From: ephemeral@ephemeralfic.org
Date: 30 Sep 2005 00:43:47 -0000
Subject: A Glint of Gold SSR by Kim O Sabe
Source: direct

Reply To: kimo-sabe@earthlink.net


Title: A Glint of Gold 
Author: kimo-sabe
Category: Skinner/Scully
Timeline: During & right after "In the Field Where I Died
Rating: NC-17
Beta: Thanks to hubby and a close friend who is not online.
Feedback: kimo-sabe@earthlink.net

Summary: During the Seven Stars/Ephesian case, Scully 
notices something about Skinner

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


PART 1

How could I forget the day, the very moment, when I first 
saw Skinner wholly as a man, and not just my stern boss?

I'd caught glimpses of the man before, behind that careful 
mask of Assistant Director he wore each day. He hid so well 
behind his silk ties, expensive tailored suits, shiny shoes and 
that gruff, surly manner. The scowl he wore was so familiar, 
agents parted before him as he strode through the halls of 
the JEH. With each purposeful step, his stance exuded 
power, grace and an inborn air of authority. A single glance 
told you this man was in charge.

The first glimpse I was allowed was when he came to 
Mulder's door, beaten and bloody. I stood speechless for a 
few endless seconds, his dark eyes, unprotected by the 
familiar wire-rims, holding my stunned gaze. Then, he 
strode past me to write down the vital information I needed, 
cutting off any chance of seeing more. That was the first 
time he saved Mulder's life. Just doing his job.

Then, there was the morning when he stopped me in the 
hallway to tell me about my sister's investigation being 
called off. I almost saw the man that day. His sense of 
justice was affronted, and he assured me he wouldn't let it 
go. My boss was going to follow up, get the job done. When 
the call came to tell me he'd been shot... I literally ran to the 
hospital. It was unthinkable that my boss was out of 
commission. Or so I thought. Because there he was, just out 
of surgery, telling me he'd seen the assailant before. Barely 
conscious, he was still doing the job. I held his hand hoping 
to see the man, but he was wheeled away to his recovery 
room the next moment. 

To ask why I was hoping to see the man never occurred to 
me. I just was.

I remember when my boss was accused of murder, I thought 
surely I'd see the man then. Only a man would sleep with a 
prostitute, right? But Skinner, being Skinner, fortified his 
walls and all I could see was that solid A.D. persona firmly 
in place. He saved my life that night, miraculously arriving 
just in time to shoot the hit-man before he killed both the 
hooker and me. Just doing his job.

Which brings me to last week. Monday, at exactly 7:27 am. 

We'd been up since 3:00 am, Skinner checking reports and 
issuing orders and finally giving the go ahead for the raid on 
the Seven Stars. By 5:15 am, we'd moved on the compound, 
finding nothing. Nada. Zip. I ordered the other agents to tear 
the place apart. 

Skinner was gonna be pissed.

Then Mulder caught my eye. He'd started to walk out of the 
house with that glazed look on his face he gets sometimes. I 
called to him and he totally ignored me. I was getting used 
to that, I realized. Even as cranky as I was from being up 
most the night, it didn't even phase me. I simply followed 
him. Blind luck or blind faith, I really don't know which, but 
we discovered Ephesian with his six wives, about to drink 
the kool-aid of death.

Back at the high school, currently known as the Federal 
Command Center, we all met in the geography dept for the 
morning's recap and to learn what the boss would have us do 
next.

Skinner walked in, plunked the tape into the player, and 
began to pace. Yep, he was pissed all right. As the 
informant's voice began to play, my eyes were drawn to our 
leader. His head was bent as he listened, but his posture was 
unsettled. He kept moving, his hands unable to rest 
anywhere. He reached up to touch his nose and that's when I 
noticed it. The glint of gold.

And Skinner the Boss transformed into Skinner the Man 
right before my eyes.

End of Part 1

PART 2

Why would Skinner still be wearing his wedding band five 
months after his wife's death? 

I watched as he placed his hands on his hips, left hand 
resting on the firearm at his waist.  I could clearly see the 
gold band on his third finger. In fact, I couldn't take my eyes 
off of it.  Why hadn't I noticed it before?  True, we'd had 
little contact since that incident with the hooker, but still.  I 
was an FBI agent.  I should have noticed. 

I swallowed, unable to tear my eyes from him.  What was 
going on in that strong heart of his? How did I know his 
heart was strong?  I knew.  

Silence was strength. Skinner's wife had thought it was a 
misguided notion.  I didn't agree.  My own silence had given 
me a deep strength. If you built the walls high enough, all 
anyone around you heard was silence, even though you may 
be screaming.  They would perceive you as strong, whether 
that was the truth or not.

I knew about walls. I knew Skinner had walls.  And yet, 
there was that glimmer of gold, a peek into his soul. Did he 
want to be heard? Was he tired of the silence?  

The complexity of the man in front of me... intrigued me.   

