From: "Sharon Lindsay" Date: Tue, 19 Apr 2005 13:07:00 +0100 Subject: Indecent Proposal by Madeline West Source: direct Title: Indecent Proposal Author: Madeline West Email: missgiggles26@hotmail.com Disclaimer: All the characters in this story like Fox Mulder, Dana Scully, and Walter Skinner etc. all belong to Chris Carter, 20th Century Fox and Ten Thirteen Productions. I'm just borrowing them. Keywords: Mulder/Scully Romance Category: R Rating: NC-17 Spoilers: Arcadia Summary: She had always wanted a 'down-on-one-knee' proposal but now that it happened, was it real? Dedications: Yet again this is to Andrea. I don't know how I've managed without you. Feedback: It would be great to get some of your feedback. It's been a while since I wrote any FanFic, so I'm afraid I am a little bit rusty. Author's Notes: If some information is wrong please forgive me. I'm just starting to get back into The X Files after a two year break. I've missed them loads Date Started: Tuesday 26th October Date Finished: Monday 7th March Tuesday 5th February Washington D.C. Her eyes scanned over the wall behind the desk. She had been looking at these walls for the past seven years but had never really noticed what was on it. Newspaper cut outs of abductions and black and white photos of people who had died mysterious deaths, most of which were still unsolved. One thing though that stood out above the rest was a poster. It was simple and plain but the message was very clear. A UFO flying above trees with a few words at the bottom; I Want To Believe. All his life since his sister disappeared was devoted to finding her and also what took her. He believed extraterrestrials were to blame. She on the other hand was very sceptical and despite everything she had seen on several cases with her partner still held on to the hope that there was a scientific explanation for it all. Maybe she was afraid to think it possible. The door opened and in walked her partner. She turned to face him and was surprised to see a change in him. Had it been there for quite some time? She didn't think so; surely she would have noticed something before now. It was hard to put a finger on exactly what it was. But she noticed it and was pretty sure he wasn't like that this morning as she passed him in the hall way. She brushed a strand of her auburn hair away from her eyes and he walked directly towards her, staring her straight in the eye. She shifted uncomfortably as he approached. Suddenly she didn't quite like this difference in him. "Are you..." her words were cut off as he put his hand to her lips. Her thoughts went to the gun strapped on to her skirt. Would things really get that bad? Was that man standing there capable of causing any sort of violence towards her? She trusted him, and laid the thought aside. Her gun would not be needed. "We've known each other seven years," he took her left hand and held it tightly as though he were afraid that any second now she would run, "and in that time we have experienced some pretty rare stuff and been through an awful lot together, don't you think?" "Well, yeah, but..." yet again he stopped her finishing. His Adams apple jumped as he swallowed hard. The silence was unbearable and she could not think of a time were it had been so awkward being in his company. It was quite the opposite usually. "This morning I woke up and looked back on my life. I don't know why I did it, but I did." He seemed really nervous and a trickle of sweat ran down his forehead, "Anyway, you probably don't want to know all my thoughts but I will let you in on some of them. I have done nothing with my life. Ok, I know, I work for the FBI and I have a few degrees, what I mean is." She looked up at him; he was stumbling on his own words. For once this man was actually having difficulty saying what he wanted said. "Ah, screw this. Let's cut the crap." She tried to pull her petite hand out of his but he was having none of it. He had still things left to say. "I want to ask you something. It's very important and it could change our lives forever," he looked at her for a moment as if expecting her to give a reply of some sort. She never did. He got down on one knee and pulled out a white gold diamond ring "Dana Katherine Scully, would you do me the honour of becoming my wife?" What was happening? Surely this wasn't real. Best friends for seven years, never once did she even consider thinking about marrying the man she worked with. This has to be a dream. Did he really care and love her? Why hadn't he showed it before then? His life couldn't have been that bad when he thought on it this morning that he had to take such a drastic measure as this. He obviously didn't mean it. Looking into his face though, his eyes were telling a different story. It looked like he was really sincere. What was she to say? Yes. No. Can I think about it? She loved him like anyone would love their best friend but did she love him enough to marry him and spend the rest of her life with him. This was a tough decision. More time was needed but what if by saying that she caused offence. He would be right then, it would change their lives forever but in a very bad way. Of course she wanted to still be his best friend when they were in their death beds but being in a relationship was completely different than being just friends. At this moment in time she wanted more than ever to be in his head and to see exactly what was going on in there. This had to be some kind of joke. Maybe it wasn't him. Maybe it was someone trying to impersonate him, someone who perhaps had a crush on her. Although she did find that very hard to believe. To everyone else she was known as the ice queen and Mrs Spooky and no one really talked to her apart from her Assistant Director, Walter Skinner and this person standing in front of her. She really was beginning to question if it was actually him. "Mulder," she was unsure how she was supposed to answer that question. Usually it was straight forward, "Err...I don't know what you expect me to say." "Say yes," she had hardly finished the last word