From: "Psi Fi" Date: Fri, 16 Jun 2006 15:09:49 -0500 Subject: NEW - A Grimm Love Story 1/2 NC-17!` Source: xff Title: A Grimm Love Story Author: Psi Fi Feedback: psifi872@lexyweb.net Distribution Statement: You can archive it, but please let me know. Rating: NC-17 No minors! Classification: X-file, MSR Keyword: MSR romance Spoilers: No direct ones Summary: Mulder and Scully investigate odd behavior in a small town and discover truths even they didn't expect. Lisa stood still for a moment, savoring the sweetly fragrant breeze that played with her loose curls. "How much farther, Buck?" she asked, sounding concerned. "We're getting awfully deep into these woods, hon." Buck laughed, shifting his heavy knapsack across his muscular shoulders. He bent and placed a small kiss on her lips. "Don't worry so much," he soothed. "We're almost there and you don't believe those old stories anyway. Do you?" "No," she laughed. Buck gave her a brief hug, before moving on. Within a few minutes, they came to a small, natural clearing. Lisa gasped. The floor of the clearing was thick with grass and flowers. The clean scent of nature and honeysuckle hung heavily in the air. Sunlight shown through the leaves of the forest, giving a dappled shine to their surroundings. "Thought you'd like this," Buck murmurred, caressing her shoulders. "It's beautiful," she sighed. "Yeah, I can live with a bunch of dumb stories, if it preserves places like this." Lisa smiled affectionately. "You hungry?" she asked cheerfully. "Actually, yes," Buck grinned, trailing his fingers gently from her cheek down and over the full curve of her breast. Lisa laughed, slipping her arms around his neck. "Well, let's see what we can do about that!" Mulder allowed himself a moment to gaze at Scully, as he entered the office. She was busy perusing the file he had left on her desk. Scully was wearing her glasses, which always made Mulder's heart beat faster, and her auburn hair fell in tidy waves almost to her shoulders. Mulder stared at Scully until she looked up, then continued in as if just arriving. "What do you think, Scully?" "I'm wondering how we got the case. It would seem to me to be in the province of the CDC." Mulder smiled. One of the joys of working with Scully was the challenge each presented to the other's views and assumptions. "And the sheriff is patient zero, Scully? What is he spreading?" "I couldn't say...and you still didn't tell me how we got the 302." "FBI assistance was requested by the town's mayor, an Edward Stuart, who has friends in D.C. Seems the town's gone a bit haywire, since the sheriff was suspended." "I bet. But the sheriff's violation of the civil liberties of a number of suspects hardly seems worth pulling in the resources of the FBI. If it weren't for the strange behavior of other citizens, I would say there was nothing going on at all." "Maybe, but that's just what is in the file. It seems the good sheriff, who until recently was considered stable and well-liked, also recently seduced the mayor's daughter, who is now also displaying some unusual behavior." "How old is the girl?" "Nineteen. The sheriff is 36." "Was the sex consensual?" "Evidently. The girl flew into a rage, when her father tried to press charges. She was examined and no signs of abuse were discovered." Scully paused a moment to study her partner. He was leaning forward, grinning happily. His soft dark hair fell enticingly across his brow. His warm blue hazel eyes sparkled as he waited for her response. "Mulder? What's your interest in this?" she asked, amused. Mulder's grin widened and Scully chased away thoughts of sucking and chewing on his lush lower lip. "Had to get to that eventually, huh, Scully?" "I suppose," she conceded with dry humor. "One of the people displaying strange behaviour is Jenna Rickson--an alien abductee. These incidents could be the work of the Consortium. However, there is an interesting town legend, which states that the settlers who founded the town were plagued by fairies. There are areas in the forests around the town where even the most avid hunters won't go. Some of the townspeople are claiming these areas were disturbed." "Fairies, Mulder?" Scully asked, sounding disappointed. Mulder shrugged. "That's what the stories say, Scully." "Fine, Mulder. Let's go to Forest, Arkansas. But if my field report ends up looking like something out of Grimm's fairy tales, I *will* hurt you!" Mulder and Scully gazed in amazement at Main Street in Forest, Arkansas. Pandemonium raged across the landscape. Children ran up and down, unfettered by adult supervision. Flowers lay strewn all along the street, intermingling with broken glass and furniture from the various stores and offices. Two teenage boys stood in the middle of the