From: sabo...@tampabay.rr.com (Sara Bowen)
Date: 22 Sep 2006 15:18:20 -0700
Subject: [all-xf] New: Finders - Keepers
Source: atxc

Title: Finders  Keepers 

Author: Sara B.

E-mail: sabo...@tampabay.rr.com

URL: http://sabo727.tripod.com/

Rating: Good for All

Category: M/Angst, S/O (seemingly), MSR

Spoilers: None

Summary: Mulder always made sure everyone knew that Dana Scully belonged to
him; the only problem was he didnt seem to know it himself.    

Feedback:  Feedback is a gift of Sunshine

Archive: I would be honored, just let me know.

Disclaimer:  The recognized characters are used Without Prejudice and are
the property of C. Carter, Fox and the wonderful actors who breathed life
into written words, most notably G. Anderson and D. Duchovny who were able
to make us believe in the improbable.  No Infringements of these copyrights
are intended, and are used here without permission.  The story and before
unknown characters belongs to me.

Gratitude: To Kim Knight, you are the best, thank you, this wouldnt have
been titled without you.  To my Dennis, enough said.  To CC and Company, who
created the X-Files.  Lastly, but my no means least, to the readers, you
make this hobby of mine have meaning. 

Authors Notes: This story is dedicated to a woman who will never read it,
my Mom.  Shes quite ill and most likely wont see the 2007 but she loved
The X-Files.  Well, to be honest, she loved David Duchovny as Fox Mulder 
she called him drool-o-licious.

 

Finders  Keepers 

Sara B. 09/06

 

Mulder watched as Marsden talked with Scully.  His voice was too low, his
body language too comfortable and he was standing entirely too close.
Detective Aaron Marsden had worked with them this case.  He was tall and
thin but not spindly; there was muscle under those well tailored suits.  He
had dark, unruly hair and more than once hed seen Scully stop herself from
brushing it back for him.  He also had a big nose, not that it detracted
from his overall looks but, hell, it was even bigger than Mulders own
proboscis.  Marsden reminded Mulder of someone he just couldnt figure out
who.

Scully flashed Marsden one of her too infrequent smiles and that was all
Mulder needed.  He took a step in their direction but a strong hand gripped
his arm halting further progression; it was Skinner.  Leave them alone,
Mulder.  It doesnt look like Agent Scully minds the detectives attention.
In fact, it looks like shes enjoying it.  Who knows?  Something might
develop.

Mulders head whipped around to stare at his superior.  He couldnt believe
Skinner would think that Scully would want that; that shed let that happen.
He was about to protest when the lilting chime of Scullys laughter wafted
through the air.  Mulder turned back to look at her and did not like what he
saw.  Hed been so intently watching Marsden he hadnt seen Scullys
reactions to the man.  Her attention was completely riveted on him and she
listened intently to whatever the young detective was saying.  Mulderd only
ever seen her that immersed in her conversations with, well, him.  This was
bad; he needed to get her attention.  Scully, he called out and waved her
over.  He watched as she placed her arm on Marsdens upper arm as she said
something to him before walking over.  

Did you need something, Mulder?  She asked him but her eyes kept drifting
toward the detective.

I just thought, since the case is over and weve done all we can for today,
wed get going.  Ill drop you off to get your car.  Mulder was working
hard trying to keep his tone even and unaffected sounding.

Aaron asked me out for dinner then hes going to take me to get my car.
You just head home, Mulder.  Dont worry about me.  She hadnt even
finished speaking before she started walking back.

Skinner had been standing next to Mulder through the exchange.  He saw the
Agents look of disappointment mixed with worry, tinged with regret and, if
he wasnt mistaken, a good bit of jealousy.  His eyes shifted to the
retreating backs of Scully and Marsden, the mans hand drifted toward that
spot on Scullys back that Mulder had long ago taken possession of.  It
dawned on him it had been a while since hed seen Mulder do that.  He
supposed it was indicative of their relationship of late.  He looked back to
Mulder and the pain in the mans eyes was almost contagious.  Maybe he
deserved it?  Maybe, if Mulder was lucky, it would make him aware of what
was going on before it was irrevocable.  Mulder always made sure everyone
knew that Dana Scully belonged to him; the only problem was he didnt seem
to know it himself.  He never acted on it unless something or someone
threatened his tenure.  Just possibly this was the wake-up call Mulder
needed and hopefully he wouldnt let her slip away, because it seems that
quite possibly Scully is forgetting who she belongs to.

