GETTING CLOSER chapter 7: The Farewell (1/5) by Deisy erness@indo.net.id Disclaimer: Fox Mulder, Dana Scully and the others are borrowed without permission from Chris Carter. Some are retrieved from imaginations. Rating : PG Category : S - R Keyword : Mulder/Scully - romance (as if there were anything else..) Summary : With the rumors spreaded about Mulder and Scully having a love affair, the Bureau makes Skinner to shut down the X Files Division, and separate the two Agents away. xxxxx "Mulder, no ! No ! Fooooxxxx !!" "Dana ! Dana ! It's okay, I'm here ! It's okay Dana !" Scully sat upright on her bed., sweating all over. She had the nightmare again, about Fox being taken away by whatever-it-was. Mulder pulled her into his arms and soothed her. "It's okay. It was just a dream" he whispered. Scully controlled her breath. She was fully awake now, and fully realized that it was only a dream. She wrapped her arms around Mulder's, confirming that he was real. She was strucked. He WAS real. What was he doing at her apartment, on her bed, at 2 AM ?? She released herself and looked at him. "Mulder, what are you doing here ? It's 2 o'clock in the morning." "I don't know, Dana. I woke up an hour ago and I had a feeling that you were not okay. I said to myself that it was just my imagination, but I kept feeling that something went wrong with you. So I went here, just to check. Then I heard you screaming," he ran his fingers through her hair,"A nightmare ?" Scully snuggled back into his arms. "I saw you being taken away. I couldn't do anything. I was tied, I don't know, can't remember the detail. All I know is that, I was so panic." "That's okay, Dana," he rub her back gently. "That's okay." "I don't want to go to sleep again. I'm afraid I'll have the same dream." "No, you won't," he hugged her close,"Even if you do, you know it's not true, as I'm here with you." Scully closed her eyes, and she heard Mulder chanted softly in her ear. ..... goodnight, my love, pleasant dreams sleep tight, my love may tomorrow be sunny and bright and bring you closer to me.. Mulder settled himself on her pillow and Scully snuggled closer to him. ..... If you should wake in the still of the night please have no fear for I'll be there You know I care please give your love to me dear, only.. Scully was half asleep already, but in a distant she could still hear him, ..... before you go, please remember I need you so And this love that I have for you will never grow cold... Mulder kissed the top of her head as she drifted off to the other world. xxx Scully awoke the next morning when she felt the warm February sun caressed her skin. But she felt that something else had kept her warm and safe during the night. She lifted her head slowly and leaned on her elbow. Mulder was still asleep. Quiet and peaceful. Scully didn't want to wake him. Mulder's sleeping hour was limited, so whenever he could sleep, Scully would let him. She got up the bed quietly, and silently went out to the kitchen. She set on the coffee-maker and prepared some toastbreads. She took out jams and butter from the kitchen cupboard. And when she turned around, Mulder was standing on the door. "Hi," he said. "Didn't know you're awake," She went to the refrigerator and took the milk and apple juice. "How was your sleep ?" he sat down and took a dark red plum and bit it. "Fine, thanks to you," she smiled. "Get some toast and coffee, Mulder, I'm going to take a shower." She patted his shoulder and left. Mulder had a last glimpse of Scully-in-the-morning, and it occured to him that maybe one day, he would be able to see this natural figure of hers every morning for the rest of his life. A few minutes later Mulder heard the shower on. He took a mug and filled it with coffee. He took a sip and started to spread strawberry jam on his toast. Scully went back in the kitchen, already in her original professional look. She wore her burgundy suit, skirt edge right on her knees. She put down the newspaper and sat across the table. "Ready to work ?" he questioned her. "What about you ?" "Any idea what Skinner might think if I just show up in this sweatshirt ?" he grinned. "I still keep the shirt you lent me, you know, when I spent a night at your place. And I'm sure I have one tie of your hanging in my wardrobe. Remember you took it off because you spilled your coffee on it ? It's washed, and ready to wear." "Wow, what a service." "Why don't you wash yourself, and let me press those trousers. Oh, and I have a new toothbrush in the bathroom cupboard. You're lucky, Mulder." "I certainly am," he stood up and Scully led him to her bedroom. She opened her wardrobe and pulled the white shirt from the hanger. "Go and shower yourself ! Throw your trousers out so I can press them." "Yes, Ma'am !" Mulder followed her order. Scully smiled as Mulder closed the bathroom door. Then it was opened again and he peeped out. "Are sure to press this, Scully, it's not necessary, you know." "Just throw it out and let me take care the rest !" "Why don't you come in and get it ?" "Mulder !" Mulder laughed and his trousers flung out. In a few minutes, both of them were ready to face another day at their basement office at the FBI Headquarters. xxx Mulder slammed his car door and walked beside Scully along the carpark. "Hey Dana ! Mulder !" They both turned and saw Agents Karen Ross and Alexis White passed them by. "Fancy you too show up to work together," said Ross, smiling in suspicious way. "You smell a little like Dana, Mulder," added White. "And you have dark circles under your eyes, Dana," said Ross again. "Been having a long night ?" White's eyes twinkled, and both women giggled as they walked away from the other two. After a silent walk, Mulder spoke up. "Don't you think that we should have stopped those rumours about us ?" "Good idea, Mulder, how ?" Mulder held the door for her. They both showed their badges to the guard. "Our office is in the basement," she continued,"but in every floor above us, they have different stories about us to tell." "Oh, it's difficult being famous." Scully shook her head. Mulder punched the elevator button and they waited til the door opened before them. Scully pushed 7. Mulder looked at her with a big question mark look. "I need to go to the the Crime Lab. I had some samples being analysed yesterday." "Oh." The elevator went up and opened at 7. "I'll see you later, Mulder." She stepped out and almost hit Agent Pendrell who seemed to rush to the elevator. "Morning, Agent Pendrell." Pendrell's reaction was slow as he didn't expect to see her. "Agent Scully," was all he could say, and he regreted that he had to go down to the 2nd floor. Mulder had held the elevator for him, and he stepped in. "Thank you, Agent Mulder." He didn't seem happy to see Mulder taking Scully up first before going to the basement. But what else could he do ? He certainly had heard all the rumours spreaded about the two Agents. And even he didn't know if those rumours were