I found myself freely taking in the sight of Skinner the Man.  
I admired the way the brilliant early morning sunshine shone 
through his starched white shirt, so crisp it crinkled as he 
moved. God, what a torso. The man was ripped.  How had I 
never noticed that before?  His broad shoulders and 
muscular chest tapered to slim hips that shifted gracefully as 
he paced around the room.  Irritation was evident in each 
and every gesture as the informant's tape played on. His lips 
were tight with anger. 

The tape ended and he started in on the agents.  I don't 
remember exactly what Skinner said, as I was mesmerized 
by the deep, rich, resonance of his voice.

When Skinner hit the table with his forefinger, I jumped as 
if he'd struck me.  I found myself blinking, forcing my mind 
back to the task at hand.  

"All right, go!" he barked.  The agents cleared the room 
swiftly, and Skinner made his way over to Mulder and I.

Mulder was silent, leaving me to answer Skinner's questions 
about Ephesian.  He was concerned we'd have another 
Jonestown on our hands if we didn't find a way to arrest 
Ephesian within the day.  Who would have known our boss 
to be a prophet?

Long story short, we managed to totally screw-up and 
everyone in the compound died.  Over a hundred men, 
women, and children dead. 

I watched as Mulder cried to himself out in the field over 
Melissa. I didn't feel the need to go to him, this time, and 
offer whatever comfort he'd receive.  Our relationship had 
definitely changed over the last few months.  I didn't wonder 
why.

I heard Skinner barking orders for the crime scene cleanup 
and arranging for the removal of the bodies.  I didn't speak 
for over an hour.  My silence was my strength as I went 
through the motions required of me.  The loss of young 
innocent life hung over me like a dark cloud.  I needed my 
walls that day.

Before I left, I happened to see Skinner standing by several 
small body bags.  He must have heard my approach, because 
he raised his eyes to mine.  Intense emotion swirled in the 
chocolate depths of his eyes, radiated off of him in tangible 
waves of grief.  His soul revealed in a moment, a man 
without his walls.

Without thinking, I reached out and touched his arm.  My 
silence spoke to his and he wrapped his fingers briefly 
around mine before he nodded, and turned back to his 
duties.  It wasn't my boss I saw walk slowly through the 
body bags with care, but the man. 

Just doing his job.

END OF PART 2

PART 3

By Friday, the aftermath of the Seven Stars fiasco had 
calmed down. The illegal weapons had been located, the 
poison confirmed by autopsies. The BATF and FBI had 
been vindicated for their move on the compound, and the 
Attorney General was more than satisfied. With nothing 
further to report, the news media had quietly left town.  Case 
closed.

I'd seen Skinner only a few times during the week, eminent 
professional persona firmly back in place. As he reviewed 
our reports or passed me in the hall, he met my inquiring 
gaze with solemn resolve.  I merely arched an eyebrow at 
him each time, allowing him this pretense.  I was mildly 
surprised to find Skinner's careful mask no longer hid 
anything from me... so clearly I saw the sorrow that etched 
the creases of his brow, the grim line of his jaw. 

We'd been witness to death before, cases turned ugly by 
some twist of fate.  The enormity of this loss of life was 
weighing heavily on him.  Anger, too, that he'd been unable 
to prevent it.  I welcomed the warmth developing in my 
heart for this man who cared so deeply.  

That evening, as I pulled on my coat, I heard a soft sound 
behind me.  I turned, amazed to find Skinner's large frame 
standing in the doorway.  I can count, on one hand, the times 
he's come to the basement during the years I've been under 
his supervision.

"Sir?" I asked, searching his dark eyes. 

"Scully," he started, working his jaw a little, and clearing his 
throat.  "Agent Scully.  I wonder if I may have a word with 
you?" He straightened to his full height, and I just managed 
to stop my grin at his unexpected discomfort. 

"Of course, Sir," I replied quickly. 

I began to remove my coat, but he stopped me with a gentle 
touch to my wrist. "Actually," he explained, "I was hoping 
you would join me for dinner?"  

His deep voice was too close to my ear, and the new 
awareness I had of him caused shivers to flow down my 
spine. I turned to look up at him, again searching those 
warm brown eyes.  There was no boss here, only the man, 
and I stood breathless.

He stepped back and looked away, rubbing his neck with 
one large hand.  "Uh, it's okay if you don't --" 

"Yes, Sir," I agreed, cutting off his back-pedaling.  "I'd be 
pleased to have dinner with you."

He gave a short sigh of relief and moved to allow me to 
precede him through the door and over to the elevator.  I 
sensed his hand hovering at the small of my back, and I 
found myself disappointed he didn't actually rest his hand 
there.  

As we rode down to his parking level, I fought to keep my 
breath even.  It had been a long time since I'd gone to dinner 
with any man, and the reality that this was Skinner caused 
the butterflies in my stomach to do their thing.  

I looked over at Skinner as he put the car into gear, and 
watched as his tanned hands deftly maneuvered us out of the 
parking garage and onto the highway.  That band of gold 
was still on his finger.  Why was it there?  What would it 
take for him to remove it?  

I wanted him to remove it. 

I wasn't ready to ask why. 

