From: "Ewa Allison" Date: Wed, 29 Nov 2000 00:13:08 -0000 Subject: SEPTEMBER firelight stories Source: direct FIRELIGHT 1 Title SEPTEMBER AUTHOR: Ewa E-mail: ewa@whatewa.com RATING: G CATEGORY: S R SPOILER: Some time in season 7 KEYWORDS: MSR UST THANK YOU To Lynn my beta reader. I appreciate the time she gave up to do this for me. SUMMARY: Scully wants to finds a little warmth at home. DISCLAIMER: Any characters you recognize belong to Mr. Carter & Co, they don't deserve them but there you go- when was life ever fair! Others belong to me but I share. I will return them, in more or less pristine condition, but only after they've had some fun! ARCHIVES: Let me know where it's gone please! Feedback please, I NEED to know what you think! ewa@whatewa.co See my stories at www.whatewa.com SEPTEMBER SCULLY'S APARTMENT. She'd always liked the area surrounding her apartment. The whole neighborhood consisted of older buildings and the area had a village-like feel. Her redbrick building had character and style. The apartments it contained were larger than the modern ones. It really suited her she thought. The thing that attracted her to this apartment in the first place was the open fireplace. Of course, the apartments were all centrally heated now, but the fireplace remained in each, adding grace and elegance. Scully had always used it as a focal point in her living room. There was always a pretty fire screen and a seasonal arrangement of silk or dried flowers in front of the grate. In winter there were usually pine boughs decorating that area; she had even invested in a log carrier and fireplace tools. The tongs and poker reminded her of quibbling with her siblings over who should tend the fire. This Saturday afternoon, she was putting the finishing touches to an autumnal display when she heard a knock on the door. There was only one person who ever knocked like that and she was half expecting him. "Come on in Mulder. It's open." She heard him come in, close the door behind him and come over to where she was kneeling. "I've brought that file over," he said. He's always got to justify coming over here, she thought. "That's fine, Mulder. Just put it on the table over there. We'll have a look at it later." He came over and sat down on the couch behind her, while she was finishing up. "Does that thing work Scully?" he asked, indicating the fireplace. "It reminds me a little of when I was small." " You know, I've never given it a thought. I'll ask Mr. Kuczynski; as landlord, he should know." He sat quietly on her couch, while she tidied up the area where she'd been working. "You in any hurry Mulder? It's just that I promised Lily, my neighbor downstairs, that I would take her Labrador for a run this afternoon. She's a lovely lady, but not as young as she was. I've been taking Jack out with me when I go jogging on Saturdays. "Oh, I see, the secret life of Agent Scully." Scully got up, dusting her hands off on her denim clad thighs. "Very funny Mulder. Are you coming?" She walked over to the closet to put on her walking boots. As she bent down to tie them up, he thought how pretty she looked in that olive colored top she was wearing with her washed out jeans. The color brought out the fiery lights of her hair. "This I've gotta see," quipped Mulder. "Where're we going, anyway?" As she walked towards the door of her apartment she called out behind her. "You'll see. Just grab that old blanket out of the closet, will you?" He did as he was asked and followed her out into the hallway. As they walked down the stairs, she filled him in on her jaunts with the dog. She owed Lily a favor, and besides, she needed the fresh air and exercise and Jack was good company. Jack was very pleased to see her, and most enthusiastic about her partner. He jumped all over Mulder, almost knocking him to the ground. They finally got him into the back of the car and onto the blanket. "I think you've made a friend there Mulder," she said with a chuckle, as she glanced over at him. He sat in the passenger seat, with Jack hanging over his shoulder, his wet nose stuck in Mulder's ear, drooling all down his jacket. "Yuk! Scully, this is gross. It's bad enough when you do this. At least you don't smell as bad as he does." "Get off, dog breath!" he addressed the dog. "Thank you Mulder, for those few kind words." She tried her best to look aggrieved, but she couldn't Help a smile as she saw the look on Mulder's face. They arrived on the outskirts of the woods a