true, but he already had his heart broken. He saw that Mulder still had his briefcase which meant that he had just arrived. Since when did they start going to work together, he grunted to himself and punched the 2 button. "The crime lab seems to be always busy, right Agent Pendrell ?" "Oh, well, it depends on what you call busy. But there's always something to analyse though," he patted his folder. "I heard quite a lot of rumours about you two lately." "Really ? Take my advice, don't believe any. You still have a chance to ask her out." "Uh-uh ? Well, sometimes I prefer to listen to my heart, Agent Mulder." "And what does it say ?" The elevator reached the 2nd floor and the door slid opened. Pendrell stepped out and glanced at Mulder,"That I don't have any chance to ask her out." The door slid closed and the elevator continued its journey to the basement floor. Mulder was rather taken aback by the sad expression in Pendrell's eyes. He started his computer and checked his e-mail. He was working on some letters when the door opened and Scully entered. She put her briefcase down in a remarkable bump which made Mulder raised his brows in amazement. She leaned on her desk, facing him. "Some thing wrong with the analysis ?" Mulder saw her disappointed look. "Do you know what I heard when I was upstairs ?" she burst,"Damnit Mulder, Kathleen Gregory said she saw us in the ice skating rink when she was taking her daughter there! And now the whole building is telling tales about a knight in shining armor saving his princess who was nosebleeding in the middle of the ice-rink ! And you know what, Richard Crenshaw and Judith Hayley spotted us in the fanfare ! I wonder why the other didn't ask what they two were doing there, instead of asking us ! Now I don't care about the result of this analysis or anything if this Headquarters's today's topic is if I've been sleeping with you or not !!" she ended her speech, her face turned purple. Mulder stunned. But the next second he began to giggle helplessly. Scully widened her eyes to see his reaction. . "Well, Scully, at least we know that some of the rumours are true. I did sleep with you last night," he kept giggling. "Mulderrrrrrrrr !!!" she screamed in frustration. Mulder stood up and walked over to her, still laughing. "Come on, Scully, don't take it seriously." "What do you mean don't take it seriously ?! Don't you even understand what I'm talking about ?!" He put his hand on her shoulder, controlling his laughter. "Come on.. Are you afraid that Skinner might... jump out of his skin.. if he hears those things ?" "No, Mulder, it's not Skinner that I worry about. Skinner knows us better, and he won't believe rumours easily. He believes us more," she sighed,"I worry about people above him. Blevins, and the others." "What's with them ?" "They can shut down the X Files Division for any reason, Mulder, including this." Mulder stopped laughing. "No, Scully, don't even think about it. Don't let those rumours influence you. You're not like that." He took her hand and squeezed it. Somebody was standing at the door and cleared his throat to gain their attention. "Sir ?" Mulder let her hand off, surprised to see Skinner. It was something rare that their boss would come to see them in their basement office. "Agent Mulder, Agent Scully," he nodded at them. "I don't like a long-wided talk, so I'll go staright to the point. I've just received a direct order to shut down the X Files Division." xxx end of part 1 xxxxx Anyone still with me ? Couldn't believe I've only a week left of holidays.. :( How will I finish this story ? xxxxx GETTING CLOSER chapter 7: The Farewell (2/5) by Deisy erness@indo.net.id Disclaimer: Fox Mulder, Dana Scully and the others are not mine. I borrow them to express my wild imagination. Rating : PG Category : S - R Keyword : Mulder/Scully - romance (as if there were anything else..) Summary : With the rumors spreaded about Mulder and Scully having a love affair, the Bureau makes Skinner to shut down the X Files Division, and separate the two Agents away. (2/5): the shocking news. xxxxx "What ?" Mulder jumped. "Sir ! What's.." "I know, Agents Mulder and Scully," he interrupted. "This is so sudden. But I also had received the papers to reassigned Agent Scully back to Quantico, at the National Academy, and Agent Mulder, you will.. ," he paused,"The Bureau had assigned you to England." Both agents' jaws fell. They simply couldn't believe what they've just heard. "England ?" Mulder managed to speak. "Why England ?" "The Bureau have several cases with the Scotland Yard," he prepared to leave. "I'd like to see you two in my office after lunch break, to sign some papers." He walked out the office before he felt guilty more and more. Mulder and Scully stood still, speechless. They looked at each other in a great confusion. Scully opened her mouth and said,"I told you so." But nobody could laughed. Mulder shut his computer down and grabbed his coat. "Where are you going ?" Scully held his elbow. "I need a little walk outside." He left. Scully didn't stop him. She sat down on her chair, eyes fixed to her lap. A teardrop fell on her hand, and she realized that she was crying. xxx Mulder went out to the park and sat down on the bench with his head in his hands. England. On the other side of the earth. He exhaled. Leaving Dana. That was the last thing in the arth he would ever want to do. He streched his arms wide and looked up at the sky. The same sky which continued to England. The same sky. The same sun. The same moon. They would still be on the same planet. He closed his eyes and thought how much he would miss her. Miss her ? He would die without her beside him. Scully was the one and only to support his back. The one he trusted. He had grown to love her and need her more and more. And he knew that she felt the same thing. She supported and protected him all because her love for him. And now he had to leave her. He didn't go back to the office for the rest of the morning. And he didn't go to the cafetaria for lunch either. He went to Skinner's office and met Scully at the door. Their eyes met but Scully turned her face away. Mulder could see that she had been crying. He placed his hand at her back and led her in. Skinner told them to sit down. Mulder watched him in an offensive way, but Scully just stared blankly at her lap. They looked like two students waiting to be punished by the Headmaster. "Here are your papers, Agent Scully. You know where to sign." Scully stared at the lines of words and the blank space where she was supposed to put down her signature. She glanced at Mulder who returned the look. Scully felt her hand trembling when she reached out to take the pen. She dropped it, and they both bent down to take it. Their hands touched, and they looked at each other. Mulder took the pen and handed it to her. Scully inhaled deeply and signed the papers. She blinked her eyes several times to hide her tears from Skinner. Then Skinner