From knik@eonet.com Sun Jan 12 03:03:51 1997 Christmas 96: Christmas Ball by Mona Ray knik@eonet.com These are kind of sequels to my first two stories, but can stand or fall by themselves. The first story in this duo is titled Shopping For The Men. I would have posted them earlier, but a little thing called Christmas got in the way, and then I wasn't happy with my e-mail address when I finally figured out what the problem was.....I wasn't going to post this until they got things straightened out, but I may meet Jack "the dripper" Kervorkian long before that happens. These characters belong to Fox Network, Chris Carter and 1013 Productions, no copyright infringement intended. Rated NC-17 for, you know. S/S Romance Story 02/02 ************** All conversation ceased near the entrance of D.C.'s Hilton ballroom as Assistant Director Walter Skinner entered, with Dana Scully on his arm. With all eyes upon them they headed towards the designated tables set aside for VIP's, the director and the assistant directors. Walter seated Dana and settled into the plush chair next to her. "Walter, Dana, I'm glad you could make it tonight." Director Davis greeted and then introduced his wife, Patricia, to Dana. Dana, conscious of the stares and whispers circulating rapidly around the room, concentrated on what Patricia Davis was saying to her. "Dana, what a lovely gown." Patricia Davis moved closer to speak privately with her and leave the men to make small talk. "Thank you. I bought it with tonight in mind. After tonight the rumors will be substantiated." Her gown of ice blue, slit to the top of her right thigh and missing the back altogether, was bought specifically for generating a base response from the Walter, and hopefully allay her inner anxiety of having her private life displayed for all to see. The gown was caught around her throat and had a tear shaped hole in the front that ended between her breast. Walter's reaction was everything she had hoped for down to his doleful comment about fending off over exuberant admirers all evening. "Doug told me last week that Walter was seeing one of his agents. Now I know why. You're beautiful." Dana blushed and glanced at Walter, to find his eyes on her. He had overheard the comment, smiled in support and continued speaking with the director. Patricia continued, "Walter never brought his wife to this function. I heard she refused to accompany him years ago." "I know very little about his wife, only that they had become two different people." Dana didn't wish to spread rumors in light of what Walter had told her in private about his failed marriage. Namely that he wanted a family and she wished for the social life associated with living in the capital of the world. She pushed him into the position of Assistant Director to satisfy her need for social standing, and didn't want children to tie her down. Walter was happy with being an agent, and would have given anything for a family. Dana didn't say, but Walter had informed her that he never brought Sharon because she didn't wish to socialize with his agents. She attended functions of management level or higher, but plainly stated, 'Walter needs to maintain a distance from his subordinates.' A hand descended on her shoulder and she looked up into the uncertain face of her partner asking her for a dance. She excused herself and joined Mulder on the dance floor. "I didn't expect you to come." Dana spoke softly. "Did you come alone?" "Of course. I haven't dated in months, you know that. Looking good tonight, Scully. Skinner is one lucky AD to have such a beautiful woman gracing his table." "A complement, from you Mulder? I didn't think you saw me as anything other than your sidekick." "I see you as my soul mate. No one can come between us Scully, not even Skinner." "Soul mate or not, I'm glad you're here to give me moral support. I don't know how it will go. I can feel the reaction from the crowd. They want to know all the details, personal moments that Walter and I share. I don't want them to pry. All they need to know is that Walter is mine and that means hands off for those predatory vultures." "You're not going to be able to win, Scully. What you don't tell them, they will improvise by watching the two of you together and insert their own hypothesis." "They will do that anyway, even if I bare all, metaphorically and physically." As they talked they moved slowly about the dance floor, gazing into each others eyes. That brought more speculation as to what was going on in the assistant directors office, especially as he used the dance to hold Scully closely again. It seemed he couldn't get enough hugging her and wondered briefly if it were because of her involvement