street, bitch-slapping each other and crying. An old couple, neither under the age of seventy-five, leaned against a lamp pole, kissing with fierce passion. "What a cute little town!" Mulder averred, with flat humor. "We should retire here, Scully." "What makes you think you're going to live that long, Mulder?" Scully inquired, sweetly. Mulder just laughed, leading Scully down a side street. Mulder gazed in sympathy at Jenna Rickson as she bustled around her kitchen, making coffee. Her long, silver hair, though probably silky under normal circumstances, hung lank and uncombed down her back. Her brown eyes were weary, their dullness accentuating the rim of silver that outlined her iris. Sitting down, she fidgeted nervously with her creamer. "Normally, I wouldn't talk to you; you have to understand that. I don't discuss my abductions. I have or *had* a strong reputation as a sensible woman." "I understand, Mrs. Rickson. But, then, why have you recently begun telling your story?" Mulder probed gently. "I don't know. I just...don't know. I haven't experienced an abduction in three years, Agent Mulder. Until this past week, I had enough hope to pray that it was over." "But you haven't been abducted this week?" "No, but if it isn't aliens, what is it? And why am I involved?" "I don't know, ma'am. Some people seem to believe it's connected to something in the woods." "The fairies? I don't know. I believe in aliens; why *shouldn't* they believe in fairies?" "You've said that talking about your experiences feels almost like a compulsion, over-riding your former preferences. When did this start?" "Ten days ago. I talked about it for the first time a few hours after a tutoring session. I offer tutoring to students going to college. I had just seen Elaine Stuart. The dear girl...I offered her what comfort I could and she kissed my cheek." "This is the young lady who slept with Sheriff Jacobs?" "I'm not a gossip-monger, Agent Mulder." "I'm sorry. I didn't mean it that way." "No, I don't suppose you did. Still, if you want their stories, you'll have to ask them yourself." "Thank you for your time, Mrs. Rickson. I'll let you know, if I have any news." "Good day, Agent Mulder." Mulder strolled into the restaurant, glancing around until he spotted Scully. He walked over to the booth she occupied, plopping down across from her. "Any progress, Scully?" "Oh, sure," she confirmed wearily. "I could list you a whole slew of things it *isn't*, but I've no clue at all what it is. According to every test I've managed to run, these people are perfectly normal." "What about the silver ring that appears in their eyes?" Mulder asked, curious. "I don't know, Mulder. It doesn't seem to interfere with vision, but I can't explain it." "Hmm. I haven't had much luck, either. It *might* be fairies or it *might* be aliens, but I have found no evidence to confirm or deny either theory." "Well, I talked to Elaine Stuart. She claims she has always had a crush on the sheriff. When he made a move on her, she acquiesced. She says before that, she felt perfectly normal." "Has she displayed any other symptoms?" "Well, she claims she feels fine. She's refusing to go back to college, though everyone says she wanted to before. The most outrageous thing she seems to have done is sleep with Sheriff Jacobs." "I guess after lunch, we should talk to the sheriff." Martin Jacobs stood at his window, looking out. He had admitted Mulder and Scully willingly enough, but had then grown silent. "Sheriff Jacobs, please tell me in your own words what happened to you." "I don't know what to tell you, Agent Mulder. One day I was normal, the next I was doing things I'd never dared before. It was like I had been released from my inhibitions and was making my most hidden desires come true." "Surely you didn't think you would get away with violating the civil rights of those men?" Scully inquired, cooly. "You kept Dan Hambly in prison for two days with no evidence and without allowing him to contact legal counsel." Jacobs shrugged. "I didn't think about it, Agent Scully. I knew he was guilty, so I threw his butt in jail." "Hardly professional behavior, though, Sheriff," Mulder countered. "And you can't think of any event that might have precipitated your actions?" "I've heard the rumors, Agent Mulder. I don't especially believe in aliens and I certainly don't believe in fairies. They make a good story, but I'm a practical man." "We appreciate that, Sheriff," Scully approved, ignoring Mulder, who rolled his eyes. "Sheriff, can you recall what you were doing a few hours before you first noticed any change?" "I spent the entire day, starting with breakfast, with my sister, Lisa, and her husband, Buck." Mulder hesitated, then asked, "Did you know that there are rumors