Come on, Mulder.  Lets get going and we can stop for dinner on the way.
Ill follow in my car.

~

They took a booth in the back of the diner.  It was early for dinner so the
place wasnt crowded.  The waitress brought their drinks and took their
orders.  Mulders played with the creamers sitting in the bowl, making
various arrangements and then knocking them down only to start again.  Hes
like a pouting child, Skinner thought.  

You do know it was bound to happen, right, Mulder?

What are you talking about?  Mulder really didnt seem to know what
Skinner was referring to.

Scully, Dana, shes a beautiful, intelligent, enchanting woman.  She must
attract men all the time.  It was bound to happen that shed find someone
who interested her too.  Maybe this Marsden is the one to make her happy.

He isnt, Mulder grumbled.  

Wouldnt you welcome someone who would do that for her?  Dont you want her
to be happy?  Skinner knew he was pushing Mulders buttons but it was time
he either let her go or get off the damned fence and face what everyone else
knew; that he was in love with Dana Scully.

Of course I want Scully to be happy!  Mulder was indignant Skinner could
even think otherwise.  I dont want her hurt.  I want, he stopped trying
to gather his thoughts.

You want her for yourself perhaps?  Skinner offered and Mulder glared at
him.  Get off it, Mulder.  Im talking to you as your friend, not your
boss.  I dont give a rats ass as long as it doesnt interfere with the
work.  You two are professionals and I know youd never let that happen.  In
truth, your not acting on your feelings for each other is impacting your
work more than it would if you did give into them.  The waitress put down
their meals.  What I cant stand is how you yo-yo her back and forth.

Mulder nearly dropped his fork.  Sir?

Mulder, every time she takes a step off the trail youve laid out for her,
you are all over her.  Believe me; Ive seen you pull the Alpha male routine
when you see some guy acting interested in Dana Scully.  Then when things
are back to normal, you pull back and leave her hanging.  

This last year has been hell for her.  Maybe youve forgotten what shes
been through?  Shed just gotten over almost dying when she had to face
finding out what they did with her stolen ova.  Can anyone imagine what that
was like?  Dont you think that not a day goes by that she doesnt wonder if
there are others out there?  Other children who are part of her but not
hers?  What kind of hell that must be, I never want to know.  

She finds this child only in time to watch her die and bury her.  But they
even stole that away from her, didnt they?  She wasnt even allowed a
graceful goodbye.

Just when you think the Wheel of Misfortune has delivered the worst it can,
a new torture is placed in her path.  Dana Scully ended up on that bridge
and she wakes up with no memory of how she got there.  Did someone take her
there?  Was she kidnapped or, and this is the worst, did the chip that may
or may not be keeping her alive, have something to do with it?  She lives
what others dont even face in nightmares.

Skinner stopped his speech to take a look at the man across the table.
Mulders look of insolence was gone and regret had taken its place.

Do you think she really would find someone?    

The way youve sniffed around a certain old flame, I sometimes wonder if
you remember just how close weve come to losing Scully on more than one
occasion.  Im telling you right now, I think shes on the brink and this
time if she leaves shell do it willingly.  Before it was never her choice
but this time it will be.   Mulder sat back and threw his head back against
the seatback.  Skinner gauged the right moment then said, Mulder, did you
happen to notice that Marsden looks an awful lot like you?

~

 

It was the end of the case and Marsden finally took the opportunity to talk
with Special Agent Dana Scully.  He couldnt believe how beautiful shed
turned out.  The woman shed become was a far cry from the little Tomboy
that used to follow Bill and the gang around when they were kids.  

Agent Scully, may I have a word with you?

His recognition must have shown in his eyes because she responded, Aaron,
why dont you call me Danes anymore?  Her smile lit up the place.

So you do remember?  I wasnt sure if you would, its been a lot of years.