with Skinner or his escape from Tunguska. "I wish you were here with me tonight, Scully, just like we used to do." Mulder conveyed his true feelings as the dance ended. He felt like an unwanted guest and the though of sitting, making small talk with anyone else would drive him away from the function. "Come, sit with us. Walter told me he would fix it if you wanted to join us, it's not too late. Please Mulder, sit with me. I feel like an object to be auctioned off with all those eyes assessing my worth. Right now, I could use a friend." Mulder leaned down and whispered, "Only for you Scully, all right." They hugged on the dance floor and returned to the directors table. Walter rose when Dana joined him. She took his hand, gave it a squeeze and asked if Mulder could join them. Walter signaled for a waiter to bring another place setting for the left side of Dana. As they sat, Walter placed his arm around Dana's shoulder and murmured into her ear, "I love you, Sweetheart." She smiled into his warm brown eyes, "Angling for a kiss, in front of God and everyone." "Just giving the gossips heartburn, honey. They would kill to know what we're talking about." Just then Mulder leaned over, placing his arm around Dana's shoulder, on top of Walter's, "Can I join in this conversation, or do you two need to get a room?" Skinner grinned and reached into his pocket. Dana's eyes grew large at the key card he produced and pressed into her hand. She looked at the number and gave the card back. "I don't have a pocket, darling, but I'd love to see the room." With a wink she kissed him on the cheek. Mulder, having seen the key card, grinned, "Am I invited too?" "Only if you want me to handcuff you to the balcony." Skinner's threat was not quite an idle one as he glared at Mulder. "Let's dance, Walt. I love this song." One of Dana's favorite Christmas songs, sung by Elvis - I'll Be Home For Christmas, started playing. The eyes of the room followed as they stepped onto the dance floor, and if they thought Mulder held her tight, were stunned as Walter Skinner pulled her into his arms and ran his hands lightly over her bare back as he slowly glided around the floor. Her arms were linked loosely around his neck as she ran her fingers through the sparse hair above his collar. As the song ended, their lips stopped the sensual exploration of each other's neck and cheek, and met for a petal soft caress. They gazed into the other's eyes for a moment, unwilling to become two again. *********************** Kimberly and Bob Cooke, joined by Holly and her date for the evening, Danny Pendrell, watched the scene with mixed emotions. Kimberly, amused by the comments circulating, of which many would find their way back to the AD, and Agent Pendrell, stunned at the uninhibited display by Dana Scully. They sat at a table near the doorway and had caught the entrance of the AD and his date. Holly was impressed by the daring dress that transformed Agent Scully into the most beautiful woman in the room and wished she had Agent Scully's auburn hair and classic beauty. Pendrell couldn't take his eyes off Dana and her gown until Kimberly pointed out that her escort was the AD. Then his heart sank as he realized the implication of their being together at the ball. His fantasies of dating Dana Scully and becoming her lover were dashed forever as he watched the AD place his hand possessively on her bare back as he escorted her to their table. Kimberly watched Pendrell covertly and saw the expression of stunned surprise change to reluctant acceptance. This was her que to turn the conversation back to the couple at hand. "So Danny, tell us why the FBI?" With great reluctance, Pendrell turned his attention to those at his table and soon had placed Dana Scully to the back of his consciousness, but not entirely from his mind. ******************* Sometime later, just after dinner, AD Skinner made his rounds, congratulating people on a job well done and wishing everyone a happy holidays. He stopped at Kimberly's table, shook Bob's hand and kissed Kimberly on the cheek. "I see you've gone public, Walt." Kimberly smiled at him. He leaned down to speak with her privately, as others at nearby tables were straining to catch his words. "I'm glad to finally have it in the open. Now I don't have to be so damned careful." Walt glanced at Pendrell, who was looking intently back as if trying to find some reason why Dana Scully could fall for a man like that. They looked at each other for a moment. Then the AD offered his hand and congratulated him on a fine year at the bureau. Pendrell took the proffered hand and congratulated him on his choice of women, to which Skinner glanced at Holly and smiled. "I