that they went into the woods?" "I'm sure they did," Jacobs answered dismissively. "They both love walking on trails and Buck is a good hunter." "Were they behaving unusually?" "Not that I noticed. They were in pretty good moods, but that's understandable, given the circumstances." "What circumstances?" "Lisa's pregnant. She always wanted kids, but circumstances never seemed right before. She was so happy, she gave me a kiss when we parted." "She kissed you?" Mulder asked, his voice sharpening. Sheriff Jacobs gave him a reproachful look. "My family and I aren't very touchy feely with our affection, but she is my sister, Agent Mulder. Given her good news, I don't find a peck on the cheek all that unusual, do you?" "No, no, of course not. Thank you, Sheriff, we appreciate your time," Mulder soothed, guiding Scully to the door. Mulder walked towards the car, not bothering to conceal a smug smile. "Mulder, what are you thinking?" Scully asked, warily. "Kissing, Scully. In classical literature, kisses hold a lot of power." "They can also be significant medically...in the spread of disease," she reminded him patiently. Mulder just grinned, shrugging. "Either way, it's a breakthrough, Scully." "How? Two of the victims report having been kissed, but the time frame isn't certain. Whatever this is could just as easily be spread through touch...especially given how widespread this has become." "True. Yet the symptoms don't appear to have spread past this town." "Mulder, it's a small town. It's isolated." "Maybe. Or maybe whatever it is happens to be naturally confined to this area." "Please tell me you're not giving the idea of fairies serious thought." "Okay," Mulder responded in a reasonable tone, shrugging. "I won't tell you." "Mulder," she protested. "You can't be serious." "Why not?" "Fairies, Mulder," Scully stressed. "Tiny magic people with wings who live in flowers." Mulder winced. "Your nieces and nephews have inflicted *way* too many cartoons on you, Scully." She laughed. "Yeah and what's your excuse?" "I'm insane," Mulder dead-panned. "You said it, Mulder, not me." "Yeah," he admitted. "I thought I'd beat you to it." "So...what now? Are you going to interview more witnesses? You only have two cases where kissing is involved." "Mm. I think the mayor's daughter qualifies, don't you? It's a safe assumption that Jacobs kissed her, when he seduced her." "Okay, three then. Based on interviews, I'd say at least fifty people are affected." "I think there's enough evidence to at least warrant investigating the woods. That's where Lisa and Buck went...and from what we've heard they're most likely the first people affected." "But if the woods are taboo, Mulder, won't we make things worse by going there?" Scully questioned, archly. Mulder grinned. "We'll just be careful not to step on any toadstools, Scully." "You watch out for the toadstools, Mulder. I want to run a few more tests, based on what we've learned today." "Okay, I'll meet you back at the motel." Scully dropped Mulder off at the mayor's house. While he didn't believe the stories, the mayor was familiar with the legends of his town and could probably give Mulder a good layout of the forest and which areas were "forbidden." He knocked on the door, which immediately swung open. A young woman, in her late teens or early twenties, opened the door. Noting the silver circles around her eyes, Mulder realized it was Elaine Stuart, the mayor's daughter. "Ms. Stuart, is your father home?" "You're Agent Mulder, aren't you?" "Yes, yes I am." "Come in, please." "Thanks." "What did you want to see my father for?" "Um, I want to ask him about some of your town legends...and the taboo areas of the woods." The girl's eyes widened. "You're taking the stories seriously?" Mulder hesitated, not yet convinced enough to openly commit to his theory with anyone but Scully. "I'm not convinced the stories have merit, but the woods do seem to warrant investigation." "Well, I din't expect it from the FBI, but at least someone is considering the idea of fairies. Everyone scoffs openly, but I can tell you...no one goes too deep into the woods. You can't miss the edge of the forbidden area. There's a huge oak tree that some of our superstitious neighbors have hung with crosses. Some people even leave offerings of food. Just follow the main hiking trail from town; it veers sharply at that point." "So you believe it is fairies?" "Martin Jacobs is a sane, stable man. No one affected is sick, weak, or feverish. What else can explain it?" "Sickness; mental collapse. A virus in the brain," a harsh voice answered. "Why else would a nearly forty year old man seduce a girl almost half his age?" "Stop it, Daddy!" Elaine stormed. "Martin didn't do anything that I didn't want." "He took