gave Mulder his papers, and he signed them, faster that Scully. "Thank you, both of you. Agent Mulder, I guess you'll have to rush as your flight is scheduled for the day after tomorrow." "The day after tomorrow ? But Sir, that's.." he swallowed the next words he was willing to say. The day would be Scully's birthday. He glanced at her but Scully bit her lower lip and turned her face away. What a bitter birthday present. Leaving Skinner's office, Scully walked swiftly back to their office. It didn't take long for Mulder to catch her up. "Scully.." Scully arrange her desk and took her briefcase. "Where are you going ?" "Home," she replied shortly and walked out. She didn't want Mulder to see her crying. Scully didn't go home to her apartment. She went to her mother's place. She didn't say anything to her why she decided to come, and her mother didn't force her to tell. But after dinner, Scully began to tell her and ended up with crying. She went to bed and cried to sleep. When she woke up in the morning her eyes were swollen. She sat on her bed holding her folded legs, end tried to pull up herself together. She had to see him. She washed herself and got dressed. When she went down, her mother was in the kitchen. Scully realized how wisdom and patient her mother was. She didn't ask her anything and didn't interrupt her story. And when she cried off to sleep, she knew her mother had came into her room to cover her. "Mom.." "Honey," she looked up from the newspaper she was reading,"You're dressed up ?" "Yeah.. I'm.. I'm going to see him." "You're going to see.. Mulder ? Scully smiled. When she told everything in frustration last night, she had mentioned him as Fox. She twitched her lips and said,"No, mom, I'm going to see Fox." And she left. She knocked on his apartment door and heard a reply,"Come on in, Scully !" She pushed the door open and went inside. The apartment was in a great mess. It was clear that Mulder had some problems in packing. "Mulder ?" "In the bedroom, Scully !" Scully made her way through all the mess on the floor and went to the part of Mulder's place which she seldom saw. Her partner was standing beside his bed with a suitcase opened and a backpack on the floor. The other suitcase was on the floor too. The room was like a crashed ship. Scully went in to the `war-path.' "Need a hand, Mulder ?" Mulder shrugged and grinned at her,"What do you think ?" Scully went closer to him and laid her hand on a sky blue shirt. "Two suitcases and a backpack ? That's all ?" "Yeah, I wanted to discuss it with you. Can I deposit my stuffs at your apartment ? I mean, things I can't bring with me, but still need them somehow ?" "What things ?" she widened her eyes. "That aquarium, that's one. Please take care of my fish while I'm gone, like you always did." Scully wondered if he knew what he was talking about. "Mulder, I did that everytime you left temporary." "So ? Why can't you do it now ?" "Mulder, you're not leaving for temporary, you're leaving for.." her voice died in her throat and she made up her mind to say it,".. forever." "That's why I ask you to keep my stuffs," he put the shirts in the suitcase,"So that I have a reason to come back... and to see you." Scully turned away, not daring to meet his eyes. "Just name them, and I'll take care of them for you," she muttered. She helped him packing until the rest of the day. Mulder will put the two suitcases in the plane bagage, and kept his backpack with him in the cabin. Scully told him to put a pair of clothes as a spare in the backpack, in case something went wrong with the bagage. "Leave my toothbrush and shaving kit, I still need them tonight and tomorrow morning," he instructed when she went to the bathroom to get his shaving-kit. Scully was obliged to sit on the suitcase in order to shut and lock it. The other one was still opened with some spaces for some forgotten things. Scully sat on the locked suitcase and watched Mulder zipped his backpack. "Well, I guess there're no space left for me," she pulled her lips to a forced smile. "DHL cargo can supply a big box with holes for you to breathe," he grinned. Scully smiled and turned her face away. The sun had set a couple of hours ago, letting the moon to take over. Mulder went beside her and sat on the floor. He didn't want to risk his suitcase broken if he sat on it. He took her hand and placed it on his shoulder. He squeezed it and kissed her fingers. She stared at the floor, blank expression. Mulder pulled her down and settled her between his legs. He hugged her. Scully didn't react. She didn't hug him back. She just sat there and leaned on his chest. Her head rested on his shoulder and she breathed in his neck. They remained like that for a long time. "Dana, aren't you hungry ? We didn't have lunch, did we ?" "I don't know," she murmured. "What would you like to eat ?" "Nothing. I'm not hungry." "Dana, you need to eat." he loosened his hug and lifted her chin to face him. "Come on, let's go out and find something." He stood and pulled her to her feet. She didn't refuse but didn't agree either. He took her coat and held the door for her. The night air was a little chilly. Mulder reached out to open the car door, but Scully held his hand to stop him. Mulder glanced at her with a big question mark on his face. "Can we just walk ?" she begged him. Mulder nodded,"Sure." She wrapped her arms around his and leaned on him as they started walking down the road. Mulder squeezed her hand. He led her to a small cosy 24-hours cafetaria. They sat down face to face at the corner. Mulder ordered a portion of chicken nuggets and fries, and a large iced tea. Then the cute young waiter turned to Scully to mention her order. "The mushroom cream soup, I guess." "And ?" "No, that's all." "Scully !" "Mulder, I told you I'm not hungry.." "Hungry or not is your brain telling. But you can't leave your stomach empty." "Eeww.. Do you think so, Doctor Mulder ?" "Order something else." "Okay, the tuna salad, but that would be all." Mulder sat back and watched her in disagreement. "And the drink, Miss ?" the cute waiter asked. "An iced tea will be fine. Small one, please." The waiter left and Mulder took some toothpicks to play with. Scully took four of them. "Make a monkey on a bike, Mulder." Mulder raised his brows. "A monkey ? On a bike ?" "Yup, with only four toothpicks." Mulder knitted his brows now, and tried to figure out how. He removed the picks here and there and finally gave up. Scully giggled helplessly and she went beside him to solve the problem. She arranged the four picks ia a cross. "Here, help me. Hold this horizontal part while I arrange the vertical one," she instructed. Mulder, innocently, held the horizontal part with his both hands. Scully sat back and smiled broadly. "Well, here it is ! This is the bike," she pointed to the toothpicks,"and this is the monkey," she pointed to him. Mulder watched her in disbelieve and it took him several seconds before he could react. He