think the fine choice of women should go to both of us, Agent Pendrell." Holly blushed at that and turned a cherry shade of red as the AD leaned down kissed her cheek and whispered, "Keep him out of trouble, Holly." They watched the AD's disappearing back as he left the ballroom towards the men's restroom. Pendrell hadn't caught the words spoken to Holly, but saw her face turn crimson and a huge smile cross her comely features. A wave of jealously coursed through him. How dare the AD take the one woman he really wanted, then make his second choice smile like that. It wasn't fair, and what could he do about the situation..........nothing. He was the AD after all. ********************* From the bar set up at one corner of the room, Mulder and Scully watched Skinner make his rounds. "Why didn't you go with him, Scully?" "No thank you. I've provided enough entertainment for one evening. That's part of his job, not mine. I'd rather stay and watch you gather enough nerve to ask one of the unattached clerical people out." "Wish I could muster enough enthusiasm, Scully, but the truth to tell, they pale beside you. And besides, I promised Skinner I'd keep an eye on you while he mingled. He really takes this protecting you seriously." At that moment Tom Colton joined them at the bar. He looked around for Skinner and not finding him sneered, "Hey, Ice Queen. Guess we're going to have to change your name to Queen Muther, as in Muther......" "Get lost, Colton." Mulder warned. "So, Mulder, You going to ride her skirts up the ladder of success, or should I say, panties." Colton laughed at this, his over indulgence in the liquor stock becoming apparent. "I'm warning you Colton, don't start anything you can't finish." "I'm safe, the AD can't touch me. I can call his girlfriend a whore, and all he can do is..." "Sir, I was really interested in what it was you couldn't do to him. Now I'll have to wait until he regains consciousness." Mulder was smirking. Colton never saw the AD approach and overhear the last comment. The AD struck him so hard and fast on the side of his face that he was out before hitting the floor. An enraged AD was nothing to mess with, and the agents milling about found other places to be, retreating from his direct line of sight. Dana spoke for the first time. "Mulder, I like Walter's way of dealing with that type of swine better than yours. Now that he got Colton's attention, you can converse with him, man to pig." With that she took Walter's arm, leading him away from the bar and back towards the table. Mulder threw his drink in Colton's face to rouse him. As Tom Colton opened his eyes, trying to focus, Mulder chuckled, grabbed his lapels and hauled him onto a bar stool. "What happened." A dazed Colton looked around. "You were just telling me what the AD couldn't do to you, when he did it. I think I see a transfer in your future Tom." Colton moaned and sank his head onto his arms. "I think I'm going to be sick." Mulder pushed him in the direction of the restroom. "Come along, shit for brains. You're not going to see out of that eye tomorrow. Wish I had a video of Skinner hitting you. I could retire off the bootleg copies I could sell." Mulder was feeling good. Meanwhile. "Did you hurt your hand." Dana took Walter's hand and examined it. He flexed the hand and said, "Nothing a drink won't cure, Dr. Scully." Walter signaled the waiter and took two drinks, both for himself, as Dana still had one sitting in front of her placemat. "Looks like we're going to need that room tonight." Dana murmured, a smile playing about her lips. "But, now I need to freshen up. Be right back, try not to start WWIII." She gave him a quick kiss and left the table. **************** As Dana entered the crowded ladies room, all talking ceased. She wasn't surprised and after many glasses of champagne, could have cared less if they spoke in front of her. Finally Agent Monroe, spoke the question on everyone's mind. "So, Agent Scully, how did you and AD Skinner come to be so close?" Dana looked around the room at the women, all now watching her expectantly. These women who never gave her the time of day and always maligned her and her eccentric partner. She smiled and stated, "My private life is my business." With that she entered a stall. Once inside the jokes started again, in her hearing as they were meant to. "Looks like the Ice Queen's found happiness with the Stone Man." "Bet their kids will be throw backs from the 'ice' age." "With Skinner and Mulder, she has a man for all 'Reasons'." "Wonder which one will be the father of....." All speaking ceased as Kimberly entered the room. "You people should be ashamed. You're jealous, that's all." "I saw the