advantage of your...crush to satisfy his own sick needs. He belongs in jail!" "Sir!" Mulder interrupted. "What? Who the devil are you?!" "I'm Special Agent Fox Mulder. Sir, whatever is going on, I doubt a case could be made against the sheriff. Your daughter is of legal age. And whether the cause of his behavior was fairies or an unknown pathogen, he can't legally be held responsible for actions that weren't under his control." "He slept with my daughter!" "I understand. I know you're concerned for her well-being. Hurling accusations and invective won't help us figure out what is going on." "And you're looking to fairies for the answer?" the mayor scoffed. "My partner is a qualified medical doctor. I can assure you that we're following every available lead." "Well, let me give you a little advice based on local legend," the mayor sneered. "Our stories state that only a fool will go into the woods this close to sunset. Supposedly, anyone caught in the forbidden areas after dark will be driven horribly mad." Glaring at the federal agent and his daughter, the mayor stormed through the door to the hallway leading to his den. Elaine sighed. "Will you be okay?" Mulder asked, concerned over the mayor's hostility. "Oh, yeah. Dad's a blowhard, but he means well. I'll be fine. Eventually, he'll cool off and see reason." Before Mulder could react or protest, Elaine swept forward and planted a huge kiss on his cheek. "Um, Elaine? Don't do that to anyone who isn't already affected. I suspect that whatever is going on is spread through kissing." Elaine looked shocked, then laughed. "Oops! I'm sorry, Agent Mulder, I didn't mean anything, but really, it's nothing to be afraid of!" Mulder nodded, smiling ruefully. It was done; he would either develop symptoms or he wouldn't. Bidding Elaine good-bye, he stepped out into the late afternoon sunlight. Scully would still be conducting her tests. Walking slowly down the street, Mulder felt himself relaxing. He no longer felt concern, either about the case or how Skinner would accept his theories. He knew it was fairies, evidence be damned, and his boss would just have to live with it. After a while of walking down the street, he came across the town park. A bunch of kids were playing baseball, while others ran back and forth from the slides and swings. Laughing with delight at the carefree atmosphere, Mulder plopped down beneath the shade of the nearest tree, a full weeping willow. After a few moments, he removed his trenchcoat and tie, unbuttoning the top few buttons of his dress shirt. He watched the ball game for a few minutes, then considered jogging around the track around the park. Laziness prevailed, however, and he continued lolling underneath the green leaves shielding him from the sun. "You're not some wacko wannabe, are you, Mister?" Mulder looked up to see a young boy of about nine, staring down at him with cautious curiosity. "No, why?" "You've got those funny silver circles around your eyes. My mom says I should be careful of anyone with them, 'cause they've been acting funny." "Well, that's true. Caution can be a good thing. So can relaxing." "Don't you have a job?" the boy asked bluntly. "Yeah. I'm an FBI agent." Billy Henderson's blue eyes widened. He thought the FBI was cool and here he was, talking with a real, live agent! "Are you on a case?" he asked excitedly. "Yeah, I'm supposed to be finding out what's causing all the strange behaviour." "Wow. What do you think it is?" "I've decided it's the fairies." Billy frowned, thoughtfully. "Yeah, I suppose it is, but no one will believe you, y'know." "That's okay, guy," Mulder responded laconically. "I'm used it." "If you say so," Billy answered, before running off to join his friends. Mulder laughed, again, feeling completely relaxed. He wished Scully was there to share this feeling with him...of course, Scully wouldn't actually approve, since she would conclude it was a side effect of his new condition. Mulder didn't see what the big deal was; he felt great. He chuckled to himself, imagining the look in Dana's big blue eyes, when she saw the silver circles in his. Mulder hopped up. Relaxed as he was, a burst of energy was making him restless. He figured he had about an hour or so, before he needed to meet Scully back at the motel. Children weren't the only ones at the park. With a grin, he noticed a basketball game taking place at the far end of the park. He was willing to bet at least one or two of the men playing would have the silver circles. Mulder headed their way, hoping they would allow him to join the game. Part 2 Scully entered Mulder's room, smiling. She held up a bag of Chinese takeout. "Ah, Scully," Mulder purred, taking the bag. "I knew there was a reason I love you." "Mulder," Scully