grabbed her shoulder and held her head while his other hand stroke her hair to a complete mess. "Starbuck !!" She lifted her face and smiled so innocently,"What, Ahab ?" The waiter came with their orders. They began to eat and joked about their meal. Mulder had made Scully to finish her orders to the last crumb and pushed her to take some fries of his. When she refused, he went beside her, placed his arm around her to hold her chin up as he stuffed her mouth with fries. "Just like when I made Queequec took his medecine !" protested Scully. "You asked for it !" he replied. "Dana, you have to eat properly. Now, who will take care of that while I'm away ?" "Myself, Mulder. I'm a big girl." "Really. Now, who's going to guarantee that ?" "Mulder..." she said in a warning tone. "No Dana, I mean it. You really have to take care of yourself. I don't want anything to happen to you while I'm not here." Scully was strucked by his words. She had completely forgotten. Her cancer. Eversince she was given the "death-sentence" she had always thought of living the rest of her time, no matter short or long, with Fox Mulder. And now he had to leave. What if anything happened while he wasn't beside her ? They finished their meal quietly afterwards. Then Mulder took her hand and they walked out. "Where do you want to go, now ?" "Anywhere." "Anywhere ?" "As long as with you." Mulder pulled her and they walked off. Scully felt suddenly embarrassed. She had just realized that she had clearly shown him her feelings for him. Was it a wise thing to do ? Maybe it was, considering he was leaving in the next twenty-four hours. But what if she was just fooling herself all this time ? She was sure that he loved her. He wouldn't have done all he had done to her if he didn't love her. He wouldn't have shown up at her bed at 2 in the morning just to soothe her with a lullaby. There had been so much that he had done for her all these five years. Too much to say that he didn't love her. He loved her. But if he did, why didn't he response to her words ? Scully began to doubt everything again. It was right. Mulder didn't really express anything. She lifted her face and watched his face. She didn't know where he was taking her. She didn't want to know. She trusted him. And she knew that he wouldn't do her any harm. Mulder led her back to his apartment building. He took Scully's car key from his pocket and paused to look at the Apollo 11 keychain before unlocking the door and held it for her. Scully adjusted her seatbelt. She glanced at him, wondering what he has in mind. Where was she taking her ? She didn't care. As long as she could be with him.. xxx part 2 stops here.. xxxxx This was frustrating. I've written a half of this part and saved it. Then I wrote the other half and guess what, the power was cut just when I finished !! And I had to rewrite it again ! Thank God I haven't lost the inspiration... Shall I continue this story ? xxxxx GETTING CLOSER chapter 7: The Farewell (3/5) by Deisy erness@indo.net.id Disclaimer: Come on, be a pet, see it in the part 1. Rating : PG Category : S - R Keyword : Mulder/Scully - romance (as if there were anything else..) Summary : With the rumors spreaded about Mulder and Scully having a love affair, the Bureau makes Skinner to shut down the X Files Division, and separate the two Agents away. (3/5): Scully's birthday, the D-day. xxxxx When Mulder finally stopped and turned down the engine, she widened her eyes to see her apartment building. She couldn't hold herself anymore. "Why are you taking me home ?" Mulder returned her look,"You said you'd go anywhere with me." Scully didn't understand him and tried to conceal her disappointement.. "Okay." She went out of the car. Mulder jumped out and met her. "Dana, I know we're both grown-ups, but.. it's almost midnight." "So ?" she stared at her blankly, her arms folded on her stomach. "Let's get in, okay ? It's chilly here," he put his hand on the small of her back and led her into her apartment building. He opened the door with his key and held the door for her. When he followed her in, Scully widened her eyes with a big question mark on her face. . "Can I have some coffee, Dana ?" She was annoyed by Mulder's behavior but said nothing. This was their last night together, and she decided to profit it the best. "Sure," she said and went to the kitchen. Mulder went to the livingroom and sat on the couch. The room was dark and he reached out to turn on the table lamp. Scully went in and handed him a mug. He received it with a smile, and she went to her bedroom. Scully turned on the lamp on her dressing table and look at her pale face. She ran her fingers through her hair and took off her blazer and her shoes. Then she went to the bathroom to splash some water to her face. It refreshed her, but she couldn't help feeling sleepy. It was midnight, anyway. She walked out to the livingroom and went to Mulder. She saw his coffee was half-finished. "Would you like anything else, Sir ?" she asked him as she stood in front of him on the couch. Mulder smiled and nodded. "Yeah.." "What's that ?" "You." Scully's heart missed a pulse. Mulder grabbed her hand and pulled her down gently. He settled her on his lap and wrapped his arms around her tightly. She laid comfortably on him and closed her eyes. Mulder soothed her back and she clung on to his shirt. "Get some sleep, Dana," he whispered close in her ear. Scully was already drifted to the land of dreams. xxx Mulder opened his eyes early in the morning and found himself sleeping on the floor, leaning on to Scully's bed. Her pretty face was so damn close to his. He sat up and rubbed his eyes. He remembered carrying her to her bed when she fell asleep on his lap last night. After covering her with a blanket and putting Fox Bear in her arms, he didn't remember anything else. He managed to stand up and went out of the room silently. Scully woke up a long time after. She was puzzled to find herself on her comfortable and warm bed with Fox Bear in her arms. She blinked her eyes and rubbed the sand away. , she managed to sit. , she began to wonder if it was only a dream. But the next second she was sure that she wasn't dreaming. Mulder entered the room with a tiny cake with a candle on top of it. He chanted, happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Dana, many happiness too... He sat on the edge of the bed and placed the cake in front of her. He grinned. "Make a wish.." Scully looked at him with mixed feelings in her heart. Surprised, happy, delighted, unbelieving, silly, all in one. But she gathered them up and closed her eyes as she made her wish and shuffled the candle. Mulder leaned forward and kissed her rosy cheek. "Happy birthday, Sweetie." Scully blushed and bent her face. "I can't believe you made this," she meant the cake. Mulder laughed. "Save the compliments until you taste it, Sweetie." He had a knife with him and handed it to Scully. "Go on." Scully cut the tiny