punch, the AD gave Colton." "And Colton deserved it, and more." Dana re-entered the room and smiled at Kimberly. In a voice which carried to all present, Kimberly congratulated Dana on her new relationship and wished her the best. Not one word was said as the two women left. "Did Walter send you in to rescue me, as he couldn't very well barge in and start slapping mouthy women around." "No, I saw you go in and waited for the vipers to strike." "They won't get any information from me." "Me either." The two women smiled at each other and parted, each to their respective man. Walter rose as Dana approached. "One last dance before we go upstairs or home, whichever you prefer?" Dana nodded and soon moved in perfect rhythm to his movements. This time they kissed passionately at the end of the dance, tongues sliding along each others. A wave of desire washed strongly over them. They parted and spoke together, upstairs. They walked up the broad stairs which led to their room on the second floor, arms entwined about each other, oblivious to the watchful eyes of the restroom clutch, memorizing every move with envious expressions. All of those women had had fantasies involving the tall muscular AD and would have gladly traded places with Dana Scully. Agent Mulder came out of the men's restroom to observe the women watching the AD and his partner ascend the stairs and smirked, knowing their thoughts, "Ladies, looks like Agent Scully is going to get lucky with the AD tonight. Any of you going to get that lucky?" He laughed at their disgusted expressions and wandered out the door into the night. ****************** Danny Pendrell was trying to formulate a plan that involved spending the night with Holly. He didn't wish to be alone this night for he knew a sleepless night of thinking about Dana Scully would be in his future. "Would you like to dance again, Holly?" "Yes, thank you, Danny." They excused themselves and he escorted her onto the floor. He maneuvered her around the floor, while making small talk, trying to find the right moment. And Holly was thinking, 'How can I ask him in for the night when he takes me home, without sounding like a desperate, loose woman.' Back at the table Bob accused Kimberly of matchmaking again. "It worked for Walter. See how happy he is now. I know Danny and Holly are meant for each other. They just need the right nudge." ******************** Walter opened the door with the card and escorted Dana into the room which harbored a king sized bed, with a hot tub ready for their pleasure. This was a special room, reserved for visiting dignitaries and CEOs. Walter had made the reservations as soon as the location for this years ball had been finalized. Dana walked to the window to watch the sights below, people leaving and valets fetching cars. Walter slipped his arms across her stomach and pulled her against his rising need. His lips traced a path from her ear lobe to the top of her gown. With a groan of frustration, Walter unclasped the top of her dress just as she moved to stop him. "Darling, didn't you forget to close the shade," mirth filled her statement. "Blast." No sooner was the shade down when Walter turned and pulled the gown down to her waist exposing her firm breast, which he began to suck and tongue rapidly. "I've been waiting all evening to do this," he mumbled between kisses and caresses. Dana ran her hands over his head, moaning as he worked her to a fevered pitch, and he had only just begun. "I knew we should have made love before coming tonight." Dana nipples were her Achilles heel, and Walter well knew that. A few minutes manipulation of her breast, and Dana would be pushing his head down to her mons for further exploration. "Walt, stop. I can't reach you." Dana was flushed and her eyes dilated in the dim light, making them dark ebbs of emotion. Walter straitened and captured her lips and tongue with his. He maneuvered her to the bed and pushed her down. While she watched from an inclined position, he slowly stripped the bow tie and cummerbund. The jacket found the floor closely followed by white shirt, black pants and socks. Walter stood still beside the bed in his briefs, with his desire etched firmly into the fabric. A wet spot had appeared at the top of the briefs, just under the band. Dana smiled and motioned for Walter to pull the gown off her hips, which he did with intimate slowness, savoring the sight of her in garters and stockings, and to his surprise, nothing else. "If I had know what you were wearing, I'd have had my hand up your dress all evening." Walter teased as he leaned over to taste her, leaving the garters and stockings in place. Dana stroked him through his briefs then grabbed the