drawled in minor reproof as she moved to place a stack of files on the table. Mulder moved up behind her. "But I do love you, Scully," he murmurred. Scully heard a click as something cold touched her wrist. She turned in surprise, finding herself cuffed to her partner. He was smiling, his face suffused with mischievousness and tenderness. "Mulder,what are you doing?" Scully asked, confused, her trust in her partner keeping any alarm at bay. Mulder's smile broadened to a grin. "Pretty, pretty Scully," he crooned. "We should have done this ages ago." Bending down, he ran his free hand through her hair, bringing her lips to his, while she stood immobilized by surprise. Pulling away, she noted his eyes were half-closed. "Open your eyes," she ordered. Mulder pouted a little, but obeyed, revealing the silver circles enclosing and enhancing the blue of his hazel eyes. Scully sighed. "Oh, Mulder." "You don't believe I love you," he sulked. "You didn't believe me after the Queen Anne, either." "Mulder, you were drugged and now..." Mulder drowned out the rest of her response in a passionate kiss, his mood lightening. "Naughty Scully, not believing I love you," he purred, caressing her hair. "Undo the cuffs, Mulder," she coaxed, gently. Mulder smiled sweetly, then swept her into his arms. "Mulder!" Scully protested. Laughing, Mulder layed her gently on the bed, then relaxed on top of her. He buried his face in her neck, inhaling deeply. "You smell so good, Scully," he sighed, tenderly. "Mulder," Scully repeated, forcing a stern note into her voice. "Undo the cuffs." A sly light appeared in Mulder's eyes as he removed the cuff from his wrist. Scully started to release a sigh of relief, until Mulder quickly captured her other wrist, using the last cuff to fasten her to the headboard. She gasped, feeling a fearless brand of alarm. Despite where this situation seemed to be heading, Scully knew Mulder would never hurt her. The thought that the next few moments could tear their partnership apart, however, left her shaking with anxiety. "My Scully," Mulder whispered lovingly. Mulder kissed her, flicking his tongue against her lips, licking and sucking on them. Scully moaned. She couldn't resist the sweet kisses being inflicted on her; even a woman of her control could only take so much. Mulder unbuttoned her blouse, moving his kisses slowly from her mouth to the point above her pulse. A ragged whimper of need made its way out from the back of Scully's throat. Mulder's eyes widened with delight. "Yes," he growled. "That's what I want; I want to hear your pleasure." Mulder covered her neck and face with nipping kisses and licks as he continued. "Wanna hear you sigh and cry out for me, Scully; wanna hear how much you enjoy me." He took a long lick down her ear, biting her lobe, before whispering, "I want to hear you scream with pleasure, when my cock plunging into you makes you come!" Scully groaned, knowing that was exactly what would happen if this continued. "Mulder, please," she tried, her voice breathy with arousal. "Think! Wha...what about when you get better, back to normal? Don't do something you'll regret," she pleaded. A mere shadow of normalcy appeared in his bright eyes, dulling the silver. "I won't regret it, Scully," he husked. "Love you too much for that," he soothed. Mulder moved down and sucked her nipple throught the thin lace of her bra. Scully sighed, feeling herself surrendering. Sitting up, Mulder removed her shoes, then slid her pants down her legs in a slow, erotic movement. He gently removed her stockings, before moving half way up her body. Bending down, he lapped at the edges of her panties, moving to the insides of her thighs as her legs parted, almost involuntarily. He removed this final obstacle, running his hands over her silky flesh as he slowly drew her underwear down over her legs. "Mulder, Fox," she murmurred. "Dana," he moaned. "My Scully." Mulder gently slid her shirt and bra off her shoulders and up her arms, bundling them around the cuffs. He sat back, drinking in the view. The motel's lamplight gave her creamy skin a golden glow, highlighting the soft flush of her excitement. He trailed gentle fingers down her cheek, over her shoulders to her breast. He cupped her flesh tenderly, rubbing her nipple with his thumb. The warmth of his hand and the delicious friction sent searing heat from her chest to her groin. "Oh, Dana," Mulder whispered, appreciatively. Mulder moved his fingers down her torso, rubbing her mound softly, before exploring her slit. Scully gasped, bucking her hips. Mulder used two fingers to slowly stroke her hot center, until he found her engorged clit. When she shuddered, he paused, then rubbed briskly at the tender nerve. Scully whimpered, starting to