From: Kris Harnage Date: Mon, 21 Dec 1998 10:34:13 -0800 (PST) Subject: "Salt Lake City Series: The Gift" (6/6); SRA; PG-13 TITLE: Salt Lake City Series: The Gift AUTHOR: Katwoman DATE WRITTEN: 22 July 1998 E-MAIL: kris_harnage@yahoo.com FEEDBACK: Let me hear from you people, please! I really do live for feedback! Sad, isn't it? DISTRIBUTION: Sure. Fine. Wherever. Just let me know! RATING: PG-13 CATEGORY: SRA SPOILERS: US5 up to and including "The End" KEYWORDS: Mulder/Scully Romance and Angst SUMMARY: Scully and Mulder are finally in the same city, but can their newfound happiness last? Part VI -- final installment -- of the "Salt Lake City Series." DISCLAIMER: Dana Scully and Fox Mulder belong to Chris Carter, Ten Thirteen Productions and 20th Century FOX. The song "The Gift" was recorded by Collin Raye and was written by Jim Brickman. No copyright infringement is intended on either part. Once again, I'm leaving out part of a song that doesn't fit the situation. Specifically, I'm leaving out the first four lines of this song, since my story doesn't take place during winter. COMMENTS: Here's Part VI, the big finale of my "Salt Lake City Series." As always, please keep in mind -- this one takes place after the Season Five Finale, but before the movie. The premise is "What if Scully had been sent to Salt Lake City immediately after the fire, rather than later?" In other words, the X-Files are still closed, Mulder and Scully are no longer partners, she did not resign and the now infamous "Hallway Scene" from the movie has not happened. Got all that? Great! Then, read on ... DEDICATION: To Simon "The Critic" for faithful feedback on each installment of this series. After Part II, you asked me to "drag this out," so I did. I appreciate all your encouraging words, and I'm glad you enjoyed the angst more than some others did. I hope you're happy with the ending I came up with. This one's for you! And a special thanks to Shannon, as always, for her wonderful editing! "SALT LAKE CITY SERIES: THE GIFT" (6/6) By Katwoman ******************************************************* >>Sitting by the fire we made You're the answer when I prayed I would find someone And baby I found you All I want is to hold you forever All I need is you more every day You saved my heart From being broken apart You gave your love away And I'm thankful every day For the gift<< ******************************************************* "Don't tell me I've flown cross-country to see you, and you're not even going to look at me." "I'm afraid to open my eyes -- afraid you're just a figment of my imagination." "Scully, does this feel like a figment of your imagination?" Mulder asked, running his hand up her inner thigh. His touch sent a shiver throughout her body. Finally, she opened her eyes and looked at him. "But you're ... I don't ... how?" she asked, stumbling over her words. "I went to see Skinner and requested a week off. I couldn't stand it anymore," he told her, his hand still on her thigh. "I had to see you." "But how did you find me here?" she asked, placing her hand on his and caressing his fingers. Scully's touch elicited a tingling sensation in Mulder. He could hardly concentrate on the conversation. "Your, uh ... neighbor, Dana, told me. She heard me pounding on your door. I think she was afraid I was going to break it down," he said with a chuckle. "Oh Mulder, this is too good to be true," Scully said, sliding her arms around him and hugging him tight. "Hey, hey ... don't squeeze the life out of me. I have too much to live for now," he said, hugging her back. "And you're wrong, Scully." "I am?" she asked, pulling away and looking into his shining eyes. "Yes. This is *just* good enough to be true," he corrected her. "Sometimes good things *do* happen to good people." "You're right, Mulder. And I don't think anyone deserves this more than we do right now," she said, sitting back, but still holding his hand. "Yep," he agreed. "We've been through far too much. It's time for us to experience a little happiness." Mulder then gently took his hand from Scully's and put his arm around her, pulling her close. She rested her head on his shoulder and let out a sigh. "You don't know how long I've waited for this," she said. "Oh, I think I do," he said, squeezing her lightly. They sat on the bench for a while, holding each other and watching the fountain. After about 20 minutes, Mulder broke the comfortable silence that had settled between them. "Are you ready to head back?" "Um ... I guess so," Scully answered a bit hesitantly. She knew what was about to happen between them and, as excited as she was with anticipation, she was also a bit nervous. Mulder read her thoughts. He turned toward her and looked deeply into her eyes. "Scully, we don't have to jump into anything you're not ready for," he said to her softly. "We can take things as slow as you need. I want