before he spoke. "Say yes and that you will go to California with me and live in The Falls of Arcadia with me. Please?" Something snapped inside of her. That place was way too familiar. It had been a joke all along. Arcadia. It was a case file. She let out a nervous laughter which turned into hysterics. The relief that swept over her was undeniable. He was still down on one knee watching her laugh. His lips didn't turn into a smile. He didn't even laugh. How could she laugh at a time like this? It wasn't funny. "Scully, what are you laughing at?" "You!" Should he have taken offence at that? After all it isn't everyday that you ask someone to marry you. Had he done it wrong? "That was good, you nearly had me there. I thought you were being serious." "I was." The laughter stopped instantly. She straightened herself and studied him once more. Her eyes widened as she realised he was telling the truth. She felt humiliated for laughing at him. Her mouth opened slightly, wanting words to come out. To say anything but all that came out was silence. The sun light shone in the only window in the basement office creating a dim light. Enough to see where you were going and what you were doing. She didn't want the sun to be shining. The room would be better dark so that she wouldn't have to look at Mulder or the diamond ring he held in his hand. After what felt like an eternity of silence, he put the ring back into his pocket and stood up. He placed a hand on each of her shoulders and stared deeply into her eyes. "It's ok Scully," he sounded like a five year old who had just lost their beloved puppy. "I know how you feel about me. Just friends right?" "Now Mulder, wait...." The door closed behind him and she was left standing all alone inside his office. Damn, she should have spoken a lot sooner. Now what? Run after him? Wait until he returned? What if he didn't return, maybe he was going to go to California himself and spend the rest of his life in a house with nobody else. What if he did something stupid? She scolded herself for even entertaining that thought. He wouldn't do that, she knew him too well, or did she? If she had known him that well then she would have expected something like what he just did. She would have sensed something. Anything. The best thing to do was to go after him. Talk to him and know what he felt and what was going on. It was the only way to get it sorted out. She swung opened the heavy door and nearly knocked over the tall, dark man standing in the door way. Letting out a little yelp she grabbed onto him for support so as not to topple over. "I'm so sorry, I didn't see you ther..." her words stuck in her throat. He smiled coyly at her. "Mulder!" she could not hide the look of horror in her face. He was the last person she expected to walk into. "Listen, can I talk to you?" He shrugged his shoulders and brushed by her to get into his office. She bit her lip and stared at the elevator as if any minute now she expected the real Fox William Mulder that she had known for seven years to come out. It didn't happen. She walked back in and closed the door. He sat on his black leather swivel chair with his feet resting on the desk. It wasn't messy but there was some paper work that had yet to be filed away. His tie hung loosely round his neck with his top button of his shirt opened. He looked solemnly at her. "Okay," she sighed, "Here goes." "No wait," he held his hand up apologetically, "I shouldn't have done that. It really put you on the spot. There's something I need to tell you that you aren't going to like. Actually you're probably going to kick the shit out of me when I say this." Sitting down on the chair opposite him she waited patiently. He had covered everything in their little talk, not ten minutes ago and yet he still had more to say. What was there left to say? "We have a case to investigate," was that all he had to tell her? "In California." her eyes perked up. "In the Falls of Arcadia. We have to go undercover posing as a married couple. Skinner gave me all the info and the rings to make it real. I was only teasing you!" She didn't know what to do. Laugh, cry or kill him, they were her three options. Of all the pranks he had ever pulled on her this was by far the worst. How could someone be so inconsiderate? Did he not think to take into account her feelings on this matter? What if she had of said yes? Where would that have left them? It would be hard to try and explain to him exactly why she said yes; 'Oh yeah, Mulder, I was only joking too. Do you really think I would want to marry you?' Somehow she doubted that very much. But still, she hadn't agreed and so she was at least in the clear, back to thinking about how exactly she was going to get her revenge. She pushed the thought aside so that she could talk to him. She didn't want him to suspect something. "Well, that was a funny joke," she spoke in a slightly agitated manner, "When do we leave?" He threw his feet off the desk and sat up. Was that all she was going to say? He pulled a cruel joke on her, well actually, he thought it was funny to begin with but then he realised that she was becoming quite awkward with it all and he wanted nothing more than to stop it but it was too late. Surely she should be standing up right now and about to, as he had put it, 'kick the shit out of him'. But no, remaining calm and sitting quite comfortably in her chair she simply asks when they were going. Does she have something up her sleeve? He didn't think so. The Scully he knew was up front about everything and wouldn't bury anything. Especially a thing like this. He sat for a few minutes more before speaking. Part of him was still waiting for her to get up, go over to him and take all her anger out on him. She never did. "We go on," he spoke slowly and carefully trying not to frustrate her anymore, "The day after tomorrow." She rose from her seat. Here she goes. He took in a deep breath and waited for her to move round to his side of the desk. Giving a weak smile, she grabbed her coat. "Ok, see you Thursday." He stared after