short time later. Scully opened the back door, and Jack was out and running. "Hey, is he okay to run off like that?" "Yes! He always does that when we first get here; don't worry, he'll be back soon." They started off after Jack. Clouds of leaves spiraled down from the rowan and beech trees. The brown, velvety ground deadened their footsteps. They were soon amongst the trees, rustling through The multicolored leaves. The sun glinted and reflected off her titian hair, turning strands of it to liquid gold, shiny chestnut and fiery red. Her hair appeared to be a living, transmuting thing. He had never seen anything so breathtaking. Mulder wished he could capture this moment. Scully seemed to have different ideas. "Come on Mulder," she yelled at him as she took off after the dog. "Race you!" He did. Later they couldn't decide who'd started the leaf fight. Before they knew what was what, they were both in the thick of throwing great piles of the russet, gold and red leaves at each other, laughing and giggling like little children. Attracted by the noise they were making, Jack joined in this fun. He chased each of them, woofing his joy at this unexpected treat. Mulder and Scully laughed till their sides ached and tears ran down their faces. She decided to go one better than just throwing leaves at her partner. While Jack was distracting him, she ran up behind Mulder. Holding a handful of soggy leaves, she jumped on his back. Jack came to her aid and between them, they downed Mulder. She sat astride his back and stuffed the leaves down the neck of his t-shirt. "Aw, c'mon Scully, that's not fair!" he whined. "All's fair in love and war," she laughingly replied. "Oh, really! This is war." With that he twisted around, grabbed her by the waist, and rolling, he pinned her beneath him on the autumnal carpet. He lay over her, supporting his weight on his forearms, framing her head gently between his hands. The laughter left them as he looked into her azure eyes. His eyes drifted down to her mouth. As if by impulse, he reached out to touch her cheek with his fingertips. His head was about to follow suit when a great weight landed on his back, almost knocking all the breath out of him. "Jack! Get off, you stupid mutt!" Mulder gasped. Scully twisted out from beneath him, her face a brilliant red, which was not all due to the exertions of their fight. And then she realised that she had placed her hand on her cheek, just over the spot where Mulder had touched her. That fleeting touch had felt almost as intimate as a kiss, and had shaken her more than she wanted to admit. She couldn't help wondering what it would be like if Mulder *had* kissed her. Mulder could feel her self-consciousness as she made a great performance of trying to brush the leaves out of her hair. That animal has lousy timing, thought Mulder. Softly he said to her, "C'mere, let me help you with that." He could see her trembling as he gently pulled the remaining leaves out of her hair. The carefree atmosphere had come to an abrupt end. To cover her embarrassment, she suggested he help her pick wild mushrooms. "No, not *those* wild mushrooms Mulder," she said with a shy smile. "Are you sure you know what you're doing?" His challenge was a sure fire way of getting Scully's mind off her embarrassment! "Look Mulder, I might not have been an Indian Guide like you, but it's amazing what you pick up in the Girl Scouts. Aside from that, Ahab used to take me mushroom picking when I was a little girl. He said I had a natural talent for finding the best ones." "Oh, so you mean you were a bit like a truffle hound then!" She turned and glared, eyebrow skyrocketing. "Ouch! What was that for?" he yelled in mock indignation, but he'd managed to lighten the atmosphere. "Just so long as you don't poison us!" he added. She didn't dignify that with an answer. Scully took out a small plastic sack she had in her pocket. "I see you've done this before." "Shut up Mulder and start picking." Under Scully's guidance, they collected the mushrooms. He was surprised at the extent of her knowledge. Yet, knowing her the way he did, why should it surprise him? She must have interests other than 'slicing and dicing'. Even after all this time, how little I *really* know her, he thought. After a while Mulder whistled to Jack, who came bounding back to see what else he could get involved in. Mulder found a large piece of wood, and threw it for the dog to fetch. Jack was all for this new game. The sun