this to be perfect for you -- for both of us." His compassionate words calmed her nerves considerably. "I appreciate that, Mulder, but I'm not nervous anymore. I want this as much as you do." Still staring deeply into her beautiful eyes, he took her hands in his. "Are you sure?" "I've never been more sure. How about you?" "Scully, you may not know it ... but right now, you're the most wanted woman on the planet." She laughed softly. "Oh, you *are* good for my ego, Mulder. I love you." "I love you, too, Scully." They stood and walked back to her apartment, arm-in-arm. They stopped long enough for him to retrieve his bag from her neighbor, then hurried inside. Once in the door, though, their urgency was suddenly gone. They were aware of nothing but each other. Mulder dropped his bag on the floor next to the front door, caught Scully by the arm and pulled her to him. "I've been waiting forever to do this," he said, gazing down at her. Scully bit her bottom lip and looked up at Mulder, unable to move under the surging heat of his gaze. Her heart was pounding, and she could tell by the way he was breathing, his was beating just as rapidly. He lowered his head at the same time she stood on tip toes, and their lips lightly touched. Their first kiss was a gentle one, sweet and simple. Suddenly, she reached around his neck and pulled him closer. His name was a sigh on her lips as he reclaimed them in a long, deep kiss that sent tremors through her heart. Finally, they parted and stood staring at one another. "Wow," was the "brilliant" response Mulder came up with. Scully chuckled. "You've had practice, Mulder." "You're not so bad yourself, Scully," he responded, then said it again. "Wow." "Um ... Mulder. Do you mind building a fire while I change into something more ..." "Comfortable?" he finished for her. "Provocative." "Now you're talking," he said, a big grin spreading across his face. "But isn't it a little warm for a fire?" "I'll turn up the air conditioning." "Isn't that kinda defeating the purpose?" he asked. "Well, you might find this silly, Mulder, but I've always dreamed of making love to you for the first time in front of a roaring fire." "Scully," he said, taking her hand and raising it to his lips. "Your wish is my command." He then kissed the back of her hand. She smiled at him. "Thank you, Mulder -- for everything." She then headed toward her bedroom to change. Mulder went to work building a fire, but didn't get very far. "Uh ... Scully -- where's the ignition switch?" Scully came back into the living room, still dressed but barefoot. She'd only gotten as far as taking off her shoes and socks. "It's right here," she said, showing him a small switch near the bottom of the wall next to a bookcase. "Ahh ... a secret panel," he said laughing. "Why don't you strike the match and hold it to the log, while I turn the switch?" Scully suggested. "OK." Mulder did exactly as told and soon the two logs were blazing. "Aren't gas logs great," Scully said, more a statement than a question. "Yep," Mulder said, smiling back at her. "I'll be back soon," she said, then disappeared back into the bedroom. ##### ******************************************************* >>Watching as you softly sleep What I'd give if I could keep Just this moment If only time stood still But the colors fade away And the years will make us grey But baby in my eyes You'll still be beautiful<< ******************************************************* While Scully changed, Mulder busied himself by lighting the vanilla candles she had throughout her living room. He then found some romantic CDs to put on random play in her stereo. He wanted everything to be just right. He took off his shoes, socks and gray T-shirt, leaving on only his jeans. "Scully, do you have any wine?" he called to her. "Yeah, I think there's a bottle in the refrigerator," she said loud enough for him to hear. "And glasses?" "Cabinet above the microwave." "OK." Mulder hurried into the kitchen to retrieve the wine and glasses, wanting to make it back to the living room before Scully. He did ... barely. Just as he was uncorking the wine, she emerged from the bedroom. His jaw dropped and the cork flew across the living room, just missing a candle. "Nice shot," she said, trying not to laugh. "Wow," was all Mulder could manage again. He'd seen Scully in her underwear on their very first case, and he'd played that memory in his mind many times in the past six years, but it did not prepare him for the vision before him. Scully stood by the fireplace, trying to look as seductive as possible, but she felt like she came across more silly than sexy. Mulder just stood, blinking, frozen in place. Scully was wearing a black silk negligee that clung to her breasts and hung just above her knees. It accented every contour and curve of her flawless figure. Her hair was tousled just a bit - looking much sexier