cake, and took a piece of it. She tasted it and raised her brows high. "Mulder, you didn't..." "I did," he grinned widely. Scully giggled and started laughing helplessly. Mulder looked at her in amusement,"What ?" "I can't imagine Mom's face," she kept giggling,"I can't imagine her face when you ask her the recipe ! Fox, you're nuts ! When did you ask her ?" "Well," he tried to think,"I think it was when you had your leg plastered. I told her that the cake was marvellous and if she could teach me how to make it." Scully burst to laughter again. "What did she say ?" She couldn't imagine at all. "Well, she raised her brows until her hairline, and stared at me as if I told her I dated Cindy Crawford." He served himself a cut and munched it. "But then she started telling me what to do and what to use." Scully kept laughing and Mulder tucked a piece of cake between her lips. They both laughed and Mulder crawled beside her and leaned on his elbow. The telephone rang. Scully was about to reach for her cordless but Mulder was faster. He grabbed the cordless and pointing his index finger to her nose. "Mademoiselle, you're not allowed to do anything today, not even answering the phone." He turned to the cordless and answered it, "Hello." The voice from the other side shocked him. "Fox, is that you ?" A puzzled-but-excited tone. Mulder was stunned and found it hard to swallow,"Mrs Scully." Scully widened her eyes when she heard this. Her face turned bright red and she gripped her blanket nervously. What would her mother think about his being here so early !! "Well, I guess I'm not the first to wish her a Happy Birthday this year," she said with a teasing voice. She knew Mulder would love to sink into the earth right now so she continued right away,"Can you pass me to Dana, Fox ?" "Oh, sure. Here she is." He gave the cordless to Dana who received it and traced a finger across her neck with a smirk on her face. Mulder shrugged, returning her look. "Hi, Mom ?" "Happy birthday, Sweetheart." "Thanks, Mom." "So this is what Fox asked me the cake recipe for, I guess." "Exactly, Mom. He made a marvellous one this morning, tastes just like yours." "Oh he's a fast learner." Mulder watched her in confusion. Scully smiled to comfort him and ended the conversation with a punch on the TALK button. "A big hug for you, Fox Dear,"she put the cordless back on the base. "She's coming over this afternoon." "That's good, then I can say goodbye to her." Scully's face darkened. . "I need to get some things from our office," he said in a low tone. Then he sat and grabbed her both hands. "But it can wait til much later. Now, mademoiselle, you're the queen of the day. You will just sit here all day and I'll be at your service." And he meant it. He served her anything she wanted. He made her toasts and pancakes, and practically brought the whole unit to her bed, complete with the jams and sugar. He massaged her shoulder when she said something about feeling tired. He did the dishes while she took a shower. And when he went back to her room and saw her brushing her hair, he took the brush from her hand and continued it for her. He arranged the auburn strands neatly, but then stroke it again. Scully squealed and pushed him away uselessly and he would rearrange her hair again and again. He ordered her a large bouquet of dark red and pink roses. Scully gasped as he put the bouquet on her lap from her back and gently kissed her cheek. He had made several things to munched while they spent the rest of the hours talking on her bed. She laid on her side while Mulder played his fingers in her hair. ".. and Missy told the entire girls in school about it ! He deserved it ! Nobody wanted to go out with him afterwards." "Fair punishment. Boys. They boasted on their sexual relationship." Scully snorted. "What about you ? Did you boast too ?" "Me ? Really Dana, how could you think of me like that ! I've always been a good boy." "Sure, Fox," she said in disbelieving tone. They laughed. Mulder grabbed Fox Bear from her and squeezed it in his arms. "I remember winning a teddy bear for Sam." "You did ?" "Yeah, throwing balls at the cans. Hey you know what Dana, we forgot to do something in the fanfare." "What ?" "Got our pictures taken." Scully burst laughter. "Mulder, you're nuts !" "No I'm not," he leaned on his elbow,"It's something important to have a momento on something. Anyway I have one picture of us together.." "What picture." "The polaroid one Kat took in your mother's Christmas dinner." Scully rooled over and burrowed her face on the matress. "That little pest." "Oh no, Sweetie, she's cute." Scully turned her face. "Only when she's aleep." "And when she's dancing." "Whatever." They talked about a lot of unimportant things. Things they had never thought before. The other sides of them which were still concealed. Memories from teenage years, first dates, first boyfriend and girlfriend, they laughed at the silliest joke, and both wished that the world would just stop turning and leaving them two on this precious moment. The sound of the clock reminded them that it was one o'clock. They closed their eyes regretfully and Mulder sat up on the bed, he pulled her up. If they wanted to go to the office for Mulder to get his things, they had better leave now. Or they wouldn't have enough time for anything else. So Mulder drove Scully's car and they went to the Headquarters. They were silent as the elevator went all the way down to the basement. Mulder opened the office door and paused. . He went in and went to his corner. He had a box with him. Scully helped him. She touched things and asked him if he would take it or leave it. And to her surprise, Mulder's most answers were,"No, just keep it for me." Now, she was going to have her apartment loaded with his stuffs. Mulder looked at his `I want to Believe' poster. He turned at Scully. She was putting his mousepad into the box. "Do you want to keep this poster, Dana ?" Scully turned at him and grinned. "And put it in my bedroom ?" Mulder grinned back. He brought the poster down and rolled it. He slipped it into the box which would go to Scully. "You know this office had changed much since that day." Scully looked up from whatever she was doing. "What day ?" "The day you showed up at that door, saying that you were assigned to the X-Files, and to me." "It's ages ago." "Seems like yesterday to me." "Really ? Wow, how can a five-year time shrinks to fit into one night ?" "Good question." By the time, the opened door was knocked and a head popped in. "Hey, Agents Mulder and Scully ! Packing ?" "Just grabbing a few things. Dana's not going to leave til next week anyway." Scully was sorry to see the look in Pendrell's eyes when he heard Mulder called her first name. She was going to say something to alter it, but Mulder went to her and said,"Are you okay with that box, Sweetie ? I'm sure it's quite heavy. I'll carry it to the car for you." Agent Pendrell murmured something about going