From: "Michelle Hiley." Newsgroups: alt.tv.x-files.creative Subject: New story: Bridges 1. "Hummingbird" 1/1 Date: Wed, 14 Feb 96 00:48:07 GMT This is the first story in what we are calling our "Bridges" series. It follows on from our "Christmas Trilogy" ("Joyeux Noel" by Amy alone, "Peace on Earth" and "Season's Greetings" by us both.) You do not need to have read the Christmas trilogy to follow this one (although it explains how the story got to this point), and this story can stand alone. Basically, you need to know that Mulder and Scully are romantically linked (yep, M/S romance, drop out now if you don't like that), after Scully seduced Mulder in the earlier stories. That happened at Christmas, this is set the following February. There are no third season spoilers, and no sex, violence or bad language (sorry folks, a couple of kisses is all you get in this one. Go and read "Peace on Earth" if you want anything steamier). Feel free to distribute this so long as it remains intact, no money changes hands, and both authors names and e-mail addresses remain on it. Feel free to archive it, we'd be delighted, but the authors reserve the right to ask for this story to be permanently removed from any archive in which they do not wish it to appear. And, of course, Mulder, Scully and Skinner belong to Chris Carter, Fox, 10:13 or whoever, and are used without permission. Agent Woodford and Agent Taylor, as well as Antonio Torello, belong to us, as does the story. For those non Americans confused by the use of the word "pin", we are using it in the American sense of a small brooch with a clasp. We hope you enjoy this. We accept constructive criticism, (but please note that the spelling is intentionally part British and part American, OK?), and of course we enjoy praise. So, should you wish to send either, we'd welcome it. Amy Schatz can be reached at risamy@epix.net Michelle Hiley can be reached at fbi_basement@hiley.demon.co.uk _______________________________________________________ Bridges 1: Hummingbird by Michelle Hiley and Amy Schatz Dana Scully walked briskly down the FBI corridors,finally pushing open the door she sought. The buzz of women inside didn't abate as she entered. Two giggling secretaries, three female agents and one of the cleaners were all involved in frenzied speculation. "So who sent you that one?" "I think it's from Mark, the security guy." "Hey, he's cute! Did you hear about Sarah?" "What about her?" "Well...just between us..." The speaker glanced over at Dana, and the female agent who had just emerged from a cubicle, and decided to trust everyone. "Sarah sent one to Assistant Director Skinner! Anonymously, of course." This led to a fresh bout of giggling. Dana smiled to herself. It was harmless fun, and she should have known half the female population of the Bureau would be swapping notes in the Ladies Room on Valentine's Day. She had had three cards herself. Not that she could talk about one of them. She and Fox had swapped cards and gifts that morning, kissed and then gone into work, to pretend they weren't involved. Fox had had a card which they both suspected was from Agent Henderson, the graphologist. She had threatened to take it over there, and demand it was analysed, but had been prevented by Mulder's best sorrowful look. Her other two had led to raised eyebrows and amusement on his part. One she suspected was from quiet Agent Taylor, whom she'd noticed looking at her a few times. Sweet. She hoped he wouldn't make a move, she didn't want to have to hurt him. The other, considering its explicit nature, could only be from Frohike. She hadn't intended to let Mulder read that one, but he had charmed her into it and then roared with laughter at its contents. She had felt she should be angry, but somehow, with Frohike, it wasn't easy, and she had ended up laughing too. The gaggle of women left, and Dana finished tidying her hair, and turned to the agent at the washbasin. "Hi, Elaine. How are things upstairs in Violent Crimes?" Agent Woodford shrugged, and then remembered she was talking to Dana Scully, one of the few people who were nice to her. "OK, I guess. So, did you get any cards?". . Woodford looked at Scully enviously. Scully smiled "No. You?" "No." "Ah well. There's always next year." *** "Dinner?" "You heard correctly, Agent Scully. I am taking you to dinner. Italian. Very romantic. And very secluded. I know the owner, he's letting us have a small private room. So we don't have to worry about being caught." "Mulder....." "What?" "I'd love to." He looked pleased. "Good. Then get your coat, and let's go. We need to get ready." Scully glanced at her watch. "Isn't it a little early?" "I'm taking you to the mall first. I'm buying you a present." "You already gave me a present." "I know, but I want to let you choose something extra. Let me spoil you for once. Indulge me." Oh no. That look. She gave in, gracefully, and followed him up the basement stairs. *** "Hey Scully, do you like that?" Dana moved across to him and looked. Mulder was pointing to a display in a jeweller's window. Despite her protests, he was determined to give her something. Now his attention had been caught by a tiny pin. She had to admit, it was