her in bewilderment as the door fitted securely into its frame. Thursday 7th February The Falls Of Arcadia The flight over had been a little bit shaky. Maybe too shaky for his own comfort but everything else had been surprisingly normal. The whole way over Scully talked to him as though Tuesday had never happened. He was suspicious though because it just wasn't like her. She never brought it up and neither did he. Some things were better left alone. Obviously this had been one of those things. They stood in the hall way of the house they were now to call their own for a period of time. Everything echoed and would do until they had made it more homely. They may have spent a lot of time with one another but now they were really going to discover the true them. Like people always said, you don't know someone until you've lived with them. This was their test. The so called 'honeymoon' video that Mulder had named had been done and emptying boxes was what was left. They had plenty of time on their hands. Maybe though they had too much time on their hands. Usually couples would go out and introduce themselves to the neighbours but that had already been taken care of. The car had hardly come to a stop before the neighbours pounced on them but the thing that was most bizarre was the fact that everything in the removal van had to be taken care of before six o'clock. Now that was unusual. "So," she turned to face him, "What do you want to do tonight Rob?" He never answered, just kept staring into space. "ROB!" He jumped and mouthed sorry. They had been given new names for their undercover investigation. Laura and Rob Petrie. Scully wasn't keen on the surname whatsoever but he liked it and since he was the one that was asked then it was only fair. "Oh I don't know. What do you want to do, Laura?" They were still getting used to the idea of being called different names. She walked over to him seductively and did a circle on his chest with her finger. He shifted from one foot to the other. "Why don't we play," she paused and gave a cheeky grin, "House." The room was warm and lit with two soft lights. One on either side of the king size bed. The bedroom was en-suite and fully furnished. For her, that was a good thing. She led him into the room holding one of his wrists. He was unsure what to think. But he did know that he was getting excited down there and that very soon it was going to start to show. She hadn't said anything as they walked upstairs into the room. He had barely been given the chance to answer her request before she had started to lead the way. He didn't think it was a bad thing though. He really did like her, far beyond just being a partner and many times he had lay awake at night and pictured her making love to him. Lying with him afterwards with his arm wrapped firmly round her, never wanting to let her go. He never told her these things of course and part of him, just a small part of him had wanted her to say yes to his 'marriage proposal'. She had seen right through him though and knew it was a joke but just played along for the sake of it. "Scully, what are you doing?" he was now sitting on the edge of the bed. "It's Laura," she replied, "And you're going to find out soon enough." He tilted an eyebrow up and inhaled deeply through his nose. He liked a woman in charge and couldn't wait to see exactly what she had planned for him. Her stomach tied up in knots and she felt a little bit nauseated. But it was pay back. He wasn't getting away with it. She was well aware though that what she was about to do was also going to mess her head up but she sensed that she was strong enough to deal with it. He humiliated her, she didn't like that. Now she was going to do something similar to him. She became aware of his eyes watching her every move. Analysing her body, visualising what was underneath her suit. Thinking about him doing that made her uneasy. If that was some of the things he thought about, then what else was going round in his mind right now? Her eyes darted to his crotch which was beginning to rise. Glad that she was entertaining him she motioned for him to lie back on the bed. The original idea had been that she slept in the bed and he was to sleep elsewhere. Now though, that might just be changing. From the bottom of the bed she climbed onto it and straddled over him. She swallowed a lump away hoping that it would take the rest of her nerves with it. No such luck. "It's been too long Mr Petrie." she emphasised the last name as ever since they arrived, there hadn't been one neighbour that got it right. He said nothing. She knew that he had no intentions in saying anything. He was enjoying this, but to her, this was just fun. No emotions, no feelings of any sort involved. Apart from revenge. She moved her head close to his so that they could feel each others breath and kissed him. He instantly hardened which she noticed straight away. "Scu..." "Ssshhh." she put her index finger to his lips, then removed it and gave him another kiss. They both lay on their backs, naked under the quilt. Mulder felt great, better than he had ever felt in a long time. He stared at the ceiling, eventually being able to pick out little spots of black that hadn't been painted properly. His hand was resting just above his head. The dream that he had always envisioned had just come true. The feelings that he had for his partner had got stronger. Over the last two days he had come to realise that although she might not share the same thought, he was in love with her all the same. Should he tell her? His mind bounced back and forth like a ping pong ball trying to make a decision. He turned his head towards her. "Scully?" he whispered it so quietly he hardly heard himself. "Mmmm?" She was slowly falling over to sleep; he knew that he would have to act fast. "I love you." She smiled with a half hearted gesture then turned over so that her back was to him. Opening her eyes she smirked. Her plan was working. The morning came a little too quickly for Scully as she rubbed open her eyes with clenched fists. The curtains