somewhere and left them hurriedly. Scully glared at Mulder in disbelief,"Why did you act like that in front of him, Mulder ?" "Well, it wasn't enough. You didn't play along. You should have called me Fox." "What are you thinking of ?!" "Sweetie, you called him Alan in front of me.." "I didn't ! I was just using his name ! I've never called him Alan, not even when you're not around !" "I hope so." "Mulder !" she stamped her foot involuntarily. "I'm leaving this place by next week, and I won't see him again. I don't want to leave bad memories in him." "So why don't you just go with him for a farewell dinner, with candlelight and dance ?" "Mulder what are you talking about ?!" "Oh you don't want to go with him ? What about going with me then ? But I warn you, it's not a farewell dinner, but it'll be your birthday dinner." Scully raised her brows. Her anger was turned to amazement. "I'll take you home after this, and pick you up later at.. 6:30 ?After dinner you can drop me at the airport." "Well," Scully got her voice back,"than it is a farewell dinner." "Whatever. Would please you go with me, Sweetie ?" "Yes I would, Fox." xxx stop here and take a rest before going to part 4. xxxxx I've just seen the Paper Hearts episode. And I've been amused by the "MSR war" in this fanfic recently. My personal opinion is (despite my MSR fics), I totally agree with Chris Carter to keep the two main character platonic. I like them transferring their love to each other through the eyes and simple touches. I think it symbolizes something much bigger and sacred, than if they break into a kiss. This kind of relationship will show us how deeply they need each other, and how much they care about each other. I used to like Lois and Clark. But after they got married, it becomes bare and usual. If Mulder and Scully should get married (once again, despite my MSR fics), it has to be at the end of the series, at its last episode. That's what I think. xxxxx GETTING CLOSER chapter 7: The Farewell (4/5) by Deisy erness@indo.net.id Disclaimer: Do I have to type it again, you know they're not mine.. Rating : PG Category : S - R Keyword : Mulder/Scully - romance (as if there were anything else..) Summary : With the rumors spreaded about Mulder and Scully having a love affair, the Bureau makes Skinner to shut down the X Files Division, and separate the two Agents away. (4/5): the birthday / farewell dinner. xxxxx Scully looked at her reflection in the mirror. She wasn't feeling confident with the dress she was wearing. Actually the dark red silk dress suited her perfectly. "Sweetheart, you look so beautiful !" Her mother entered her room. Scully sigh in experation. "Mom, you speak as if I'm going to a school prom for the first time." "Well, you seem to." Scully stared at her mother through the mirror. "What do you mean ?" "You're nervous, Honey." "Mom !" she cried desperately. Her mother laughed. "It's okay Honey, you look pretty in that dress. What earrings are you wearing ?" Scully pointed to a pair of small dark red roses earrings on her dressing table. Next to it was her heart necklace. Mrs Scully recognized it. They spent three hours at the office clearing up. Scully still left most of her stuffs as she wouldn't leave til next Monday. Mulder had dropped the things he wasn't taking with him to Scully's apartment. Scully took her necklace and paused. She glanced at the two boxes beside her bed. The simple and familiar knock at the door startled her. She took a sharp glance at the clock and gasped. 6:30 already ! She put on her necklace and earrings while she heard her mother went to answer the door. "Fox ! Hi, come in. Dana will be ready in a minute. Dana ! Fox's here !" Dana sprayed her perfume to the back of her neck and her wrists. She slipped into her heels and paused at her door. She overheard Mulder saying goodbye to her mother. She bit her lips and made up her mind to go out and face whatever would happen. She stepped out of her bedroom. Mulder turned at her and was spellbound. She was like a blooming rose, petite and elegant. Her eyes were beautifully accentuated by the eyeliner. The crystal green balls which always showed her intellectuality arrogance, confidence, defiance, dignity. But tonight Mulder could see nothing like any of those. All he saw there was nohing but love, solitude, and a need of someone to protect her. And God knew how Mulder would die to protect her. He licked his lips to be able to speak. "You look.. ravissante, Dana." Scully smiled gratefully in relieve. She had always convinced herself that she wasn't beautiful and her body was nothing compared to the girls in his videos. So if Mulder should love her, it wasn't her physical appearance, she was sure. But what then ? Mulder swallowed a lump. His eyes pierced through hers and found her true beauty there. Her intellegence, her tender words, her caring heart, all mixed together to express an inner beauty. He knew her body was no competition of Samantha Waters'. But it wasn't her body that had melted his heart all this time. He wished he could tell her that. Scully, examining his new look, murmured, "Why did you have your hair cut ?" Mulder rubbed the back of his ear. "Because I don't know if I'll find a good barber there." Scully snorted a laughter. "Are you ready to go ?" She nodded. Mulder turned at Mrs Scully. "If you excuse us, Mrs Scully.." "Take care of you, Fox," Mrs Scully hugged the tall man and kissed his cheek. "I'm hoping to see you again soon." "Me too, Mrs Scully. Thank you for everything." "For what ? You know you're a part of our family, Fox, you're my son." Mulder smiled. . He took his coat and held the door for Dana. "Goodbye, Mrs Scully." "See you later, Mom." "Goodbye, Fox, and have a nice time, Sweetheart." Mrs Scully closed the door and locked it after the pair left. She leaned her back on the door, and sighed. xxx It was indeed hard for both of them. They had kept silent in the car. Scully felt a sharp pain in her heart when she caught a glimpse of Mulder's luggages at the back of the car. Mulder shot a look from the corner of his eyes to Scully's apartment building, knowing that he wouldn't be able to see it for a time. Mulder was to take her to dine in a cafe shop of a grand hotel. This was a really special occassion. He offered her his arm and she smiled gratefully as she slipped her hand. They stepped into the big lobby. Mulder had a place reserved and they were seated. They made their orders and the waiter left. Scully looked around the room. There were not so many people because it wasn't a weekend. "Dana.." Scully turned at him. Her questioning eyes turned into amazed ones when Mulder handed her a single white rose, half-bloomed. The white was so clean and pure. Like an innocent virgin. Mulder put a small parcel on her plate. "Happy birthday, Sweetie." Scully's eyes widened. She didn't expect to receive anything after being spoilt by him the whole day. She put down the rose and touched the pack. "Can