest, with its thin sheen of perspiration, heaving with the effort. “Beth, can you hear me?” She nodded. “I want you to take a deep breath, and let it out slowly, okay?” Another nod. She drew in a deep breath, then let it out slowly from between her slightly parted lips. “Another one,” said Fox, and she complied once more. Her breathing was coming under control again. Beth turned onto her side, her knees drawn up to her middle - the signal that she didn’t want to be touched anymore. Fox turned too, and moulded himself against her. “Beth... I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that to you. I don’t know what came over me. I won’t do it again.” Silence. “Beth?” His enquiry was soft. Still no response. He leaned over her - she had fallen asleep. Fox smiled to himself. She was always complaining that he fell asleep on her after lovemaking - now he could get his own back. He would never let her live this down. With that thought, and a soft chuckle, Fox gently drew the covers over them, settled back against the pillow and closed his eyes. The End