had been drawn partly and the space next to her was empty. Where was Mulder? Her question was answered just as fast as she had asked it. Floor boards creaking let her know that he was on his way upstairs and with breakfast on a tray for her. He whistled as he walked into the room. She sat up straight on the bed and made a move to get out. "Breakfast in bed!" he beamed, "Don't get out yet, we're in no hurry." Regardless of his protests she stepped onto the floor and made way for the bathroom. His smile disappeared and was replaced with hurt. Instantly she looked to the floor. If her plan was to work she couldn't see him like that. It broke her heart to see that face, something she had seen on numerous occasions when talking about his family. His sister in particular. "We've a case to get on with," her voice was flat, "Can't hang about in bed all day just 'cause you decide to cook breakfast." He left the tray on the bed and sat on a chair. Did Scully get a new personality over night? Last night they had made passionate love, he even told her he loved her and this was how she was reacting. In all fairness, he knew that she made no attempt to reply to his confession last night but she had started the whole thing by bringing him upstairs and doing things to him that were utterly amazing. "You need a hand in there?" he asked hoping that it would somehow lighten her mood. "Ever since," she spat out the mouth wash, "I was a little girl, I've been able to get washed and dressed all by my lonesome. I'm pretty sure; actually, I'm positive that I can manage like I will for years to come." Taken back by her sarcasm and choice of words he retreated and left the room to go and watch some television in the lounge. She glanced at her reflection in the mirror. To say that she looked rough would have been an understatement. Running a bath she sat on the edge of the tub, her mind a million miles away. She was happy that her plan was working, it was going quite great actually but her guilt wouldn't allow her to dwell in her happiness. How could she be so cruel? Playing him had been one thing, but the last thing she had expected was for him to tell her he loved her. Her plan was to go along a path quite similar to that, but not take that route. She had tried to avoid it because it was a dangerous road to take. To mess with affairs of the heart was hazardous. Well it was his fault, he started the whole thing off but her heart would not permit her mind to agree with that. She knew that she was just as much to blame. Would she be able to keep it up much longer? She thought not but was going to try her damn hardest to do so. Saturday 9th February He looked out the window. He was uncomfortable being in this environment. The people were strange, the general neighbourhood was just weird and the moment the case was over he was out of there. Not being able to play basketball out the front had really put a dampener on it and all he wanted was to shoot hoops. Why wasn't that allowed? It wasn't going to be disturbing anyone, especially when it would have been in the afternoon. He needed to get out, even just for a couple of hours. Away from watchful eyes. He had to get free. "Here, Laura," he called. No answer. She had probably forgotten her name again. There were several occasions in which she had called him yesterday and he never replied. Simply because he had forgotten his name. Or was she just plain ignoring him? She was getting pretty good at doing that. What could be wrong with her? Never had she been like this, and then the moment they have to live together she goes all funny. If this was what she was like to live with then he would rather not. She startled him as she poked her head round the door. "You called?" Well she seemed in a good mood so maybe that would work for him. Her hair was wet and not yet brushed. He gathered she wasn't long out of the shower. How he would have loved to join her, but she had locked the door and when he had woke up this morning, she never spoke much. Would he ever get used to these mood swings? "Yeah, I was thinking maybe we could get away from this place, just for a few hours," her eyes perked up. She didn't like this place much either, "Go shopping or just do anything. Anything away from here?" Now that was the best thing he had said over the past few days. She was going mental being cooped up like she was. There was no breathing space in this neighbourhood. Everybody watched everybody, they were so nosy it was really bugging her. Maybe getting away was just what she needed. No one to watch her. She could feel relaxed. "That sounds great!" she came running up to him and kissed him hard, "Give me ten minutes." Did she really just do that? She sat in front of the mirror and combed her hair. It felt so natural to do it and yet it shouldn't have been. Yes, she was happy to get out for a few hours but was she that happy? As a matter of fact, she rather enjoyed it. Oh no, surely not. This feeling inside her, it wasn't what she thought it could be, was it? No, couldn't be. She wasn't allowing that to happen. That's right; it was just getting out of the neighbourhood that was making her feel like that. It's nothing else. Absolutely nothing else. "MULDER!" He turned just in time to see Scully losing her balance going down the hill. But he was too late to stop her crashing right into him and sending them both to the ground. Luckily it was a soft landing. She laughed as she rolled onto her back. They both lay staring into the sky. There wasn't a cloud and the sky was a lovely shade of blue. People were skating on by them, oblivious to the two human figures lying in the hay. She was usually very good at roller skating but something shiny had caught her eye and by looking away for that spilt second, she lost her focus and unfortunately her balance as well. "Oops." He loved to hear her laugh. He could listen to it all day. This was the Scully he loved. Now, if only he could get her to be like this twenty four, seven. As he stared at the sky he realised that he felt happier and calmer. It was the