waistband, pulling it to his knees, exposed his rigid member. She opened her mouth wide to accommodate his hugeness while running her tongue underneath the soft tip causing a shot of pre-cum to help moisten the shaft. He pumped slightly while keeping time with his tongue. Dana felt more pre-cum lubricate the back of her throat indicating his impending orgasm. The taste and slipperiness pushed her over the edge and she bucked against his tongue and sucked firmly his member, as her orgasm crashed in her ears. With a few hard thrust to the back of her throat, Walter cried out and filled her mouth with his seed. Dana swallowed as much as she could, but as usual he gave too much and the residue ran down her chin and onto her neck. With a final whimper, Walt collapsed near her head onto the bed, briefs still at half mast. After a couple minutes Dana rolled over and gently sucked on Walter's shrinking member, milking the final drops of cum. He gently ran his fingers through her hair and down her face to his stickiness. "I think a dip in the hot tub is in order." Walt stood and kicked off his briefs. Then with great care divested Dana of her remaining garments. He scooped her off the bed and set her in the tub, climbing in behind her he pulled her between his legs. As Dana settled back against the broad chest his hands found and gently massaged her breast. Thus they sat for a long time, enjoying the comfort of one another. Walter cupped handfuls of water and washed Dana's chin and neck. "Wash your mouth out, darlin'." Walter cupped a handful of water to her mouth, then rinsed his own. He spit the residue down Dana's back causing her to shiver and turn around, playfully pulling his chest hairs, as her tongue dueled with his. The hunger was beginning again and Walter rose to the occasion. Dana lowered herself onto his huge member. He gasp as her vaginal muscles gripped and tried to rip him out by the roots. His hips thrust up against his will and he ground out an expletive against Dana's throat, as his teeth found their mark along her right juggler. Dana moaned loudly, and rapidly ran her hands over his upper torso, pinching and pulling at his nipples. Walter grabbed her hips, stopping her thrusting motions as he took control, making water splash over the edge of the tub. Abruptly Walter disengaged Dana from his shaft and lifted her from the tub, where he deposited her none to gently on the center of the bed, and quickly followed. Before Dana could recover, Walt spread her legs and drove deeply and swiftly into her opening. Walter controlled the tempo, thrusting forcefully again and again. The storm of uncontrollable ecstasy was quickly brewing in both of them, when Dana driven to heaven again, cried out in rapture as another series of orgasmic waves rippled through her. The clutching of her muscles around him caused Walter to pour his hot seed into the depths of her, while groaning as if hurt. "Don't you dare collapse on me." Dana tried to push him off to one side as he pitched, head first onto the bed. With a final grown and shake, Walter rolled off and lay supine, eyes closed and jaw slack as he tried to catch his breath. "Think you can manage enough energy to get home, hon. This bed is very wet, and I for one don't wish to wake up in a strange bed. I get enough of that as it is." Walter opened one eye and looked at her, "You don't consider my bed to be a strange place to wake up." "Maybe at first, but now I consider it as comfortable as mine, and definitely more rewarding." Dana rose and took a quick shower, which Walter was quick to share. Clad once again in evening attire, the AD and his lover descended the stairs to the looks and whispers of the FBI's lonely and dateless. The FBI annual Christmas party was officially over for another year. A few agents and clerks continued to mill about in the lobby, and stopped to watch the couple descend. Scully gathered their coats from the cloak room while Skinner returned the card key. They were observed from the bar by four of the women from the restroom, who had stayed to bemoan their single state and numb it with hard liquor. They watched as Skinner slipped into his overcoat and helped Scully with hers. The last they saw of the lovers, Skinner was placing a protective arm around Scully's shoulders and escorting her out into the cold night, and home. The women looked at each other and sighed. Dana Scully was a very lucky woman. THE END From jcvangel@eonet.com Mon Jan 06 19:59:18 1997 Christmas 96: Shopping For The Men by Mona Ray knik@eonet.com These are kind of sequels to my first two stories, but can stand or fall by themselves. The Second story in this duo is titled Christmas Ball. I would