lovely. Gold and semi precious stones had been tastefully fashioned into the shape of a hummingbird, vibrant but elegant. "Well...." "You like it, don't you?" Mulder smiled. He could tell she wanted the little pin. He was pleased with spotting it. "It's lovely. But it's a little expensive, Mulder." "But a perfect gift to give someone you love. Come on." They went inside. Neither noticed the man who had walked up behind them, and had been about to greet them. He shrugged. His timing had been off, but he wasn't about to follow them, he had just wanted to say hello. He'd see them both in the morning. Idly, Skinner wondered whether the pin was for Mrs Mulder or Mrs Scully. He re-examined his list and forgot about them. *** Mulder and Scully browsed around the store for a while, looking at bracelets, necklaces and watches, as Scully tried to persuade Mulder into buying a less expensive gift. However, he knew her too well to be fooled. He knew that she wanted the pin. As she remarked upon the lovely craftsmanship of a simple ten dollar bracelet, he smiled. "Scully, you can stop the act." She looked at him, her blue eyes wide. "Excuse me?" He put his arm around her shoulder, pulled her close and whispered into her ear. "I know you want that pin." She looked up at him, her face deadly serious. "Mulder, it's very nice, but it's far too expensive, and I don't want you to buy it." "Why not?" She looked away. "I don't deserve it." Mulder was shocked, and he felt his breath catch in his throat. "Why would you ever think that? Scully, you are freely choosing to be with me. For that fact alone, you deserve sainthood." She looked up at him, and found him smiling. Unable to stop herself, she smiled as well. "Well when you put it that way..." *** An hour and a half later, Scully put the finishing touches to her make-up, and smoothed out her blue velvet dress. Picking up the pin Mulder had bought her she looked at it. The small hummingbird was perfectly crafted, and she had loved it at first sight. After she had put it on she glanced again into the mirror. Running a hand through her hair, she wondered again why Mulder, a man who could probably have any woman he wanted, would choose her. She had seduced him at Christmas, and she couldn't shake the nagging doubt that he regretted what had happened, but was too afraid to say so. Did he really love her? Or did he stay out of some sense of guilt, or duty? She knew that he cared for her, but she wasn't sure she could ever compare to or compete with the women of his past and dreams. Would he get bored with her? Would he find someone taller, with dark hair? She knew that he favoured tall brunettes. Quite often she thought of his past loves. Phoebe Green. Kristen Kilar. Why then, was he with a short redhead? How could he possibly be attracted to her? Scully simply couldn't fathom it. Of course, for her, he was the most handsome man she had ever known, and the only one she had ever truly loved. Scully hoped she could live up to what she thought were Mulder's fantasies. *** Mulder stood outside Scully's, and straightened his tie for the thousandth time. It was not as garish as his usual neckwear, because he wanted this to be a special night for Scully, and he wouldn't ruin it with another fight about his ties. He had gone home to change, because all he had at Scully's were sweatpants and some t-shirts, and he had wanted to look nice for her. So, after the mall, he had dropped her off, gone home, taken off one suit, and put on another. He didn't mind at all. He was doing it for her. Mulder knocked softly on the door, and a few moments later, it was opened, revealing Scully in a beautiful blue dress. He took in the sight of her, his breath suddenly short. She was gorgeous. Her hair fell in soft curls around her face, and her blue dress brought out her shining eyes. No, she was beyond gorgeous. She was amazing. "Ready?" he asked, smiling. Scully looked at him, and smiled as well. She noted his handsome suit, and the fact that he wore what was probably his only sensible tie. She nodded, grabbed her purse, and stepped outside, stopping only to lock her door. As they walked to the car, hand in hand, she looked up at him, affection and adoration in her eyes. "You look very nice, Mulder." He looked down at her and squeezed her hand. "Thanks, Scully." As they got into his car, Scully thanked whatever it was that had sent Fox Mulder to her. *** The restaurant that Mulder had picked was small, but had a very romantic feel to it. Candles and warm shadows abounded, and gave the place a sense of familiarity. Scully liked it immediately, but never would have guessed that Mulder would have known of such a place. He much rather favored the diners and cafes that they frequented while on a case. As they stood near the entrance, waiting to be seated, she leaned in close to him and said, "This place is lovely. What's the name again?" "Torello's. You really like it?" She nodded. "Oh yes. I love it." And just then, a voice laden with a thick Italian accent cut across the room. "Mister Fox! Mister Fox!" Mulder looked up, and saw Antonio Torello walking towards them. Antonio was not a tall man at five foot nine, had thick black hair, always wore a nice suit, and was always happy to see "Mister Fox." Antonio smiled as he came up to Mulder and Scully. He shook Mulder's hand vigorously as he said, "It is so good to see you, Mister Fox. It has been too long." Mulder smiled back, and nodded. "Yes, too long." But Antonio was no longer paying attention. He had seen Scully, and was now transfixed by her. "And who is this lovely rose?" he asked. While Scully attempted not to blush, Mulder looked at her and said, "Antonio Torello, this is Dana Scully." Antonio smiled and took Scully's right hand, kissing it gingerly. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Scully. And I must say that it is good to see Mister Fox finally bring someone with him." Scully looked at Mulder quizzically, but said nothing. She turned back to Antonio and nodded. "It's nice to meet you, sir." Antonio looked back at Mulder. "Where have you been hiding her, Mister Fox? Someone so beautiful should not be kept locked away." Mulder chuckled and said, "All right, Antonio. Give us our table before we have to get the boots and shovels out." Scully didn't miss that comment. She knew that Mulder was joking, but a part of her worried about that remark. Is that what he really thought? That she wasn't beautiful? Antonio led them through the more public part of the restaurant, and then into a separate area of the place that was probably used for parties. There was no one else there, so it appeared that they would have their privacy, as Mulder had promised. Antonio seated them, took their orders, and then left. When he was gone, Scully decided that she could take the suspense no longer. "Mulder, why does he call you 'Mister Fox'?" Mulder sighed and rolled his eyes. "I met Antonio when I was still with the VCS. Once in a while, after a particularly bad case, I would come here. He was always nice to me, but he could never understand that I wanted to be called Mulder. I think that somehow, he got to thinking that my first name was Mulder and my last name was Fox; must be the language barrier. Anyway, he started calling me 'Mister Fox' and he's never stopped. I stopped trying to explain it to him about three years ago. It's not worth the energy." Scully smiled, and pushed a stray lock of hair away from his forehead. "Hmm...'Mister Fox'...I like it..." Mulder looked at her, horror on his face. "Don't even think about it, Scully." She laughed softly. "Don't worry. You'll always be 'Spooky' to me." Mulder's eyes burned into her. "Scully," he whined, "that's just as bad." She looked at him tenderly, and then took his hand. Leaning in close, she said, "No, it will always be Fox. Always." He smiled at that remark, and looked up at her, and his breath caught in his throat. He thought she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen - had thought that on the very first day they had met. In Mulder's mind there was beauty, and then there was something far beyond it called Dana Scully. He took her hands in his and squeezed them. As he did so, Scully said, "Mulder, do you think I'm pretty?" Mulder swallowed dryly. Pretty? That word was hardly good enough for her. "No Scully, I don't." Her eyes widened in shock. Then a look of sadness, and finally acceptance came over her face. "I see...." Mulder's heart started to beat terribly fast. She actually thought she wasn't attractive. He could hardly believe it. "Scully, I don't think you're pretty. I think you're beautiful - gorgeous. You're the most amazing woman I've ever seen." Her eyes came alive again, then misted over with tears, and she looked at him strangely for a few moments. Then she raised her hands to his face and pulled him closer, kissing him softly. "I love you. Thank you." Mulder looked across at her. "Oh, Dana. Did you really think I'm not attracted to you? That I don't love you? You saved me, you know. You saved me from a life of loneliness and pain, and for that alone, I would love you. But even if that hadn't been the case, I've been yours from the day you walked into our office three years ago. It's always been you I've wanted." "But...Phoebe...Kristen...." "Phoebe was in the past. When I kissed her...well, I didn't feel anything anymore. I thought you understood when I didn't play the tape. That was when I realised just how deeply you'd affected me. I didn't care what she had to say." "And Kristen?" "You weren't here. Oh God, Dana, that was the worst time of my life. I just needed to forget, and she offered comfort. I'm sorry....." "It's okay." She reached for him to reassure him. "When they told me she was dead, I didn't even care. All I could think of was that you were still gone." He reached up and brushed her hair from her eyes. "All I could think of was you." They sat in silence for a few moments, until their appetizers arrived. Then Mulder shook off his silence and poured them both wine. "To us. A Valentine's Day to remember, for happy reasons." "I'll second that." He glanced at her once more as they began to eat. The hummingbird pin glowed against the dark blue dress. It had been the right gift for her, he thought. Small, vibrant, delicate, but suprisingly strong too. And rather rare. Smiling to himself, he dragged his attention to the food. The end.