neighbourhood that was affecting them both. Once they were out of there then they could properly seal their relationship. He couldn't wait. "You okay?" she propped herself up on her elbow and looked down to him. "Yeah, I think the hay softened the fall," he smiled, "Thankfully otherwise you would be taking me to A&E right now. You hit me pretty damn hard." "Well maybe that wouldn't be a bad thing," she smirked as she continued, "They could check out your mind while they're at it, 'cause to be truthful I think all these little green men have started to take its toll." He poked her in the ribs causing her to fall back once again. She held out her hand for him to pull her up. She was having a good time. "You balanced?" "Yip." She tucked the loose strands of hair behind her ears and looked ahead. "Race you to the finish line!" she was already away before she could complete her sentence. "Hey! That's not fair!" he raced off behind her. Mulder held her hand as he drove back to Arcadia. He wasn't saying much, but then neither was she. They were content in the silence of the car. Sometimes unspoken words were the best. Their fingers were entwined and secretly she watched him out of the corner of her eye. He was gorgeous. The feeling that she had felt that morning was now coming back again. But this time she was enjoying it. It felt good. Her revenge could wait. This feeling might never come back again and she wasn't going to destroy it. Today had been perfect and all she wanted to do now was go home and cuddle up to him in the bed. Just hold each other all night long. Tomorrow morning though, she would be back to the way she was supposed to be. Tonight was going to be peaceful. "Scully," she acknowledged him by turning her head, "Tell me what's wrong?" "Don't spoil it, Mulder," she looked away, "We've had a great day, we'll talk tomorrow. I promise." He drove on. She asked him not to spoil the day so he wouldn't. His mind thought ahead to tomorrow and he tried to imagine her sitting down to talk about it. Would she? Sunday 10th February The day hadn't gone to bad apart from having to pretend to the neighbours that they were deliriously happy and in love. They fell for it, so the acting had been good but she knew that Mulder wasn't acting and that was what made her unsettled. He was in seventh heaven thinking that they were. Scully was not looking forward to breaking his heart, until that time she was going to make the most of it. "They seemed a nice couple today, don't you think?" he planted a soft kiss on her neck. "Yeah." She walked away from him and turned the television on. He stood watching her and let out a sad sigh. What was wrong? What had he done? They were to go round to Wyn and Cammie Shroeder's house for dinner and play happy couples again. Was she going to be like this later? There wouldn't be a point going if that was the case. "Okay," he let his arms flap down to his side, "What is wrong? What have I done? You've been acting like this since you got up this morning." "Nothing." He walked round and stood in front of her, blocking her view. He wasn't moving until he got some answers. She was fooling nobody saying there was nothing when there was obviously something bugging her. For a moment she stared straight through his waist before drifting her eyes up to meet his. He got down on his knees once he knew he had her attention. Thinking back, he found it hard to remember such a time when she had been even remotely cold to him. So why now? After seven years, you'd think that, that would have happened. But now? Out of the blue, something wasn't right and he was going to find out what that was. "If you're going to be like this," he rested a hand on her knee, "there's no point in going round for dinner. I'll ring now and cancel." "No," she leaned forward, "Don't do that, we wouldn't want to disappoint the neighbours now, would we?" There was still a few hours left and she couldn't resist. The temptation was getting too strong, or was that her feelings? In spite of having a conversation in her mind, agreeing not do to that, she had already disobeyed it. He was slightly shocked when she kissed him on the forehead. He was beginning to think that Scully had decided in the space of a night to live up to her reputation as an ice queen but now he sat facing the warm, caring Scully that he has always known. "Scully, wait," He cupped her hands together, "Tell me what's wrong please? You know I care for you deeply and only want what's best for you. Please, just let me in a little. If I've done something wrong then tell me." She bowed her head and let a few pieces of hair fall into her face. Should she? He had already opened his heart to her, wasn't it only right that she did the same? Not once had she ever thought that something like this might happen. That their friendship would be put to the ultimate test. Fair enough, they had survived abductions, hostage situations but those weren't brought on by themselves. This time, she had brought it on and nobody else could be to blame except her. Did she really want to lose him? She thought not, but how was she supposed to worm her way out of this one? "I..." she struggled to get the words out, "I can't." He backed away slightly whilst letting go of her hands. Had he heard her right? She can't? They swore they could and would tell each other everything, but now, she was refusing. He felt hurt and wasn't sure what to say or do next. It had been the last thing he expected to come out of her mouth. But now it had, could he deal with it? Her words kept ringing in his ears as he made his way to the kitchen. So engrossed had he been in his own thinking that he never heard the phone ring, nor did he hear Scully talking. "That was Cammie," she stood in the door frame, keeping a safe distance, "They've had to cancel tonight but have rearranged for tomorrow night instead." "Great! Now we're stuck with each other tonight." If he had of turned round, he would have seen the wounded look in her face and the tears welled up in her eyes. He didn't though and when she ran off