have posted them earlier, but a little thing called Christmas got in the way. This one is rated R, but the other is NC-17 S/S Romance Story 01/02 December 14th D.C. Mall Holly, from Criminal Research and Kimberly Cooke, assistant to Walter Skinner made plans for a day of shopping and visiting away from the pressures of work. Kimberly walked along the crowded corridor alternating between shop names and her list, which kept shrinking as her bags grew. Holly had most of her shopping done and enjoyed keeping Kimberly company. She didn't mingle well with the others at the bureau, especially in light of her attacking the assistant director during Pusher's control over her mind. The A.D.'s assistant had always been friendly, and helped her through the difficult rehabilitation she required. A firm friendship was founded and the two women had lunch together at least once a week. "I promised myself, no ties this year. I will not get Skinner another tie, but what to get a man like that." Kimberly smiled at the forbidden thoughts she had about him. Not involving a relationship, no her husband was the fixture of most of those thoughts, but Oh what a body. She was lucky to work for such a athletic man. "Maybe a book, does he read?" Holly was still apprehensive, even after all these months. Walter Skinner had been so kind to her and seemed to have forgotten the incident, but as she told her therapist, 'When I see the harm that I, me who never hurt anyone before, caused to that innocent man. And he was just trying to help me.' No Holly wouldn't forgive and forget. "He doesn't wear tie tacks, he doesn't use cuff links. Maybe a toy for his office, you know the kind that people pick up and play with on a whim. I can just see his agents, 'Yes Sir, the murder was a gruesome one.' All the while holding a stuffed Kermit on their knee." Holly giggled. "Somehow I think Kermit would end up on the stanchion at the shooting range." A sobering Kimberly, "You're probably right." They approached the fountain in the center of the mall. The base was a seating area for those resting, and lovers making wishes by tossing coins into the streaming arches of water, shooting twenty feet strait up, then dropping to form a star burst. Kimberly dropped onto the tile seat with a tired sigh, bags spilling at her feet. "Now I know why people mall walk for exercise." Holly looked around towards the water, dug out a quarter and flipped it into the swirling mass. "Maybe a tall and handsome stranger will come and rescue me from shopping with you. Do you think I can buy one for a quarter, Kim?" "Doubt it, inflation." Holly's eyes scanned the crowd surrounding the thirty foot pool. Older people, kids, couples kissing and holding hands, and one couple amalgamated together so tightly little was left to the imagination if it weren't for the jeans and jackets separating the frenching couple. He was perched on the edge of the pool and she had straddled his hips, bringing her groin into contact with his. He was holding her in place with his arms clasped together under her bottom. Her legs dangled to each side of him and he was leaned back against the edge of the pool, a position impossible, except for someone with very long legs. Something about them seemed familiar, almost. Then Holly gasped aloud, bringing Kimberly's gaze sharply to bear on her. "What is it, Holly, are you all right?" The concern in Kimberly's voice drew her gaze momentarily from the tantalizing seen in front of her. "Look, I think that's the back of the AD, isn't it?" Kimberly swiveled to look, taking a moment to register on who it was Holly was pointing to. "I'd recognize that back anywhere, and if you want to know, the red head is Dana Scully. They've been dating for about a month now, and from the looks of it, things are progressing nicely." "You know that they are dating and didn't say a word to me?" "I like my job too much to so much as mention when the A.D. has a cold, little lone an affair." ****************** That Morning Dana Scully's Apartment "You're going to have to move, I can't breath." Walter Skinner moaned in protest, but complied, rolling off Dana Scully and pulling her with him so she was laying on his broad chest. "You've destroyed me again Agent Scully, explain yourself?" His voice was thick with passion and a satisfaction. "Well Sir, it's like this. An extremely handsome man came to my door last night and made an obscene suggestion. And after I told Mulder never to darken my doorway again, I bolted it, turned the phone off, and then I returned to bed where the torture and rampant sex continued until well after midnight. I wasn't done torturing, when you passed out, so I had to finish this morning." "You