We drove in comfortable silence to a well known restaurant 
near George Washington University.  I allowed myself a 
long moment to study the strong lines of his cheek, the 
familiar profile still bearing a hint of sorrow.  Curiously, he 
didn't look at me at all once he'd settled himself into the car.

After we were seated in a corner booth, and our orders 
given, Skinner leaned forward and rested his forearms on 
the table between us.  With a sigh and slight shrug of his 
shoulders, he raised his eyes to meet my gaze for the first 
time since we left work.  

The intensity I saw there, in those dark depths, shook me. 

END OF PART 3

PART 4

"Sir?" 

At my soft inquiry, Skinner dropped his eyes again, and sat 
back abruptly, neck and shoulders twitching minutely as he 
regained his composure.  I lowered my own eyes to study 
the silverware in front of me.

"Scully --," he began with a slight shake of his head, "I... 
this was a mistake. I don't really know why I asked you to 
join me..."

"Sir," I interrupted, "Please." What? I played with my fork, 
turning it over and over, the physical action reflecting the 
thoughts inside me.  "Let's just eat, okay? We've had a tough 
week, and I really would like to just have dinner with you." 
Safe ground.  

After a long, thoughtful look, he nodded, and placed his 
napkin across his lap.  Signaling the waiter, he requested 
wine to accompany our meal, and favored me with a wry 
grin.

"Tough week, Agent Scully, is an understatement I wouldn't 
expect from you." 

"Yes, Sir.  I'll be more thorough in my final report," I said, 
with a small smile of my own.

He sat forward and, shifting in his seat, removed a glasses 
case from his suit jacket.  "A week of hell," he whispered, 
voice low, and met my look. I was struck by the evident 
warmth in his eyes, unshielded now by the wirerims. 

"Yes." I agreed. An involuntary shiver passed through me as 
the grim images of small body bags flashed through my 
mind.  "I haven't had the chance to thank you, Sir, for 
assigning the autopsies to the local authorities."  

"It was the least I could do, Agent," he said, the rumble of 
his voice still low. "And I..." He broke off, lips pulling tight.  
I was transfixed by the emotion revealed, hidden and 
revealed once more as he struggled to overcome that 
protective silence.  I held my breath. 

"I want to thank you as well."

It was barely a whisper.  I nodded, words unnecessary. For 
several long moments, we held each other's gaze, sharing the 
pain, anger, and dismay over the events of the week.  A 
priceless moment of revelation, that once a pain was truly 
shared, it diminished, and healing flowed in.  I wondered 
briefly if Skinner felt the same.  

The waiter brought our food, and we ate in companionable 
silence.  This was a good silence, one of friendship where 
words were unnecessary.  The wine relaxed me, and I found 
myself again admiring Skinner the Man.  He'd loosed his tie 
and undone the top buttons of his shirt, revealing honey 
tanned skin. When did he have time to be in the sun?  He 
certainly didn't look like he spent the majority of his 
daylight hours behind a desk.  The suit jacket rested atop his 
coat on the bench, and he'd rolled up his sleeves, allowing 
his muscular forearms freer movement while he ate.  

I took the last bite of my steak and looked up to find him 
studying me.  The appreciative sincerity in his relaxed look 
was one no woman could mistake.  My heart beat a little 
faster at the idea that he was seeing *me*... seeing Dana.

My walls had disappeared. 

A blush threatened under such scrutiny. As an agent, no 
scowl my boss threw my way had ever caused me to cower, 
as a woman, I was becoming breathless. I ducked my head, 
dabbing at my lips with my napkin. My eyes involuntarily 
dropped to his hands, resting on either side of his plate. 

I felt him follow my gaze to the gold band.  He stiffened 
slightly, then relaxed, and rubbed his thumb across the band, 
acknowledging it's presence and place.  I needed to know it's 
purpose.

Giving a silent prayer, I met those dark, fathomless eyes 
with my blue.  With a deep breath I asked what my heart 
had to know.

"Why?"

END OF PART 4

PART 5

"Why?" 

Skinner's jaw clenched, cheek muscles rippled with tension, 
and I silently cursed my stupidity. Seconds hung like hours 
as the silence grew heavy. Feeling the threat of angry tears, I 
turned my head away to conceal them, preparing myself for 
the humiliation of apology.  

"Sir, I-I'm sorry," I said quietly, unable to look at him, "I 
had no right to ask --"

"Scully." The soft timbre of his voice gave me courage to 
meet his eyes. "No need to apologize." He shook his head, a 
rueful smile now playing at the corners of his mouth.  "I'm 
sure you're not the only one wondering..."

I remained still, willing my heart to beat slower. Our history 
had been suspicious, even volatile, yet always tempered 
with respect. It was a great deal more than respect I now felt 
for Skinner. Meeting and holding his gaze with my own, I 
mutely tried to convey my deep trust of him, more 
importantly, that he could trust me.  I waited, watching, as 
he fingered the wedding band absently, dark eyes turning 
black with memory. 

"Has Mulder ever...?" he sat back, relaxed now, apparently 
having come to a decision. "Scully, what do you know about 
my tour in 'Nam?"

Not surprised by this unexpected question, I answered, 
"Well, Sir, I know you enlisted at 18, and after suffering 
near-fatal injuries in an ambush, you were discharged with 
honors." 