thrash. "Fox, my Fox," she whispered. Mulder stopped, slipping one arm around her waist, and caressing her hair with his other hand. "Love you, Dana," he rasped, then kissed her deeply. Mulder worked his tongue deep between her lips, stroking her mouth, encouraging her tongue to meet his. Scully returned the caress, enjoying his masculine flavor, tinged with the salt from sunflower seeds. "I love you," she admitted, when they broke for breath. Mulder stood up, his eyes shining, as if she had given him an unspoken signal. He shakily began undoing the buttons on his shirt, shivering under the weight of her gaze, toeing off his shoes and socks. Scully drank in the sight of his bare, muscular chest as he lifted his t-shirt over his head, revealing his well-toned arms. Mulder took a deep breath, then opened his fly. Dropping his pants, Mulder pulled down his underwear, freeing his substantial erection, and kicked the clothing away. Scully gazed hungrily at Mulder's cock, standing out proudly from a thick bush of dark brown hair. Mulder stepped forward, gazing down into her eyes. Scully twisted onto her side, leaning forward as much as she was able. Mulder came forward, hypnotized by the invitation in her eyes. When he was close enough, Scully bent her head and took the tip of his cock into her mouth, rolling her tongue around him, savoringt his taste. Mulder gave a sharp cry, relishing the electric pleasure for a moment, before pulling away, gasping and shaking. Scully shivered, too, licking her lips. Mulder laid down over her again, kissing her deeply. Scully whimpered, wishing her hands were free so she could run her palms over his strong back. Mulder leaned over on one elbow, then stroked his other hand down her neck, over her shoulder, and down her flanks to her hip. Scully gasped, arching into his touch. Smiling, Mulder moved down until he lay between her legs, his cheek resting on her thighs. "That felt so good, Dana, let me show you how good that feels." Pulling her legs tenderly apart, he lowered his head to her center and gave a long, slow lick up her wet heat. Pleasure crashed through Scully, making her cry out. Mulder hummed happily, sending vibrations through her sensitive flesh, as he continued giving loving licks to the center of her pleasure, enjoying the musky salt of her sex. He thrust his tongue into her slit, fucking her with his mouth. Scully's breath became erratic as her delight threatened to overwhelm her. Encouraged by her moans, Mulder drew her clit between his teeth, sucking on it softly. Dana wailed, writhing uncontrollably. "Fox," she sighed. "Now, please." "All right, love," he assured her, rubbing his face on the sheets, before moving up to once again give her a deep kiss, letting her taste her juices on his tongue. He tenderly lifted her hips, moving closer. Scully arched, giving him access to her body. Mulder guided his cock to her entrance, then held her hips still as he gently eased his length into her depths, with small rocking motions. Scully closed her eyes, breathing hard. The hard heat of Mulder's cock stretched her, rocking her body with sharp waves of pleasure. When she felt his torso meet hers, she opened her eyes and wrapped her legs around his hips. "Fox...so good," she sobbed breathlessly. Mulder nodded, too out of breath to answer, her silken heat driving away his ability to form words. Taking a deep breath, he pulled out slowly, leaving only the tip of his cock, then drove back in hard. Scully cried out, tightening her legs around him. Mulder arched over her to capture her lips as he continued his rhythm. Scully moaned as he loved her. Breathless from pleasure, she broke the kiss, burying her face in his neck. As the drive for completion took over, Mulder began thrusting hard, barely leaving her tight heat, his own breath coming in ragged gasps. Scully threw her head back on the pillows, screaming and gasping. Her heat tightened on him and he watched fascinated as her orgasm consumed her. Pulling her limp body even closer, he held her tight as he gave in to his own satisfaction. Scully sighed with contentment as Mulder collapsed bonelessly across her body, giving his own sated grunt. "Mulder..." she whispered. "Mm...s'good, Scully," he murmurred groggily. "Mulder," she said with more energy, forcing her words to be coherent. "Don't you dare go to sleep without uncuffing me!" Mulder laughed, shakily, retrieving the key from the nightstand. He released her, then lay back down beside her, pulling her into his arms and curling around her. "I never did investigate the woods, Scully." "Tomorrow, Mulder," Scully promised, kissing his shoulder. Mulder sipped idly at his morning coffee, watching complacently as Scully savored her french toast with strawberries