than he'd ever seen it before. Her red hair and lips, green eyes and black slip of a nightgown made her satiny skin look even creamier. "God, you're beautiful," he breathed. She blushed, now unable to say anything herself. Mulder poured them each some wine, set down the bottle and picked up the glasses. He then handed her one. "Thank you -- for the compliment and the wine," Scully said, finding her voice again. "You're more than welcome," he answered. He took a few steps toward her and held out his glass. "Here's ... to us," he said. "To us," she repeated, clinking her glass to his. They both took a sip of wine, then he took her glass and set them both on the coffee table. Mulder turned back to Scully, who was staring at him. There were tears brimming in her eyes. "What's wrong? Are you OK?" he asked, a concerned look on his face. "Yes, I'm fine, Mulder. Perfect, actually. I just can't believe this is finally happening." "Believe it, Scully," he said, taking her hand. He kneeled on the throw blanket he'd placed on the floor in front of the fireplace, then gently pulled her down next to him. She lay down, and he stretched out next to her. "I want you, Scully," he said, looking down at her. "I want you so bad." "I want you, too, Mulder. I *need* you." And as they finally consummated their relationship, tears were shed and affirmations of love were voiced. After it was over, they fell asleep in each other's arms ... completely sated and exhausted. Scully woke hours later to find Mulder next to her, his arm across her chest. Sometime during the night, he had put out the fire and found a light blanket to cover them with. She lay there watching him sleep, wishing this moment would never end. God, she loved this man who was holding her. Never had Scully really allowed herself to believe that she would ever have Mulder's love in return or that they'd ever be together this way. She knew now, though, that they would always be together. They'd made that promise to one another, and she could feel it in her heart. With the lives they led, however, she didn't know if they were going to be lucky enough to grow old together. But she did know, as long as they were both alive, they'd never truly be apart again. They were joined together forever now. One soul in two bodies. ##### ******************************************************* >>All I want is to hold you forever All I need is you more every day You saved my heart From being broken apart You gave your love away And I'm thankful every day For the gift<< ******************************************************* Mulder woke the next morning to find himself all alone on the blanket. "Scully?" he called out, a little disappointed that she wasn't there beside him. he wondered. She never answered, so he got up and put his boxers on. He heard a noise coming from the kitchen, so he went to investigate. "There you are," he said, finding her standing at the counter cutting up cantaloupe. "Oh, you're awake," she said, turning her head to look at him. "I was trying to surprise you with breakfast in bed or make that ...," she paused, blushing slightly, "breakfast on the floor." He walked up behind her, put his arms around her waist and kissed her on the neck. Feeling weak in the knees, she leaned back against him. "All I want for breakfast is you," he said, kissing her neck again. She turned to face him, wrapping her arms around his waist. "Mulder, you're insatiable," she said, looking up at him. "Only when it comes to you." He bent down and kissed her, again making her weak in the knees. Breakfast would have to wait. ##### Breakfast had turned into lunch by the time Mulder and Scully finally left the bedroom a little after 1 p.m. "I'm famished," she told him. "Why don't we grab a bite to eat somewhere, then go do something? It's a beautiful Saturday afternoon." "Oh, I figured we could do more of the same this afternoon," Mulder said, winking at her. "Mulder, I'm enjoying it as much as you are - trust me -- but if we don't slow down and take a little break, I'm not going to be able to walk for a week." "OK Scully," he laughed. "What did you have in mind?" "I don't know. This is a big city with a lot to see and do, and I haven't done much of anything but mope around my apartment." "Oh Scully," Mulder said, walking to her and giving her a hug. "No more moping, OK? Let's just enjoy the time we have together." "Deal," Scully said, laying her head against his chest. "OK -- who gets the shower first?" "You go ahead, Mulder. I'm going to clean up the mess I left in the kitchen." "You need some help?" "No, I can manage. You go ahead." Mulder bent down and kissed the top of her head. "I won't be long," he said, then headed for the bathroom. He returned about 20 minutes later, just as Scully was wiping down the kitchen counter. She turned and saw him standing in nothing but his boxers. Looking at his