Skinner nodded his head.  "That's it in a nutshell, while 
there's a whole lot more to the story."

"I'm sure there is, Sir." I agreed.

"Suffice it to say, I returned home.... jaded.  My sense of 
right and wrong, something that had always been a big part 
of who I was... had been assaulted.  It..." He looked away, 
that strong jaw working again as he fumbled for the words 
he sought.  I kept quiet, knowing how hard it was to find 
words that would allow someone inside careful, comfortable 
walls.  I was excited, yet apprehensive, with the knowledge 
he was letting me in.  "It took me a long, long time, Scully, 
to believe in... *anything* again."

I remembered how I felt when I'd been returned after my 
abduction.  I questioned everything, even my faith.  I 
nodded, encouraging him to continue.  Prayed he would 
continue.

Skinner turned his left hand over and ran the fingers of his 
right lightly across his wedding ring.  "Sharon..." he began, 
closing his eyes briefly, "Sharon was the one constant for 
me over the past years.  Yes, we were on the verge of 
divorce, but... " He opened his eyes and took a deep breath. 
"No matter how horrific, or questionable things became at 
work... she was at least... *there*.  When she died... " 
Skinner stopped then, unable to say more.  Turning to look 
out the restaurant window, street lights reflected off the 
moisture pooled in his eyes.

I swallowed, wanting to say something, anything, but unable 
to.  He would need to finish what he started, in his time.  I 
waited.

While he wrestled with the losses of his life, I studied his 
profile.  Long dark lashes blinked away the tears he'd failed 
to hide, and his lips were set in a grim line.  His was a 
handsome face, a strong, even friendly face when not 
furrowed into a scowl.  I remembered my thoughts last 
Monday, at the high school, answers coming with my next 
breath. Skinner *was* tired of the silence, *was* ready to be 
heard.  

Abrupt clarity came to me.  I knew why he still wore the 
ring. It was a reminder that for at least part of his life, he 
hadn't been alone.  

I ran my fingers across the palm that had touched him that 
day at the Seven Stars.  I was tired of my lonely silence, too.  
In reaching out to him, Skinner had heard me.  

"This week," he began, startling me out of my reverie. 
"When I saw all those body bags...." he turned back to face 
me, once again in control of his emotions, "I felt my... 
belief... almost fail again."

"Almost?" I raised my eyebrows, trying to understand. 

"Scully," the deep voice held a boldness that wasn't there 
before, "I was faltering at that very moment you touched my 
arm." He smiled then, the first one I'd ever seen grace his 
face. "I know why I asked you to dinner.  I wanted to 
somehow have... get... make the chance to let you know 
what you did for me this week."

The intensity I saw when we first sat down was back.  I 
watched, mesmerized, as his long fingers pulled off the ring, 
and carefully placed it into his breast pocket.  Swallowing, I 
couldn't seem to get that lump to leave my throat. 

Blinking away the tears that blurred my vision, I reached 
across the table for his hand, meeting his warm grasp as he 
reached for mine.  

END OF PART 5

PART 6 
 
"Sir, I --" I couldn't say any more. 

As our hands clasped, I struggled for control of my 
emotions. My thumb felt the slight indentation left by the 
ring, before he tightened his grip, my hand disappearing 
within both of his. The contrast was startling between my 
fair skin and his tanned hands, sprinkled attractively with 
dark hair.

We sat quietly, taking a moment to absorb this turn in our 
relationship. I could feel Skinner's dark eyes searching for 
mine, but I couldn't look up just yet. 

What did Skinner's action mean to him? What did it mean to 
me? 

Barely believing what he'd just done, I looked up to see the 
circular outline in his pocket. Such a simple act, yet so 
significant. My mind was reeling with the ramifications of 
what might be happening between us. 

The fact that Skinner's gentle touch was causing multiple 
reactions in my body, was even more alarming. Pulse rate 
increased. Respiratory increased, though shallow. A slight 
sensation of heat, and a distinct tightening in my stomach. 
The doctor in me came to only one possible conclusion.

I was in love with him? The evidence was pretty hard to 
ignore, especially with that increased heart rate pounding in 
my chest. Oh God. I closed my eyes, processing this 
revelation with elation and dread. I finally fall in love, and it 
had to be my boss. I thought I had more sense than that. 
Everyone probably thought I had more sense than that. 

But he held my fingers so tenderly in his own... and the 
knowledge that we had heard each other this week... that he 
had chosen to step outside his walls to tell me... and he took 
off that ring because of something I had done for him... all 
gave me courage to meet his gaze unflinchingly with my 
own.

And he smiled. Oh. God. 

Signaling the waiter for our check, he stood, and let go of 
my hand to help me on with my coat. Pulling his own jacket 
and coat on, he paid the check, leaving a large tip, before 
leading me out to his car. Guiding me to the passenger door, 
he opened it, taking my hand to help me in. I turned to look 
up at him, at apparently just the right moment, because I 
suddenly found his warm lips on mine, and all I could think 
at that point was - They're soft... Those AD lips I've seen so 
often in a grim, tight line... are so soft! 