and cream. "You should try this, Fox," she encouraged in a dreamy voice. "I'm stuffed, thanks," he declined, amused. Scully smirked at him, chewing with slow delight. Chuckling, Mulder took her hand, kissing and nibbling gently on her fingers. Scully made a soft hum, almost a purr, of pleasure. "Um...excuse me?" The agents sat straight, staring at the curvy blond standing over them. "Good morning," Mulder greeted, smiling brightly. "Are you the FBI agents?" she asked doubtfully. A middle-aged woman spotted Mulder through the restaurant window. Smirking, she lifted her blouse, showing her bare breasts and posing lewdly. Mulder stared appreciatively, until a man came along and dragged the woman away. Scully snickered at her partner's poleaxed expression. Mulder turned back, smiling sheepishly. "Yeah, I'm Agent Mulder and this is Scully." "My name is Lisa Harold. May I join you?" Scully scooted over, making room for their guest. Lisa looked out the window, grimacing at the pandemonium. "Isn't there anything you can do about that?" she asked. "Not much," Mulder denied. "Local law should be containing the problem, until we remove the root of the problem. Scully and I were going to look for the fairies after breakfast." A customer nearby snorted. "Even if there are fairies, you'll never find 'em. The forbidden areas cover a good fifty square miles!" "Shut up, Morgan," Lisa hissed. Mulder shook his head, sadly. "He has a point. It will take us awhile to cover that much territory. Not to mention we have to find out how to appease the fairies, if they're responsible." "It's my fault. And Buck's. We went to the woods and made love right on one of their mounds," she whispered, then drew a deep breath. "I can show you the way." "Did you see a fairy?" Mulder asked eagerly. "I saw...a being. I have to assume it was a fairy. It didn't look like anything out of a nursery rhyme. He...was scary. Really scary. I can't describe him. There was a lot of light and he was so *angry!*" she shivered. "He said he was going to teach us the value of self constraint. That we'd long for the ability to control ourselves! See, we knew, Agent Mulder. Everyone around here knows not to go to those areas." "You didn't believe, though," Mulder pressed, trying not to sound judgmental. "In fucking *fairies??*" Lisa whined. "It's okay," Scully assured her, placing an arm across her shoulders. "You couldn't know." "I don't know what you can do, but if you want to try and speak with them, I'll take you to the woods," Lisa offered, again. "Lead on, fair maid," Mulder encouraged, grinning happily. Lisa led them across town to a park with several trails marked. "Take this trail and go about half a mile. You'll come to a large rock, covered with the names of couples. Go left off the trail onto a deer trail. In about fifteen minutes, you'll come to a large clearing. That's where Buck and I went." "You're not coming, too?" Scully asked, surprised. Lisa's hands hovered protectively over her abdomen as she shook her head. "No. I can't risk it." "That's okay, Lisa," Mulder assured her, warmly, grinning. "We'll be fine." Scully grabbed Mulder's hand and pulled firmly. "Good-bye, Mrs. Harold." Scully led Mulder through the woods, swinging their joined hands arrythmically. "Slow up, Scully. It's gorgeous out here," Mulder chided plaintively. "I want to see these damn fairies, Mulder," Scully argued. "*You* usually get to see all the good stuff, while *I'm* stuck doing autopsies!" Mulder pouted, but allowed Scully to pull him briskly along. They easily found the clearing and breathed in a collective sigh of appreciation. A soft hill rose gently in the middle of the clearing, covered in wildflowers of various hues. The sun shone down in falls of gold, gilding the leaves and blades of grass. "Well, it does look like an enchanted glade," Scully sighed. "Yeah," Mulder agreed, wandering in slowly. Scully sat at the foot of the hill, then stretched out. "So, what now, Mulder?" Mulder shook his head, grinning, sitting beside her. "Beats me, Scully. We're on their turf. Hopefully, they'll show up to get rid of us." Scully leaned against him, lifting her face to the warm morning sunshine. "This is nice, Mulder. Much as I want to see a fairy, they can take their time." "Why so eager to see a fairy, Scully? You usually don't buy into my theories so easily." Scully sat up and cuffed him almost gently across the ear. "I always believe you, Mulder! It's just...it scares me." Mulder studied her, perplexed. "You're the bravest person I've ever met, Scully. Why does the paranormal bother you?" "It's...disorderly. I mean...I don't know! Science has rules, it's knowable. It's...impartial. Mulder, we've chased so many monsters. If there's a scientific reason, that