That it has and weve both changed a lot.  But how could I forget the
person who gave me my first boy-girl kiss, even if he was only practicing
for my sister?  They both broke out laughing from the memory.  I was going
to say something earlier but I didnt want to interfere with the
investigation.

Some Casanova I was, she never did give me a chance.  How is Missy?  Aaron
saw the look of pain cross her features, Dana, what is it?

Missy was murdered several years back.

Oh, Danes, Im sorry.

Its alright.

Dana, how would you like to have dinner with me and we can catch up?  Ill
call my Marie and she can meet us.

That would be great, besides, Id like to meet the woman who married the
man who set my standard for kissing.
Her partner, Mulder, called and waved her over.  Aaron didnt hear the
exchange but the look Mulder aimed at him was filled with venom as Dana
walked back toward him.

 

Marie was already at Vernons when they got there and, once they were
introduced, the two women became fast friends.  Aaron sat and watched their
interaction and was taken back to when he saw the young Melissa and Dana
Scully talking.  I guess, I never got over redheads, he thought.

They spent the evening sharing tales of youthful indiscretions, adventures
and explorations.

We always made Dana act as scout and sent her in first.  I dont think she
ever said no.

I was so nave; I didnt realize they just figured if something bad
happened I was the most expendable.  Come to think about it, sometimes it
still feels that way with my work.  She then told them about some of their
adventures on the X-Files and more than once they accused her of telling
tall tales.  Both Aaron and Marie got nervous when Dana swore they were the
absolute truth.

Dinner was fun and they made plans to get together soon.  Aaron drove to
drop Dana off to pick up her car and she invited him to see the X-Files
office.  Aaron took a raincheck and was on his way.

~

Dana Scully was feeling really good.  Shed had a nice time with Aaron and
his wife.  Marie reminded her of Missy in both her looks and her beliefs, it
was uncanny.  

She decided to take some items from the case to the office so they could
finish the paperwork in the morning.  Scully rounded the corner and saw the
office door was open and light was streaming through.  Mulder was here.  It
was not a surprise that Mulder was still at work at nine at night; she
thought she would have been more surprised if she hadnt found him.

Mulder, she greeted him as she walked in the door.  Then she looked at his
face and was disturbed.  Something wrong?

How was your date with Detective Marsden?  Mulders tone was condescending
and put her on guard.

It was hardly what Id call a date.  I havent been out for a while but
dinner with a childhood friend and his wife never made it into any dating
journal Ive ever heard of.

Childhood friend?  Why didnt you say anything?  Mulders demeanor
improved considerably she noticed.  This is interesting, she thought.

He and Bill were best friends on three or four bases where our Dads were
stationed.  I recognized him immediately but I didnt think he knew who I
was.  Then when he spoke with me after the case ended, I found out he knew
me.  

Scully took off her coat and sat down.  Aaron was so in love with Missy and
she never gave him the time of day.  I, on the other hand, had a huge crush
on him.

It was really funny tonight, Aarons wife, Marie, is so like Missy it was
unnerving but almost like talking with my sister again.  I had a nice time.

While talking, Scully noticed that Mulder relaxed and he seemed to lighten
up.  Normally she would just let it go, but things were changing between
them and she decided to confront the issue.

So, Mulder, why were you so abrasive when I first got here?

I wasnt, he began then stopped himself.  Scully, I was jealous, he
blurted out.

Jealous, you were jealous?  Mulder watched as Scullys face changed from
incredulity to amazement then finally delight.  You were jealous, that has
to be the most flattering thing youve ever said to me.

Flattering, my being jealous is flattering?

Mulder, until this moment, I didnt think you cared enough to feel anything
like that.  Scully decided to reward his candor with some of her own.  For
you to feel jealous means that you just might care for me the way I care for
you.

Mulders face lit up, he stood and extended his hand to her.  When she took
it, he pulled her gently.  What would you say if I suggested we take this
conversation to your place, Scully?

Id say this, she leaned up and placed a sensually soft kiss on his lips.
Have I made my position clear, Agent Mulder?

Perfectly, Agent Scully.  Gotta love unspoken communication.
 

End.