give an excellent report, would you like to become an FBI agent. I know someone high-up, who for a few sexual favors, might let you play with his big gun, that doesn't shoot blanks." Walter ran his hands over her smooth butt and down the backs of her thighs and up again gripping her cheeks in an erotic squeeze that left Dana tingling with desire. "Mmmm." Dana ran her tongue around a nipple until it was hard. "Why doesn't that old woman come when I'm really in trouble," Walter moaned. "You're going to be the death of me, sweetheart. I came three times last night and once this morning. I've never done that before." Dana rose up on her elbows, "Yes you have. Eight times last weekend, I counted. And I couldn't sit without squirming until Tuesday. And yes, Mulder noticed, 'Scully, what you need is pony, not a stallion.' And I had to ask who he had in mind, himself. 'No, Frohike.'" "Is this Frohike someone I have to deal with." Walter growled, arms tightening around her back, pulling her onto him. "He's a paranoid friend of Mulder's. He's harmless." Dana quickly changed topics, not wishing to give too much away about the Lone Gunmen just yet. "You promised to take me shopping today, if I can walk that is. I still have to find a gift for Mulder. I threw his list in the trash, where it belongs." "Screw Mulder. Let's stay in bed." Dana smiled and thought, 'How did I end up with a man after my own heart. So many times I wanted to tell Mulder to piss off, like when he tried to make amends for his comments about Queequag's demise.' Dana knew how to get Walter out of bed, albeit reluctantly, "If you take me to the mall, I'll let you pick something out from Fredricks of Hollywood for this evening." Walter smiled with his eyes closed as he conjured up Dana in a flimsy black outfit, missing most of the vital parts of cloth. "What are we waiting for." With that he rose from the bed, scooping Dana up headed for the shower. A short time later, a couple emerged from her building, him in jeans, a green long sleeve T-shirt and a brown leather jacket, and her in jeans a matching T-shirt and oversized ski jacket of navy blue. They both wore matching Colorado hikers. Walter had bought himself a new pair this week and couldn't resist a smaller pair for her. At the mall they wondered, hand in hand, sharing intimate looks. While she browsed in the many shops, he kept his hands on her shoulders, looking over her head making comments, or his hands on her hips pulling her back into his groin. "Walter, someone might see." "I'm giving free looks today. I want all the men to be jealous." "Someone we know might see us, and our secret will be out." Dana was still worried, not for her, but a respectable reputation went with his position. "I'm tired of not being seen public with you, as if you're something I'm ashamed of." He turned her in his arms so he was embracing her, "I love you, Dana. I want to tell the entire bureau. So many time I've thought about a memo, 'I love Dana Scully, so all you ignorant bastards eyes off, she's mine.' What do you think?" "I think I love you, Assistant Director Skinner, with all my heart, and definitely all my body." She was loosing herself in his warm brown eyes and the soft smile playing around his mouth. "Let's get out of this area before I molest you again, right here in the men's underwear section. By the way, did I ever tell you that I like your briefs so much better than any boxers. I'm glad you wear those tight low rise briefs." Her voice was purposefully seducing him. "Agent Scully, if we don't depart this store, now, I'm going to make you buy me a new pair of jeans, as these are rapidly shrinking." Dana glanced down to admire the view as they left. An hour and twenty shops later, they were exiting Fredricks of Hollywood. "Come on Sweetheart, let's go home." Walter had what he wanted and the rest of the world could go away, especially Mulder. "I still haven't found Mulder anything." Dana found herself in the grasp of her lover as he propelled her backwards towards the fountain. "I'm going to scream and throw a temper tantrum like that little kid we saw, if you don't give me a fix, here and now." His voice was deep and rough with desire. With that, he leaned back against the fountain, bring Dana up to straddle his groin while his mouth claimed hers, tongues dueling as both lost sight of their surroundings. They were ignored by most people, hurrying about their own business. Some young children watched and giggled while teenagers glanced at them and then to their young dates, embarrassed by looking, and wondering if they would ever have the nerve to kiss and hold someone in that manor. Several minutes later they had slowed to