I open it ?" "If you like to." Scully unwrapped the paper neatly and folded the giftwrap beside her plate. She opened the box and pulled the inside. Her eyes were stucked on a little silver music-box. Scully ran her fingertip on the lid and felt the beautiful and neat carving of a cressent-moon and several stars. She opened the lid and a short familiar melody flew out. She couldn't tell from what song the melody was taken, but it didn't matter. It was so small that she could bring it everywhere inside her pocket. She closed the lid and turned the silver box upside down and felt a marking on the bottom. It took her several times before realising that it was a DF with a small heart in between. Her cheek blushed. He must have this specially engraved. "Do you like it, Sweetie ?" "Fox, it's beautiful." She looked up to meet his eyes and determined herself to bring the music-box everywhere she went, and would listened to the melody everytime she missed him. She reached out for her purse, she had something for him too. But the mood was broken by the arrival of their orders. They began to eat and Scully decided to give it at the airport. After finishing their main course, Mulder stood up and offered his hand,"May I have this dance, Dana ?" Scully took an interval by looking into his hazel eyes before putting her hand in his. He led her to the dance floor where several couples were dancing. The pianist played one of Richard Clayderman's ballads. Mulder pulled her close. They could feel each other's warm breath. Scully was practically looking at his shirt as she couldn't bare returning Mulder's look which pierced her mind so deeply. "Dana, keep in touch, okay ?" "As soon as you get a server, e-mail me," she replied, still avoiding eye-contact. "That's the first thing I'd do," he pressed his hand at the back of her neck and plant a kiss in her hair. She closed her eyes and laid her head on his shoulder while he burrowed his face in her hair. "You're a good dancer, Mulder," she tried to speak normally, to alter her loneliness. "I've told you I used to be a marvellous waltzer," he smiled. "Yeah, but did you expect me to believe you ?" "Okay, I'll prove it." He let her off and walked to the pianist. He said something to him and he said something back. Scully twisted her brows trying to figure out what they were discussing about. Mulder went back to her, grinning fullysatisfied. "What did you tell him ?" "You'll see." He took her hand and bowed deeply. "Mademoiselle, dansez avec moi, je vous prie." Scully bended her knee and bowed in return. "Avec plaisir, Monsieur." Mulder pulled her at once as the piano tuned the Strauss's Valse d'Acceleration. She giggled helplessly as Mulder led the steps. Turning and turning, they swept the dance floor and slowly, the other couples began to step back to give them a space in the middle. Mulder smiled in excitement as he lifted her. Scully felt so thrilled. Mulder really was a great dancer. She didn't really mastered the advanced waltz as he did, but he led her so carefully and precisely so she could follow his steps. She could float in the rythm of the music, one-two-three.. two-two-three.. the waltz melody. The music ended and everybody clapped and cheered them. Scully blushed. Mulder wrapped her both hands in his and pressed them to his chest. "Mademoisellle, vous avez tres bien danse," and he bent down and kissed her rosy cheek. Scully smiled,"Grace a vous, Monsieur.. Oh stop it, Mulder, when are we going to stop acting like this," she laughed. "When ? Well.. when you stop calling me Mulder." The pianist had started playing another soft instrumental again and he settled her to move with him in the music. "Okay, I'll stop it right now.. Spooky," she grinned. Mulder grinned back in exhalation and brought her into his arms. But she pulled back and refused. "Can we sit a little ?" "Sure, let's order some dessert." Mulder ordered a chocolate cake with strawberry topping and Scully choosed chocolate mousse. They joked about their orders and exchanged a spoonful of each. After they're both finished, Mulder took her hand on the table. Their eyes met and Scully lowered hers to their entangled hands. "Dana, would you please dance with me again, one last time.." Scully was stunned. The word `one last time' seemed so painful and enough to draw tears in her eyes. But she blinked to chase them away and forced her lips to smile and she stood up and followed him to the dance floor. The music was floating in the romantic atmosphere. Mulder brought her into his arms. Scully obeyed him. She placed her hand on the round of his shoulder, and encircled the other around his neck. She sighed as she nestled her head on his chest. Mulder wrapped her tightly and snuggled his head against hers. They knew that the clock was ticking away the time. And it was time to go to catch the boarding time. Mulder caressed her soft auburn hair and and whispered in her ear,"Dana.." "Mmm..?" "It's time to leave, Sweetie.." "Mm.. I know." She sighed as she lifted her head and met his eyes. She saw hesitation in his eyes, as if he waited her to decide how to react. She decided to smile because otherwise she would cry. And she didn't want him to see her cry. Mulder pulled his lips and tried to return the smile. He led her back to their table. After getting his credit card returned, they walked out. xxx At the lobby Mulder paused and took her both hands. "Normally I would ask you to wait here while I ger the car, but.. this time, Dana, would you mind walking with me to the car ?" Scully looked into his eyes. It was an oratoric question. Of course she would go with him. Even if there were an 8-Richter's-scale-earthquake, she would go with him. She opened her mouth and said meekly,"Is it far ?" Mulder smiled broadly and they both laughed. They fell into a silent smile afterwards. Mulder lowered and bent down as he touched her lips with his. Scully froze. His lips were soft and warm. She felt a sharp pain in her heart. She loved him and she could feel his love for her. She had been unsure before but lately, she began to realize. She could see it clearly. Even he hadn't kissed her, she still knew. But now he was going to leave. Scully felt the tears welled up in her eyes. She tried to chase them but failed. One teardrop ran down along her cheek, and before Mulder could react, she turned away. "Come on, then," she said, her voice shaking. She walked straight and rub her tears quickly. Mulder sighed and caught up with her steps. He placed his hand at her lower back and led her to the car. He opened and closed the door for her, and then they set off towards the airport. They were silent. Mulder occasionally spotted her from the corner of his eyes. He had a few regrets in his heart. He hadn't really planned to kiss her to express his feelings. He hadn't really wanted to let her know. He loved her, for heaven and earth, and he knew, yes he knew, that she loved him too. But he couldn't promise her