And oh, so gentle, too. 

What had happened this week to tear down our perfectly 
constructed walls?

I responded to the Man forgetting all about the Boss. I 
pressed into his broad strong chest, and yes, he was just as 
ripped as I imagined. His hands came around my back and 
he pulled me in tighter, and I found I really liked the way his 
hard biceps pressed on my shoulders, how his wide, strong 
back muscles felt under my fingers as I reached up inside his 
jacket to return his embrace. He pulled his lips off mine to 
rest his chin on my head, and I couldn't ever remember 
feeling so ... snug. I smiled at that, though I bit my cheek so 
I wouldn't laugh. There was no way I was going to spoil this 
perfect moment.

There was no time as we stood there, feeling each other's 
chests rise and fall with each breath. Or maybe time just 
skipped ahead like that time in Oregon with Mulder. All I 
know, it was a long time before I felt him shift to look down 
at me, a smile tugging at his lips. I could only stare back up 
at him. He had to take the lead here, cause I was disoriented, 
no compass in sight.

"Do you have any idea how beautiful you are, Dana?" he 
murmured close to my ear.

I shook my head. How could he think I was beautiful? I've 
killed men and shot my partner. I cut up dead people, for 
goodness sake.. and yet... his voice rumbled with truth and 
his nearly black eyes were warm with feeling... and I 
gasped, maybe not believing I was beautiful, but believing 
he thought I was. 

Since I was speechless, I simply turned my face up for 
another kiss. He didn't disappoint. Immediately, he pressed 
his mouth to mine, and this time I opened to him, taking in 
his seeking tongue. With exquisite tenderness, I felt his 
hands come up to cradle my face to his, and I felt tears fill 
my eyes, only this time I didn't look away. 

Skinner raised his head to look at me again, his breathing 
ragged. With his thumbs he stroked away the wetness that 
fell down my cheeks, his lips following his touch across my 
face. I closed my eyes, and reveled in his loving touch. 
Kissing him back, I was as breathless as he.

Finally, he stepped back, and helped me into his car. I sat 
still, wondering what would come next. Was I ready for 
what I was hoping would come next?

"I think," he said, turning to look at me in the darkness, his 
face in shadow, "I better take you back, now, Scully. "  
Skinner did have more sense than me.

I could almost feel the brick and mortar begin to rebuild our 
walls. 

No. I would not rebuild the wall. Not to keep Skinner out. I 
wanted him in. How could I stop him from rebuilding his?

"Dana, please call me Dana." My voice stronger than I 
would have believed. I reached out and touched his arm, 
needing more contact, needing his stability.

"Dana," his voice was thick, rough and low in the stillness 
of the car. I could see the indecision on his face, the AD 
warring with the Man. "I don't... I don't really want to take 
you back..." he turned to look at me, searching my face. "I 
..." The man won, and he pulled me across the seat to rest 
against his chest. Thank God.

"I...I don't want to go back, either...but..." I whispered, 
staring at the button in front of my nose. I raised my hands 
to rest them on his broad chest, on either side of that button. 
He was so solid, so strong. I shut my eyes against the rush of 
feeling.

"But what?" he asked, voice rumbling over me, caressing 
me.

Keeping my eyes closed, I answered truthfully. No secrets. 
No lies. "I'm afraid."

"Oh... Dana." So full of emotion was his voice, I looked up. 
"I'm afraid, too." There was no guile in his eyes, just truth. I 
nodded, not trusting my voice. Cupping my chin in one 
large hand, he dipped his face to give me an amazing, 
fervent kiss.

The invisible lines of rules, regulations, and crumbled walls 
had been tested to their limits, and we crossed over together. 

We were right in being afraid. But I'd never let fear rule my 
life... and I wasn't going to start now. I felt the corner of my 
mouth turn up as I watched similar thoughts and emotions 
flit across his face.

Silently, he settled me back into my seat, and drove us back 
to the JEH. I could tell he'd come to another decision, it was 
amazing how easy it was to read him now. I turned to look 
at him as he pulled up next to my car, waiting for him break 
the silence. 

"How about we do this right?" The gleam in his eye startled 
me. "May I have the honor of taking you out tomorrow 
night?" 

"Yes, Sir," The smile on my face so big it was painful.

"No," he said, taking my hand once more. "Walter.... at least 
until Monday" 

END OF PART 6 

PART 7

It's been less than a week since I first noticed Walter S. 
Skinner as a man, and any minute now, that man was going 
to knock on my door. 

Somehow, during the last week, not only had I noticed him 
to be an incredibly handsome, strong and gentle man, but he 
had noticed me, Dana, the woman he dared to kiss last night. 
The woman who even now could recall with perfect clarity 
the strength of his biceps enfolding her before dropping his 
warm, soft lips to hers.

With the first touch of his mouth to mine, it was evident our 
attraction was mutual.  Undeniable.  His deep brown eyes, 
framed by incredible dark lashes had held such emotion... 
passion... that just thinking about it was causing my breath 
to catch somewhere between my chest and throat. 