was beginning to set by the time they exited the wood and walked towards the car. "What are you going to do with all those mushrooms Scully?" "Wait and see," was all she'd say. By the time they got back to the building, returned Jack to his owner, and trudged upstairs to her apartment, the sun had set. As they came in, they both kicked their boots off. Scully smoothed her hands down the sides of her jeans and cleared her throat, suddenly nervous now that she and Mulder were alone. After all the activities of the day, she had to look a mess. Her hair had been rumpled even before Mulder had made it worse, her jeans and T-shirt were wrinkled and smudged with soil and what little makeup she'd applied that morning had long since worn away. Eyeing Mulder, she wondered how he could look so good. Not that he could look bad, no matter what the condition of his clothing, she thought wryly. She didn't put on the lights but instead lit the dozen or so candles she had scattered around the living room. She went over to the CD player and put on a disc. She slid her fingertips into her jeans pockets. "Can I get you something to drink? Coke, coffee, iced tea? It's getting close to dinner time. I was just going to make some soup. Do you want to stay?" She didn't give him a chance to reply. "I'm making some of my Mom's mushroom soup. It was my Grandmother's recipe." "I'd love to," he said. "If you're sure." "I won't be long." "Take your time. I'll just sit in here while you perform your culinary miracles." "Mulder." "Sorry!" It gave her a funny feeling to see him making himself so comfortable in her home. He *did* look so at home here. She turned and headed for the kitchen reminding herself how foolish it was to start fantasizing about things that were never meant to be. He sat on her couch and looked at the colorful display in the hearth. Her choice of music was not what he expected. It was quiet and very haunting. He stood up to see the CD box. 'Dream catcher' by Secret Garden. One of the artists was Irish. The music was very beautiful and haunting. There was something about the lyrics. He sat back down on the couch and tucked his feet up. Letting the music wash over him, he realised how 'Scully' this album was; he'd never given the spiritual side of her nature much conscious thought. There was a lot about Scully he *hadn't* thought about or simply assumed. As he listened to the soothing music, he looked into the fireplace and remembered times when he was little and the family would on occasions gather around the fire and toast marshmallows. Those times were so rare, so precious to him. They hadn't lasted long. Thinking about it, they must have been over before he reached the ripe old age of ten. When Scully came back into the room only a short while later, she was surprised to find that he'd fallen asleep. She was more shocked to see the single tear on his cheek, glimmering in the candlelight. She was hard pressed not to give into impulse, and kiss it away. He looked so sad there, like a little lost boy. She resisted the temptation and went back to finish cooking the mushroom soup. When it was done, she called to Mulder, "Come on sleepy head, time to wake up." He opened his puppy dog, hazel eyes and gazed at her. For a moment she gazed back at him, before she broke the spell. "Mulder, come and eat." She'd found a bottle of wine to go with their simple meal. After they'd eaten, he had to admit that the soup had been very good, quite unlike anything he'd tasted before. "C'mon Scully, let's live a little There's a very good rerun on tonight. Let's watch it!" Scully had always been a sucker for that sappy smile of his. "Hmm, is it one of *those* films Mulder?" "No, I promise , Scully. You'll like this one" They spent the rest of the evening on the couch watching the classic comedy film. Gradually as the film progressed they seemed to get nearer and nearer to each other on the couch, finally coming to rest against each other. Her musical giggle was so contagious that Mulder spent much of the evening laughing, something that he had not done for such a very long time. They were both so relaxed with each other. It had been a thoroughly delightful day. When the film finished Mulder found himself wishing that he didn't have to go home to his lonely apartment. There was no reason for him to stay any longer. He should leave her to get some rest. Why was he so damned reluctant to do so? He unwound himself from the couch. "I'd better be going. I