taut abdomen muscles and hairy chest made her tremble. He was so sexy, she could devour him! Nonetheless, that would have to wait ... for her stomach was growling. "It's all yours," Mulder said, referring to the bathroom. "Thanks," she said. As she breezed past him, she swatted him on the butt. "I won't be long, either." "Hey! I'll get you for that!" Scully stopped and stuck her head back into the kitchen. "Look forward to it!" With that, she headed for the bathroom to the sound of Mulder laughing. "Now who's insatiable?" he called after her. Scully couldn't believe the mess Mulder left in the bathroom. His towel was on the floor, hair and toothpaste were in the sink, and he left the toilet seat up. She rolled her eyes and set about cleaning up before getting showered herself. "He'd better have left me some hot water," she mumbled under her breath. ##### Mulder and Scully spent that afternoon and the next sight-seeing and just enjoying each other's company -- something that was brand new to them. They visited Temple Square, the Cathedral of the Madeleine, Hogle Zoo, This Is The Place State Park, museums, art galleries and several other interesting sights. They'd also make love several times each night, when they'd wake in the morning and sometimes, even in the afternoon. They couldn't get enough of one another. By the time Monday morning rolled around, Scully hated leaving Mulder to go to work. "You could call in sick," he told her, as he watched her dress. "You know me better than that, Mulder," she said, slipping into her heels. "Besides, I plan to get off early today *and* ask for the rest of the week off." "You think you'll get it?" "Hey, I've got plenty of vacation time I've never taken. I'll just tell the SAC it's a personal emergency. I'll fight him for it, if it comes to that." "That's my girl! You go get 'em!" Scully laughed. "So, what are you going to do until I return?" she asked him. "Oh, just pine away the hours," Mulder said with a dramatic sigh. Scully walked over to him, bent and kissed him softly on the lips. "You know, I really like this," she said. "What? Me in your bed?" "Well, that -- *and* you being here when I return from work. I could get used to this." "I could, too, Scully. I could, too." With that, she kissed him again and left. Mulder propped his arms behind his head, leaned back against the headboard and sighed. He knew they only had 5 1/2 days left together, and he hated it. ##### ******************************************************* >>All I want is to hold you forever All I need is you more every day You saved my heart From being broken apart You gave your love away I can't find the words to say That I'm thankful every day For the gift<< ******************************************************* Scully was able to get the rest of week off, and she didn't have to fight for it. SAC Phillips turned out to be a more understanding boss than she'd originally given him credit for. Tuesday night, she was able to convince Mulder to see "Hope Floats" with her. Mulder *knew* he was really in love now -- he was watching "chick flicks." He did enjoy the movie, though. It had a very encouraging message -- that the human spirit is strong and life can and does go on, no matter what adversity happens. It was exactly what he and Scully needed to hear. They spent most of the other nights at her apartment, either eating take-out or making dinner together, watching videos, sharing more life stories with one another and becoming closer than ever. On Saturday, their last night together, Mulder decided to take Scully out for a fancy dinner. "Where're we going?" she asked him. "That's a surprise." "Well, I need to know, so I can figure out what to wear." "Mmmmm ... let me see," he said, walking into her bedroom. She followed him. He looked through her closet and came across a burgundy, strapless, tea-length dress with gold threading. "You'll look great in this," he said, showing it to her. "OK -- must be some fancy place," she said, taking the dress and hanging it on the inside of her closet door. "You'll see." As Scully showered, Mulder took his black, pin-striped suit from his hanging bag and looked through the assortment of ties he'd packed. He decided on a sedate burgundy, paisley tie that would nearly match Scully's dress. Scully still wasn't finished in the bathroom, so he straightened up the little bit of mess they'd made in her living room earlier that day and even polished his dress shoes with the kit he'd actually remembered to pack. He picked up the TV remote, turned on the set and started flipping through the channels. After a few minutes, he started to get inpatient. He walked to the bathroom door and heard her blow drying her hair. "Scully, we're going to miss our reservations!" he hollered over the noise. No answer. He knocked loudly on the door. "What?" she said, opening it with her free hand. She