I pinched myself a moment ago.  I was definitely awake, and 
he really was going to take me out. Apparently we were 
both throwing all sense to the wind.  Or maybe, we were just 
ready to live, really live.  All our walls had come down last 
night, neither of us wanting to hide any longer. The silence 
had grown too lonely to bear.

Assessing my appearance in the mirror by the door, I took a 
deep breath, calming my ragged nerves.

The wall clock chimed as it struck the 5 o'clock hour, and I 
turned my head at the sound of his heavy knock.  Of course 
he was exactly on time. I smiled as I opened the door.

~~~~~~~~~~

Walter had shown up wearing a dinner jacket and bow tie, 
and I was relieved I'd chosen a classic-cut black satin dress 
with spaghetti straps to wear with matching satin sandals.  
Under his appreciative gaze, I smiled, and took in just how 
attractive he looked dressed up to take his lady on the town.  
The idea that I was, or could be, his lady sent the first of 
many shivers down my spine as he had guided me down the 
steps to his car.

He'd made reservations for dinner on a cruise ship, to my 
amazement and delight.  As the Dandy gracefully made her 
way up the Potomac, we decided to walk up on deck to view 
the historical landmarks passing by.  A memorial was just 
coming into sight, so we stopped, resting our hips against 
the rail to take in the view. The lights on the cruise ship cast 
a romantic glow, and I found myself staring at Walter, not 
dear old Lincoln's memorial, admiring the lines of his cheek, 
the distinctive creases around his eyes, the cleft of his chin.  
The white dinner jacket set off his tan, and outlined his 
broad shoulders.  The man was just plain sexy and 
handsome and I felt my body warm to his nearness.

He felt my gaze and turning to me, I saw his breath catch.  
Never before had a man made me feel more beautiful, more 
like a woman than he did with that one look.  I smiled 
encouragement at him, longing to feel his strength enfold 
me again as it had last night. 

Instead, he reached out and taking my hand in his, led me 
back into the ship.  Confused, I followed, wondering what 
he was up to.  As we descended the stairs, I heard music 
playing, and laughed.  The man was full of surprises, and I 
loved it.  Loved him.

Guiding me out onto the marble dance floor, he pulled me in 
close, and dropped a small kiss to my forehead before 
leading me across the floor.  I rested my hand on his 
shoulder, the other on his chest and savored the feel of his 
hard muscles as they moved under my touch.  Graceful for 
such a big man, his steps were sure, and when he realized I 
could keep up with him, he began to improvise.  Pulling me 
closer, our hips and thighs touched and rubbed with each 
step, and I felt a flush creep up past my shoulders that had 
little to do with dancing.

The music floated over us, adding it's magic to the night.

Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this.  
Some people search forever for that one special kiss. 

I looked up at Walter and we stopped.  Couples ignored us, 
dancing their way around and across the floor as if we 
weren't there.  I could feel his heart hammering under my 
palm.
 
I can't believe it's happening to me.  
Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this. 

His eyes grew dark as he lowered his face to mine.  I 
wrapped my arms around his neck as his tightened around 
me.
 
Everything changes, but beauty remains.  
Something so tender I can't explain. 

The kiss was beauty.  And everything changed.
 
Well I may be dreaming but 'til I awake..Can we make the 
dream last forever?  
And I'll cherish all the love we share for a moment like this. 

Walter raised his head to look down at me.  I didn't let go of 
his neck, and felt him lift me just a little as he straightened.  
With that movement, I was suddenly brought up close to his 
body, our fronts touching chest to knee.  His arms 
automatically bore my weight, which was a very good thing.

Because the look in his eye, combined with what I was 
feeling pressed against my stomach had made my legs go 
weak. 

END OF PART 7  -  Lyrics : A Moment Like this - Kelly 
Clarkson

PART 8

I felt my mouth form a small "oh" as Walter set me gently 
back on my feet, and cleared his throat.  Though 
disconcerted by my discovery of his arousal, he didn't turn 
away, keeping his dark eyes fixed on mine. The fact that he 
wasn't trying to hide his desire sent tremors throughout my 
body. He stood there, hands resting lightly on my hips, 
masculinity personified, waiting to see how I reacted.

I didn't need to be a scientist to figure out my next move.  

I smiled up into his eyes, and took a step closer to him.  His 
breath stirred my hair as he pulled me into those awesome 
arms of him. Where I found the boldness, I'm not sure, but I 
pressed into him, wrapping my arms around his waist, and 
resting my cheek against his firm chest.  I could hear his 
heart pounding, in counterpoint to my own.

We stood there, swaying minutely to the music, consumed 
in the contact of each other. Shivers coursed through me as 
he lightly ran his fingertips up and down my bare arms 
before resting once again on my hips.  I raised my face to 
his, surprised to find his eyes closed, a peace relaxing his 
face making him seem years younger.  Raising my hand to 
his face, I cupped his firm jaw, and ran my thumb over the 
cleft in his chin.  He sighed, and brought his hand up to 