have some paperwork to catch up on tonight." "Oh." said Scully. "Um, I suppose you're right. I've got some things to see to as well. Do you want another drink before you go Mulder?" "Err, thanks Scully, but no, I'd best be on my way. Thanks for today; I enjoyed it. And we seem to have survived the mushroom soup!" "Mulder." He ruffled her already disheveled hair, the gesture both casual and affectionate. "See you Monday, Scully." She smiled and nodded, while smoothing her hair with one hand. Mulder sketched a salute as he passed her on the way to the door. "Yeah. Later, Mulder." She would have to do this again, Scully decided as the front door closed behind Mulder. Maybe next time he would stay a little while longer. FBI BUILDING MULDER'S OFFICE. The plan came to her about ten days later, Mulder came back into his office just as she put the telephone receiver down. She looked like the cat that swallowed the canary. "C'mon Secret Squirrel, what gives?" He didn't move fast enough to avoid the punch she aimed at his shoulder. She couldn't have really meant it though, as she was still grinning and the blow hadn't actually hurt. She could pack a punch when she was *really* serious. "For that Mulder, you'll have to wait till Saturday to find out. That is, if you're game!" "Aw c'mon Scully, I'm sorry. Please tell-l-l," he whined. But she was adamant. He'd have to wait till Saturday. SCULLY'S APARTMENT By the time Mulder turned up at her apartment on Saturday, the chimney sweep had already paid his visit. As far as Scully was concerned, it was all systems go. "Hey Mulder, you're right on time. I need your Indian Guide skills, let's hope they've improved since last time." Mulder looked perplexed. "C'mon Mulder, you know how to build a fire, don't you?" "Scully?" He looked at her as though she'd totally lost it. "It's okay Mulder, really! I've checked with Mr. Kuczynski; the chimney swept; the logs have been delivered. What else do you want?" Mulder still seemed a bit dubious. "Look hurry up and get that fire ready. I'm going to get our supper ready to cook when we get back. We've got Jack to exercise before the fun can start." That seemed to inspire Mulder. They had done all their chores and were ready to go within half an hour. Their trip to the woods was fun, and would have been quite uneventful had it not been for Mulder's idea- or was it Scully's? Anyway, between them they had found some giant pinecones. They started throwing them to each other. Jack, never one to bypass a game, joined in. It soon developed into a game of 'monkey in the middle'. As could be expected, Jack got more and more excited as he tried to get the cone from either Mulder or Scully. Things would have been fine had she not been standing next to the ditch and if Jack hadn't chosen that very moment to take a flying leap at her. As small as she was, she really didn't stand a chance. In the next instant she was lying in the ditch, on her back, in the thick, dark muddy water. Mulder rushed over to help her. How he stopped himself from laughing he didn't know. She glowered at him. "One smirk, just one tiny smirk Mulder, and I swear you'll be able to join the Vienna boys' choir." He got her gist. He helped her stand up, all the while trying to keep a straight face, until he saw the look of humiliation and hurt pride, and all the hilarity left him. "Come on Scully, let's get you home. Just as well Jack's blanket is in the car. You wrap up in that and keep warm; I'll drive us home. Even Jack seemed subdued on the drive home. Mulder told her to get herself upstairs; he would return Jack to Lily. Scully didn't need any urging to comply. By the time he got up to her apartment, he could hear her in the shower. He didn't know what to do to help. Mulder was really sorry that the afternoon had ended on such a sour note. They'd been having such fun! He went to light the fire that he'd set before they'd gone out for their disastrous walk. Having done that, he picked up the muddy clothes Scully had dumped outside the bathroom. On impulse, he decided to rinse the mud out of them for her. It would probably piss her off still further, but he needed to do something to show her he was sorry. Having done that, he put on the coffee maker. Maybe a decent cup of coffee would cheer her up. The now blazing log fire certainly made her living room look different. It had always been cozy, but now, it just looked like home. He went over and turned the thermostat on the central