he didn't even bat an eyelid. If she paced the floor any more there was going to be no carpet left. Biting the side of her thumb she sighed deeply. This was too much. It was eating away at her and she was going to explode. She had to say something before it really got out of proportion. How could she though? It had been a few days now and he was already in love with her. But wasn't she in love with him? Surely she wouldn't want to jeopardise all that because of a stupid, stupid little game. She scolded herself. She was sure that it was all under control. That she could deal with her own feelings whilst leading him on and pretending she was feeling something that wasn't there. But it was there. And now it was confusing. She didn't know what was real anymore. A tear trickled down her cheek and she hurriedly wiped it away. She would never cry for any man. Her father was the only man that made her cry. She looked towards the bed and imagined them two on it again. Cuddling into each other, looking every bit in love. She yearned for that more than anything now but getting it wasn't going to be quite so easy. Fair enough, she could just put it all behind her and let on to him that there was nothing the matter. That there had never been no game but she knew that living with that lie for the rest of her life would push her over the edge. Or should she just walk away from it now. Leave her career in the FBI and continue as a medical doctor. So many choices but she already knew the one that was right. She mouthed a silent prayer for courage and headed downstairs. He had remained in the same place that she had left him. She had expected that. If he had to think about something or if something was annoying him he would just stand there and think it all over. No one ever disturbed him when he was like that, well no one up until now. He heard her footsteps enter the kitchen and turned towards her. It was make or break time. He knew it just by looking at her. With the amount of pacing he had heard her do upstairs she had obviously made her decision about what was about to happen. Something he knew he wasn't going to have control over. She would talk, he would listen but did he really want to hear what she had to say. Judging her standing there it wasn't going to sound good. He loved her, he wanted to be with her forever but would love be able to over come this? How was he going to feel? Hurt? Angry? Would he walk away and never look back? Or would he try and work it out? She hadn't even spoken yet and already he was getting worked up. "Mulder," she stepped towards him, "Come and sit down, I have something very important to tell you." As he walked to the sofa with her following, he felt like an eight year old about to get a serious, serious talk from his parents. And everybody knew that they never went well. Ever. He never spoke to her. He didn't know exactly what to say. For the past few days he had been living with Jekyll and Hyde but it never changed how he felt for her. Right now the only thing he wanted was for her to say sorry for how she had been acting and then to put the whole thing behind them and start again. But what were the chances of that? He hadn't exactly been blessed all his life. Scully was the only thing good that had happened to him. Well, so he had thought anyway. She clenched and unclenched her fists several times as she did more pacing in front of him. How could she start? She didn't want to launch into everything and hurt his feelings more. Taking time to carefully explain everything was the right way to go about it but would he have the patience to set there and listen to it whilst getting more and more hurt or possibly offended? Shit! Why does it always happen to her? The one relationship that could work and she goes and ruins it all just because of a prank. There was other ways to go about it but she picked possibly the cruellest one. Typical. "What I'm about to tell you, you aren't going to like. But the one thing I ask of you is that you let me finish all that I'm going to say before doing whatever it is you will do. Ok?" He nodded his head. She was making him very nervous indeed. "I was very annoyed with your indecent proposal just last week. You made me think about things that no one has ever done before. You fooled me into believing that you felt something for me. Something more than friendship..." "I do..." She silenced him. If he interrupted now he would put her off track. "Just the other night you told me you love me. I knew then that you meant it, but it was too late. I didn't really take that joke very well. I didn't like the thoughts you put into my head nor did I like you making me re-evaluate my friendship with you. So to get my own back on you I decided I would play my own prank. I tricked you into thinking that I felt the same way in return. That I wanted more than just a friendship from you." He looked down at his feet. Was this real? Now she was about to tell him that she never loved him. Could he handle that? He had been rejected for being different and having his beliefs, could he take another rejection? This was going to destroy him. "The truth was all I was thinking about was myself. Didn't matter who got hurt in the process. The first time we slept together, it never meant a thing to me. I'm sorry if I hurt you by saying that but I've been lying for a while and now it's time to tell the truth, the absolute truth. I know it meant a great deal more for you and I'm sorry. But you've got to believe me when I say this to you. I did fall in love with you. It was never my intention but I guess this is what happens when you play with the heart. I would give anything, even my life to erase what has happened and to do it all again properly. Please Mulder, you've got to trust me on this. I love you more than anything; it's the only reason why I'm telling you this because I want to spend the rest of my days with you. And only you." She felt like a whole weight had been lifted off her shoulders but the silence around her was choking her. What was he going to do? Would he