catch mine, pulling it to his lips.  Spellbound, I watched as 
he tasted my palm, before running his lips across my skin.

Finally meeting my gaze, the question in his look was 
unmistakable.  In answer, I took his hand and tugged him off 
the dance floor.  We found ourselves back out on deck, the 
night air refreshingly cool. I could see the dock just ahead, 
the cruise was almost over.  I felt Walter's arms snake 
around my middle, my back to his front, warm hands 
clasped against my stomach.  I leaned my head back against 
his broad chest and rested my hands atop his.  

The sunset reflected off the water and lit up the high rise 
windows along the shore.  Everything was cast in a golden 
glow, and I wondered that Walter had chosen this restaurant 
for our first date. Was my hard-ass boss a closet romantic?  I 
smiled, and squeezed his hands tighter.  Lucky me if he was. 

I turned around quickly and took a swift kiss, enjoying the 
surprise on his face.  There was more to me than you knew, 
Mr. A.D.  I laughed out loud when he quirked an eyebrow at 
me, before he silenced me soundly with a searing kiss of his 
own.  

The ship jostled us as it came to rest at the dock.  Looking 
deeply into my eyes, he cupped my face in his large hands, 
so lovingly I sighed.  

"Are you sure, Dana?" he whispered, voice husky and low. 
At my nod, he led me off the ship and to his car, keeping his 
arm around my waist the whole way.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
It occurred to me as we drove north that we had barely 
spoken aloud to each other the whole evening.  For two 
people who expressed themselves with great economy of 
words, we'd managed to say quite a lot to each other in our 
comfortable silences.  A touch here, a glance there had 
revealed more than mere words could have.

As we approached his condo, he reached over and took my 
hand.  I gasped, realizing he'd sensed my sudden 
nervousness, and had done what he could to dispel it. A 
sense of security washed over me knowing Walter could 
read me so well.  

Riding up the elevator to the 17th floor, he pulled me 
against his side, and rubbed my shoulder.  I turned my face 
to his chest and clung to him as my heart began to thump at 
what we were about to do.  I felt him lightly kiss my hair 
and rub his chin against my silky hair. Oh. God.  Was I in 
trouble here?  I knew I loved him... did he love me?  

As he closed the door, he turned and let his eyes run up and 
down my body.  I had never had a man let me see how much 
he desired me before... was it only desire? Somehow, I knew 
this was more.  But how much more?

As if reading my mind, Walter walked slowly over to me.  
He stood in front of me, giving me a long, unfathomable 
look.  He reached out gently and took my hands, kissing 
each one before placing them over his heart.  My heart was 
pounding in my ears, and I held my breath.  

He flattened his palms over my hands and stood still, letting 
me feel the beat of his heart. I couldn't breath. If he didn't 
say something soon I was going to lose consciousness.  

"Do you feel that?" his wonderful deep voice washed over 
me and I met his dark gaze.  I nodded.  "I need you to know 
something, Dana."  I nodded again... just tell me quickly my 
lungs pleaded.

"Tonight isn't about simple desire... I..." he brought a hand 
up to caress it with warm lips. "I've been in love with you a 
long time, Dana..." 

I gasped.  What?!  But that ring......?  The air rushed in and 
out of me as I absorbed his stunning words.

"But.." I managed to whisper before my voice cracked.  I 
looked at him, and again saw only truth.  "Then why --?" 

"Why was I wearing that ring?" he smiled now, while 
continuing to kiss my hand.  "Because until last week,  I 
thought you'd never look at me.  I'm old, stern and your 
supervisor.  I didn't think I had a hope.  The ring was a 
reminder to me that I once had a love, though for all these 
months, I prayed I could have another."

"Walter --" I started, before fresh tears blurred my sight.  
"I... I... -- " my voice left me and I shook my head.  There 
was so much I wanted to say... He wasn't old.. my god.. he 
was in the prime of life, and stern? The warmth of his gaze 
would never allow me to think that again... but silence 
reigned.  All I could do was stand there, tears flowing.  

Thankfully, he didn't leave me there, and wrapping me in his 
warmth, held me close. "Shhhh.  Dana.  I know." 

Then he lifted me into his arms, scooping my legs easily up 
over an elbow.  Shocked, I could only hold on as he took the 
stairs to his room.  Setting me down gently on his bed, he 
ran his fingers down my cheeks, wiping away the wetness.  

"I love you, Dana. May I love you tonight?"

I'd always known he had a chivalrous streak. Incredible to 
think that here we were in his bedroom, aroused beyond 
belief, and yet he was giving me a choice.

Thank God it was an easy choice.

"I love you, too... C'mere."

END OF PART 8

FINAL PART 9

I stood as he stepped closer to me, setting his glasses down 
on the end table. Reaching up to touch his face, I felt the 
scrape of fresh beard chafe my fingers as I traced the lines 
down his cheeks. I tugged lightly at his jaw, urging him 
down so I could kiss him with ease.  

His rich brown eyes darkened with love and passion before 
our lips met in hungry unison. Opening to him, I allowed his 
tongue to explore, taste and savor me as I ran my hands over 
his wide shoulders.  Gripping his dinner jacket, I pushed it 