gentle pecks on each others lips, while murmuring words of love. "Feel better, Hon." Dana grazed his lips with her own. "Mmmm, it'll do for now." "I think I know just what Mulder needs." "He can't have you." "Besides that. I'm taken anyway. Put me down and I'll show you." Walter reluctantly let her slide away from his grasp and followed, keeping his hand firmly glued to hers. ************************* Holly had never been held in that manor and kissed. She felt a wave of envy rise and would have given anything to be in Dana Scully's shoes. Not that she wanted that particular man, just any man who would do that to her. Kimberly, with her usual perception, thought, 'Now who can I set Holly up with. Let's see there's Agent Colton, no he's an ass. Agent Rider, no I heard he has a girlfriend, Agent Pendrell, no he's got a crush on Scu....Wait a minute. Yes, Agent Pendrell.' "Come on Holly, I know exactly what Walter Skinner is getting from me this year." Questions were rushing to Holly's lips as she hurried after Kimberly now marching firmly towards a store with purposeful strides. They stopped outside a small liquor store, selling expensive wines and champagne. "A bottle of something in a blush with a note not to drink alone will be appreciated much more than the half dozen tacky ties he usually receives." Kimberly quickly made her purchase, hiding it deep in an existing bag. One of her duties which fell under 'other duties assigned,' was the many gifts that had to come from the office of Assistant Director at Christmas. His position deemed it necessary to play host to a vast array of political amenities, both in the form of properly motivated cards to strategically sent gifts. A couple weeks before Christmas every year, Kimberly would slip into the A.D.'s office with a list of possible items and Skinner would place names by the items. Every year the list grew as new contacts were carefully cultivated. This was one part of Skinner's job he didn't like, but saw the necessity of such actions. Monday and Tuesday was Kimberly's job to distribute the items and collect the bounty usually reciprocated from colleagues and superiors. The assistants to the assistant directors and department heads would have their own private gift exchange party after work on Monday the 23rd. This years party was scheduled to be in the office of Walter Skinner, and Kimberly had already extracted a promise from him that he would vacate his office by 4:30 so she could decorate. "I think I'm finally done Holly. Let's have dinner someplace and call it a day." With that, both women headed towards the exit where Holly's car was parked. "Kimberly, Holly, wait up." They both stopped and looked around for the owner of the masculine voice. Kimberly spied him first and with a smile greeted Agent Pendrell. "Out for some last minute shopping, Danny?" Kimberly glanced at Holly to gage her reaction to Agent Pendrell's arrival. "Just a couple items. I'm going to my folks for Christmas, and my brother and sisters will be their, with all the kids." "Sounds like you have a full schedule then, any woman to take home to meet Mom, Danny?" Kimberly was making sure of his lack of commitment before launching her newly developing plan. "I wish I had the nerve to ask Agent Scully out." Holly almost choked on this. She had heard the rumors about his obsession with Dana Scully, but had forgotten in light of her exhibition by the fountain earlier. "I think Agent Scully has a boyfriend." Holly spoke before Kimberly could steer the conversation away from Scully. Danny Pendrell's face fell and he challenged, "How do you know that?" Holly realizing her faux pas tried to salvage the situation while not giving any secrets away, stated, "You know, the usual rumors from work." Pendrell brightened at that, after all the rumor mill had Dana sleeping with Mulder for years now, and he had Mulder's word that nothing like that had ever happened. He glanced around at the shoppers and Kimberly was sure he would spot Dana and Walter in a compromising position if she didn't get him out of the mall. "We were just on our way to eat, come join us, we'd love your company." Pendrell was honored. The A.D.'s assistant had always been cool and cordial towards him, but not friendly, and Holly was as shy as him at instigating new relationships. To Kimberly's relief he agreed. If all went well Holly and Danny would accompany each other to the bureau Christmas party to be held the following Saturday in the immense ballroom of the D.C. Hilton. All she had to do was ask the right questions and make the subtle suggestions and once again her skills as a matchmaker would bring happiness to those she worked with. END OF PART ONE