anything. He didn't want her to wait for him, to wait for something unsure. When he would declare his love to her, he wanted to be sure, that he could hold and cherish her for the rest of her life. He wanted to be sure that he could always be there for her. Right now, there was nothing he could say. He couldn't give any word. He only hoped that she would believe. Scully shifted on her seat. Her eyes were set blankly to the windshield. Mulder glanced at her and sighed. He reached out and took her hand from her lap. He felt her squeezing his in return. He let off her hand and put his arm around her shoulders. He gave her a slight pull, inviting her to lean on him. Their eyes met and he pulled her again. Scully adjusted her seatbelt and with a sigh, she leaned onto him and settled into the curve of his body. They amazingly fitted into each other. They both saw the direction sign of the airport. Mulder bit his lower lip and wished that the road would just go to no end. But the time kept running and the world kept turning. They both realized that as the saw the airport in a distant. xxx part 4 ends.. are you tired ? xxxxx I'll never finish this story !! It's 36 hours prior to the end of my holiday !! :( xxxxx GETTING CLOSER chapter 7: The Farewell (5/5) by Deisy erness@indo.net.id Disclaimer: Do I have to type it again, you know they're not mine.. Rating : PG Category : S - R Keyword : Mulder/Scully - romance (as if there were anything else..) Summary : With the rumors spreaded about Mulder and Scully having a love affair, the Bureau makes Skinner to shut down the X Files Division, and separate the two Agents away. (5/5): at the airport xxxxx They could see the control tower with its lights in the dark sky. Mulder pulled the car over the drive and parked it as close as possible so Scully wouldn't have to walk far. Scully stepped out and went to fetch a trolley for Mulder's luggages. He went directly to the airline counter to check in. He had his suitcases taken care to the plane's bagage and obtained his boarding pass. Then he adjusted his backpack on his shoulders and walked towards Scully who waited for him patiently. "Got the boarding pass," he said, waving that valuable piece of cartoon in the air. Scully smiled but turned her face away,"That's great. No over-weight problem ?" "No," he dropped his backpack on the floor and slipped the boarding pass in his pocket. "The boarding time will be announced in a few minutes." "Hmm.." She could feel the pain in her palms as she dug her nails. Then she remembered that she had something to give him. She felt for her purse and pulled out a small parcel. She handed it to him,"Here, for you not to forget me." . Mulder accepted it with a smile. He unwrapped it carefully and inside was a silver coin, divided in two same parts.. The coin was four centimeters in diameter and about 2 milimeters thick. The carving was neat and detail. Mulder smiled at it. "Keep one for yourself and give the other part to someone you treasure most. That's a promise to see each other again, you see, you two have to reunite the two parts." Mulder took one half and studied it closely. "Why did you choose this for me ?" Scully's tongue was tied. . "Well, err.. maybe someday you'll be back in States and that you'll leave someone.. important, in England,"she swallowed and didn't dare to look at him,"So you can give it to her, or whoever it is..." Mulder had noticed her gestures as she was giving her reason, and any fool would know that she wasn't teeling something from her heart. He squeezed the half and transfered his warmth to it. Then he took her hand and put the half coin on it. Scully's heart jolted to a stop, but when she looked up at him and met his eyes, it pounded again steadily. Mulder wrapped her fingers around the coin then he squeezed her hand. "Keep it for me." Scully's tears welled up to her eyes and she could hardly nodded. Mulder's face got blurred. She blinked helplessly to chase the tears away, but failed. Mulder lowered and kissed her again. Their lips met for a second, and a teardown ran down her cheek, followed by the others. Mulder sticked his forehead to hers and looked into her eyes. He held her face on her chin because she kept refusing to look back at him. "Wait for me, Dana.. please ?" "Attention, please. All passengers of British Airways flight number 634 destination London, please aboard the plane now through Gate C4.. Passengers..." The voice of the announcer shocked them and they involuntarily turned at the loudspeaker. Scully intensed her grip on his shirt and ducked her head into his chest. Mulder tighten his arms around her and kissed her hair deeply. He knew he was going to miss the floral sweet odor. He closed his eyes, preventing his tears to escape. The announcer reannouced the boarding call again, and Mulder hardly released her. He pressed the back of her neck and kissed her forehead. "I'm gonna miss you," he whispered. Scully couldn't say anything back. Her tongue was tied and her throat was blocked. Mulder took his hands off her and took his backpack. He turned away and was going to leave when Scully finally got her voice back and called out,"Fox.." Mulder paused and glanced at her. "Take care of you.." He smiled. "You too, Sweetie." The he turned back to the way he was heading to. Scully watched him as he walked farther and farther from her. He entered the gate and disappeared. Disappeared. Scully sighed and closed her eyes. Her hand slipped into her pocket and felt the tiny music box. She took it out and opened the lid. Tears ran down her eyes as she heeard the melody. She wiped away her tears and swallowed. She held her head up as she decided to go home. She would be able to go through this, she convinced herself. xxx Assistant Director Walter Skinner had been watching the two persons from behind a pillar. He had driven by to the airport and was hoping to say Goodbye to Mulder. But as he arrived, he saw both of them there, and he knew that he wasn't expected in that situation. He stood by the pillar and watched them. His heart was aching when he saw their tearful farewell. He stood still there, long after Scully had left. Finally he could convince himself that he was innocent, and he wasn't the one who made the decision. And he decided to leave. xxxxx End of Chapter 7 xxxxx Now is the time we say goodbye I see tears start falling from your eyes I hear them call, it's time to go oh Girl I know, I'm gonna miss you so.. No matter where I go no matter what I do deep down in my heart I'll still be close to you cause when the night is long still I'll keep holding on knowing that you're thinking of me too I'll never forget you.. You stepped away into the night the pain inside, it cuts me like a knife we'll meet again, it's meant to be each road you choose will lead you back to me.. xxx Don't scream ! Just e-mail me kindly at erness@indo.net.id. I'll go on with Chapter 8 now.. Don't worry, they'll meet again. It's meant to be.. xxxxx