heating right down, before the place got too hot. Just then Scully came out of the bathroom, dressed in her fluffy white terry bathrobe, her hair bundled up in a white towel. He'd been right in assuming she'd be royally pissed off with him. She looked at the fire blazing in the hearth. "Mulder, what gives you the ri__?" She stopped. Seeing the whipped puppy look in his eyes, her anger evaporated. "Um, thanks Mulder, err __um is that coffee I can smell? Her voice was soft. Mulder looked very unsure of what he should do next. "Um, if you come and sit by the fire, I'll bring you a cup," he suggested. She didn't know why she felt so put out, other than she'd wanted today to be special for Mulder. The events of the afternoon weren't his fault. "That stupid dog!" she fumed. She turned towards him. "I'm sorry Mulder. You don't deserve this. Thank you for doing all this for me. I *do* appreciate it *really*!" "I'm sorry, I was out of line..." "Mulder! Jeez, will you stop apologizing for everything that happens. It's really beginning to piss me off!" " I'm sor... Please Scully. Please don't let's start bickering. Don't let's spoil the afternoon. I was having so much fun." "You're right, Mulder." He looked so relieved, and gently he touched her cheek. "Thank you Scully. Um __Do you want me to do anything else?" Scully took a deep breath. "Tell you what Mulder, you get in that kitchen and heat up the soup, while get dressed. Then we'll go from there, okay?" "Okay. You trust me that far Scully?" "I trust you with my life. You know that Mulder; I'm even prepared to trust you with the soup." The sun was dropping beneath the horizon and the room was dark now, save for the light thrown by the flames; Scully turned and lit the candles that were scattered around the room. Soon the room was bathed in the soft light of fire and candle. The wonderful fragrance of pine logs mixed with the spice and vanilla of the candles. By the time he had sorted the soup out, Scully was back in front of the fire wearing soft gray sweats. The fire crackled in the hearth, the logs hissing and spitting; sending showers of golden sparks up the chimney every now and then. They sat side by side on the couch, drinking their soup. Scully got up to go to the kitchen. She came back with a tray loaded with sausages, sweet corn, potatoes wrapped in aluminum foil and sliced bread. Mulder looked at her questioningly. "I thought we could have an indoor 'cook-out'," Scully told him sheepishly. He grinned. "Sounds like a plan!" Scully put the potatoes in the fire. "Let's hope they don't burn! You do the sausages, while I do something with this corn." He set to work with the long handled toasting fork, spearing a sausage and beginning to grill it. They cooked, ate, talked then cooked some more. The fire cast dancing shadows around the room. Mulder loved the way Scully's eyes sparkled in the firelight. He reminisced about the very rare locations his family gathered around the hearth. It didn't seem to Scully that they ever did much together, and what they had done had ended a long time before Samantha's abduction. Poor kid, he'd never had much of a childhood. When all the other kids his age were running around being irresponsible teenagers, he'd assumed the mantle of adulthood and with it, he'd taken on guilt for anything and everything. Maybe if her schemes worked out she could restore some of that childhood exuberance to him. As the evening wore on, they spent more and more time just gazing into the flames, dreaming dreams. Gradually they drew closer together on the couch . It was so comfortable. They managed the whole evening without bringing up a single work related topic. Their earlier upset was forgiven and forgotten. What drives us to be constantly at each other? she thought. Mulder seemed at peace, he was so relaxed. She was enjoying seeing him like this. One by one the candles guttered and went out, leaving the pair in the soft glow cast by the glowing embers. Scully pulled the afghan that was at the end of the couch, over them and snuggled up to Mulder. He gently put an arm around her, and pulled her against his chest. She was quite content to lay there, and he didn't seem to mind holding her. Neither one questioning or analyzing; each just accepting this moment in time. They gazed at the red and orange of the embers, at peace with each other and the world. Gradually sleep overtook them. End Feedback has been known to generate further episodes! ewa@whatewa.com