turned off the blow dryer. "I never knew you were one of those women who take *forever* to get ready for a date," he said, sounding a little exasperated. "Well, I never knew you were one of those men who totally destroy the bathroom *everytime* you use it," she said, then closed the door in his face. "Scully," he said, nearly pounding on the door. "I've got to get ready, too." He heard the blow dryer cut off again. "Here!" Scully said, opening the door and thrusting Mulder's shaving kit, toothbrush and toothpaste at him. "Get ready in the kitchen." "But there's no mirror in there," he practically whined. "You have an electric razor and you *do* know where your face is, don't you Mulder?" "Oh, all right," he said, now sounding apologetic. "I didn't mean to get you all riled up." "I'm sorry, Mulder," Scully said, her tone softening. "It's just that I wanted to look perfect for you and my damn hair is *not* cooperating." "Scully, you never look any less than perfect," he said, then bent over and kissed her on the end of her nose. "Thanks, Mulder," she said, a small smile appearing on her lips. "I needed that. I'll try to hurry." "OK," he said, and headed for the kitchen. When Scully finally appeared, she took Mulder's breath away. The dress fit her perfect, and she'd completed the outfit with burgundy stiletto heels and gold jewelry. She also had her hair up, with soft curls framing her face -- something Mulder hadn't seen on her in years. "You look wonderful," he said. "I really like your hair like that." "Thank you. It was a last ditch effort, to tell the truth." "Well, it looks great." "You don't look so bad yourself," she said, walking up to him and lightly touching his tie. "Yeah, I decided to tone it down for you," he said. "I appreciate that." "You ready to go?" he asked her, extending his arm. "Yes, thank you," she said, picking up her purse and linking her arm through his. With Scully giving directions, Mulder drove them to a little French restaurant he'd seen listed in the yellow pages. It advertised gourmet food served in an intimate atmosphere. He couldn't have picked a better place. The food was wonderful, the restaurant was romantic with dim lighting and candles on every table, and the pianist played Scully's favorite type of music -- classical. During the drive home, she sighed several times. "You OK?" Mulder asked, looking over at her. "Yes and no," she admitted. "This has been a wonderful evening and week, and I hate to see it coming to an end tomorrow." "I do too, Scully," he said, taking her hand. "But we have one last night together for now. Let's not spoil it by worrying about tomorrow." "You're right, Mulder," she said. "Tomorrow will take care of itself, correct?" "Correct. So why worry?" he asked. "I can't help it sometimes," she sighed again. "It's in my make-up. I'm a natural-born worrier." "Well, we'll figure something out, Scully. We're going to be OK, I promise." He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. "Thank you, Mulder." That night, the two of them hardly slept at all. When they weren't making love, they were holding onto one another, never wanting to let go. Not many words were spoken. They didn't need to be. A silent communication took place between them that went beyond words. ##### As they kissed good-bye in the airport Sunday afternoon, they couldn't help but think that this is how life is for most couples and should be for them. They should be able to be together in public without worrying about being watched. They should be able to behave like a normal couple without drawing suspicion. But they knew they were no normal couple, and that their time together -- for now -- had come to an end. Mulder was returning to D.C., and Scully had to stay in Utah. They had a plan, though. They were finally going to use all the personal time they'd accrued over the years with the Bureau by taking long weekends and visiting one another every few weeks or so. It wasn't the relationship they yearned for -- or deserved -- but it was one they could live with for the time being. They'd earned the right to be together and were going to take full advantage of every moment. If there was one lesson Mulder and Scully had learned from all the tragedies they'd experienced together, it was that life was too short. Like their love for one another, it was a precious gift that should be treasured. It may be a cliche, but it was also true. And they were never going to take life -- or each other -- for granted again. #####FINIS##### Well guys, that's it -- really! I hope you liked it. If not, keep your flames to yourself! Compliments and positive feedback will be treasured forever, though. Send them to: kris_harnage@yahoo.com ******************************************************* "If I quit now, they win." Mulder *and* Scully -- "FIGHT THE FUTURE" *******************************************************