means there's a human reason for their behavior." "Well, okay, but...there's both negatives and positives to science, Scully. For every miracle cure, there's a superweapon. The paranormal isn't any different." "Isn't it?" Scully complained. "We've come across vampires, mutant fungus, ghosts...Mulder, we never encounter anything positive! We've never come across anyone with ESP or any power who uses it for good! Where's the fucking altruism?" Mulder shifted uncomfortably. "That doesn't mean it isn't out there, Scully! I mean, we're in law enforcement. We investigate crimes. Meeting negative characters in the line of work is part of the job." Scully sighed and nestled her head in the crook of his shoulder. "I know. You're right, I guess. It just brings me down sometimes." "You're Fox William Mulder, aren't you?" The agents scrambled to their feet and turned to face the top of the hill. Half way up sat a female. Though her form was basically that of a woman, no one would ever mistake her for human. Her eyes were a glowing amber, looking almost like the eyes of a cat, despite her round pupils. Rich auburn hair cascaded in ringlets down her back and sides, held back from her face by a ring of flowers, some looking like they were still blooming. Her skin was the color of polished ivory, seeming to almost reflect the sunlight surrounding her. She was dressed simply in a long blue robe, that was almost transparent. Her feet were bare. She laughed softly. "My name is Meighan and, yes, I am what you call a fairy!" Mulder smiled, tilting his head. "How did you know my name?" he asked, confused. "Oh, you are quite well known in certain circles, Fox. It's rare for humans these days to acknowledge the mysteries of life. Most are complacent in their own arrogance. So, when a man, whose name evokes a spirit totem or familiar, searches for us and our like...we take notice." "I'm not the only believer out there," Mulder protested. "True. There are others. Few, however, pursue as relentlessly as you do...or as publically. You're almost like a knight of old, pursuing quests." "I only have one quest," Mulder corrected sharply. "Ah yes. We're well aware of the task you've shouldered. The ones from the stars...a dangerous foe." "Aren't they your foe, too?" Scully asked indignantly. Meighan blew her a kiss. "Why, yes, Danae, they are, as a matter of fact. However, we choose these days to stay out of purely human affairs. The human collaborators amongst you are your own problem to deal with. None of ours supports the Grays." "But, you will help us fight the Grays themselves...and colonization," Mulder urged. Meighan laughed, charmed. "Oh, yes, my handsome knight. We'll play a part in your battle...when the time is right." "Well, for now, I'd settle for you lifting the curse on this town," Scully countered. Meighan shrugged. "The mortals of this town know not to come here. They angered my brother." "I think they've learned their lesson," Mulder suggested wryly. Meighan studied him, smiling slyly. "There's a price for everything, Fox. Will you pay?" "What do you want?" Scully asked, suspicious. "A kiss of course!" Meighan laughed. "That's the carrier of the spell. Give me a kiss, handsome fox, and the spell will break!" "And your brother won't object?" Scully persisted. Meighan shrugged. "Possibly, but perhaps not. His temper is hot, but quick. Easily riled, but easily settled. I'm sure I have some bauble that will appease him, if he is not already satisfied." Mulder cast Scully an apologetic glance, then stepped towards the fairy. Leaning down, he gave her a soft, lingering kiss. The fairy ran her tongue over his bottom lip, sighing softly. Pulling away, she licked her lips, chasing the last remnants of an elusive flavor. "Well done," she whispered, then disappeared, fading into the sunlight. Mulder walked back to Scully, then shut his eyes as a note of strange music throbbed through his entire being. He opened his eyes to meet Scully's wide gaze. Her blue eyes were clear of silver. He touched her cheek hesitantly. "Um, Scully..." She grinned, wickedly, then kissed him, thoroughly, claiming him. "I still love you, Mulder. This really happened and I won't deny it." "I love you, Scully," he answered, grinning happily. "What are we going to tell, Skinner?" "The truth," Scully replied firmly, then paused. "Well, most of it, anyways. Not the part about you cuffing me." Mulder shuddered, agreeing, "That would be too much information." "I just don't want him to know I let you get the drop on me actually," Scully corrected. "Let's go home, Scully," Mulder laughed. Scully followed him back towards the trail, enjoying the view of his strong backside. "Mulder? You do know I'll hurt you if you kiss another woman, again, don't you?"