off and down, grinning as he let it fall to the floor.  

With the broad expanse of his chest before me, I began to 
unbutton his shirt, slowly.  He stood, hands resting on my 
shoulders as he allowed me this indulgence.  I confess I'd 
been wanting to see what was under his shirt since that 
moment at the Seven Stars... and I wasn't going to rush this 
first revealing.  As each button exposed more of his tanned 
skin, I actually gasped, and he laughed, reaching up to help 
my shaky fingers.  Deftly pulling off the bow tie, he tugged 
the shirt out of his pants while I finished the buttons.   

When the shirt joined the tie and jacket on the floor, he bent 
back to me, taking my mouth again with his.  I ran my hands 
all over his bare torso, blindly exploring his heavily muscled 
physique... down his shoulders and biceps, then up his 
stunning chest and around to his broad back. He was 
covered in coarse dark hair, and I ran my eager fingers 
through as much of it as I could... starting with his forearms, 
then softly moving over his stomach before skimming up 
and across his chest again to tangle there.

While I explored him, Walter's hands had begun an 
adventure of their own.  Mapping the curves of my waist 
and hips, he tugged our hips together as he dropped his 
mouth to my throat. Goosebumps coursed down my body as 
he trailed his tongue down my neck and traced a shoulder, 
and I heard a deep groan escape his lips.  

The other moan I heard was my own.

The disparity of our sizes, my petite to his extra large, was 
becoming a challenge.  With an impatient huff, he turned 
and pulled me onto the bed with him.  I ended up on his 
chest, with him looking up at me from under dark sexy 
lashes.  His hands reached down to squeeze my rear before 
sliding between us to cup my breasts.  As much as I wanted 
to watch his face, the sensations he was creating with his 
large hands were so overwhelming, I closed my eyes and 
rested my head on his shoulder.  

He continued to kiss my shoulders and neck as he slipped 
my arms free of the spaghetti straps, and unzipped my dress.  
I lifted up so he could pull it off, and it was my turn to laugh 
when his eyes grew wide as he discovered all I was wearing 
underneath was a pair of lace panties.  

With another groan reverberating in his chest, he pulled me 
to him and hugged me so close the air was forced from my 
lungs.  "I love you, too..." I whispered in his ear before 
taking his earlobe in my teeth.

The world spun suddenly as he flipped us over so he could 
look down at me.  I reached up with my face and nuzzled 
my nose in his chest hair, and licked at his nipples. 

"God, woman!" he moaned, shifting to unzip his pants and 
kick off his shoes.  My shoes followed along with our 
underwear and we were soon gloriously naked in each 
other's arms.  His exquisite maleness pressed into my 
rounded womanly curves so wonderfully, I had to stifle a 
laugh of joy.  It was a heady, staggering experience for me 
as our heated skin made contact, and when I felt his 
erection, hard against my thigh, I actually began to feel 
dizzy.

"Walter --" I gasped clutching at his shoulders.  "I - I --"

"Shhhh.  Honey. I've got you," and so he did.  I rested back 
into the bed, and gave into the sensations he was creating all 
over me.  His hands and lips traveled everywhere, almost 
like he couldn't decide where he wanted to settle.  First each 
of my breasts, then my shoulders, then down  to my 
stomach, then... lower.

At my cry, he looked up, "Okay?"

"Guh... yeah, okay," I writhed under his touch. "It's just been 
so long... I don't... Walter!... I don't know how much I can 
take! STOP!"

Chuckling, he came back up to kiss my face, as I my chest 
heaved.  Moving over me, I sensed his intent and opened to 
him.  "I love you," he murmured, shifting to make us one.

I gasped as he filled me, and he immediately stilled, concern 
etched on his face.  Hoo Boy, Walter Skinner was one large 
man.  It took a few moments while I adjusted to his size and 
for the pain to shift to pleasure. He studied my face all the 
while... finally grinning when he felt me move under him.

"I'm okay," I whispered through clenched teeth. "It's okay..."

That was all the encouragement he needed, and he began to 
move in earnest.  I reached up to hold onto his shoulders 
while he gave me the ride of my life.  As the tightening in 
my belly built until I wanted to scream, he shifted his 
rhythm, and I suddenly did scream as tremors took over my 
body and I was shaken to my core.  With a deep bellow, he 
soon followed me, and I held his quivering body tight while 
our heavy breathing returned to normal.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I awoke with his arms around me, his front spooned against 
my back.  His left hand was resting in front of my face, the 
indentation of his ring still marring the skin.  Reaching up, I 
kissed my finger before running it along the mark, a lump 
hard in my throat.

"I'd like to wear another ring..." his deep resonant bass 
whispered against my hair, "This time for the rest of my life, 
Dana."  He heard my sudden intake of air, and pulled me 
tighter.  

I reached up and back to encircle his neck with my arms.  
This felt so right.  Whatever challenges might be ahead of 
us, I knew we could... no... would face them together.

"I'd like to wear a ring, too, Walter." I smiled. 

"You, do?" 

I turned to face him, with some effort since he held me so 
tight.  "I do." 

~~~~~~~~~~
  T H E   E N D
~~~~~~~~~~