walk away and never see her again? Was he even going to speak to her? She would rather have been eaten by Alsatians than waiting on his next move. Finally, he was about to do something. He stood up and looked her directly in the eye. His gaze was powerful and she felt if he didn't look away or speak soon she would collapse. He hesitated a bit, trying to form his words in his head. Her confession was quite hurtful. He really didn't know what he was supposed to do. "A very wise man once told me to trust no one. I pretty much did that except for one person. I trusted you. Hell, I trusted you with my life but now you have made me question that." With that he walked out of the room. He headed to the stairs. As far as he was concerned this case was over. He was going home. To Washington D.C. Tuesday 12th February Home sweet home. Well, that's what he would usually say, but to be honest he wasn't happy to be home. He didn't want to leave her but he knew he had to. His mind was racked with guilt. It was all his fault. She may have made him question his trust in her but he had started it. He should have expected something like that. But what did she mean the first night they spent together meant nothing? Now that cut him deep. The first night you spend with anyone is always the most treasured. And yet she felt nothing. She should have saved him the humiliation but like she had said, she only thought about herself. Could he welcome her back with open arms and forget about it all? A gentle know on the door startled him slightly. He knew that knock anywhere and although he didn't want to, he was going to have to talk to her. Still, he didn't know exactly what to say. He couldn't remember a time were he had ever been so tongue tied. Had there ever been a time? Opening the door just enough to show his head, he faced her. It was apparent that not so long ago tears had been running down her gentle face. That wasn't right. A tender face like that should never have to know what tears were. He stopped. What was he thinking? She deserves everything that she got. She had been the heartless person, not him. How could he even consider that it had been his fault? He couldn't blame himself because someone couldn't take a joke. No, this was not his mistake. It was all hers. "The cars out front," she spoke to the door, unable to look him in the eye, "can we go somewhere and talk please?" Normally he would have said no and had it out there and then. But there was something in her voice that pushed him. Something he couldn't quite put his finger on. Could it have been deep remorse? The drive took about one hour but to both of them, it was triple the time. Neither would talk. She knew exactly where she was driving to. They had been a few times before and it was fast becoming there favourite place. Virginia Beach. By the time Mulder had realised where she was going to it was too late to turn back. They had, had some good memories there and he didn't want to ruin it by having an argument over something that could have quite easily been sorted out at his apartment. Fortunately it was a calm evening. The sun was just setting and the walk along the beach would be pleasant even if the conversation was not. Since as far back as she could remember she had always liked the feel of the sand between her toes and the waves running over her feet. Just because they weren't exactly having the time of their lives didn't mean she couldn't enjoy that feeling once again. It helped her think. Usually. Today nothing was coming to her. She struggled to find anything to start the talking. She could hardly turn round and ask him how he was. After all, thanks to her selfishness, she already knew. "I've been so stupid." she blurted it out before she had even thought it. He could hardly object. Yes she had been stupid. They had both been. But if they pulled together, if they love each other as much as they thought then couldn't they get through this. They could. No question about it, did he want to though? "I can hardly deny that," he give a slight chuckle, "But then we both have. I'm going to apologise for teasing you about the marriage thing. I'll admit, maybe I should have really thought it over before I did something like that. I wasn't to know it would have such an out come. So I'm sorry. And without sounding like a typical man and not taking responsibility the rest really isn't my fault. You did the damage." She continued to think. He did sound just like the average male denying any sort of liability but she understood. It really wasn't. Now it was her turn to do the talking and to really do some grovelling. If he could never trust her again, there was nothing going for them. Trust was everything to Mulder and to break it, meant an awful lot of bridges being built again. Hopefully she hadn't burned down to many to start with. "I know I only have words and anybody can say them but I really mean this from the bottom of my heart. I didn't mean to hurt you. I especially didn't mean to ever break your trust I know what it means to you. I would swim from this end of the shore to the other end just to make it up to you." He looked to the other end. It was quite a distance and would be quite a challenge. "I would do anything to make it up to you. I love you Mulder. And if I'm being honest with myself I always have. I was afraid. I don't know of what exactly but all I know is that if I'm with you there is nothing to fear. You're my guardian angel. We have been through a tremendous amount together. Most people wouldn't be able to cope with it. But we have because we were together. This is just another hurdle along the way. Please, just give me another chance to make it up to you. I will do absolutely anything. Anything at all," she took his hand and looked into his eyes, "please, I'm asking your forgiveness." Her eyes were crying out to him. Pleading with him to give her that chance. To make amends and to continue their life together. He looked around him, hoping that an answer would jump out at him. Nothing. The beach was completely deserted. He was going to have to think of his own answer. "You'll to anything?" he asked. She nodded her head vigorously. "Anything." "You know it takes a lot to get my trust. So if you want it so badly, then do as you said and swim to the other end." She studied him carefully hoping that he was joking. He wasn't laughing. With a deep breath she took off her jacket. Slowly stepping into the water she turned to him. His facial expression hadn't changed. Well this was it. He wanted her to prove herself and she would. Despite probably going to die with pneumonia when reaching the other end. The water reached her knees and the coldness swept through her. Would she even reach the other end? Probably not, but at least she would die trying. "Scully! Wait!" The splashing of the water behind her let her know that he was coming in. Now what did he want? He spun her round and cupped her face in his hands. "I was just messing with you. I never really expected you to swim to the other side." She watched him. They were both going to have to work on this prank thing. She was glad; at least she could remain dry now. She looked down at her knees. Well relatively dry. "We can make this work. I love you." The sand was warm as he gently laid her down on it. The sun was just about to disappear for the night giving the sky a calming orange glow. It was a good thing nobody was about because neither of them was prepared to wait until they arrived back at one of their apartments. After all, they had waited long enough. He pressed his lips to hers, savouring the taste. One by one he slowly unbuttoned her blouse. Goose pimples covered her breasts and tummy as he planted soft butterfly kisses on her, teasing her. Undoing her trousers he slid his fingers beneath the elastic of her pants and tenderly rubbed her. He shifted his body up slightly so that he could kiss round her neck. He would move heaven and earth for her and couldn't believe that right now they were making love. In the middle of the beach where anyone could quite easily discover them. A whole life time was not enough for moments like this, but he was going to make the most of everyone of them. With careful precision he eased one finger inside of her and then another. He could hear her quiet moans of pleasure and was urged on by this. He wanted her to feel satisfaction like she had never felt before. Leisurely he moved his fingers in an out, gradually making the movement quicker. Her breathing became heavy and her hands dug into the sand grabbing it and releasing it just as fast. "Mulder, wait." He was unsure what to make of her slight interruption and drew back. Wasn't she enjoying it as much as he thought she was? Before he could make any sense of her disturbance she pushed him over onto his back. All was becoming clear. It was his turn to be pleasured. She kissed him and he give permission for her tongue to enter his mouth, letting her play around with his own tongue. Descending her hand down she instantly felt how hard he had become. He was rapidly running out of room down there and only she could help him. She pulled his trousers off, with his boxer shorts. Placing her hand on his penis, she stroked him, gently tantalising him. She licked the tip of his penis before inserting it into her mouth. Lightly she lifted her head up and down whilst entertaining it with her tongue. He was ready. Immediately she pulled away and removed her trousers and pants. He rolled her over so that once again he was on top of her and in control. Kissing her passionately he entered her. Rocking back and forth slowly he kissed her breasts and then tenderly sucked her nipples. He thrust harder and his breathing became deep and slower. He was about to come. It was getting too much, he felt like he was going to pass out. The blissfulness of everything was flooding through him and any minute now it was about to be released. At last. He kissed her on the forehead as they both put their clothes back on. Lying beside each other, wrapped up in their arms they had smiles on their faces. They felt happy right through to the bone. Would they ever experience that again? Cherishing the moment, they watched the stars coming out. One by one. It was a beautiful night and now they could end it by gazing at the stars and picking out little shapes. "Will you stand up a second?" he had already gotten onto his feet. She obeyed his request and stood up to face him. What was he about to do? Hopefully nothing that was going to spoil the night. It was just too good to be ruined. "Marry me Dana." She never replied. She made no sign of replying either. How could he be so insensitive? Did he want to wreck their relationship once more? They had only just patched things up and now he was going to destroy it all over again. What was he thinking? "This time," he had seen the look of hesitation in her face, "I mean it. I do want to marry you." He prayed that, that would somehow make her believe him. Maybe he should have waited just a few more weeks and let the dust settle first. But he didn't want to. He had waited seven years just to kiss her the way he had always dreamt of. She walked away from him. He said he was being serious. That he did want to marry her but hadn't he said the same thing exactly one week ago. Anyway, did she want to marry him? They had just officially got together, wasn't that rushing into things a little bit? Could he not have waited for at least another few days? She needed to think. Mulder watched her as she continued along the beach, eventually disappearing around a corner. He would wait a few more minutes before following her. If she wasn't ready for marriage he would respect that. He didn't want to push her away. As he turned the very same bend she had he spotted her sitting on the sand, hugging her legs and staring at her feet. He approached her cautiously until he was standing opposite her. "Scul..." He stopped dead. She wasn't staring at her feet; she was looking at something she had written in the sand. The moonlight shone down on top of them as he looked at it. It was just a simple word. Yes.